Dr William Edward Minahan

Dr William Edward Minahan was a prominent American physician and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on April 20, 1867, in Chilton, Wisconsin, he was known as one of the foremost surgeons in the state before his tragic death at the age of 44 (forty-four) during the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Medical Career

What was Dr Minahan’s family background?

Dr Minahan was born to Irish immigrant parents, William Burke Minahan and Mary Shaughnessy, both natives of Limerick. He grew up in a large family, being one of eleven children. His early life in Wisconsin shaped his future, as he followed in the footsteps of his brothers Robert and John to pursue a career in medicine.

How did Dr Minahan establish himself in the medical field?

Dr William Edward Minahan’s reputation as a surgeon grew steadily throughout his career. He became well-known in Wisconsin for his medical expertise, establishing himself as one of the state’s leading surgeons. His dedication to the medical profession was evident in his personal effects found after the Titanic sinking, which included:

A clinical thermometer
A gold watch inscribed with his name
A memo book likely containing medical notes

Personal Life and Relationships

Dr Minahan’s personal life was marked by two marriages:

First Marriage: On August 2, 1893, he married Mary Elizabeth Dignin, a former classmate from Oshkosh Normal School. They had one daughter, Maude Olive, born on October 15, 1894. This marriage ended in divorce.
Second Marriage: Around 1903, he remarried to Lillian Mae Thorpe, an Indiana native. The couple remained childless and settled in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Dr Minahan on the Titanic?

In early 1912, Dr Minahan embarked on a journey to Ireland with his wife Lillian and sister Ida Daisy Minahan. The trip, originally planned to last six months, was cut short when Daisy reportedly fell ill with appendicitis, prompting their return to the United States.

What were the details of Dr Minahan’s Titanic booking?

Class: First Class
Port of Embarkation: Queenstown
Ticket Number: 19928
Cabin: C78
Fare: £90

Dr Minahan and his companions were the only first-class passengers to board the Titanic at Queenstown, making their journey unique among the ship’s elite travelers.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Dr Minahan’s final hours were spent in the following manner:

Enjoyed time in the Café Parisien with his wife and sister
Socialized with notable passengers including Major Archibald Butt, the Wideners, the Thayers, and Captain Smith
Retired to bed around 9:30 PM
Awakened by the sound of a distressed woman in the corridor after the collision
Made his way to the portside boat deck with his family
Said his final words, “Be brave,” to his wife and sister before they boarded lifeboat 14

Fate and Recovery

Dr William Edward Minahan did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, designated as body number 230. The recovery report provided a detailed account of his appearance and possessions:

NO. 230. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 60. - HAIR, GREY. CLOTHING- Black suit and overcoat. EFFECTS- Pocketbook; papers; gold watch, “Dr. W. E. Minahan”; keys; knife; fountain pen; clinical thermometer; memo book; tie pin; diamond ring; gold cuff link; nickel watch; comb; check book; American Express; $380; 1 collar button £16 10s. in gold; 14 shillings; nail clipper. FIRST CLASS PASSENGER. NAME - DR. W. E. MINAHAN.

Legacy and Aftermath

What happened to Dr Minahan’s remains and estate?

His body was forwarded to his brother Victor in Green Bay, Wisconsin on May 2, 1912.
He was buried in Green Bay.
In a disturbing incident in 1985, trophy hunters desecrated his mausoleum and stole his skull, which was later recovered and reinterred.

How did Dr Minahan’s death impact his family financially?

Dr Minahan left behind a substantial estate:

Valued at $81,000
Life insurance policies amounting to between $130,000 and $200,000
His widow Lillian and daughter Maude were the beneficiaries

What became of Dr Minahan’s family?

Lillian Mae Minahan (second wife): Survived the Titanic disaster, moved to California, remarried twice, and passed away in 1962.
Mary Elizabeth Dignin (first wife): Continued to live in Wisconsin until her death on March 19, 1952.
Maude Olive Minahan (daughter): Worked as a school teacher, never married, and died in Green Bay, Wisconsin on March 26, 1961.

Dr William Edward Minahan’s life and tragic death on the Titanic serve as a poignant reminder of the many accomplished individuals who perished in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters. His story, from his successful medical career to his final brave moments on the sinking ship, continues to fascinate those interested in the human stories behind the Titanic’s victims.