Hinnah Tu'Mah

Who was Mrs Hinnah TU’MAH?

Mrs Hinnah TU’MAH, later known as Anna Thomas, was a remarkable 27-year-old Syrian-Lebanese woman who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Her extraordinary journey from Lebanon to America, punctuated by the fateful Titanic voyage, is a testament to her resilience and maternal devotion.

Early Life and Family

Born as Hinnah Yūsuf Rāzī on April 10, 1885, in Tibnīn, al-Janub, Lebanon, Hinnah was the daughter of Yūsuf (Joseph) Rāzī and Mariyam (née Harragh). Her early years were steeped in the rich culture of her homeland, but fate had grander plans for this young woman.

Marriage and Children

At the tender age of 15 (fifteen), around 1900, Hinnah married Darwīsh Tu’mah, an onion farmer born in 1870. Their union blessed them with two children:

Mariyam (born 1902)
Jirjis Yūsuf (born 1904)

The Journey to America

A Husband’s Dream

In 1905, Darwīsh embarked on a life-changing journey to America, settling in Silver Creek, Michigan. Working tirelessly on a farm, he saved enough to purchase his own land in Dowagiac and, more importantly, to send for his beloved family.

Hinnah’s Epic Voyage

Hinnah’s journey to America began in February 1912, a odyssey that would become etched in history:

Camel caravan from her village to Beirut
Freighter voyage to Marseille, France
Train journey to Cherbourg
Boarding the RMS Titanic on April 10, 1912

The Titanic Experience

Ticket and Accommodation

Ticket Number: 2650
Class: 3rd Class
Cost: £15, 4s, 11d

Life Aboard the Titanic

Hinnah spent her days aboard the magnificent ship watching over her adventurous children, who delighted in exploring every nook and cranny of the vessel. The family likely found comfort in the company of other Lebanese passengers, creating a small community amidst the grandeur of the Titanic.

The Night of the Sinking

A Mother’s Instinct

On that fateful night of April 14, 1912, Hinnah’s maternal instincts were put to the ultimate test. With her son Jirjis tucked in bed, she anxiously awaited the return of her daughter Mariyam. As she stood vigil by her cabin door, the ship’s impact with the iceberg caused the door to slam shut, injuring Hinnah’s hand.

A Harrowing Escape

Hinnah’s escape from the sinking Titanic is a tale of courage and quick thinking:

She readied her son and made her way to the boat deck
Leaving Jirjis by a lifeboat, she bravely returned to search for Mariyam
Finding Mariyam in a vacant cabin, they rushed back to the boat deck
Reunited with Jirjis, the family managed to board a lifeboat

From the relative safety of the lifeboat, Hinnah shielded her children’s eyes from the horrific sight of passengers jumping from the doomed ship. They were later rescued by the Carpathia.

Life After the Titanic

Arrival in America

Upon reaching New York, Hinnah and her children were taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for recovery. They then made their way to Dowagiac, Michigan, where an unsuspecting Darwīsh received the surprising telegram of their arrival and Titanic ordeal.

Building a New Life

The family settled in Dowagiac, anglicizing their names - Hinnah became Anna Thomas. They welcomed three more children:

Sam (1913-1997)
Francis (1914-1965)
Joseph (1916-1995)

In 1926, they moved to Flint, Michigan, where their son Jirjis (now George) operated a grocery store.

Later Years and Legacy

Anna’s life was marked by both joy and sorrow. Widowed in 1946, she split her time between Los Angeles and Michigan. She found solace in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who remembered her fondly as a loving grandmother with a unique blend of English and Arabic speech.

Anna Thomas passed away on June 28, 1976, at the age of 91 (ninety-one) in Genesee Memorial Hospital, Burton, Flint, Michigan. She was laid to rest in New Calvary Cemetery, Midland, Michigan.

In 2008, her grandson Joseph Thomas immortalized her incredible story in the book “Grandma Survived the Titanic,” ensuring that Hinnah TU’MAH’s tale of survival and perseverance would be remembered for generations to come.