William John Doherty: A Tragic Tale of the Titanic

William John Doherty was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Irish barman who lost his life in the infamous Titanic disaster. Born on July 27, 1889, in Dunmanway, Co Cork, Ireland, Doherty’s story is one of unfulfilled dreams and a fateful journey that ended in tragedy.

Early Life and Family Background

A Cork Native with Irish Roots

William John Doherty was born into a Roman Catholic family with strong Irish roots. His father, William O’Doherty, hailed from Co Leitrim and served as a policeman with the Royal Irish Constabulary. His mother, Anne Golden, was a native of Cork. The couple married on January 21, 1886, in Donoughmore.

Siblings and Family Life

William was one of five surviving children in the Doherty family:

• Thomas Peter (born 1888)
• Annie (born 1893)
• John James (born 1894)
• Bartholomew Hugh (1895-1914)

Tragically, another brother died in infancy.

Growing Up in Cork

The Doherty family’s life was marked by several moves:

1. In 1901, they resided at 8 Cross Lane in Rosscarbery, a small town in west Co Cork.
2. By 1911, they had relocated to Cork City, living at 12 Old Market Place.

During this time, William’s father faced challenges in his career. He was described as “superannuated” in the 1911 census, possibly due to perceived Irish Republican political leanings during a tumultuous period in Irish history.

William’s Career and Life in Cork

What was William’s occupation before boarding the Titanic?

Before his fateful journey, William worked as a barman at W. F. O’Callaghan’s at Daunt Square in Cork City. This job likely provided him with valuable experience in customer service and may have influenced his decision to seek opportunities abroad.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a New Adventure

William Doherty boarded the Titanic at Queenstown on April 11, 1912, as a third-class passenger. Interestingly, he traveled under an assumed name, James Moran, using a ticket he had purchased from an acquaintance.

Ticket Details

Why did William board under a different name?

The reason for William using the name James Moran remains unclear. It could have been due to the ticket being originally purchased by someone else, or perhaps William was trying to keep his travel plans discreet.

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, William John Doherty did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified. At just 22 years old, William’s life was cut short, leaving behind a grieving family in Cork.

Remembrance and Legacy

A Family’s Grief

The Doherty family placed a touching memorial in the Cork Examiner on April 15, 1916, four years after the disaster:

In sad and loving memory of William J. O’Doherty, 12. Old Market Place, who lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15th, 1912. On his soul Sweet Jesus, have mercy. (Inserted by his fond parents, brothers and sister).

This poignant tribute demonstrates the lasting impact of William’s loss on his family.

The Doherty Family After the Tragedy

Despite the loss of William, the Doherty family remained rooted in Cork:

• William’s father passed away in 1926
• His mother died in 1933

These dates suggest that the family continued to honor William’s memory for many years after the disaster.

William Doherty’s Place in Titanic History

William John Doherty’s story, while tragic, serves as a reminder of the many individual lives affected by the Titanic disaster. As one of the many third-class passengers who perished, his experience highlights the disproportionate impact the sinking had on those traveling in steerage.

William’s journey from a small town in Cork to his untimely death on the Titanic encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of many Irish emigrants of his time. Though his life was cut short, his story continues to be told, ensuring that the memory of William John Doherty and others like him lives on in the annals of Titanic history.