Edward Austin Kent

Who was Mr Edward Austin Kent?

Mr Edward Austin Kent was a distinguished 58-year-old (fifty-eight-year-old) American architect and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on February 19, 1854, in Bangor, Maine, Kent was known for his architectural contributions in Buffalo, New York, and his tragic demise during the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

Edward Austin Kent was born into a family with strong ties to the mercantile world. His parents were:

• Father: Henry Mellen Kent (1823-1894), a dry goods merchant
• Mother: Harriet Ann Farnham (1830-1908)

Kent grew up with five siblings:

1. Ellen M. (1852-1904)
2. Charles J. (b. 1855)
3. William W. (b. 1859)
4. Charlotte M. (b. 1863)
5. Nora B. (b. 1867)

The Kent family’s journey took them from Bangor, Maine, to New York around 1865. By 1870, they had settled in Buffalo, Erie County, where Edward’s father became a partner in Flint & Kent, a prominent department store.

Education and Early Career

Kent’s educational background was impressive and diverse:

• Graduated from Yale University
• Studied at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris

This combination of American and European education laid the foundation for Kent’s successful career in architecture. After his studies, he:

1. Became a junior partner in the Syracuse, New York firm of Sillsbee and Kent
2. Later returned to Buffalo, where he was instrumental in founding the Buffalo Society of Architects

Architectural Achievements

Edward Austin Kent made significant contributions to the architectural landscape of Buffalo and beyond:

• Designed numerous buildings in Buffalo
• Created the Board of Trade building in Toronto, Ontario
• In 1897, designed the new building for Flint & Kent when the store moved to 554 Main Street

His professional life was marked by success and recognition. Kent maintained offices at Ellicott Square and resided at the prestigious Buffalo Club, underlining his status as a distinguished bachelor and respected architect in the city.

The Titanic Journey

Ticket and Cabin Details

• Ticket Number: 11771
• Ticket Cost: £29, 14s (29 pounds, 14 shillings)
• Cabin: B-37
• Class: First Class
• Point of Embarkation: Cherbourg

Kent boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg after spending two months in Europe, continuing his pattern as a frequent transatlantic traveler.

Social Connections Aboard

While on the Titanic, Kent became part of a social group dubbed “Our coterie” by fellow passenger Archibald Gracie. This circle included notable figures such as:

• Helen Churchill Candee
• Edward Pomeroy Colley
• Hugh Woolner
• James Clinch Smith
• Mauritz Håkan Björnström-Steffansson

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Kent’s actions revealed both his gallantry and his premonition of the impending tragedy:

1. After the collision, he encountered Mrs. Candee on the stairs to the boat deck.
2. Mrs. Candee entrusted Kent with an ivory and gold miniature of her mother, sensing he might survive.
3. Kent, however, expressed doubt about his own survival but accepted the miniature nonetheless.
4. He assisted in escorting Mrs. Candee to Lifeboat 6, alongside Woolner and Björnström-Steffansson.
5. Later, he informed Archibald Gracie that Mrs. Candee was safe in a lifeboat.

Kent’s Final Moments and Recovery

At approximately 2:20 AM on April 15, 1912, as the Titanic made its final plunge, Edward Austin Kent met his end with quiet dignity. Witnesses reported that he made no struggle as the icy waters of the North Atlantic engulfed him.

Body Recovery

Kent’s body was later recovered by the crew of the Mackay Bennett, designated as body #258. The description of his remains and effects paint a poignant picture of the man:

• Estimated Age: 56
• Physical Description: Hair fair; grey moustache
• Clothing: Grey coat; dress suit pants
• Personal Effects:
  • Silver flask
  • Two gold signet rings
  • Gold watch
  • Gold eye glasses
  • Gold frame miniature of “Mary Churchill Hungerford”
  • Knife
  • Pocket books
  • 48 francs, 75 centimes
  • 2 studs, one link

Notably, the miniature entrusted to him by Mrs. Candee was found in his pocket and later returned to her, a testament to Kent’s integrity even in his final moments.

Legacy and Remembrance

Edward Austin Kent’s body was delivered to H. K. White of Boston on May 1, 1912, for transportation back to Buffalo. His memory is honored in several ways:

• A memorial plaque inside the First Unitarian Church, Buffalo
• His final resting place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo

Kent’s life and tragic death on the Titanic serve as a reminder of the human cost of the disaster, particularly among the accomplished individuals of the era. His architectural legacy in Buffalo and beyond ensures that his contributions to society are remembered, while his actions aboard the Titanic speak to his character and bravery in the face of impending doom.