The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-04-29

young Irish women were saved In the Titanic disaster after burning their straw hats for signals, and how one of the young women accepted a life belt from her fiance who perished as they were clipping to America, was the story of two young sisters who fought the seamen in a lifeboat to save their brother struggling in the water, and was told for the first time yesterday when the thirty survivors met at the Lady of the Rosary Mission. at7 State street, and received aid from the Irish Immigrant Society
 Father Michael J. Henry, the Eat fair, and at the conclusion of the meeting gave each young woman $25 in cash, the gift of the Irish Immi- grant Society.
 Hoping Girl Tells Story.
 Perhaps the most interesting story was that told by Miss Margaret Mur- phy, pretty girl with rosy cheeks and Irish blue eyes. who left her home in Fostra, County Longford, unknown to her parents and relatives, with the intention of marrying here John Kier- nan, nefghbor, who was in her par ty. When the critical moment on SuipUOdiQ CdIle, hlcTudu gave up ulS life for her when he surrendered his iifebelt to her and saw her safely in a lifeboat. She said:
 'The night before the little group in our village was to leave to go aboard the Titanic, together with several oth- CT young women and men, I slipped away from my home. carrying all the clothes I could, and went to the Kier- nan home, where farewell party was being held. At that time had prom ised to wait at home until MT. Kier- nan would come to this country and make a place. Then I was going to join him. But the thoughts of being separated from him was too much for me and I decided to run away from home
 "At the Kiernan home I was receiv- ed kindly, as we were all neighbors. At the first opportunity I told Mr. Kierpan of my purpose. He reluct- antly agreed. He was twenty-five years old and I am nineteen.
 When we heard the Titanic was doomed we left our berths and rushed on deck. T saw boat after boat being loaded with passengers while I stood trembling at the side of MT. Kiernan. He tried to cheer me, and the truth of the matter is that I never thought for moment that the steamship was going down.
 was sinking MT. Kiernan took a lifebelt off himself for me and assisted me in one of the last lifeboats We kissed each other good bye and he promised to see me SOon."
 Miss Murphy could not restrain her self longer as she told this story and broke into tears. When she regained her composure she said:
 T saw the poor fellow go down with the Titanic soon afterward, and I felt mighty mean to know that I had a lifebelt around me which might have saved poor John."
 Miss Murphy is here at the home of her sister at 3649 Olinville avenue, the Bronx.
 Sisters Save Drowning Brother.
 Another dramatic story was that told by two sisters, the Misses Agnes and Alice Mccoy, who saved their brother, Bernard. after the seamen at the oars fought him off as he strug- gled in the water when the Titanic was sinking. Between sobs Miss Agnes Mccoy recounted the harrow ing experience. She said:
 Both my sister and I wanted to remain on shipboard when they would not allow poor Bernard to come in the lifeboat with us. He told us to go ahead, but we thought If one was going to drown we might as we'll all
 
 into the lifeboat and while we fought and cried it was lowered over the side. The boat bobbed around in the wa ter for some time before the men got at the oars and the first thing I knew I saw a form whir1 through the air and splash into the water near our boat.
 ''When the form came up I recog- nized it is as Bernard. I cried to my sister, who was nearer him than, I, to help him. The poor boy took hold Of the off side of the boat and stag gered to his rescue. Several persons pushed me back and I saw a seaman strike Bernard's hands with an oar. Then he tried to beat him off by striking him on the head and shoul- ders.
 "It was more than I could stand, and, calling to Alice, I made for the seaman With more strength than I thought I ever possessed I threw tho man to the bottom of the boat and held him there fast. Yes, maybe did hit him once or twice, but I think I was Justified under the circum- stances.
 "In the meantime Alice helped the poor boy over the side and lifted him to safety. I think every one on board the lifeboat was highly elated and perfectly satisfied that our broth CT was safe with us. We need him with us here, as any two sisters do.'
 Burn Hats to Attract Aid. Miss Mary Devaney, who is hera ---AAa> a-~- -.-A~<, at as1 Sixth avenue