Joseph Foley

Who was Joseph Foley?

Joseph Foley was a 19 (nineteen) year-old Irish farm labourer who tragically lost his life as a third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in Lisnafulla, County Limerick, Ireland, on February 25, 1893, Foley’s journey to America was cut short by the infamous maritime disaster of April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Childhood Marked by Loss

Joseph Foley’s early years were shaped by a series of family tragedies:

• Born to David Foley (b. October 20, 1866) and Mary Hickey (b. August 4, 1866)
• Named after his paternal grandfather
• Younger brother John born on January 7, 1895
• Mother Mary died during childbirth on December 15, 1897

The loss of his mother at such a young age undoubtedly had a profound impact on Joseph’s childhood. His father, faced with the challenge of raising two young boys, remarried twice in the years that followed.

A Growing Family

Joseph’s family expanded through his father’s subsequent marriages:

1. Julia Connors (m. January 29, 1901)

   • Half-sister Eliza “Lizzie” born November 10, 1901
   • Julia died on December 8, 1901, due to childbirth complications

2. Margaret Harnett (m. February 24, 1903)

   • Half-brother William born July 10, 1904

Life as a Farm Labourer

By the time of the 1911 census, Joseph had begun working as a general farm servant for the Aherin family in Hernsbrook, Mountplummer. This occupation was common for young men in rural Ireland at the time, providing valuable experience in agriculture and animal husbandry.

The Fateful Journey

Why was Joseph Foley on the Titanic?

Joseph boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) on April 11, 1912, with dreams of a new life in America. His destination was the home of his maternal uncle, John Hickey, in Larchmont, New York. Like many Irish emigrants of his time, Joseph likely saw America as a land of opportunity and a chance to escape the limited prospects of rural Ireland.

Titanic Ticket Details

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 330910
• Cost: £7 17s 7d (equivalent to approximately £950 in 2023)

A Journey with His Sweetheart

Joseph wasn’t traveling alone. His sweetheart, Bridget O’Sullivan from Glenduff, County Limerick, accompanied him on this ill-fated voyage. Bridget was headed to Manhattan to join her sibling, adding a poignant layer of romance and tragedy to their story.

The Sinking and Its Aftermath

Tragically, both Joseph and Bridget perished in the sinking of the Titanic. Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified, leaving their families without closure.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

In a cruel twist of fate, the tragedy of Joseph Foley’s death was compounded by a case of mistaken identity:

• A family of Wexford Foleys in Chicago was awaiting the arrival of their 26-year-old brother Joseph
• Reports of a Joseph Foley among the Titanic victims caused them great distress
• Thomas Foley, a street car conductor in Chicago, mourned his brother’s supposed loss
• It was later discovered that their Joseph had safely traveled on the Celtic

This confusion highlights the chaos and heartbreak that followed the Titanic disaster, as families desperately sought news of their loved ones.

Legacy

Joseph Foley’s life, though cut short at just 19 (nineteen) years old, serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. His story embodies the hopes and dreams of countless Irish emigrants who sought a better life across the Atlantic, only to have those dreams tragically dashed.

Today, Joseph Foley is remembered not only as a victim of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters but also as a representation of the indomitable spirit of Irish emigrants in the early 20th century. His tale continues to captivate Titanic historians and serves as a touching example of the personal stories behind the grand tragedy of the “unsinkable” ship.