Who was Mr Arthur Larned Ryerson?

Mr Arthur Larned Ryerson was a prominent 61 (sixty-one) year-old American passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A first-class traveler from Haverford, Pennsylvania, Ryerson was known for his business acumen and his tragic fate as one of the victims of the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Family

Arthur Larned Ryerson was born on January 12, 1851, in the United States. By 1912, he had established himself as a successful businessman and was part of a well-respected family. Ryerson was married to Emily Maria Ryerson, and together they had several children, including Emily Borie, John Borie, and Suzette Parker Ryerson.

The Fateful Journey

Boarding the Titanic

On April 10, 1912, Mr. Ryerson boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, along with his wife and three of their children. They were traveling first-class, having purchased ticket number 17608 for the considerable sum of £262 7s 6d. The family occupied cabins B57, B63, and B66, showcasing their affluent status.

Reason for Travel

The Ryersons were not on a pleasure trip. Tragically, they were hurrying back to America after receiving news of the death of their son, Arthur Ryerson Jr. Their final destination was set to be Cooperstown, New York.

Traveling Companions

Accompanying the Ryerson family on this journey were:

Emily Maria Ryerson (wife)
Emily Borie Ryerson (daughter)
John Borie Ryerson (son)
Suzette Parker Ryerson (daughter)
Victorine Chaudanson (Mrs. Ryerson’s maid)

Interesting Connections Aboard the Titanic

Mr. Ryerson’s presence on the Titanic intersected with several interesting connections:

A Distant Relative: Unbeknownst to Arthur, his distant fourth cousin, William Edwy Ryerson, was also aboard the Titanic, working as a steward in the dining saloon.
Business Acquaintance: It’s possible that Arthur was acquainted with Ann Isham, another passenger, as he was a partner in her father’s firm.

The Tragic Sinking

Final Moments

As the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, and began to sink, chaos ensued. Despite being a first-class passenger, Mr. Arthur Larned Ryerson did not survive the disaster.

Aftermath

Arthur Ryerson was lost in the sinking on April 15, 1912, at the age of 61 (sixty-one). His body, if recovered, was never identified, adding to the tragedy for his surviving family members.

Legacy

The story of Arthur Larned Ryerson is a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His family’s rush to return home due to one tragedy, only to be caught in an even greater one, underscores the cruel twists of fate that the sinking represents.

While Arthur did not survive, several members of his family did, including his wife Emily and their children who were on board. Their survival and subsequent lives would carry forward the memory of Arthur and the fateful journey that claimed his life.

The Ryerson family’s experience on the Titanic, with its mix of survival and loss, continues to be a compelling part of the ship’s enduring legacy, reminding us of the human stories behind one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.