Mary Daly Kane, mother of Daniel Kane, was listed on page 4 of the passenger manifest list of the “Black Star Line” packet ship “Empire State”. She was listed as a widow, 50 years old, born in Ireland, occupancy between decks (lowest cost ship transport) and immigrating to the United States. The “Black Star Line” packet ship “Empire State”, was piloted by Captain Luther J. Briggs, sailing from Liverpool, England on June 2, 1858 and arriving at New York City harbor N.Y. on July 26, 1858. Mary Daly Kane arrived in the United States about three months after Daniel Kane and Catherine Hegarty were married in Holy Trinity Catholic Church located in Georgetown, Washington D.C.
Deaths on ship voyages from Ireland to the United States were not unusual. The youngest person to die on this particular voyage of the “Black Star Line” packet ship “Empire State”, was Mary Lewis, the 9 month old daughter of Richard and Jane Lewis along with their other daughter, 2 years and 6 months old Jane Lewis. They were all from Wales and immigrating to the United States. 9 month old Mary Lewis died at sea on July 19, 1858 of pneumonia, about one week before the ship’s arrival at New York City harbor; she was the only one of her family that didn’t survive the trip.
A notable fact which shows the dangers and perils of sailing from Ireland to the United States was an incident of this particular voyage of the “Black Star Line” packet ship “Empire State” on which Mary Daly Kane was listed as a passenger on page 4 of the passenger manifest list.
The Daily Exchange newspaper, Baltimore, MD., Vol. 1 – No. 134, page 1, column 6;
“ALMOST A COLLISION WITH THE NIAGARA. – The Liverpool packet ship Empire State, Captain Briggs, who arrived yesterday, reports that on the 24th of June, when in lat. 52 07′ N., long. 33 30′ W., in a dense fog, he was near coming in collision with the U. S. frigate Niagara. He hailed the ship, but was unable to hear what was said in reply. – N. Y. Times.”
It is interesting to note the ship U.S. frigate Niagara, that almost collided with the “Black Star Line” packet ship “Empire State”, was assisting with the laying of the 1858 transatlantic telegraph cable connecting the United States to England.
Here are a couple more newspaper articles about this near collision incident which could have been a great disaster:
The New-York Times newspaper, New York, New York, edition of Monday, July 26, 1858, page 1, column 5;
ALMOST A COLLISION WITH THE NIAGARA. – The Liverpool pachet ship Empire State, Captain Briggs, who arrived yesterday, reports that on the 24th of June, when in lat. 52 07′ N. long. 33 30′ W., in a dense fog, he was near coming in collision with the U. S. frigate Niagara. He hailed the ship, but was unable to hear what was said in reply. Captain B. was boarded by a pilot from the J. M. Waterbury (No. 10) on the 21st inst., in lat. 40 57′, long. 67 20′ near George’s Banks.
The New-York Times newspaper, New York, New York, edition of Monday, July 26, 1858, page 8, column 6;
Ship Empire State, Briggs, Liverpool June 2, with mdse and 265 passengers to D & a, Kingsland & Sutton, July 21, lat 40 57. lon. 67 20, took a pilot from boat J M Waterbury, No. 10. July 22, lat 40 37, lon, 69, passed ship City of New-York. July 23, lat 40 21, lon. 70 20, passed ships Calliope and Rufus Choate, both bd E. July 24, lat 40 20, lon. 71 15 passed a three masted side wheel steamer, sta. E. The E. S. has been 20 da. W. of the Banks, with light winds and calms. June 24, lat. 52 7, lon. 33 30, came very near in contact during a dense fog, with U. S. steam frigate Niagara; hailed, but could not make out what was said. Had one birth and two deaths on board during the passage.