John Joseph Kiernan

Who was Mr John Joseph Kiernan?

Mr John Joseph Kiernan was a 26-year-old Irish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Fostragh, Ballinamuck, Co Longford, Ireland, Kiernan was returning to America after visiting family when he boarded the ill-fated ship. His story is one of sacrifice and unrequited love, cut short by the disaster that claimed over 1,500 lives.

Early Life and Family

A Large Irish Family

John Joseph Kiernan was born on October 24, 1885, in Fostragh, Ballinamuck, Co Longford, Ireland. He came from a large family, typical of rural Ireland at the time:

• Parents: John Kiernan (b. 1840), a farmer, and Catherine Kelleher (b. 1843)
• Siblings: Mary, Anne, Bridget, Catherine, Bernard, Margaret, Philip, and Ellen (among others)

John was one of ten surviving siblings out of eleven children born to his parents, highlighting the challenges of child mortality in late 19th century Ireland.

Childhood and Early Work

By the time John appeared in the 1901 census, he was already working on his father’s farm at the young age of 15 (fifteen). This early entry into the workforce was common for rural Irish families of the time, where education often took a backseat to the practicalities of farm life.

Emigration to America

First Journey to the New World

John Kiernan’s first taste of America came on May 4, 1904, when he arrived in New York aboard the Umbria. At just 18 (eighteen) years old, he was following in the footsteps of many Irish immigrants seeking better opportunities across the Atlantic. His initial destination was his sister Margaret’s home at 287 4th Street in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Life in Jersey City

By 1910, John had settled into life in America. The census of that year shows him living with another sister, Catherine Tierney, and her family in Jersey City. It was during this time that John found employment as a barman, working for his maternal uncle Philip Kelleher at 268 Varick Street, Jersey City.

The Fateful Return Journey

A Visit Home

In August 1911, John returned to Ireland for a visit with his family. This journey home, while surely filled with joy and reconnection, would ultimately set the stage for his tragic fate.

Boarding the Titanic

For his return to New Jersey, John was accompanied by:

• His younger brother Philip
• The Murphy sisters, Catherine and Margaret
• Thomas McCormack, reportedly a cousin

On April 11, 1912, John boarded the Titanic at Queenstown as a third-class passenger. His ticket, number 367227, cost £7 15s, a considerable sum for a working-class man of the time.

The Night of the Sinking

A Heroic Act

As the Titanic began to sink on the night of April 14-15, 1912, John Kiernan faced the chaos with bravery. Despite encountering difficulties reaching the upper decks, he managed to escort the Murphy sisters to a lifeboat. In a selfless act, John reportedly gave his lifebelt to Margaret Murphy, who did not have one.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

John Kiernan did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. His younger brother Philip also perished in the disaster, adding to the family’s tragedy.

Legacy and Controversy

A Love Story Cut Short?

In the aftermath of the disaster, rumors circulated about John and Margaret Murphy’s relationship. It was reported that they were sweethearts, intending to marry upon reaching America. This romantic narrative added a poignant layer to John’s sacrifice on that fateful night.

Legal Aftermath

The story of John and Margaret’s relationship took an unexpected turn when Margaret Murphy sued the New York Press for libel. This legal action raises questions about the nature of their relationship and the ethics of post-disaster reporting.

Remembering John Joseph Kiernan

John Joseph Kiernan’s life, though cut tragically short at 26 (twenty-six) years old, exemplifies the spirit of many Irish immigrants of his time. His journey from a farm in Longford to the bustling streets of Jersey City, and his final, fateful voyage on the Titanic, paints a vivid picture of early 20th-century Irish-American experience. While his body may rest in the depths of the Atlantic, his story of sacrifice and unrequited love continues to captivate Titanic historians and enthusiasts over a century later.