James Hollen Bracken

Who was James Hollen Bracken?

James Hollen Bracken was an American stockman and Titanic passenger who tragically perished in the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912. Born on September 8, 1881, in Beaver Dam, Ohio County, Kentucky, Bracken was 30 (thirty) years old when he embarked on his fateful journey aboard the RMS Titanic as a second-class passenger.

Early Life and Family

A Child of the Post-Civil War Era

James Bracken was born into a family with strong ties to American history. His father, William B. Bracken (1841-1921), was a farmer and Union Civil War veteran, while his mother, Sarah Ann Morris (1853-1898), hailed from Kentucky. Intriguingly, his parents married in 1866 when Sarah was merely 13 years old, a testament to the different social norms of the time.

Siblings and Childhood

James grew up in a large family, with six siblings:

• Mary Jane (1868-1946, later Mrs. Grafton Willoughby)
• Amanda Ann Frances (1873-1934, later Mrs. Neafue and Mrs. Thomas Hall)
• Leanora (b. 1875)
• Joseph Frank (b. 1879)
• Herman (b. 1885)
• Bertha (1890-1918, later Mrs. J. V. Sarvela)

The 1880 census listed the Bracken family as residents of Cromwell, Ohio, Kentucky, shortly before James’ birth. Tragically, James’ mother passed away on March 28, 1898, when he was just 16 years old.

Education and Early Adulthood

Following his mother’s death, the 1900 census reveals an interesting twist in James’ life. While his father and siblings were recorded living in Central City, Muhlenberg, Kentucky, James was found residing with his childless uncle and aunt, Asa and Eliza Bracken, in Hale, Texas. At this time, he was described as still being in school, indicating a commitment to education despite family hardships.

Marriage and Career

A New Chapter in New Mexico

In 1907, James married Addie C. Greathouse, born on June 9, 1881, in San Saba County, Texas. The couple embarked on a new life together, settling in Lake Arthur, Chaves County, New Mexico. By April 16, 1910, James was working as a house carpenter, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to learn new trades.

Land and Aspirations

The Brackens were not content with simply settling; they had grander aspirations. They attempted to patent a significant parcel of land:

• N ½ of the SW ¼ of Section 2
• N ½ of the SE ¼ of Section 3
• Township 13 South, Range 25 East of the New Mexico Meridian

This 160-acre claim demonstrated their ambition and desire to establish roots in their new home.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

A Business Trip to Europe

By 1912, James had transitioned to working as a stockman. This profession led him on a buying trip to Europe, culminating in a stay in London. As his business concluded, he prepared for his return journey to America.

Boarding the Titanic

James boarded the RMS Titanic in Southampton as a second-class passenger. His ticket, number 220367, cost £13, equivalent to approximately $1,500 in today’s currency. This significant expense underscores the importance of his journey and the perceived luxury and safety of the Titanic.

The Tragic Sinking

Sadly, James Bracken did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure and adding him to the long list of those lost to the depths of the Atlantic.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Widow’s Struggle

In the wake of the disaster, the American Red Cross established a trust fund for James’ widow, Addie. She was living on their New Mexico homestead with her elderly mother, facing an uncertain future. Addie reported to the Red Cross that James had been carrying between $3,000 and $4,000 in cash, a substantial sum lost in the sinking.

Addie’s Life After James

Addie’s life following James’ death was marked by movement and mystery:

• She received the title for their New Mexico land on June 25, 1913.
• In 1918, she moved to El Paso, Texas, to live with her sister Lilly Boyd.
• Later, she relocated to Carbon, Texas, staying with another sister, Belle Greenwood.
• By 1928, Addie was in Fort Worth, working as a machine operator for the Fort Worth Tent & Awning Company.

Intriguingly, Addie’s life took a mysterious turn in the 1930s. After visiting family, she reportedly vowed they would never see her again. Despite efforts by her family and the American Red Cross to locate her, Addie seemed to vanish from their lives.

Final Years and Death

Addie, sometimes listed as Bonnie Bracken, spent her later years in Fort Worth, Texas. She passed away from myocardial infarction on May 31, 1969, at the age of 87. The American Red Cross, which had played a significant role in her life following the Titanic disaster, was listed as the informant on her death certificate.

James Hollen Bracken’s story, while tragically cut short, provides a poignant glimpse into early 20th-century American life, the allure of the Titanic, and the far-reaching consequences of that fateful night in April 1912.