Eleanor Genevieve Cassebeer

Who was Mrs Eleanor Genevieve Cassebeer?

Mrs Eleanor Genevieve Cassebeer was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on November 29, 1875, she survived the tragic sinking and was rescued in lifeboat 5. Her experience on the Titanic has become a part of the ship’s enduring historical narrative.

Early Life and Family

Eleanor Genevieve Fosdick, as she was born, came into the world on November 29, 1875. While details about her early life are limited, we know that she eventually married Henry Arthur Cassebeer Jr., taking his surname and becoming Mrs. Cassebeer.

Life in New York City

Prior to her fateful journey on the Titanic, Mrs. Cassebeer was a resident of New York City. The bustling metropolis of the early 20th century would have provided a backdrop of rapid modernization and social change, setting the stage for her transatlantic voyage.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Mrs. Cassebeer boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. As a first-class passenger, she would have experienced the luxurious amenities that made the Titanic famous. Her ticket details provide insight into the cost of such a voyage:

• Ticket Number: 17770
• Fare: £27 14s 5d (27 pounds, 14 shillings, and 5 pence)

This substantial fare, equivalent to several thousand dollars in today’s currency, reflects the premium nature of first-class travel on the Titanic.

What happened on the night of the sinking?

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Mrs. Cassebeer found herself in the midst of a life-threatening situation. As chaos ensued and the ship’s crew began to load passengers into lifeboats, Mrs. Cassebeer was fortunate enough to secure a place in lifeboat 5.

Rescue and Survival

Lifeboat 5 was one of the first to be launched from the starboard side of the Titanic. Mrs. Cassebeer’s presence in this boat likely contributed to her survival. The boat was picked up by the RMS Carpathia, which came to the rescue of Titanic survivors in the early hours of April 15, 1912.

Arrival in New York

Following her rescue, Mrs. Cassebeer, along with other survivors, was transported to New York City aboard the Carpathia. Her disembarkation in New York marked the end of a harrowing journey and the beginning of a life forever changed by the Titanic disaster.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Mrs. Eleanor Genevieve Cassebeer’s story forms a small but significant part of the larger Titanic narrative. Her experience as a first-class passenger and survivor offers valuable insights into the events of that tragic night and the subsequent rescue operations.

How has Mrs. Cassebeer’s story contributed to Titanic history?

The details of Mrs. Cassebeer’s Titanic experience have helped historians piece together a more comprehensive understanding of the disaster. Her account, along with those of other survivors, has been crucial in reconstructing the timeline of events and understanding the human impact of the tragedy.

For those interested in delving deeper into Mrs. Cassebeer’s Titanic story, a detailed account can be found in the article “Piecing together a Titanic puzzle,” which provides further insights into her experience and its historical context.

Mrs. Eleanor Genevieve Cassebeer’s survival of the Titanic disaster serves as a poignant reminder of both the tragedy and resilience witnessed on that fateful night in April 1912. Her story continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts, contributing to our ongoing understanding of one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.