Henriette Virginie Yvois

Who was Miss Henriette Virginie Yvois?

Miss Henriette Virginie Yvois was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old French model who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Paris on April 22, 1889, she was a second-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the “unsinkable” ship. Her story is one of mystery and intrigue, intertwined with the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Family

Parisian Roots

Henriette was born into a family with diverse European backgrounds. Her father, Modest Henry Theobad Yvois, born in 1860, hailed from Vézannes, Yonne, and worked in the restaurant industry. Her mother, Maria Ann Willems, born in 1867, was a florist from Brussels, Belgium. Interestingly, Henriette’s parents married in 1891, two years after her birth, a detail that provides a glimpse into the social norms of the time.

Sibling and Home Life

The Yvois family grew with the addition of Henriette’s younger brother, René Émil Henri, born in 1891. Henriette’s early years were spent in Paris, where she eventually pursued a career in modeling. Her last known address was 5 Rue des Pyramides, situating her in the heart of the French capital.

Career and Titanic Journey

A Model’s Ambition

By the time of her fateful journey, Henriette had established herself as a model in Paris. This profession, glamorous and modern for its time, suggests a young woman with ambition and a flair for fashion.

Boarding the Titanic

On April 10, 1912, Henriette boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger. Her ticket, number 248747, cost £13, a considerable sum at the time. This detail provides insight into her financial status and the value placed on transatlantic travel in the early 20th century.

A Mysterious Companion

One of the most intriguing aspects of Henriette’s story is her apparent association with William H. Harbeck, a filmmaker also traveling in second class. Their consecutive ticket numbers (Harbeck’s was 248746) and observations from fellow passengers have led to speculation about the nature of their relationship.

“In the opposite corner are the young American kinematograph photographer and his young wife, evidently French, very fond of playing patience, which she is doing now, while he sits back in his chair watching the game and interposing from time to time with suggestions. I did not see them again.” - Lawrence Beesley, Titanic survivor

This eyewitness account from Lawrence Beesley paints a vivid picture of Henriette and her companion, adding a human touch to their tragic story.

The Fateful Night

Tragedy Strikes

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and began its descent into the icy Atlantic. Henriette, like many second-class passengers, faced slim chances of survival. The shortage of lifeboats and the “women and children first” protocol did not guarantee safety for all female passengers, especially those in second class.

A Life Cut Short

Henriette Yvois did not survive the sinking. At just 22 (twenty-two) years old, her promising life was tragically cut short. Her body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving a haunting void in the aftermath of the disaster.

Aftermath and Legacy

A Telling Discovery

In a poignant twist, when William Harbeck’s body was recovered from the ocean, a lady’s purse was found among his possessions. This purse was later identified as belonging to Miss Yvois, further fueling speculation about their relationship and adding a layer of mystery to their story.

Legal Struggles

The tragedy of Henriette’s death was compounded by legal complications. It appears that by the time of the sinking, her parents had divorced. Her mother, Mme Willems, attempted to claim compensation through a Paris court, but her claim was rejected, with costs awarded against her. This legal battle highlights the complex aftermath faced by many Titanic victims’ families.

Unconfirmed Image

A photograph purported to be of Miss Yvois exists, though its authenticity remains unconfirmed. This uncertainty adds to the enigmatic nature of Henriette’s story, leaving us to imagine the face of the young model who met such a tragic fate.

Henriette Virginie Yvois’ story, while brief, encapsulates the dreams, mysteries, and tragedies associated with the Titanic. Her journey from Paris to the ill-fated liner represents the aspirations of many young Europeans seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic. Though her life was cut short, her story continues to intrigue historians and Titanic enthusiasts, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the disaster.