Dr. Alice May Leader: A Pioneering Physician and Titanic Survivor

Who was Dr. Alice May Leader? Born on May 10, 1862, in Batavia, New York, Alice May Leader (née Farnham) was an American doctor who broke barriers in the medical field and survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Her remarkable life journey spans from her privileged upbringing to her groundbreaking career in medicine and her dramatic experience aboard the ill-fated ocean liner.

Early Life and Family Background

Alice May Farnham was born into a prominent New York family. Her parents were:

• Father: Reuben Humphreys Farnham (1827-1902), a successful businessman
• Mother: Frances Elizabeth Humphreys (1841-1909)

The Farnham family, with its English ancestry, had deep roots in American soil. Alice grew up with four siblings:

1. Anna Elizabeth (born 1868)
2. Edith (born 1871)
3. Reuben (1873-1919)
4. Jessie (born 1877)

A Father’s Influence

Reuben Humphreys Farnham’s career path significantly influenced the family’s status:

• Admitted to the Bar in 1852
• Made his fortune in Kansas real estate
• Established the First National Bank of Batavia in 1864
• Operated a brewery in Attica, New York

His business acumen and community involvement set a strong example for young Alice.

Education and Early Career

How did Alice Leader pave her way in medicine?

Alice’s journey into medicine was extraordinary for a woman of her time:

1. Graduated from Attica Union Academy
2. Entered medical school in Philadelphia
3. Studied in Paris, France
4. Returned to the USA to serve in prestigious institutions:
   • Willard Insane Asylum
   • Insane Asylum of New York City

Her pursuit of a medical career was a testament to her determination and intellect, challenging the gender norms of the late 19th century.

Marriage and Professional Life

On November 2, 1892, Alice married John Augustine Leader in Buffalo, New York. Their union was marked by shared professional interests:

• Both were prominent physicians in Lewiston, Maine
• The couple remained childless, focusing on their medical careers

Tragically, John Leader died suddenly in Boston on October 9, 1900, at the age of 37 (thirty-seven), leaving Alice a widow at 38 (thirty-eight).

The Titanic Journey

What brought Dr. Leader aboard the Titanic?

In 1912, at the age of 49 (forty-nine), Dr. Alice Leader boarded the RMS Titanic in Southampton, returning from a three-month vacation in Panama and France. Her Titanic experience was notable:

• Traveled as a first-class passenger
• Ticket number: 17465
• Ticket cost: £25 18s 7d
• Cabin: D17, shared with Mrs. Margaret Swift
• Acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Kenyon on board

The Night of the Sinking

When disaster struck on April 14, 1912, Dr. Leader’s medical training and composure were evident:

• Rescued in lifeboat 8
• Reported seeing no panic during the evacuation
• Praised the generosity of those aboard the Carpathia towards survivors

Her firsthand account provides valuable insight into the human response to the tragedy.

Life After the Titanic

Dr. Leader’s resilience shone through in her post-Titanic life:

• Immediately returned to her medical practice in New York
• Continued working until retirement (sometime between the 1920s and 1936)
• Frequently visited Orlando, Florida, where her married sister resided

Legacy and Final Years

Alice May Leader’s life was a testament to breaking barriers and surviving adversity. She passed away on April 20, 1944, at the age of 81 (eighty-one), while visiting relatives in Orlando, Florida. Her final resting place is in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica, New York, where her remarkable journey began.

Dr. Leader’s legacy encompasses not only her survival of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters but also her pioneering spirit in the field of medicine. Her life story continues to inspire, showcasing the resilience and determination of women in the early 20th century who dared to challenge societal norms and pursue their passions.