The Ryerson Family

By: Simon Bliss 

The Ryerson’s were aboard the Titanic on a vacation. They were going to explore all of Europe, but they decided to head back to the United States aboard the Titanic because they had learned  of the death of their son, Arthur Ryerson Jr. who died in an automobile crash.  Their family consisted of five people, Arthur Larned Ryerson (61), Emily Maria Ryerson (48), Emily Borie Ryerson (18), Susan Parker “Suzette” Ryerson (21), and John Borie Ryerson (13). They also brought with them their maid, Victorine Chaudanson. Their final destination was Cooperstown, NY.  Arthur’s ticket number was 17608 and it was priced £262 7s 6d.

Strangely, Arthur’s fourth cousin was aboard the Titanic working as a steward in the dining saloon. His name was William Edwy Ryerson.  He manned lifeboat number nine. After surviving the sinking, he returned to England, then he moved back to his home town Port Dover, Ontario and spent his life as a farmer. Arthur didn’t know that he was on the Titanic.

This first-class family was just on a vacation, and they probably weren’t worried. Almost no one was. The Titanic was the first ship deemed in history as unsinkable. But like everyone else, they were wrong. Luckily, four of them survived on lifeboat number four.

They made their destination of Cooperstown, NY, but Arthur wasn’t there. He didn’t come on the lifeboat because he wasn’t allowed. He died on the sinking Titanic. He knew that his family was safe, so he stayed onboard. He died, like many, of hypothermia. John almost wasn’t allowed. The officer said,”That boy can’t go.” John’s father said, “Of course that boy goes with his mother. He’s only thirteen.” Even though Arthur had to be left behind, the rest of the family was lucky to have survived.

Works Cited

"Mr. Arthur Larned Ryerson." Encyclopedia-Titanica. 8 Apr 2008 <http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/biography/252/>.

"Master John Borie Ryerson." Encyclopedia-Titanica. 8 Apr 2008 <http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/biography/256/>.

"Mrs. Emily Maria Ryerson." Encyclopedia-Titanica. 8 Apr 2008 <http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/biography/253/>.

Geller, Judith. Titanic-Women and Children First. 1. New York: Haynes Publishing, 1998.