Miss Mary Mangan

Who was Mary Mangan?

Mary Mangan was a 32 (thirty-two) year old Irish woman who tragically lost her life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on September 8, 1879, in Carrowskeheen, Addergoole, Co Mayo, Ireland, Mary was part of the third-class passengers on the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to her untimely death.

Early Life and Background

Family Roots in Mayo

Mary Mangan was born into a farming family in rural Ireland. Her parents were:

• John Mangan (born circa 1849): A farmer
• Bridget Bourke (born circa 1846)

Mary had four siblings:

1. Michael (born March 4, 1874)
2. Patrick (born April 14, 1875)
3. Edward (born September 1, 1881)
4. Ellen (born July 16, 1883)

Tragedy Strikes Early

Mary’s father died when she was still very young, succumbing to pulmonary tuberculosis on May 19, 1884.

This early loss shaped Mary’s life, as her mother never remarried. The 1901 census shows the remaining family living at house 5, Carrowskeheen, where Mary, like her relatives, was described as a farmer.

The Journey to America

Why did Mary leave Ireland?

Mary and her sister Ellen decided to leave Ireland for the United States, though the exact date of their initial departure is unclear. It’s believed they may have first traveled to America around August 1906.

Family Ties Across the Atlantic

Mary’s brothers had already made the journey to America:

• Edward emigrated around 1905, initially living in St. Louis, Missouri before settling in Chicago
• Michael also moved to the United States

By 1911, Mary’s mother was living at 4 Carrowskeheen, Addergoole, with her spinster sister-in-law, also named Bridget.

The Titanic Journey

A Fateful Return to Ireland

In early 1912, Mary and her sister Ellen returned to Ireland for a visit. This trip may have been an occasion to announce Mary’s engagement, though the identity of her fiancé remains a mystery.

Boarding the Titanic

With her sister Ellen opting to remain in Ireland, Mary boarded the Titanic at Queenstown as a third-class passenger. Her ticket details were:

The Addergoole Fourteen

Mary was part of a group of 14 passengers from Mayo, now known as the “Addergoole Fourteen.” Led by Catherine McGowan, this group included the Bourke siblings, John and Mary, and John’s wife Catherine, who were possibly Mary’s cousins. They were all destined for Chicago.

The Fateful Night

Mary’s Last Known Moments

The only known account of Mary during the sinking comes from Mayo survivor Annie Kelly. She described being accompanied by Mary and the Bourkes as they rushed toward a ladder that would have taken them up to second class. Whether Mary made it to the upper decks remains uncertain.

Discovery and Burial

Mary did not survive the sinking. Her body was recovered by the Mackay Bennett, recorded as body number 61, and was buried at sea on April 22, 1912.

Mary’s Personal Effects

The description of Mary’s recovered body and possessions paints a poignant picture:

NO. 61. - FEMALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 30. - HAIR, LIGHT.

CLOTHING - Green waterproof; black coat; skirt; blouse; red cardigan jacket; black button boots with cloth uppers.

EFFECTS - One gold watch, engraved inside “M. Mangan” and photo, and outside “M. Mangan”; gold locket with hair and photo as in watch, engraved “Mary”; gold chain; beads in pocket; brass belt buckle; medallion round neck; diamond solitaire ring; gold bracelet “M. M.”; wire gold brooch.

What happened to Mary’s possessions?

Mary’s possessions were sent back to her family in Ireland. For many years, her gold watch remained in the possession of her nephew Anthony Mangan. Intriguingly, the diamond solitaire ring never made it back to the family, and its whereabouts remain a mystery to this day.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

Legal Action and Family Movements

• Mary’s brother Edward attempted to sue the White Star Line for the loss of his sister.
• Edward later lived at 6340 Addison Street, Chicago, and died on April 25, 1933. He is buried in River Grove Cemetery.
• Mary’s brother Michael died in Chicago, Illinois on September 21, 1960.

The Women Who Remained

• Mary’s mother stayed in Carrowskeheen and outlived her daughter by over two decades, passing away on November 30, 1935, in her late 80s.
• Mary’s sister Ellen, who had chosen to remain in Ireland, married Patrick J. Walsh, a farmer from Ludbridge, in 1918. She died in Carrowskeheen on August 9, 1960.

Mary Mangan’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many Irish immigrants who sought a better life in America, only to have their journeys tragically cut short by one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.