Who was Alice Catherine Cleaver?

Miss Alice Catherine Cleaver was a 22-year-old English nursemaid who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. She gained recognition for her role in saving the life of Trevor Allison, the infant son of wealthy passengers Hudson and Bess Allison, during the disaster.

Early Life and Career

Alice Catherine Cleaver was born on July 5, 1889, in Kentish Town, St. Pancras, London. She was the daughter of Joseph Cleaver, a postman, and Lavinia Alice Cleaver (née Thomas). The family resided at 42 Marquis Road, Pancras, at the time of her birth.

While still in her teens, Alice began working as a nursemaid for fashionable English families. By 1911, she had secured a position as a nursemaid in the Harley Street home of the Sargeant family, demonstrating her experience in childcare.

The Titanic Journey

How did Alice Cleaver come to be on the Titanic?

Alice Cleaver was hired by Montreal millionaires Hudson and Bess Allison as a last-minute replacement to care for their 10-month-old son, Trevor. This sudden opportunity led to her boarding the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912. She traveled in first class under the Allison’s ticket (No. 113781), with a fare of £151 16s.

What happened to Alice Cleaver on the night of the sinking?

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg, Alice’s quick thinking and dedication to her charge played a crucial role in saving young Trevor’s life. After the collision, Alice reportedly:

1. Bundled up baby Trevor
2. Went to Second Class to gather the rest of the Allison household
3. Boarded lifeboat 11, with Bedroom Steward William Faulkner helping by holding Trevor while Alice got in

It’s believed that in the chaos of the evacuation, the Allisons were unaware that Cleaver had safely taken their child off the ship.

Survival and Aftermath

The day after the sinking, Alice Cleaver and her colleague Sarah Daniels realized that they, along with Trevor and the cook Mildred Brown, were the only survivors from the Allison party. This revelation must have been both a relief and a source of grief for Alice.

How did Alice handle the media attention?

Upon arriving in New York with baby Trevor, Alice demonstrated remarkable discretion:

• She avoided talking to reporters by giving her name as “Jean”
• Despite her efforts, some pictures of her with Trevor were taken

This behavior shows Alice’s commitment to privacy and possibly her respect for the Allison family in the wake of the tragedy.

Life After the Titanic

After returning to England, Alice’s life took a new direction:

• On June 22, 1918, she married widower Edward James Williams (born 1891)
• Edward worked as a clerk and later became a surgical appliance manufacturer
• The couple had two daughters

Did Alice ever speak about her Titanic experience?

Although Alice reportedly never spoke publicly about the sinking, she did contribute to Walter Lord’s research for his book “A Night to Remember.” In a letter dated September 13, 1955, Alice (writing as Mrs. A. C. Williams) provided a detailed account of her experiences on the Titanic, offering valuable insights into the events of that night.

Legacy and Final Years

Alice Catherine Cleaver’s life spanned nearly a century. She passed away on November 1, 1984, in Winchester, Hampshire, at the age of 95 (ninety-five). Her remains were cremated at Southampton crematorium on November 7, 1984, though the whereabouts of her ashes are unknown.

Alice’s story remains a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of the Titanic’s survivors, particularly those responsible for the safety of others. Her actions in saving Trevor Allison, while unable to help the rest of the family, encapsulate the tragic and heroic nature of that fateful night in April 1912.