Emilie Kreuchen

Who was Miss Emilie Kreuchen?

Miss Emilie Kreuchen was a German-American Titanic survivor who worked as a personal maid and lived a life spanning two continents. Born in 1882 in Germany, she immigrated to the United States in 1897, survived the Titanic disaster in 1912, and lived a long life until her passing in 1971 at the age of 88 (eighty-eight).

Early Life and Family

Emilie Kreuchen was born on October 1, 1882, in Germany. She was the daughter of Theodore Kreuchen and Anna Bauer, and had at least one sibling:

Anna Kreuchen (1879-1974)

The Kreuchen family resided in Oldisleben, Kyffhäuserkreis, Thuringia, Germany. This small town would be the backdrop of Emilie’s early years before her journey to America.

Immigration and Early Career in America

When did Emilie Kreuchen come to America?

Emilie Kreuchen emigrated to the United States in 1897, at the young age of 15 (fifteen). This bold move would set the stage for her future life and career in America.

By the time of the 1900 census, Emilie had established herself in St. Louis, Missouri. She found employment as a domestic worker for William Berger, a banker, and his family. This position would be the first of several service roles Emilie would hold in America.

Transatlantic Travels

Despite settling in America, Emilie maintained connections with her homeland. She made at least one trip back to Germany in the early 1900s. On September 23, 1907, she returned to the United States aboard the Kaiser Wilhelm II, sailing from Bremen. This journey foreshadowed her future transatlantic voyages, including her fateful trip on the Titanic.

Employment with the Robert Family

Emilie’s career in domestic service continued to flourish. By 1910, she had secured a position with another prominent St. Louis family:

Employer: Edward Scott Robert (lawyer)
Employer’s wife: Elisabeth Walton McMillan Robert

Emilie appeared with the Robert family in the 1910 census, indicating her valued position within the household. However, tragedy struck in 1911 when Mr. Robert passed away. This event would indirectly lead to Emilie’s involvement in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the Titanic

In 1912, following her employer’s death, Mrs. Robert decided to take a vacation to Europe. The traveling party included:

Mrs. Elisabeth Walton McMillan Robert
Georgette Madill (Mrs. Robert’s daughter)
Elisabeth Allen (Mrs. Robert’s niece)
Miss Emilie Kreuchen (personal maid)

The group boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton for its maiden voyage. Their ticket details were as follows:

Ticket number: 24160
Cost: £211, 6s, 9d
Class: First Class

Emilie, as a personal maid, likely occupied a cabin forward on E-deck, close to her employer’s accommodations.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Emilie Kreuchen’s experience aboard the Titanic unfolded dramatically:

She stepped out of her quarters into a water-filled passageway.
Concerned, she approached the purser to inquire about the situation.
The purser instructed her to return to her quarters, explaining that parts of the ship were being blocked off to slow the water’s flow.
Emilie rushed to Elisabeth Allen’s cabin to report that the baggage room was flooded.
Despite being told not to worry, Emilie returned to her own cabin, only to find it flooded.
She recalled being summoned to a lifeboat by a whistle.
Emilie boarded Lifeboat 2, which she shared with approximately 20 other passengers.
Their lifeboat was discovered shortly after daybreak, leading to their rescue.

Life After the Titanic

Return to Germany and Back to America

Following the Titanic disaster, Emilie initially traveled to Missouri with her employer. However, the following year, she made the decision to return to Germany, where she resided for several years.

Around 1916, Emilie returned to the United States, this time settling in San Francisco, California. This move marked a new chapter in her life, away from her previous employers and the East Coast.

Marriage and Family Life

In San Francisco, Emilie met and married Wimar Wurm, a fellow German immigrant. Key details about their relationship include:

Wimar Wurm was born on April 4, 1880
He first came to the USA in 1910
The couple had no children

Residences and Later Life

Emilie and Wimar’s life in San Francisco can be traced through various records:

1918: Resided at 907 Steinar Street, San Francisco
- Wimar’s employer: City of Paris Cleaning Company
1930 Census: Living at 1025 Ellis Street, San Francisco
1940 Census: Residing in apartments at 350 Gough Street, San Francisco

Interestingly, neither Emilie nor Wimar had any stated profession in the 1930 and 1940 censuses.

Continued Travels

Despite settling in San Francisco, Emilie and Wimar maintained their love for travel. They continued to sail back and forth across the Atlantic, with one voyage as late as August 1951 aboard the De Grasse.

Final Years

Emilie Kreuchen Wurm’s long and eventful life came to a close in the early 1970s:

January 2, 1960: Wimar Wurm passed away, leaving Emilie widowed
March 25, 1971: Emilie passed away at the age of 88 (eighty-eight)
She was laid to rest in Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

Emilie Kreuchen’s life story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From her early immigration to America, through the harrowing experience aboard the Titanic