Mr Thomas Francis Myles

Who was Thomas Francis Myles?

Thomas Francis Myles was a 63 (sixty-three) year-old Irish gentleman who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. A well-respected resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Myles was returning from a visit to his homeland when he boarded the ill-fated ship for its maiden voyage.

Early Life and Irish Roots

Where did Thomas Francis Myles come from?

Thomas Francis Myles was born on January 9, 1849, in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. He was the son of Michael Myles (1804-1874), a successful businessman and landowner, and Margaret Barry. Myles had at least one sibling, a brother named James (born 1851), and possibly a sister named Bridget (born 1848).

What was Myles’ educational background?

Myles received his education at St. Colman’s College in Fermoy. Upon graduation, he embarked on a series of adventures that would shape his future:

• Sailed from Liverpool to India on a cargo ship commanded by his cousin
• Visited Bombay and Calcutta
• Traveled to America and sailed the length of the Mississippi

Journey to America and Family Life

How did Thomas Francis Myles establish himself in America?

In 1872, at the age of 23 (twenty-three), Myles made the bold decision to settle in America. He arrived in Boston with only one pound to his name and no family connections. Through hard work and determination, he built a new life for himself:

• Became a naturalized citizen in 1878
• Married Mary Theresa Kennah on September 16, 1877, in Southbridge, Massachusetts
• Fathered nine children between 1878 and 1894
• Established himself as a successful real estate investor, owning at least ten rental properties

What was Myles’ family life like?

Thomas and Mary raised their large family in Cambridge, Massachusetts. By 1890, Myles had built a family home named “Idlewild” and was planning to construct another in Waban, Massachusetts. The 1900 and 1910 census records show the family residing at 55 Hammond Street in Cambridge.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Thomas Francis Myles on the Titanic?

In late 1911, Myles traveled back to Ireland with his daughter Gertrude to settle family estate matters and oversee the care of his brother James, who had learning difficulties. For his return journey to America, Myles faced several changes in his travel plans:

1. Initially booked on an earlier White Star liner
2. Transferred to the Carpathia when his original ship was withdrawn due to a coal strike
3. Finally booked second-class passage on the Titanic when the Carpathia was at capacity

What was Myles’ experience on the Titanic?

Myles boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) on April 11, 1912. His second-class ticket number was 240276, and he paid a fare of £9 13s. During the voyage, Myles made an impression on fellow passenger Lawrence Beesley, who later described him in his memoir:

“… Engaged in a conversation with them is a gentleman whom I subsequently identified from a photograph as a well known resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, genial, polished, and with a courtly air towards the ladies, whom he has known but a few hours…”

The Tragic Fate of Thomas Francis Myles

What happened to Myles during the Titanic’s sinking?

Thomas Francis Myles did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. However, a poignant story emerged about his final moments:

• Three weeks after the tragedy, a survivor from New York City visited the Myles family
• The survivor claimed that Myles had been in a lifeboat but stepped out, saying “Women and children first”
• Myles was reportedly seen leading a group in prayer on the deck
• They knelt together, said the rosary, and asked for protection in their hour of need

It’s worth noting that this account may have been confused with the actions of Father Thomas Byles, another heroic figure from the disaster.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

How did Myles’ death impact his family?

The loss of Thomas Francis Myles had a profound effect on his family:

• His son Frederick suffered a violent breakdown, leading to his arrest for disorderly conduct
• Myles’ estate, valued at £2686 16s 8d, was settled in Dublin on November 5, 1912, and granted to his daughter Gertrude
• His widow, Mary, never remarried and continued to live on Hammond Street with her children until her death on December 28, 1928
• The last surviving child of Thomas and Mary, Gertrude, lived until 1980

What became of Myles’ Irish connections?

While Thomas Francis Myles had built a successful life in America, he maintained strong ties to his Irish roots:

• His brother James, whom Thomas had been caring for, remained in Fermoy for the rest of his life, passing away in 1920
• The family estate in Ireland, which Myles had traveled to settle, was an important part of his final journey

An Enduring Tale of Sacrifice

Thomas Francis Myles’ story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness displayed by many during the Titanic disaster. From his humble beginnings in Ireland to his success in America, and finally to his reported act of sacrifice aboard the sinking ship, Myles exemplified the spirit of those who faced unimaginable circumstances with dignity and courage. His legacy lives on through his descendants and in the annals of Titanic victims, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of that fateful night in April 1912.