Miss Nora Agnes Keane

Who was Nora Agnes Keane?

Nora Agnes Keane was an Irish second-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on March 30, 1866, in Castleconnell, Co Limerick, Ireland, Nora’s life spanned from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, during which she experienced not only the Titanic disaster but also witnessed significant historical events in both Ireland and America.

Early Life and Irish Roots

What was Nora’s family background?

Nora was born into a farming family in Castleconnell, Co Limerick. Her parents were:

• Father: John Keane (1819-1885), a farmer
• Mother: Hanorah Fee (1830-1916)

She was one of seven siblings:

• Peter (b. 1857)
• Albert (b. 1862)
• Denis (b. December 19, 1867)
• James (b. 1871)
• Patrick (b. April 1, 1873)
• William (b. September 30, 1875)

How did Nora’s early life shape her future?

Nora’s early life in rural Ireland laid the foundation for her resilient character. Following her father’s death on May 8, 1885, her eldest brother Peter took over the family farm. This change in family dynamics may have influenced Nora’s decision to seek opportunities abroad.

Journey to America

When did Nora emigrate to the United States?

Nora embarked on her journey to America in August 1888, at the age of 22 (twenty-two). She sailed aboard the City of Richmond, setting her sights on a new life across the Atlantic.

What was Nora’s life like in America?

Upon arriving in America, Nora settled in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she:

• Worked as a housekeeper
• Was later joined by several of her siblings
• Ran the Union Hotel on Paxton Street with her brothers

Nora’s physical description, according to her passports, was:

The Titanic Journey

Why was Nora on the Titanic?

Nora boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) on April 11, 1912, as a second-class passenger. Her ticket number was 226593, which cost £12 7s. It’s likely she was returning to America after visiting her family in Ireland.

Who were Nora’s companions on the Titanic?

During the voyage, Nora shared a cabin with two English women:

• Edwina Celia Troutt
• Susan Webber

What was Nora’s experience on the night of the sinking?

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Nora experienced:

• Extreme nervousness, requiring help to dress
• Insistence on wearing her corset, despite Miss Troutt’s objections
• A calm scene on deck, with officers in control
• A “foreigner” jumping into her lifeboat, who later helped row

“I had a terrible foreboding that the ship may sink,” Nora later confessed to Miss Troutt.

Survival and Aftermath

How did Nora survive the Titanic disaster?

Nora was rescued in Lifeboat 10. She claimed to have been about 100 yards from the Titanic when it sank, close enough to witness the horrific scene of people struggling in the water.

What happened to Nora after the Titanic?

Following her rescue:

1. Nora arrived in New York aboard the Carpathia
2. She was met by her brothers and returned to Harrisburg
3. She continued living in Harrisburg as a spinster
4. Nora ran a public house at 167 Paxton Street
5. She petitioned for U.S. citizenship on May 23, 1912

Later Life and Travels

Did Nora continue to travel after the Titanic disaster?

Despite her harrowing experience, Nora braved the ocean several more times:

• April 3, 1915: Sailed on the Lusitania to nurse her ailing mother
• 1916: Returned to Ireland after her mother’s death on February 14
• 1919: Made another trip to Ireland, intending to stay for up to six years

Where did Nora spend her final years?

It appears Nora remained in Ireland for the rest of her life, living through:

• The Irish War of Independence
• The Irish Civil War

She spent her final years in her native Castleconnell, Co Limerick.

Nora’s Legacy

How is Nora Keane remembered today?

Nora Agnes Keane’s life serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors. Her story encompasses:

• The immigrant experience in early 20th century America
• The trauma and survival of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters
• The connection between Irish emigrants and their homeland

Nora passed away on December 20, 1944, at the age of 78 (seventy-eight), following complications from a fractured hip. She is buried in the family grave at Stradbally Cemetery, North County, Limerick, Castleconnell, Ireland (plot L1-STBY-0032), where her remarkable life is commemorated.