Edward Gifford Crosby

Who was Captain Edward Gifford Crosby?

Captain Edward Gifford Crosby was a prominent American businessman, Civil War veteran, and tragic victim of the Titanic disaster. Born on February 18, 1842, Crosby led a life marked by military service, entrepreneurial success, and ultimately, a fateful journey on the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Early Life and Military Service

Civil War Contribution

Captain Crosby’s early adulthood was defined by his service to his country during one of its most tumultuous periods. He served with distinction in the 1st Michigan Cavalry during the American Civil War, a experience that likely shaped his leadership skills and character in his later business endeavors.

Business Ventures and Family Life

The Crosby Transportation Company

In 1903, at the age of 61 (sixty-one), Crosby founded the Crosby Transportation Company, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. By 1910, his company had grown significantly, operating four steamers out of Milwaukee:

• Nyack
• E. G. Crosby (named after himself)
• Conestoga
• May Graham

This fleet demonstrated Crosby’s success in the transportation industry and his importance to Milwaukee’s maritime commerce.

Family and Residence

Captain Crosby was married to Catherine Elizabeth Halstead, and together they raised a family. The Crosbys:

• Lived at 474 Marshall Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Had two children:
  1. Fred (who did not travel on the Titanic)
  2. Harriette (who accompanied her parents on the Titanic)

Initially residing in Muskegon, Michigan, the family moved to Milwaukee in 1897, where Crosby would later establish his successful transportation company.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding and Accommodations

The Crosby family boarded the Titanic at Southampton as first-class passengers, reflecting their social status and wealth. Their travel details included:

• Ticket number: WE/P 5735
• Ticket price: £71
• Cabin assignments:
  • Captain and Mrs. Crosby: Cabin B-22
  • Harriette Crosby: Cabin B-26

The Night of the Sinking

On the tragic night of April 14, 1912, Captain Crosby’s actions revealed both his concern for his family and his sense of duty:

1. Edward retired around 9 p.m., while Catherine went to bed at about 10:30 p.m.
2. After feeling a “thump,” Edward dressed and went to investigate.
3. Upon returning, he bluntly told his wife, “You will lie there and drown!”
4. He then informed his daughter Harriette of the ship’s damage.
5. Crosby left again, possibly to assist others, and was not present when his wife and daughter boarded a lifeboat.

Recovery and Final Rest

Body Identification

Sadly, Captain Edward Gifford Crosby did not survive the sinking. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, identified as Body No. 269. The report provided these details:

• Estimated age: 65
• Hair color: Grey
• Clothing: Green tweed suit and overcoat
• Effects:
  • $500
  • £80 in notes
  • £6 in gold in purse
  • 8s. 6d. in silver
  • Pipe
  • Memo book

Final Journey and Resting Place

Captain Crosby’s remains were treated with the respect befitting a man of his stature:

1. His body was delivered to Howard G. Kelley of the V.P., G.T. Railway for transportation back to Milwaukee on May 3, 1912.
2. On May 7, 1912, a unique funeral was held on one of his two Lake Michigan Steamers, a fitting tribute to his maritime career.
3. Following the service, his body was cremated at Forest Home Cemetery.
4. His cremains were placed in Fairview Mausoleum.
5. Later, his wife Catherine’s casket was placed in the same crypt, reuniting them in death.
6. Their daughter Harriette’s remains were also entombed in the same mausoleum, though in a separate crypt.

Legacy of a Maritime Entrepreneur

Captain Edward Gifford Crosby’s life spanned from the Civil War era to the dawn of the 20th century. His journey from military service to successful business owner exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit of his time. Though his life was cut short at 70 (seventy) years old in one of history’s most famous maritime disasters, his legacy lives on through his contributions to Milwaukee’s maritime industry and the poignant story of his final voyage on the Titanic.