John Kennedy

Who was John Kennedy?

Mr. John Kennedy was a 24-year-old Irish farm laborer who survived the sinking of the Titanic, only to tragically lose his life six years later during World War I. Born in Limerick, Ireland, Kennedy’s journey took him from the ill-fated luxury liner to the shores of America, where he sought a new life before answering the call to military service.

Early Life and Family

John Kennedy was born on November 6, 1887, in White Wine Lane, Limerick City, Ireland. He was one of thirteen children born to Thomas Kennedy, a general laborer, and Mary Fanning. Sadly, only five of the Kennedy children survived infancy, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of late 19th-century Ireland.

Siblings and Family Life

John’s known siblings included:

• Mary (born November 14, 1869)
• Michael (born December 26, 1871)
• Bridget (born September 20, 1874)
• Margaret (born March 31, 1877)
• Another Bridget (born August 15, 1879)
• Thomas (born November 20, 1883)
• Ellen (born December 9, 1891)

The Kennedy family resided at Rosemary Place in Limerick City, where John appears in both the 1901 and 1911 censuses. By 1911, the young John was described as an unmarried shop porter, indicating his early entry into the workforce.

The Journey to a New Life

Why did John Kennedy embark on the Titanic?

John’s decision to board the Titanic was influenced by his brother Michael’s successful emigration to New York around 1902. Michael had married Mary Fitzgerald in August 1904 and had four children by 1912. It was John’s intention to join his brother and his family at their home on Perry Street, Manhattan, seeking better opportunities in the New World.

Titanic Voyage Details

• Embarkation Point: Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland
• Passenger Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 368783
• Ticket Cost: £7 15s (equivalent to about £890 or $1,100 in 2023)

Kennedy boarded the Titanic alone but carried with him a treasure trove of gifts from Ireland for his relatives in New York. These included:

• Irish Whiskey
• Limerick ham and bacon
• Children’s clothing (likely for his nieces and nephews)

Survival and Aftermath

The Fateful Night

John Kennedy survived the sinking of the Titanic, though the exact details of his escape remain a mystery. It is believed he managed to board one of the aft-starboard lifeboats, emerging from the disaster unscathed.

Arrival in New York

Upon disembarking from the Carpathia in New York, John was described as a 21-year-old picture framer. He listed his parents at 1 Rosemary Place, Limerick, as his nearest relatives and stated his destination as his brother Michael’s home at 29 Perry Street.

Compensation Claim

Kennedy filed a claim for compensation, detailing lost items including:

• A serge suit and blue coat
• A watch and chain
• A brooch
• Children’s garments
• Shoes
• A set of china
• A pipe
• Prayer books and rosaries
• Irish whiskey, hams, and bacon

He also sued for $500 in personal injuries, bringing his total claim to £533 7s.

Life After the Titanic

John remained in New York, never marrying, and apparently lived with his brother Michael and his family. Details of his life during this period are scarce, leaving us to wonder about the impact of his Titanic experience on his daily life.

Military Service and Untimely Death

Answering the Call to Arms

Kennedy was drafted into the US military on May 26, 1918, during World War I. His address at the time was listed as 7 Fourth Place, Brooklyn. He was sent for training to Camp Hancock in Richmond County, Georgia.

A Tragic Turn of Events

Barely a week into his training, John fell ill with a startling diagnosis: anthrax. The source of the infection was traced to his shaving brush, a common vector for the disease during this era due to the use of contaminated animal hair in their production.

John Kennedy’s Final Days

After a brief four-day struggle with the illness, John Kennedy passed away on June 9, 1918, at the age of 30 (thirty). His death was reported in the Augusta Chronicle:

PVT. KENNEDY DIES IN BASE HOSPITAL

Private John Kennedy, aged 25 years, of Company 21, machine gun training camp, died at the Base Hospital, Camp Hancock, at 2:05 Sunday afternoon. Kennedy lately came to Camp Hancock from his home, Brooklyn, N. Y.

John’s body was returned to his brother Michael in Brooklyn in a hermetically sealed coffin, a somber end to a life marked by both incredible survival and tragic misfortune.

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

John Kennedy’s life, though cut short, encapsulates a remarkable period in history. From surviving one of the most famous maritime disasters to falling victim to the unexpected dangers of wartime, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. His journey from Limerick to New York, via the decks of the Titanic, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who sought a better life across the Atlantic in the early 20th century.