Catherine David Barbara

Who was Mrs Catherine David Barbara?

Mrs Catherine David Barbara was a 45 (forty-five) year-old Syrian/Lebanese woman who tragically lost her life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912. She was a third-class passenger and worked as a housekeeper.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1867, Catherine David Barbara hailed from Syria or Lebanon, which were part of the Ottoman Empire at the time. Little is known about her early life, but her occupation as a housekeeper suggests she was a hardworking individual who likely supported herself through domestic work.

Journey on the Titanic

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Mrs Barbara embarked on the Titanic at Cherbourg, France. She traveled as a third-class passenger, holding ticket number 2691. The cost of her passage was £14 9s 1d, a significant sum for a third-class ticket at the time.

Traveling Companion

Mrs Catherine David Barbara was not traveling alone. She boarded the Titanic with Miss Saiide Barbara, to whom she was likely related. This familial connection suggests that the two women might have been embarking on a new chapter in their lives, possibly seeking opportunities in America like many other immigrants of their time.

What Happened to Mrs Barbara During the Disaster?

Tragically, Mrs Catherine David Barbara did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, her chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class. The chaos and confusion during the evacuation, combined with the limited number of lifeboats, contributed to the high loss of life among third-class passengers.

Recovery Efforts

“Mrs Barbara lost her life in the disaster. Her body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This somber statement encapsulates the tragic end of Mrs Barbara’s journey. In the aftermath of the disaster, many bodies were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean. However, if Mrs Barbara’s body was among those found, it was never positively identified. This lack of closure was a common and heartbreaking outcome for many families of Titanic victims.

Legacy and Remembrance

While we have limited information about Mrs Catherine David Barbara’s personal life, her story is an important part of the larger Titanic narrative. She represents one of the many immigrant passengers who boarded the ship with hopes and dreams for a new life, only to have those aspirations tragically cut short.

Importance in Titanic History

Mrs Barbara’s story highlights several important aspects of the Titanic disaster:

• The diversity of passengers on board, including those from Middle Eastern countries
• The disproportionate impact of the disaster on third-class passengers
• The challenges in identifying and recovering victims

Her presence on the ship serves as a reminder of the global nature of transatlantic travel in the early 20th century and the diverse backgrounds of those who perished in the tragedy.

What Can We Learn from Mrs Barbara’s Story?

Mrs Catherine David Barbara’s tragic fate on the Titanic underscores the human cost of the disaster. While she may not have been a famous or wealthy passenger, her life and death are no less significant. Her story reminds us of the importance of remembering all victims of historical tragedies, regardless of their social status or background.

As we reflect on the Titanic’s history, it’s crucial to consider the individual stories like Mrs Barbara’s. They help us understand the full scope of the disaster and ensure that every life lost is honored and remembered.