Roger Tobin: A Young Irish Farmer’s Tragic Titanic Tale

Who was Roger Tobin?

Roger Tobin was a 20 (twenty) year-old Irish farmer who became one of the many victims of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on October 30, 1891, in Lisgibbon, Bansha, Co Tipperary, Ireland, Tobin’s life was cut short on April 15, 1912, when the ill-fated ship sank in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Early Life and Irish Roots

A Tipperary Family

Roger Tobin came from a Roman Catholic family deeply rooted in County Tipperary. He was one of six children born to:

• Patrick Tobin (born 1856), a farmer from Lisgibbon
• Margaret Noonan (born 1855), a domestic servant from Stonepark

His parents married on February 28, 1887, and raised their family in the rural Irish countryside.

Siblings and Family Life

Roger’s siblings included:

• William (born February 7, 1888)
• Patrick (born April 15, 1889)
• Mary (born June 20, 1890)
• William (born April 1, 1893)
• David (born July 10, 1894)

The 1901 census shows the Tobin family living in house 1, Lisgibbon, providing a glimpse into Roger’s childhood surroundings.

A Passion for Gaelic Sports

While Roger worked as a farmer, he was also known for his athletic prowess. He was a prominent Gaelic sports player, actively participating in:

• Hurling
• Gaelic football

This involvement in traditional Irish sports suggests that the Tobin family may have been committed Irish Nationalists, preserving their cultural heritage.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Roger Tobin board the Titanic?

Roger Tobin boarded the RMS Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) as a third-class passenger. He was embarking on a journey to New York, accompanied by his sweetheart Catherine Peters and acquainted with two other Tipperary girls, Kate McCarthy and Kate Connolly.

Titanic Ticket Details

Interestingly, Roger carried with him a selection of camans (hurley sticks), perhaps intending to continue his passion for Gaelic sports in America.

Destination and Connections

Roger’s destination in New York was 243 East 45th Street, Manhattan, the home address of Katie Peters’ sister, Mrs. John (Mary) Egan. He already had cousins in New York, suggesting a network of Irish connections awaiting him in the New World.

The Fateful Night

How did Roger Tobin face the Titanic’s sinking?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Roger Tobin showed both concern and a lack of urgency. According to Catherine McCarthy, the only surviving member of their group:

Roger Tobin called by their cabin and told them to get up and dressed and to bring lifebelts but assured them there was no danger.

This account paints a picture of Tobin as someone who tried to help others but perhaps underestimated the severity of the situation.

The Tragic Outcome

Sadly, Roger Tobin did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This tragic end came just six months after his 20th birthday, cutting short a life full of potential.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

How did Roger Tobin’s death impact his family?

The loss of Roger Tobin had both immediate and long-lasting effects on his family:

1. His estate, valued at £39 6s, was administered to his father on December 6, 1912.
2. The family remained in Lisgibbon, carrying on with their lives despite the tragedy.
3. Roger’s father died from pneumonia on March 14, 1921.
4. His mother passed away on October 3, 1936, from heart disease.
5. Roger’s younger brother William, a bachelor, died on April 20, 1935, aged 40, from Addison’s disease.
6. Brother Patrick remained unmarried and died following a stroke on September 4, 1942.

The fate of Roger’s other siblings remains uncertain, leaving gaps in the family’s history following the Titanic disaster.

Remembering Roger Tobin

Roger Tobin’s story is a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic tragedy. His journey from the fields of Tipperary to the decks of the world’s most famous ship encapsulates the hopes and dreams of many Irish immigrants seeking a new life in America. Though his life was cut short, Roger Tobin’s memory lives on as part of the enduring narrative of the Titanic and its victims.