Emily Maria Ryerson

Who was Mrs Emily Maria Ryerson?

Mrs Emily Maria Ryerson was a prominent American first-class passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on August 10, 1863, she was 48 (forty-eight) years old when she embarked on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic in 1912. Emily’s journey from tragedy to resilience encapsulates the stories of many Titanic survivors who faced unimaginable circumstances and lived to tell the tale.

Early Life and Family

Emily Maria Borie was born into a well-to-do American family in 1863. While details of her early life are limited, we know that she eventually married Arthur Larned Ryerson, with whom she would build a family and share a fateful journey aboard the Titanic.

The Ryerson Family’s Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Accommodations

On April 10, 1912, Mrs. Ryerson boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by:

Her husband, Arthur Larned Ryerson
Their children:
- Emily Borie Ryerson
- John Borie Ryerson
- Suzette Parker Ryerson
Their maid, Victorine Chaudanson

The family was traveling in first-class luxury, as evidenced by their cabin numbers B57, B63, and B66. These accommodations were among the finest on the ship, reflecting the Ryersons’ social status and wealth.

A Journey Interrupted

The Ryersons’ ultimate destination was Cooperstown, New York. However, their journey would take a tragic turn that would forever alter the course of their lives.

The Night of the Sinking

How did Mrs. Ryerson survive the Titanic disaster?

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, chaos ensued. Mrs. Ryerson, along with her children, managed to secure a place in Lifeboat 4. This lifeboat was one of the last to be launched from the starboard side of the ship, leaving at around 1:55 AM on April 15.

The Fate of Arthur Larned Ryerson

Tragically, Mrs. Ryerson’s husband, Arthur, did not survive the sinking. As was the custom and rule at the time, he likely stayed behind to allow women and children to board the lifeboats first, exemplifying the “women and children first” protocol that was strictly enforced during the evacuation.

Life After the Titanic

Coping with Loss

The loss of her husband must have been a devastating blow to Emily Ryerson. Like many Titanic survivors, she had to navigate the complex emotions of grief, survivor’s guilt, and the challenge of moving forward with life after such a traumatic event.

A New Chapter

Despite the tragedy, Emily Ryerson demonstrated remarkable resilience. In 1927, fifteen years after the Titanic disaster, she remarried to Forsythe Sherfesee, marking a new chapter in her life.

Legacy and Final Years

Emily Maria Ryerson Sherfesee lived for another 27 years after the Titanic sinking. She passed away on December 28, 1939, at the age of 76 (seventy-six). Her story remains an integral part of the Titanic narrative, offering insights into the experiences of first-class passengers and the long-term impact of the disaster on survivors.

Interesting Facts About Emily Maria Ryerson

Ticket Details: The Ryerson family traveled on ticket number 17608, which cost £262 7s 6d (equivalent to over $30,000 in today’s currency).
Lifeboat Connection: Mrs. Ryerson shared Lifeboat 4 with other notable passengers, including Madeleine Astor, wife of John Jacob Astor IV.
Family Legacy: The Ryerson children who survived alongside Emily went on to lead full lives, carrying the memory of their Titanic experience with them.

Emily Maria Ryerson’s journey from Titanic passenger to survivor and beyond serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind one of history’s most famous maritime disasters. Her ability to rebuild her life after such a traumatic event speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.