Patrick Connors
Mr Patrick Connors
Who was Patrick Connors?
Patrick Connors was a 66 (sixty-six) year-old Irish farm labourer and third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1846 in Charleville, Co Cork, Ireland, Connors had spent nearly four decades in America before returning to his homeland for a visit. His journey back to New York on the Titanic would tragically be his last.
Early Life and Immigration to America
What were Patrick Connors’ roots?
Patrick Connors was born in Charleville, Co Cork, Ireland, around April 1847. While details about his early life are scarce, we know he had a sister named Mary Anne, born in 1863.
When did Patrick Connors move to America?
The year 1874 marked a significant turning point in Patrick’s life. At the age of 27 (twenty-seven), he emigrated to the United States, settling in Manhattan, New York. This move would shape the course of his life for the next 38 (thirty-eight) years.
Family Life in America
Who did Patrick Connors marry?
Shortly after arriving in Manhattan, Patrick met Ellen Clifford, another Irish immigrant. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage on June 8, 1874, with their first child arriving just three months later on August 8, 1874.
How many children did Patrick and Ellen have?
The Connors family grew rapidly:
- James (b. 1874)
- John (b. 1876, d. 1886)
- Mary (b. 1877)
- Patrick Charles (b. 1880)
- Hannah (b. 1883)
- Elizabeth Cecilia (b. 1886)
- Helen “Nellie” (b. 1894)
Tragically, their second child, John, passed away at the age of 10 (ten) on April 22, 1886.
Life in New York
Where did the Connors family live?
The Connors family made their home on Bethune Street in New York City. This address remained constant throughout Patrick’s life in America, appearing in the 1880, 1905, and 1910 censuses.
What was Patrick’s occupation?
Initially described as a labourer, Patrick’s fortunes seemed to improve over time. By 1910, contemporary media reported that Connors had “amassed a considerable fortune” during his time in America.
Return to Ireland
Why did Patrick Connors return to Ireland?
In 1911, following the marriage of his youngest daughter Nellie to John J. O’Shea on June 11, Patrick departed New York to visit Ireland. He spent ten months with his sister Mary Anne Shanahan at her home in Charleville, Co Cork.
How was Patrick’s health during his visit?
According to the Cork Free Press (May 1912), Mr. Connors “presented a splendid appearance of robust health” during his time in Ireland, despite being 65 (sixty-five) years old at the time.
The Fateful Titanic Journey
How did Patrick Connors come to be on the Titanic?
For his return to New York, Mr. Connors boarded the RMS Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) as a third-class passenger. His ticket (number 370369) cost £7 15s.
What was Patrick’s destination?
Patrick’s destination was listed as 361 West 12th Street, New York, possibly the home of one of his children.
The Tragic Fate of Patrick Connors
Did Patrick Connors survive the Titanic disaster?
Sadly, Patrick Connors did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He perished in the early hours of April 15, 1912, at the age of 66 (sixty-six).
Was Patrick Connors’ body recovered?
Yes, Patrick Connors’ body was recovered by the Mackay Bennett, listed as body number 171. The description of the body reads:
NO. 171. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 70. - HAIR, WHITE. CLOTHING - Black overcoat; cardigan jacket; blue pants; blue shirt; black boots. EFFECTS - Letter of credit £80; £12 in Irish notes; £2 in purse; silver watch and chain; 7s. 10 1/2d. THIRD CLASS. NAME - PATRICK CONNORS.
Patrick Connors was buried at sea on April 24, 1912.
Legacy and Personal Effects
What happened to Patrick Connors’ belongings?
Patrick’s eldest son, James, was granted administration rights by the Surrogate of the County of New York on June 19, 1912. In July 1912, James received his father’s personal items recovered from the body, including:
- Watch, chain, and locket
- Seven £1 Irish notes, one £5 Irish note
- Letter of credit for £80 from the National Bank, Limited
- Miscellaneous papers
- Purse containing various currencies
- Personal items such as spectacles, a cross on a chain, and cufflinks
These personal effects serve as a poignant reminder of the life and journey of Patrick Connors, an Irish immigrant who sought a better life in America, only to meet a tragic end on his final voyage home.
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.