Edith Graham

Who was Mrs Edith Graham?

Mrs Edith Graham was a wealthy American first-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born as Edith Ware Junkins on December 6, 1853, in Bridgeport, Ohio, she was the wife of William Thompson Graham, a successful businessman and president of the American Can Company.

Early Life and Family

Edith was born into a family of five children, the daughter of Samuel Adam Junkins (1818-1909) and Alice Ann Townsend (1830-1897). Her siblings included:

• Ella (born 1852)
• Charles (born 1855)
• Minnie (born 1861)
• Kate (born 1868)

Growing up in Bridgeport, Ohio, Edith’s childhood was marked by the typical experiences of a mid-19th century American family.

Marriage and Children

How did Edith meet her husband?

Edith met her future husband, William Thompson Graham (1851-1932), in her hometown of Bridgeport, Ohio. The couple tied the knot on November 6, 1875, in Belmont County, Ohio, when Edith was 21 (twenty-one) years old.

Their union was blessed with seven known children:

1. William Townsend (born 1876)
2. Mary (born 1879)
3. Nellie Alice (born 1881)
4. John Joseph (born 1882)
5. Alice (born 1884)
6. Samuel Junkins (born 1886)
7. Margaret Edith (born 1893)

Life in Greenwich, Connecticut

Before the turn of the century, the Graham family relocated to Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut. This move coincided with William Thompson Graham’s rising success in the business world.

What was William Thompson Graham’s claim to fame?

William Thompson Graham was not only the President of the American Can Company but also one of the original backers of the ‘Dixie Cup’. This simple yet revolutionary invention significantly boosted the family’s already considerable wealth, allowing them to establish themselves comfortably in Greenwich by the early 1900s.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Edith Graham on the Titanic?

In 1912, at the age of 58 (fifty-eight), Edith embarked on a European trip accompanied by her youngest daughter, Margaret, and Margaret’s governess, Elizabeth Shutes. They were returning to the United States aboard the RMS Titanic, having boarded the ill-fated ship at Southampton.

Titanic Ticket Details:

The Night of the Sinking

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Edith and her companions found themselves in a perilous situation. According to a newspaper interview, they were assisted to the lifeboats by two gentlemen, Washington Roebling and Howard B. Case.

“They shouted goodbye to us, and then what do you think Mr Case did then? He just calmly lighted a cigarette and waved us goodbye with his hand. Mr Roebling stood there too - I can see him now. I am sure he knew that the ship would go to the bottom. But both just stood there.”

This poignant recollection showcases the bravery and composure of some of the male passengers in the face of certain doom.

Rescue and Survival

Edith Graham, along with her daughter Margaret and governess Elizabeth, were fortunate enough to be rescued in lifeboat 3. This lifeboat was one of the first to be launched from the starboard side of the ship, likely contributing to their survival.

Later Life and Legacy

Following the Titanic disaster, Edith returned to her estate in Greenwich, Connecticut. She continued to live there for the remainder of her life, perhaps forever changed by her experiences on that fateful night in April 1912.

Edith Graham passed away on December 29, 1924, at the age of 71 (seventy-one). She was laid to rest in Putnam Cemetery, Greenwich, Connecticut. Her husband, William Thompson Graham, outlived her by eight years, passing away in 1932.

Edith Graham’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and offers a glimpse into the lives of first-class passengers aboard the legendary ship. Her eyewitness account of the sinking continues to provide valuable insights into one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.