Elizabeth Catherine Brown

Who was Mrs Elizabeth Catherine Brown?

Mrs Elizabeth Catherine Brown was a South African-born survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born in 1868 in Cape Colony, she was 44 (forty-four) years old when she embarked on the ill-fated voyage. Elizabeth was a second-class passenger who survived the sinking, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy.

Early Life and Family

South African Roots

Elizabeth Catherine Brown, née Ford, was born around 1868 in the Cape Colony, South Africa. She was baptized on November 11, 1867, suggesting her birth was likely in late 1867 or early 1868. Her parents were:

Father: Frank Edward Murray Ford (b. circa 1842-1846 in Cape Town, d. 1884)
Mother: Charlotta Hendrika Grief or Greeff (b. 1844 in Malmesbury, South Africa, d. September 21, 1880)

Family Dynamics

Elizabeth’s family life was marked by both joy and tragedy:

Her parents married on January 9, 1866, in Swartland, Morreesburg, Cape Province, following Dutch Reformed traditions.
After her mother’s death, her father remarried Engela Jacoba Wilhelmina du Toit on January 10, 1882.
Elizabeth’s father passed away on May 29, 1884, in Potchefstroom, Transvaal, South Africa.

Siblings

Elizabeth was one of several children in her family:

Edward Stranson (b. February 1868, d. June 11, 1929) - later became a gold miner
Hendrik Gabriel (b. 1869, d. March 18, 1953)
Sarah Jane (b. 1870, d. January 23, 1931) - later married and became Mrs. Louw
Johanna Catharina (d. June 19, 1972)

There were potentially two additional siblings who died in infancy: Frank Murray and Charlotta Hendrika.

Marriage and Family Life

Wedding Bells

On August 11, 1890, Elizabeth married Thomas William Solomon Brown, a widower and storekeeper, at St. Mary’s Church in Woodstock, Western Cape, South Africa. The ceremony was conducted in the Church of England tradition.

Children

The Browns had two daughters:

Edith Eileen (b. October 27, 1896)
Dorothy Beatrice (b. October 9, 1899)

Tragedy Strikes

In 1906, the Brown family was residing at the Mountain View Hotel on Long Street in Cape Town. Tragically, on October 16, 1906, their youngest daughter, Dorothy Beatrice, succumbed to diphtheria at the tender age of 7 (seven).

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Browns board the Titanic?

Mr. Brown had been working as a hotelier, but it seems their business had declined. This setback prompted the family to make the life-changing decision to move to America, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start.

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

The Brown family boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers. Their ticket details were as follows:

Ticket Number: 29750
Cost: £39

Accommodations on the Titanic

Elizabeth, her daughter Edith, and two other ladies shared a four-berth cabin. Thomas, her husband, was accommodated separately, as was common practice at the time.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg, Thomas Brown demonstrated remarkable courage and selflessness. He placed Elizabeth and Edith in Lifeboat 14, ensuring their safety. In a poignant and memorable scene, Thomas then stepped back, smoking a cigar, and awaited his fate with dignity.

Survival and Aftermath

Rescue and Temporary Stay in America

Mrs. Brown and her daughter Edith were among the fortunate survivors rescued by the RMS Carpathia. Upon reaching New York, they didn’t immediately return to South Africa. Instead, they:

Stayed in New York for a brief period
Traveled to Seattle to stay with Elizabeth’s sister, Mrs. Acton, at 2400 9th Avenue

Return to South Africa

Soon after their American sojourn, Elizabeth and Edith made the decision to return to their homeland of South Africa.

Later Life and Legacy

Second Marriage and Relocation

Following her return to South Africa, Elizabeth’s life took another turn:

She married again, this time to a Mr. Parrott
The couple moved to Salisbury, Rhodesia (now known as Harare, Zimbabwe)

Final Years

Elizabeth Catherine Brown Parrott passed away on June 29, 1925, in Salisbury, Rhodesia. The cause of death was recorded as heart failure. At the time of her passing, she was reportedly 57 (fifty-seven) years old.

Elizabeth’s life story is a testament to human resilience in the face of tragedy. From her early life in South Africa to her survival of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, and her subsequent relocation to Rhodesia, she demonstrated remarkable adaptability and strength. Her experience on the Titanic, particularly the poignant moment of parting with her husband, serves as a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the historical event.