Women’s Roles in the Rescue
Connections Quilt
It was nearing the end of a bleak winter and food stocks were low. When the SS Atlantic wrecked and sank in the early morning of April 1st , 1873, the need for the locals to share the little they had was obvious, and the response was generous. Some of what they shared included bread, tea, jam, salt herring and mackerel, cheese, dried apples, and molasses.
Many of those who escaped the sinking ship – terrified and hurried – had nothing on but their night clothes. Warmth was offered around family stoves, and it’s likely that homemade quilts or blankets were wrapped around the shoulders of shivering men.
We want to recognize and celebrate the compassion and care of local women following the wreck of the SS Atlantic, as well as the work of present-day women who serve as first responders.
Although it is impossible to compile a complete list of the women who cared for and comforted the survivors after the wreck, we want to acknowledge the names we have. Please CONTACT US if you know of others - we’d love to add them.
Sarah Jane Clancy O’Reilly
Elizabeth Clancy
Kate O’Brien
Agatha O’Brien
Margaret McGuire Christian
Elizabeth Hearn Ryan
There were certainly other women who helped. Although they were not mentioned by name in documents from that time, they were the wives of some of the men in the rescue boats and there is no doubt that they were a part of a larger group of caregivers. They include:
Mary Coolen Ryan
Ellen Coolen Ryan
Mary Ann O’Brien Ryan
Annie Norris Blackburn
Elizabeth Simmonds Blackburn
Catherine Cavanaugh Blackburn
Connecting with Present-day First Responders
