Hugh Roscoe Rood

Who was Hugh Roscoe Rood?

Hugh Roscoe Rood was a 39 (thirty-nine) year-old American businessman and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in Iowa, Rood had established himself as a successful entrepreneur in Seattle, Washington, serving as the vice president and general manager of the Perfection Pile Preserving Company. His tragic journey on the Titanic would mark the end of his promising life and career.

Early Life and Family Roots

A Midwestern Upbringing

Born on March 23, 1873, in Iowa, Hugh Roscoe Rood came from a family with diverse geographical roots. His father, Vernon Dudley Rood (1842-1906), was a doctor who had also seen military service, originally hailing from Vermont. His mother, Sarah Catherine Voorhees (born 1841), was a native of New Jersey. This blend of Midwestern birth and East Coast heritage would shape young Hugh’s early years.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

Hugh was not an only child, growing up alongside three siblings:

Grace (1875-1964), who later became Mrs. Yophrazan Jacques
Edson (1877-1915)
Vernon Voorhees (1879-1939)

This family unit would face several relocations throughout Hugh’s formative years, significantly influencing his adaptability and future career choices.

From Iowa to California: A Family’s Journey

The 1880 Census: A Snapshot in Time

The 1880 census provides us with a glimpse into young Hugh’s life, placing the Rood family in Anita, Cass County, Iowa. At this time, Hugh would have been just 7 (seven) years old, likely attending local schools and experiencing a typical Midwestern childhood.

The Move to San Diego

As the turn of the century approached, the Rood family made a significant move westward, settling in San Diego, California. This relocation would prove pivotal in shaping Hugh’s future career path. The 1900 census reveals that Hugh, now a young man of 27 (twenty-seven), was still living with his parents in San Diego. It was during this time that he embarked on his professional journey, entering the brokerage business.

A Rising Star in Seattle’s Business World

Establishing Roots in the Pacific Northwest

Following his initial foray into the business world in San Diego, Hugh Rood set his sights northward, eventually settling in Seattle, Washington. This move would mark the beginning of his most successful professional chapter.

In Seattle, Hugh joined the prestigious Rainier Club, a private elite society. Membership in this exclusive organization was a clear indicator of Hugh’s rising social and professional status in the city.

Professional Achievements

Hugh’s business acumen led him to a prominent position as the vice president and general manager of the Perfection Pile Preserving Company. This role showcased his leadership skills and cemented his place among Seattle’s business elite.

A Fateful Marriage and European Sojourn

Union with a Mining Magnate

On January 16, 1909, Hugh Rood married Lena Stoiber (née Allen), born on April 2, 1862. Lena was a wealthy mining magnate, adding considerable financial clout to the union. Her previous marriage to Edward Stoiber (1856-1906) had left her with significant assets, including the Silver Lake gold mine in Silverton, Colorado.

A Life of Luxury

The couple split their time between Colorado and Washington, enjoying the fruits of their combined success. They resided part-time in the opulent Waldheim mansion in Silverton, a testament to their affluent lifestyle.

European Adventures

In late 1911, Hugh and Lena embarked on an extended European trip. By April 1912, they were staying in Paris, immersing themselves in the cultural richness of the French capital.

The Titanic: A Tragic Turn of Events

An Unexpected Journey

While in Paris, Hugh received a summons back to Seattle for business matters. This sudden call would set in motion the tragic events to follow.

Boarding the Titanic

Hugh booked passage on the RMS Titanic, embarking at Southampton as a first-class passenger. His ticket, number 113767, cost £50, a considerable sum at the time. He was assigned to cabin A-32, situated in one of the ship’s most luxurious areas.

“The Titanic was not just a ship; it was a floating palace, and Hugh Rood’s cabin A-32 placed him among the most privileged passengers on this historic voyage.”

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the frigid North Atlantic waters. Hugh Roscoe Rood, at the age of 39 (thirty-nine), was among the 1,500 souls lost in this tragic maritime disaster.

Aftermath and Legacy

A Wife’s Desperate Search

Lena Rood, unaware of her husband’s fate, arrived in New York on April 26, 1912, aboard the Kaiserin Auguste Victoria. She took residence at the Plaza Hotel, clinging to hope amidst growing despair.

A Poignant Plea

In a heart-wrenching attempt to locate her husband, Lena placed an advertisement in the New York Herald:

“INFORMATION WANTED concerning HUGH R. ROOD of Seattle, Wash. passenger on Titanic, occupying cabin 32. Deck A. Grateful for any news of his survival or death, by telegraph at my expense. Mrs. HUGH ROOD, Hotel Plaza, New York City.”

This public appeal stands as a testament to the personal tragedies behind the Titanic’s infamous sinking.

Lena’s Later Years

Described as an eccentric lady, Lena Rood eventually settled in Italy. She survived four marriages in total, with Hugh being her second husband. Lena is believed to have passed away in 1935, carrying the memory of her lost husband and their shared adventures for over two decades.

Hugh Roscoe Rood’s life, cut short at 39, serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations lost aboard the Titanic. From his Midwestern roots to his rise in Seattle’s business world, and his final, fateful journey, Rood’s story encapsulates the promise an