Ethel Louisa Beane

Who was Mrs Ethel Louisa Beane?

Mrs Ethel Louisa Beane (née Clarke) was a 22-year-old English woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born in Norwich, Norfolk, she embarked on the ill-fated voyage as a second-class passenger with her husband, Edward Beane, as newlyweds bound for a new life in New York.

Early Life and Family

Ethel Louisa Clarke was born on November 15, 1889, in Norwich, Norfolk, England. She was the daughter of George Alfred Clarke, a brewer’s labourer, and Lucy (née Miles) Clarke. Ethel grew up in a large family, with census records revealing a growing number of siblings over the years:

1901 Census: Ethel (8) lived with siblings Sydney George (10), Lily Flora (5), Hilda Lucy (4), and Agnes Hagar (1)
1911 Census: Additional siblings included Ida May (9), George Alfred (6), Gladys (4), Gertrud (2), and Charles (1)

Where did Ethel Beane live before the Titanic?

Ethel’s early life was spent in Norwich, with the family residing at various addresses:

172 Northumberland Street, Heigham, Norwich (1891 and 1901 censuses)
21 Churchill Road, Norwich (1911 census)

What was Ethel’s occupation before marriage?

According to the 1911 census, Ethel was described as a single dressmaker and furrier, showcasing her skills in the textile industry.

Marriage and Titanic Journey

A Whirlwind Romance

Ethel’s life took a dramatic turn in early 1912 when she married Edward Beane, a 33-year-old bricklayer. Intriguingly, some sources suggest that their wedding took place just three days before the Titanic sailed, adding a layer of romance and urgency to their story.

Titanic Voyage Details

Embarkation: Southampton
Ticket Number: 2908
Ticket Cost: £26
Class: Second Class
Destination: New York City

The Fateful Night: April 14-15, 1912

How did Ethel and Edward Beane survive the Titanic sinking?

On the night of April 14, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Ethel and Edward Beane managed a remarkable escape:

Ethel was placed in Lifeboat 13.
Edward, in a daring move, reportedly leapt from the deck into the freezing Atlantic.
He swam to his wife’s lifeboat, becoming one of the few second-class male passengers to survive.

This dramatic account of their escape highlights the chaos and desperation of that tragic night, as well as the lengths to which Edward went to remain with his new bride.

Life After the Titanic

Settlement in America

Following their rescue, the Beanes settled in Rochester, New York, making their home at 44 Michigan Street. Interestingly, they never returned to England, building their new life entirely in America.

Family Life

Ethel gave birth to a stillborn baby on January 13, 1913, suggesting she was likely pregnant during the Titanic voyage.
The couple had two sons:
1. Edward (1913-1982)
2. George (1916-1998)

Attitude Towards Their Titanic Experience

The Beanes rarely spoke about their Titanic ordeal, only occasionally giving newspaper interviews. This reticence was common among survivors, many of whom found the memories too painful to recount frequently.

Later Years and Legacy

Ethel was widowed in 1948 when Edward passed away at the age of 68. She continued to live in their family home in Rochester for many years before spending her final two years in a nursing home.

Ethel’s Longevity and Final Years

Died on September 17, 1983
Age at death: 93 years (though she had convinced many she was only 90)
Buried alongside her husband in White Haven Memorial Park

An Intriguing Detail

A photograph of Ethel Beane from 1931, nearly two decades after the Titanic disaster, offers a rare glimpse into the life of this survivor. The image, courtesy of Phillip Gowan, USA, serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting impact the Titanic had on its survivors and their families.

Ethel Louisa Beane’s life story, from her humble beginnings in Norwich to her dramatic survival of the Titanic and her long life in America, encapsulates the extraordinary journeys of many early 20th-century immigrants. Her tale of survival, love, and resilience continues to fascinate Titanic historians and enthusiasts more than a century after that fateful voyage.