Mr James Blaney

Mr James Blaney¹, 32, was born in Ballycastle, County Antrim (Parish of Craigs), Ireland on 10 January 1880 the son of John Blaney (1841-1908) and Catherine McAtamney (1859-1942).  Blaney's family were blacksmiths in Rasharkin and later Ballintoy on the coast near Ballycastle.   James had four sisters and a brother most of whom moved to the Eastern USA². 

Blaney moved to Scotland and is listed in the 1901 census of Scotland.

On 15 February 1902 he was enlisted into the 4th Highland Light Infantry (71st & 74th Foot).  When he signed up he gave his birthplace as Reshirkin Parish, Antrim and his current residence as 205 Main Street, Coatbridge, Old Monkland, Lanarkshire.  He had previously been working as a labourer at the Clyde tubeworks. He was descibed as 5ft 4in. in height, 166 lb in weight, with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and Brown eyes. He had several tatoos which were also described in detail.  He was declared fit and signed for a term of six years service as a Private.

Sometime after leaving the army he joined the White Star Line as a fireman.

When he signed onto the Titanic he gave his age as 29, and his address as the Sailors' Home, Southampton. He had transferred from the Narrung³.

Blaney died in the disaster, his body was never recovered.

Notes

1. The US Senate crew list gives the name as Blancy.
2. His siblings were: Mary Jane Blaney (1876-1959), Annie Blaney (1882-?), Daniel Joseph Blaney (1884-1967), Catherine Blaney (1887-1940), Sarah Blaney (1891-1953)
3. Stringer lists the ship as "Harung"

References and Sources

United States Senate, Washington 1912. n° 806, Crew List
Craig Stringer Titanic People (CDROM)
Ireland, Births and Baptisms, 1620-1911 Ancestry.com
Titanic Stories : Ballycastle Connections : www.the-titanic.com
British Army Service Records (WO96 / 1098 / 23)
1901 Census of Scotland