Mrs Margaret Rice

Who was Margaret Rice?

Margaret Rice was a 39 (thirty-nine) year old Irish woman who tragically perished aboard the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. She was traveling as a third-class passenger with her five young sons, all of whom also lost their lives in the disaster. Her story is a poignant reminder of the many families who were torn apart by the Titanic’s sinking.

Early Life and Background

Margaret Norton was born on October 6, 1872, in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland. She came from a Roman Catholic family and was one of five children born to James Norton, a railway official, and Mary Carty. Margaret’s early life was marked by tragedy when her mother passed away from tuberculosis on January 13, 1885.

What was Margaret’s life like before the Titanic?

Margaret’s life took a significant turn when she married William Rice, an English soldier, on June 18, 1898. The couple’s journey together was filled with both joy and sorrow:

• Their first child, William James, was born on April 13, 1899, but tragically died less than two months later.
• They moved to London, where their second son, Albert, was born in 1902.
• In March 1903, the family emigrated to Montreal, Quebec, where their third son, George, was born.
• They later settled in Ontario, where two more sons were born: Eric (August 24, 1905) and Arthur (August 18, 1907).
• The family moved to Spokane, Washington in 1909, where their youngest son, Francis, was born on September 13, 1909.

Tragedy struck again when William Rice was killed in a work accident on January 24, 1910. Left a widow with five young children, Margaret made the decision to return to Ireland with her sons.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Margaret Rice on the Titanic?

After spending some time in Ireland, Margaret decided to return to Spokane, Washington with her children. They boarded the Titanic as third-class passengers at Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland, on April 11, 1912.

Details of Margaret’s Titanic voyage:

Margaret was not alone in her journey from Athlone. She traveled alongside several other passengers from her locality, including:

• Eugene Daly, a former neighbor from Glasses Lane
• Bridget Mulvihill
• Margaret Daly
• Bridget Henry

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Margaret Rice on the night of the sinking?

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Margaret Rice and her five sons faced a terrifying ordeal. According to a witness account by Bridget Mulvihill, Mrs. Rice was last seen on either the boat deck or A-deck, holding her youngest son close to her chest while her other boys clung to her skirts.

“Mrs Rice stood on either the boat deck or A-deck, clutching her youngest son to her breast and with the other boys holding on to her skirts.” - Bridget Mulvihill

Tragically, Margaret and all five of her children perished in the sinking. Her body was the only one from her family recovered by the Mackay Bennett, identified as body number 12.

How was Margaret Rice’s body identified?

Margaret’s body was identified through several personal effects found on her person:

• A box of pills prescribed on April 9, 1912
• A rosary, indicating her Roman Catholic faith
• Wedding ring, keeper, and another gold ring
• Locket and photo
• Gold brooch and earrings
• £10 note and other currency

Her body was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Legacy and Remembrance

The story of Margaret Rice and her five sons serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. Their tragedy is particularly poignant as it represents the loss of an entire family unit, highlighting the devastating impact the sinking had on families traveling in third class.

How is Margaret Rice remembered today?

• Margaret’s story is often cited in discussions about the disproportionate loss of life among third-class passengers, especially women and children.
• Her narrative contributes to our understanding of Irish emigration patterns and the challenges faced by widowed mothers in the early 20th century.
• The Rice family’s story continues to be shared in Titanic exhibitions and memorials, ensuring that their memory lives on over a century after the disaster.

Margaret Rice’s journey from Athlone to the Titanic, and her final moments with her children, stand as a testament to the strength and devotion of a mother faced with unimaginable circumstances. Her story remains an integral part of the Titanic’s tragic legacy, reminding us of the human stories behind the statistics of that fateful night.