Who was Mr Alexander Taylor Compton Jr?

Mr Alexander Taylor Compton Jr was a 37 (thirty-seven) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic who tragically perished in the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912. Born into a prominent family, Compton was known for his extensive travels, business ventures in the hotel industry, and his calm demeanor in the face of the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Family

Alexander Taylor Compton Jr was born on August 16, 1874, in Manhattan, New York. He came from a distinguished family:

• Father: Alexander Taylor Compton Sr. (b. 1842), a lawyer from Newark, New Jersey
• Mother: Mary Eliza Ingersoll (b. 1847), from Westchester, New York
• Siblings:
  • Sara Rebecca Compton (b. 1872), elder sister
  • Lorin Ingersoll Compton (1870-1872), brother who died in infancy

The Compton family’s movements can be traced through census records:

• 1880: Living in New York
• 1885: Residing in East Orange, New Jersey

A significant change in the family dynamics occurred on January 30, 1902, when Alexander’s father passed away. Following this loss, the remaining family members settled in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Career and Lifestyle

What was Alexander Compton’s profession?

While specific details about Alexander’s profession are not provided, it’s clear that he was involved in the hotel industry. The Compton family:

• Owned various hotels in New Hampshire and Louisiana
• Maintained a summer residence at the Laurel House in Lakewood, New Jersey

This suggests that Alexander was likely involved in the management or ownership of these properties, continuing the family’s business interests.

Personal Interests

Beyond his business activities, Alexander Compton Jr was known for two notable characteristics:

1. Avid Traveler: He and his family traveled extensively, indicating a worldly and adventurous nature.
2. Keen Golfer: This hobby suggests he enjoyed outdoor activities and possibly moved in affluent social circles where golf was popular.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Accommodations

Alexander Compton Jr boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by his mother Mary and sister Sara. Their journey details were as follows:

• Class: First Class
• Ticket Number: PC 17756
• Ticket Price: £83 3s 2d (equivalent to approximately £10,000 in 2023)
• Cabin: E-52

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic was sinking, Alexander Compton Jr displayed remarkable composure and selflessness:

“Don’t be foolish, mother. You and sister go ahead. I’ll look out for myself.”

These were reportedly his last words to his mother, who was reluctant to leave him behind. This poignant moment encapsulates the tragedy of the Titanic, where families were torn apart in the chaos of the sinking.

Legacy and Remembrance

What happened to Alexander Compton after the sinking?

Tragically, Alexander Compton Jr did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This lack of closure was a common and heartbreaking outcome for many Titanic victims’ families.

How is Alexander Compton remembered?

While Alexander’s life was cut short, his memory lives on in several ways:

1. Family Monument: He is memorialized on the family monument in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Newark, New Jersey.
2. Historical Records: His story, preserved in Titanic passenger lists and survivor accounts, continues to be studied by historians.
3. Family Survival: The survival of his mother and sister ensured that his memory and final brave acts were passed down through generations.

Alexander Taylor Compton Jr’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice displayed by many passengers in their final moments. His calm reassurance to his family in the face of impending doom exemplifies the “women and children first” ethos that has become synonymous with the Titanic’s sinking.