Jane Carr

Who was Miss Jane Carr?

Miss Jane “Jennie” Carr was a 45 (forty-five) year-old Irish woman who tragically lost her life aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in 1867 in Castlerock, Co Sligo, Ireland, she had built a successful life for herself in America as a domestic worker and cook before returning to Ireland for an extended visit. Her fateful journey back to the United States on the Titanic would be her last.

Early Life and Family Roots in Ireland

A Daughter of County Sligo

Jane Carr was born on February 11, 1867, in the picturesque townland of Castlerock, nestled in the parish of Aclare, Tobbercurry, Co Sligo. She was the daughter of Thomas Carr, a farmer, and Bridget Goldrick. Jane came from a large family, typical of rural Ireland in the 19th century.

Her siblings included:

• Catherine (b. 1855)
• James (b. 1858)
• Michael (b. 1859)
• Mary Marie (b. 1861)
• Bridget (b. 1864)
• Thomas (b. 1872)

Growing up in the rugged beauty of County Sligo, Jane would have been instilled with the strong work ethic and resilience that would serve her well in her future life across the Atlantic.

The American Dream: Jane’s Life in the United States

When did Jane Carr first come to America?

Jane Carr, known affectionately as Jennie, first set foot on American soil in 1889. At the age of 22 (twenty-two), she arrived in New York aboard the City of Berlin on May 4, 1889. This journey marked the beginning of her American adventure, a path trodden by many Irish immigrants seeking better opportunities.

A Career in Domestic Service

Upon settling in America, Jane quickly established herself in the field of domestic service. Her career path included:

1. Working as a domestic and cook in Springfield, Massachusetts
2. Employment in Hartford, Connecticut
3. Serving as housekeeper and cook for Dr. Sidney A. Burnap in Windsor Locks, Connecticut
4. Her final position as a cook at the Chicopee Falls Hotel

Jane’s progression through these roles demonstrates her skill, reliability, and the trust she earned from her employers. She had clearly made a success of her life in America, building a reputation as a hardworking and capable domestic professional.

Return to Ireland and Fateful Decision

A Bittersweet Homecoming

Having done well for herself in America, Jane returned to Ireland around 1909 for an extended visit. She stayed with her sister Catherine (Mrs. Thady Mullarkey) at her home in Co Sligo. During this time, Jane appeared on the 1911 census, recorded at the Mullarkey household in Castlerock, alongside her unmarried sister Mary.

This period in Ireland must have been a time of mixed emotions for Jane. While she enjoyed reconnecting with her family and homeland, she had also experienced loss. Her father had passed away on August 29, 1893, at the age of 73 (seventy-three), and her mother had died the following year.

Why did Jane Carr decide to return to America?

Jane’s decision to return to America was precipitated by alarming news from across the Atlantic. She received word that the Windsor Locks Bank, where she had deposited her life savings, had folded. This financial crisis forced Jane to make hasty plans to return to the USA and settle her affairs.

The Titanic: Jane’s Final Journey

Boarding the Ship of Dreams

Jane Carr boarded the RMS Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) as a third-class passenger. Her ticket, number 368364, cost £7 15s, a significant sum that represented her hopes and dreams for the future.

A Tragic Fate

Sadly, Jane Carr did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the age of 45 (forty-five), her life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. Her body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving her family without the closure of a proper burial.

Legacy and Remembrance

Despite the tragic end to her life, Jane Carr’s story is a testament to the spirit of Irish immigrants who sought to build better lives for themselves in America. Her estate, valued at £113, was administered to a relative, Michael Carr, on August 9, 1912.

Today, Jane “Jennie” Carr is remembered not only as a victim of the Titanic disaster but as a woman who embodied the courage and determination of countless Irish immigrants. Her journey from the fields of Sligo to the bustling cities of America, and her fateful return voyage, encapsulates a poignant chapter in the shared history of Ireland and the United States.