Edith Corse Evans - Titanic Universe

Who was Miss Edith Corse Evans?

Miss Edith Corse Evans was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic who tragically perished in the ship’s sinking. Born on September 21, 1875, she was one of only four first-class women passengers who did not survive the disaster, remembered for her selfless act of allowing another passenger to take her place in a lifeboat.

Early Life and Family

A Privileged Upbringing

Edith Corse Evans was born into a prominent family in New York City. Her parents were:

Father: Cadwalader Evans (1847-1880)
Mother: Angeline (Lena) Burr Corse

Edith had an older sister, Lena, born on June 22, 1873. Tragically, Edith’s father passed away when she was only five years old, leaving her mother to raise the two girls.

Life in New York and European Travel

A Sophisticated New Yorker

As a resident of New York City, Miss Evans likely enjoyed the vibrant social life of the upper class in the early 20th century. Her background and status as a first-class passenger on the Titanic suggest she was well-educated and accustomed to luxury.

European Adventure

Prior to boarding the Titanic, Edith had embarked on a trip to Europe. This journey included a visit to her cousins in Paris, highlighting her connections across the Atlantic and her taste for travel. Such excursions were common among the American elite of the time, often combining leisure with family visits and cultural experiences.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding and Accommodations

Miss Evans boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as a first-class passenger. Her ticket number was 17531, and she was assigned to cabin A-29, situated on the promenade deck of the ship. This luxurious accommodation would have provided her with comfortable quarters for what was meant to be a grand voyage across the Atlantic.

Onboard Connections

During the voyage, Edith joined a group of sisters:

Mrs. E. D. Appleton
Mrs. John Murray Brown
Mrs. R. C. Cornell

She also became acquainted with Colonel Archibald Gracie, a fellow passenger who gallantly offered his services to unaccompanied ladies on board. These connections paint a picture of the social interactions among the first-class passengers and the chivalrous attitudes of the era.

The Night of the Sinking

A Fateful Decision

In the early hours of April 15, 1912, as the Titanic was sinking, Miss Evans found herself in a crucial moment that would define her legacy. After the main lifeboats had been launched, she and Mrs. John Murray Brown were guided by Colonel Gracie to Collapsible D, one of the last lifeboats being prepared for launch.

An Act of Selflessness

As they reached the boat, Miss Evans made a decision that would cost her her life but save another. She turned to Mrs. Brown and said, “You go first, you have children waiting at home.” This selfless act allowed Mrs. Brown to board the lifeboat while Evans hesitated, ultimately missing her chance to be saved.

Conflicting Accounts

The exact fate of Edith Corse Evans after this moment remains uncertain:

One account suggests that as Collapsible D was being lowered, seaman William Lucas called up to Miss Evans, saying, “There’s another boat going to be put down for you.”
Another version places her in the waterlogged Collapsible A, where she allegedly succumbed to the cold during the night.

The truth of her final moments remains a mystery, adding to the poignancy of her story.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Rare Tragedy

Edith Corse Evans holds a unique place in Titanic history as one of only four first-class women passengers who did not survive the disaster. This statistic underscores the “women and children first” policy that was generally followed during the evacuation, making her death all the more notable.

Unfound but Not Forgotten

Miss Evans’ body was never recovered from the Atlantic, leaving no physical memorial of her final resting place. However, her act of selflessness in the face of mortal danger has ensured that her memory lives on in the annals of Titanic history.

Miss Edith Corse Evans’ story embodies the tragedy and heroism that defined that fateful night. Her sacrifice serves as a testament to the human capacity for altruism even in the darkest of moments, ensuring that she will be remembered not just as a victim of the Titanic disaster, but as an example of the noblest aspects of human nature.