Benjamin Hart
Who was Mr Benjamin Hart?
Mr Benjamin Hart was a 47 (forty-seven) year-old English builder from Ilford, Essex, who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912. He was a second-class passenger traveling with his wife and daughter to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada when the fateful voyage took place.
Early Life and Family
Benjamin Hart was born on December 25, 1864, in England. While details about his early life are limited, we know that he married Emily Esther Louisa Hart and together they had a daughter named Eva Miriam Hart. The family resided in Ilford, Essex, before deciding to embark on a new chapter of their lives in Canada.
The Hart Family’s Titanic Journey
Ticket and Accommodation Details
- Class: 2nd Class
- Ticket Number: 13529
- Fare: £26 5s (26 pounds, 5 shillings)
The Hart family boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton, hoping to start a new life in Winnipeg. As second-class passengers, they would have enjoyed comfortable accommodations, though not as luxurious as those in first class.
The Fateful Night
On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg, the Hart family’s lives changed forever. In the chaos that ensued, Benjamin ensured that his wife Esther and daughter Eva made it to safety.
“My father stood there, smoking a cigarette. He knew he was going to die.” - Eva Hart, in later years, recalling her last memory of her father.
Survival of Esther and Eva
While Benjamin perished in the disaster, his wife Esther and daughter Eva were among the fortunate survivors. They were rescued in lifeboat 14, one of the last to leave the sinking ship. This lifeboat was notable for being commanded by Fifth Officer Harold Lowe, who later returned to the wreckage to search for survivors.
Benjamin’s Legacy
Although Benjamin Hart did not survive to see his family’s new life in Canada, his sacrifice ensured the survival of his wife and daughter. Eva Hart, who was just seven years old at the time of the sinking, went on to become one of the most well-known Titanic survivors, often sharing her memories of that tragic night and keeping her father’s memory alive.
Impact on the Hart Family
The loss of Benjamin had a profound impact on the Hart family:
- Esther Hart never remarried, raising Eva as a single mother
- Eva developed a lifelong fear of water and nightmares about the disaster
- The family’s plans for a new life in Canada were abandoned, and they returned to England
Remembering Benjamin Hart
Today, Benjamin Hart is remembered not only as a victim of the Titanic disaster but as a father and husband who ensured his family’s survival in the face of tragedy. His story, along with those of many others, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic’s sinking and the bravery displayed by passengers and crew in their final hours.
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Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.