Mr. Owen Connelly, Trimmer

Owen Connelly, 51, listed as a trimmer aboard Lusitania, was a fireman aboard the ship. He and his wife, Delia, were born British subjects, but immigrated to the United States. They married in New York City on 5 October 1892. All of their children were born in the United States. In May 1906, Connelly declared his intention to become a United States citizen but did not continue to pursue citizenship. His widow, Delia Connelly, continued to be a British subject, although allegedly on 24 February 1916, she declared her intention to become an American citizen.

At the time of Connelly’s death his wages were $25 per week with board and lodgings furnished him on the steamship where he worked. He had made arrangements to quit the sea and take employment with a building contractor at an increase of wages. Connelly was known as a hard working man who contributed nearly all of his earnings to support his wife and children.

Owen and Delia had seven children. At the time of Owen’s death, daughters Margaret Ernest and Mary O’Brien were already married. Another daughter, Annie I. Monahan, married between then and 1924. Owen and Delia’s son Owen was old enough to be self-sustaining at the time of his father’s death.

The three younger children, Nora, Andrew, and Francis Augusta, aged 12, 10, and 5½ years respectively, were at that time wholly dependent upon their father for support. The Mixed Claims Commission awarded Nora Connelly $1,000.00, Andrew Connelly $1,000.00, and Francis Augusta Connelly $1,500.00 for the loss of their father.

Related pages

Owen Connelly at the Mixed Claims Commission

References:
Mixed Claims Commission. Docket No. 4065, pg. 585.