Miss Nora Murphy

Who was Nora Murphy?

Miss Nora Murphy was a 31 (thirty-one) year old Irish passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on May 11, 1880, in Mountjoy, Dublin, Ireland, Nora embarked on a journey that would become a part of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Background

Family Roots in Dublin

Nora Murphy came from a Roman Catholic family based in Dublin’s North side. Her parents were:

• Father: Patrick Murphy (born circa 1834), a draper
• Mother: Catherine Theresa O’Grady (born 1841)

Patrick and Catherine married on February 3, 1864, at St Andrew’s Church in Dublin.

Siblings and Family Life

Nora was one of seven known children in the Murphy family:

1. Mary Julia (born 1865)
2. Peter Anthony (born 1867)
3. Mary Catherine (born 1869)
4. Frances Margaret (born 1873)
5. Patrick John (born 1875)
6. Lillian Angela (born 1876)
7. Nora (born 1880)

Life Before the Titanic

A Mother’s Secret

While Nora’s marital status remains uncertain, she gave birth to a daughter around 1906, who was raised by one of Nora’s sisters.

Working as a Nursemaid

By the time of the 1911 census, Nora was living in Sallins, Co Kildare, working as an unmarried nursemaid for the family of merchant John Park Healy.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Nora board the Titanic?

Nora boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) on April 11, 1912, as a third-class passenger. Her ticket (number 36568) cost £15 10s, which she shared with her traveling companion, Michael McEvoy.

A Possible Romance

Michael McEvoy, over ten years Nora’s junior, was from Queen’s County (modern-day Co Laois). Some suggest they were lovers, adding a touch of romance to their ill-fated journey.

Destination and Plans

Nora’s intended destination was 231 East 50th Street in New York, indicating she may have had pre-arranged employment or contacts in the city.

The Fateful Night

How did Nora survive the Titanic disaster?

Nora was among the fortunate survivors of the Titanic sinking. While the exact lifeboat number is uncertain, she was rescued alongside several other Irish passengers with whom she was likely acquainted.

Life After the Titanic

An Unexpected Change of Plans

Following her arrival in New York, Nora altered her original plans:

• Instead of going to East 50th Street, she went to the Irish Immigrant Girls’ Home at 7 State Street
• She befriended first-class survivor Karl Behr, possibly during their time aboard the Carpathia

Employment in Manhattan

Thanks to her connection with Karl Behr:

• Nora found employment as a domestic servant with Karl’s father, Herman Behr, in Manhattan
• The 1920 census shows her still living in Manhattan and working for Herman Behr

The Mystery of Nora’s Later Life

After 1920, Nora’s life becomes a mystery:

• She disappears from public records
• Her fate remains unknown, even to her immediate family
• Her father, Patrick, passed away in Ireland on July 13, 1914

Nora Murphy’s Legacy

Nora Murphy’s story exemplifies the experiences of many Irish immigrants who sought new opportunities in America. Her survival of the Titanic disaster and subsequent life in New York highlight the resilience and adaptability of those who faced unimaginable challenges in pursuit of a better life.

As one of the survivors of the Titanic, Nora’s tale serves as a testament to the human spirit and the unpredictable nature of fate. While much of her later life remains shrouded in mystery, her experience aboard the Titanic ensures that her name will forever be linked to one of the most significant events in maritime history.