Michael Connaughton
Mr Michael Connaughton
Who was Michael Connaughton?
Michael Connaughton was an Irish 3rd Class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on February 17, 1872, in Lissaquill, Noughaval, Co Westmeath, Ireland, Connaughton was a 40 (forty) year-old bus driver who embarked on the Titanic’s maiden voyage from Queenstown. Tragically, he did not survive the disaster.
Early Life and Background
Family Roots in Westmeath
Michael Connaughton came from a large Irish farming family:
- Parents: James Connaughton (b. 1839) and Anne Murphy (b. 1843)
- Siblings: 11 known, including Mary, John, James, Katherine, Anne, Ellen, Matthew, Patrick, and Thomas
His parents were Westmeath natives who married in 1868, establishing deep roots in the Irish countryside.
From Ireland to America
While Michael’s family remained in Ireland, he sought opportunities across the Atlantic:
- Emigration year: 1907
- US residence: Brooklyn, New York
- Occupation: Trolley car driver
Michael lived with his widowed sister Kate Horan and her four children in Brooklyn. He was not alone in his American journey, as two other siblings, Mary Conlon and Ellen Miller, also made New York their home.
The Titanic Journey
Why was Michael Connaughton on the Titanic?
Michael Connaughton boarded the Titanic following a visit to his family in Ireland. His return journey to America would tragically be his last.
Titanic Ticket Details:
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | 3rd Class |
| Ticket Number | 335097 |
| Fare | £7 15s |
| Embarkation Point | Queenstown |
Connections Aboard the Titanic
During his journey, Michael Connaughton was acquainted with several fellow passengers from his home county:
- Eugene Daly
- Margaret Daly (Eugene’s cousin)
- Bertha Mulvihill
- Delia Henry (from neighboring Cloonown, Co Roscommon)
These connections highlight the close-knit nature of Irish communities, even in the vast setting of the Titanic.
Fate During the Disaster
What happened to Michael Connaughton?
Michael Connaughton did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This tragic end came on April 15, 1912, at the age of 40 (forty).
Margaret Daly, one of Michael’s acquaintances on board, mentioned Connaughton in a letter home following the disaster, providing a poignant connection to his final days.
Legacy and Family Aftermath
World War I and Family Loss
The Connaughton family faced further tragedy in the years following Michael’s death:
- Brother Matthew:
- Fought in the 2nd Battalion of the Leinster Regiment during World War I
- Killed in action on April 19, 1916, in France
- Buried in Bailleul Cemetery, Nord
Parents’ Final Years
Despite the loss of two sons, Michael’s parents remained in their home county:
- Mother: Passed away in 1918
- Father: Died in 1924
Remembering Michael Connaughton
Michael Connaughton’s story is a testament to the Irish immigrant experience and the far-reaching impact of the Titanic disaster. As one of the many third-class victims of the Titanic, his life and loss serve as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations cut short on that fateful night in April 1912.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.