Mr Patrick FOX

Who was Patrick Fox?

Patrick Fox was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Irish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Killaroo, Killare near Mullingar in Co Westmeath, Ireland, Fox was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Background

A Large Irish Family

Patrick Fox was born on July 15, 1883, into a Roman Catholic family. His parents were:

John Fox (born 1833), a farmer
Bridget Killian (born 1851)

The couple married on February 25, 1873, in Ballymore, Co Longford. Patrick was one of nine children, with siblings including:

Mary (born January 30, 1874)
Ellen (born March 17, 1876)
Bridget (born January 6, 1879)
Anne (born August 13, 1881)
Catherine (born November 14, 1887)
Margaret (born October 7, 1889)
Christina (born April 17, 1892)

Tragically, an unnamed sister born on June 2, 1885, lived for only five minutes.

Early Work and First Journey to America

The 1901 census shows Patrick working as a farmhand in Clyglass, Killare, Co Westmeath. His parents were listed as living at house 3 in Killaroo, Killare at the time.

In April 1909, at the age of 26, Patrick first left Ireland aboard the Merion, bound for New York. He was described upon arrival as:

Height: 5'7"
Hair color: Dark
Eye color: Blue
Complexion: Fair

Patrick’s destination was the home of his sister Bridget (Mrs Frank Murray) in New York.

Return to Ireland and Plans for the Future

What brought Patrick back to Ireland?

After making a decent living in America, Fox returned to Ireland in late 1910 or early 1911 for an extended visit. The 1911 census records him living with his family at house 1 in Killaroo, Killare.

During this time, Patrick had intentions of buying land from the neighboring Conlon family, suggesting he was planning for a future in Ireland. However, tragedy struck when his mother died from heart disease on June 2, 1911.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why did Patrick decide to return to America?

Following his mother’s death, Patrick made plans to return to the USA to settle his affairs before permanently returning to Ireland. This decision would ultimately lead him to board the Titanic.

“Describing himself as a 26-year-old labourer, Fox boarded the Titanic at Queenstown as a third class passenger.”

Key details of Patrick’s Titanic journey:

Ticket Number: 368573
Fare: £7 15s
Class: Third Class
Port of Embarkation: Queenstown

Fate During the Disaster

Patrick Fox did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. At the time of his death, Patrick was 28 (twenty-eight) years old, having celebrated his birthday just months before the disaster.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

How did Patrick’s death impact his family?

The loss of Patrick Fox had a profound impact on his family:

His father, already battling senility, died just over a year later on May 3, 1913.
In March 1913, Patrick’s younger sister Christina emigrated, travelling to New York aboard the Campania.

Patrick Fox’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey, which began with hope for a better future, ended tragically in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, leaving behind a grieving family and unfulfilled dreams.

As one of the many third-class victims of the Titanic, Patrick Fox’s story highlights the disproportionate impact the disaster had on passengers from more modest backgrounds, who often had the lowest chances of survival in the chaotic evacuation of the ship.