[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E524-E525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MARKING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SINKING OF THE TITANIC WITH THE 
          STORY OF THE KELLY FAMILY OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, April 14th will mark the 100th Anniversary 
of the Titanic tragedy and for one family, the Kellys of New Haven, 
Connecticut, it will mark the anniversary of the loss of a very special 
member of their family, James Kelly. The Titanic Kellys, as they have 
been known since the days of this tragedy, will gather for a reunion 
and a celebration of the strength and resiliency of this wonderful 
family.
  In the early part of the 20th century, life in Leixlip, Ireland was 
difficult to say the least and James Kelly determined that it was time 
for his family to seek a new life in America. In order to obtain the 
necessary money to move the family, the eldest daughter, Margaret left 
her home and family and immigrated to New Haven, Connecticut where she 
would work until she had earned enough for her father to join her. The 
plan was for Margaret and James to then work to bring the rest of the 
family to New Haven.
  Margaret worked at the garment company Strause-Adler and soon had 
enough wages saved to send to her father. It is not fully known exactly 
how James Kelly obtained passage on the Titanic, but what is known is 
that he boarded at Queenstown, Ireland and his ticket number was 
330911. This third class passage ticket was purchased for approximately 
$40.00 and being third class, James was segregated from the other 
passengers and, while his movement was limited, some of the 
accommodations were actually better than what he saw at his two room 
house in Leixlip. It is not hard to imagine the hope that was in his 
heart--the dreams of a better life for his family. Unfortunately, fate 
had different plans.

[[Page E525]]

  James Kelly did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was 
discovered by the Mackay-Bennett, which was one of the ships chartered 
by White Star Lines to recover bodies. Each body discovered was given a 
number and entered into a ledger--James Kelly was number 70. The ledger 
indicates he was buried at sea on April 21, 1912 wearing a dark suit, 
vest, trousers, white socks, black boots and a set of rosary beads.
  Even in the face of this tragedy and the loss of their patriarch, the 
Kelly family did not waiver. James' widow, Catherine, and their other 
children left Ireland and arrived in New Haven in June of 1912. While 
life in America was not without its challenges, they took it upon 
themselves to fight through the hardship and build a better life for 
their respective families. There are now more than 100 proud 
descendents of James Kelly living in our great country. The Kelly 
motto, ``God is My Tower of Strength,'' perfectly reflects the will 
power and vigor of the Titanic Kelly's and I am proud to join them as 
they celebrate their remarkable history.

                          ____________________