Clara Jennings Hays

Who was Mrs Clara Jennings Hays?

Mrs Clara Jennings Hays was a prominent American first-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on October 13, 1859, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the wife of Charles Melville Hays, a notable railway executive. Clara’s life was marked by her experience on the Titanic and her dignified response to the tragedy that claimed her husband’s life.

Early Life and Family

Clara Jennings Gregg, as she was born, came from a well-to-do background in St. Louis. While details of her early life are scarce, her later actions and associations suggest she was raised in a socially prominent family. She married Charles Melville Hays, who would become the president of the Grand Trunk Railway.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding the Unsinkable Ship

On April 10, 1912, Mrs. Clara Jennings Hays, at the age of 52 (fifty-two), boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton. She was accompanied by:

Her husband, Charles Melville Hays
Their daughter, Orian Davidson
Orian’s husband, Thornton Davidson
Their maid, Anne Perreault

The family was returning to their home in Montreal, Quebec, after a trip to Europe. As befitting their status, the Hays traveled in first-class accommodations.

Luxurious Accommodations

The Hays occupied cabin B-69, one of the ship’s more luxurious staterooms. Their ticket, number 12749, cost £93 10s (equivalent to about £11,000 or $14,000 in 2023), highlighting the opulence of their travel arrangements.

The Night of the Sinking

A Tragic Separation

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg, Clara’s life changed forever. While she managed to survive the sinking, her husband Charles was not as fortunate.

Rescue in Lifeboat 3

Clara Jennings Hays was rescued in Lifeboat 3, one of the first lifeboats to be launched from the starboard side of the ship. This early evacuation likely contributed to her survival, as later lifeboats faced more chaotic conditions.

After the Titanic

A Dignified Response

In the aftermath of the disaster, Clara Hays demonstrated remarkable grace and dignity. When approached about suing the White Star Line for damages, she famously replied:

“When one is a guest, one does not sue one’s host.”

This statement not only reflected her personal integrity but also revealed that the Hays family had been traveling as guests of Bruce Ismay, the White Star Line’s managing director.

Retreat to Summer Home

Following the tragedy, Clara spent more time at her summer home on Cushing Island, Maine, than in Montreal. This retreat may have offered solace and a chance to heal away from the public eye.

Legacy and Final Years

Maintaining Connections

Despite the loss of her husband, Clara maintained her social connections and dignity throughout her later years. Her survival and subsequent actions contributed to the historical record of the Titanic disaster.

A Long Life After Tragedy

Clara Jennings Hays lived for many years after the Titanic sinking. She passed away on February 1, 1955, in Montreal at the age of 95 (ninety-five). In a final poignant gesture, she was laid to rest next to her husband Charles Melville Hays in Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal, reunited in death after their tragic separation at sea.

What was Clara Hays’ lasting impact?

Clara Jennings Hays’ lasting impact lies not just in her survival of the Titanic disaster, but in the grace and dignity with which she handled the aftermath. Her refusal to sue the White Star Line, despite losing her husband, stands as a testament to a different era of social etiquette and personal honor. Today, she is remembered not only as a Titanic survivor but as a woman who faced unimaginable tragedy with remarkable poise and strength.