Patrick Fox was born in Killaroo, Killare near Mullingar in Co Westmeath, Ireland on 15 July 1883.
Coming from a Roman Catholic family, Patrick was the son of John Fox (b. 1833), a farmer, and his wife Bridget Killian (b. 1851), Westmeath natives who were married in Ballymore, Co Longford on 25 February 1873.
One of nine children, Patrick's siblings were: Mary (b. 30 January 1874), Ellen (b. 17 March 1876), Bridget (b. 6 January 1879), Anne (b. 13 August 1881), Catherine (b. 14 November 1887), Margaret (b. 7 October 1889) and Christina (b. 17 April 1892). An unnamed sister was born on 2 June 1885 but lived just five minutes.
Patrick was shown on the 1901 census living and working as a farmhand in Clyglass, Killare, Co Westmeath whilst his parents where listed living at house 3 in Killaroo, Killare.
Fox first left Irish shores in April 1909 aboard the Merion, bound for the home of his sister Bridget (Mrs Frank Murray) in New York. Upon arrival in New York he was described as a 26-year-old labourer and as standing at 5' 7" and with dark hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion.
Making a decent living for himself, Fox returned to Ireland sometime in late 1910 or early 1911 for an extended visit. He appeared on the 1911 census living with his family at house 1 in Killaroo, Killare and it was later his intention to buy land from the neighbouring Conlon family. During his stay his mother died from heart disease on 2 June 1911. Therefore, Fox made plans to return to the USA and settle his affairs there before returning to Ireland permanently.
Describing himself as a 26-year-old labourer, Fox boarded the Titanic at Queenstown as a third class passenger (ticket number 368573 which cost £7, 15s).
Patrick Fox died in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified.
His father, who was battling with senility, died just over a year later on 3 May 1913. Just prior to that, in March his younger sister Christina had emigrated, travelling to New York aboard Campania.
Comment and discuss
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Hey there! My name's Richard and I'm 19. Ever since I watched the film "A Night to Remember" at the age of 9, I have been completely obsessed with the Titanic story. I know quite alot about the main characters, except those who interest me most. One in particular would have to be Mr. Patrick Fox, who came from my home-town - Mullingar, Co. Westmeath in Ireland. I've done my utmost to research him, but just found out the basic facts. I'd love to know more about his early life - school; work...If anyone out there can help me I'd greatly appreciate it!!!
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Richard, have you seen the biography on him in Senan Molony's "The Irish Aboard Titanic?" There is also a good photo of him. The second printing of the book has just been released in Ireland. Phil
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My great grandmother was dating Patrick fox around that time . My grandfather was a Irish immigrant and always told me that his mothers true love was lost at sea . He later found out he was on the titanic when he died I never believed my grandfather until I looked up Mr Fox name .
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