Frederic Oakley Spedden

Who was Mr Frederic Oakley Spedden?

Mr Frederic Oakley Spedden was a wealthy American first-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on January 9, 1867, in New York City, Spedden was known for his love of sailing and his extensive travels with his family. He played a notable role in the Titanic disaster, not only surviving the tragedy but also contributing to honoring the rescuers afterward.

Early Life and Family

Frederic Oakley Spedden was born to Frederic Spedden and Susan Douglas in New York City. He grew up in a privileged environment that would shape his future lifestyle. In his adult years, Spedden resided at Wee Wah Lodge in Tuxedo Park, New York, with his wife Daisy (Margaretta Corning Spedden) and their son Douglas.

A Life of Luxury and Travel

The Speddens epitomized the lifestyle of the wealthy elite in the early 20th century. Their life revolved around three main aspects:

1. Devotion to their son, Douglas
2. Extensive travels around the world
3. Pursuit of personal hobbies, particularly Frederic’s passion for sailing

Their annual routine typically involved:

• Summers spent in Bar Harbor, Maine
• Winters at various upscale resorts worldwide

This pattern of seasonal travel was common among the upper echelons of society during the Gilded Age and exemplified the Speddens’ affluent lifestyle.

The Fateful Journey on the Titanic

How did the Speddens come to be on the Titanic?

In late 1911, the Spedden family embarked on a grand European tour. Their journey included:

1. Sailing to Algiers on the Caronia
2. Visiting Monte Carlo
3. Spending time in Paris

Accompanying them were two servants:

• Helen Wilson, Daisy’s maid
• Elizabeth Burns, Douglas’s nanny

As their European holiday came to an end in April 1912, the Speddens booked passage on the RMS Titanic for their return to America. They boarded the ship at Cherbourg, France, settling into cabin E-34 for what was supposed to be a luxurious voyage home.

Titanic Disaster and Survival

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Speddens’ lives changed forever. Here’s how the events unfolded for them:

1. Frederic and Daisy were awakened by the collision with the iceberg
2. Noticing the ship’s tilt, they woke Douglas and their servants
3. The group made their way to the starboard boat deck
4. Women and children, including Daisy, Douglas, and the servants, were loaded into Lifeboat 3
5. Frederic, along with about 20 other men, was allowed to board the same lifeboat

At dawn on April 15, the survivors in Lifeboat 3 were rescued by the RMS Carpathia. Throughout this ordeal, the Speddens were noted for their acts of kindness towards fellow survivors, demonstrating remarkable composure in the face of tragedy.

Post-Titanic Life and Legacy

How did the Speddens contribute after the Titanic disaster?

During the journey to New York aboard the Carpathia, Frederic Spedden took an active role in honoring the ship’s crew. He joined a committee of survivors, including:

• Frederic K. Seward (Chairman)
• Karl H. Behr
• Molly Brown
• Mauritz Björnström-Steffansson
• George Harder
• Isaac Frauenthal

This committee’s purpose was to recognize the bravery of Captain Rostron and his crew. They arranged for:

• An inscribed silver cup for Captain Rostron
• Medals for each of the 320 crew members

This gesture highlighted Spedden’s gratitude and his commitment to acknowledging the heroism displayed during the rescue operation.

Return to Normal Life

After the Titanic tragedy, the Speddens attempted to resume their previous lifestyle:

• They continued to split their time between Tuxedo Park and Bar Harbor
• Their passion for travel remained undiminished

This resilience in the face of such a traumatic event speaks to the strength of character possessed by Frederic and his family.

Final Years

Frederic Oakley Spedden lived for 35 years after surviving the Titanic disaster. On February 3, 1947, at the age of 80 (eighty), Spedden’s life came to an unexpected end. While spending the winter at the Bath Club in Palm Beach, Florida, he suffered a fatal heart attack in the swimming pool.

Frederic Oakley Spedden’s life spanned a remarkable period of history, from the Gilded Age through two World Wars. His experience as a Titanic survivor and his subsequent actions to honor those involved in the rescue effort ensure his place in the annals of this historic event. Spedden’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring fascination with one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.