Mr Michael Linehan

Who was Michael Linehan?

Michael Linehan was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old Irish farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912. Born on November 5, 1890, in Knocknageeha, Derragh, Co Cork, Ireland, Linehan was one of the many third-class passengers aboard the ill-fated ship, seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.

Early Life and Family Background

A Cork County Upbringing

Michael Linehan grew up in a farming family in rural Ireland. His parents were:

Father: Bartholomew Linehan (born circa 1845), a farmer
Mother: Elizabeth Kieley (born circa 1860)

Bartholomew and Elizabeth married on January 26, 1882, in Millstreet, Co Cork. Michael was one of five known siblings:

Margaret (born May 13, 1885)
Jeremiah (born March 28, 1888)
Michael himself (born November 5, 1890)
John (born June 20, 1893)
Bartholomew Peter (born June 29, 1896)

Tragedy Strikes Early

Sadly, Michael’s mother Elizabeth died from pneumonia on February 26, 1897, at the young age of 37. His father Bartholomew never remarried, leaving him to raise the children alone.

Life Before the Titanic

1901 Census: A Glimpse into Linehan’s Childhood

The 1901 census provides a snapshot of Michael’s early life, showing him living at house 9 in Knocknageeha. This record offers valuable insight into his childhood environment and family circumstances.

1911 Census: A Young Man’s Path

By the time of the 1911 census, Michael’s life had taken a new direction:

His father, sister Margaret, and brother Bart were living at house 6 in Knocknageeha
Michael, however, was absent from the family home
He was listed as a farm servant in nearby Tullig, Drishane, Co Cork

This change indicates Michael’s transition into adulthood and his pursuit of employment opportunities, albeit still close to home.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Michael Linehan board the Titanic?

Like many Irish emigrants of his time, Michael Linehan likely saw the Titanic as a gateway to new opportunities in America. As a young farm labourer, he may have been seeking better economic prospects or adventure in the New World.

Embarkation Details

Date of Boarding: April 11, 1912
Port of Embarkation: Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland
Passenger Class: Third Class
Ticket Number: 330971
Ticket Cost: £7 17s 7d

Fellow Travelers from Cork

Michael wasn’t alone in his journey. He traveled with several others from his local area in Cork, including:

It’s believed that Michael shared a cabin with his fellow Cork men, providing a sense of community and familiarity amidst the excitement and uncertainty of the voyage.

The Fateful Night

What happened in Michael Linehan’s cabin during the disaster?

The events in Michael’s cabin on the night of April 14-15, 1912, are known through the account of Daniel Buckley, the only survivor from their group. Buckley’s testimony provides a chilling glimpse into the final moments Linehan and his companions experienced:

I heard some terrible noise and I jumped out on the floor, and the first thing I knew my feet were getting wet; the water was just coming in slightly. I told the other fellows to get up, that there was something wrong and, that the water was coming in. They only laughed at me. One of them says: “Get back into bed. You are not in Ireland now.”

This account reveals the initial disbelief and perhaps denial that many passengers experienced in the early stages of the disaster.

The Frantic Escape

As the reality of the situation became clear, chaos ensued:

Buckley hurriedly dressed
His bunkmates, including Linehan, eventually got out of bed
Due to the small cabin size, Buckley left to give them room to dress
Two crewmen passed by shouting, “All up on deck unless you want to get drowned!”
Buckley immediately rushed to the upper decks
Tragically, he never saw his friends, including Michael Linehan, again

Michael Linehan’s Fate

Michael Linehan did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This tragic end at the young age of 21 (twenty-one) cut short a life full of potential and dreams of a new beginning.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Michael Linehan’s life was tragically brief, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost in the Titanic disaster. He represents the hopes and aspirations of countless young Irish emigrants who sought better opportunities across the Atlantic.

Family Aftermath

Michael’s father, Bartholomew Linehan, lived for many years after the loss of his son. He passed away from a stroke on July 20, 1936, having endured the pain of outliving his child.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Today, Michael Linehan’s story, along with those of his fellow passengers, helps to humanize the statistics of the Titanic tragedy. His experience as a third-class passenger and victim of the disaster sheds light on the disproportionate impact the sinking had on those traveling in steerage, seeking a better life in America.

In remembering Michael Linehan, we honor not just one man, but the countless dreams and aspirations that were lost beneath the cold Atlantic waters on that fateful night in April 1912.