James Vivian Drew

Who was Mr James Vivian Drew?

Mr James Vivian Drew was a 42-year-old (forty-two) English passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on May 4, 1869, in Constantine, Cornwall, Drew was a successful marble monument businessman who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912. His story is one of sacrifice and heroism, as he ensured the safety of his wife and nephew before perishing in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

Early Life and Family

A Cornish Upbringing

James Vivian Drew was born into a working-class family in Constantine, Cornwall. His parents, James Drew (1823-1870) and Priscilla Vivian (1829-1913), were both Cornwall natives who had married in 1861. Young James had two older siblings:

Simon Lugg (born 1862)
William John (born 1864)

Tragedy struck early in James’s life when his father, a shoemaker by trade, passed away in 1870. This left Priscilla to raise three young boys on her own, a challenging task in Victorian-era England.

Childhood and Education

The 1871 census provides a glimpse into the Drew family’s life after the loss of their patriarch. They were recorded as living at Well Lane in Constantine. A decade later, the 1881 census shows the family residing in Church Town, also in Constantine. During this time:

Priscilla worked as a charwoman to support her family
The two elder brothers, Simon and William, found employment as granite masons
James, still a schoolboy, was receiving his education

This period undoubtedly shaped young James’s character, instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance that would serve him well in his later life.

Journey to America and Business Success

Following in his Brother’s Footsteps

In a bold move that would change the course of his life, James’s brother William emigrated to the United States around 1886. Inspired by his brother’s venture, James followed suit approximately four years later, around 1890. This decision would prove to be a turning point in James’s life, opening up new opportunities and eventually leading to his fateful journey on the Titanic.

The Marble Monument Business

Once reunited in America, the Drew brothers combined their skills and entrepreneurial spirit to establish a marble monument business. Their endeavor proved successful, as evidenced by the 1900 census, which recorded both James and William living in Southold, Greenport, Suffolk, New York. This business venture showcased James’s ability to adapt to a new country and thrive in a competitive industry.

Family Life in America

Marriage to Maria Louisa Thorne Christian

James’s personal life took a happy turn when he married Maria Louisa Thorne Christian, known affectionately as Lulu. Born in 1878, Lulu was a native of Greenport, New York. While the couple did not have children of their own, fate would soon present them with an unexpected responsibility.

Becoming Surrogate Parents

In a twist of fate, James and Lulu became surrogate parents to James’s nephew, Marshall Brines Drew. The circumstances were tragic:

James’s brother William had married Annie Eliza Brines
Annie gave birth to Marshall on March 30, 1904
Tragically, Annie Drew died within two weeks of Marshall’s birth

James and Lulu stepped in to raise young Marshall as their own, demonstrating their compassion and willingness to take on such a significant responsibility. The 1910 census paints a picture of their family unit, showing James, Lulu, William, and Marshall all living together in Southold Township.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

A Family Vacation Turns Tragic

In the autumn of 1911, James, Lulu, and Marshall embarked on a vacation to visit James’s relatives in Constantine, Cornwall. They traveled on the Olympic, Titanic’s sister ship, for their outbound journey. Little did they know that their return trip would become a part of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Boarding the Titanic

The Drew family boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers. Their ticket, number 28220, cost £32 and 10 shillings (equivalent to about £3,800 or $4,700 in 2023). It’s believed they may have traveled with James Veal, another Constantine native.

A Glimpse of Luxury

Before the tragedy unfolded, James and Marshall had the opportunity to view some of the first-class areas of the ship, including:

The state-of-the-art gymnasium
The luxurious barber’s shop

These moments of wonder and excitement would soon be overshadowed by the impending disaster.

The Night of the Sinking

A Heroic Final Act

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, James Drew’s true character shone through. As the Titanic struck the iceberg:

James had been on deck while Lulu and Marshall were in their cabin
Upon realizing the danger, he rushed back to the cabin
He instructed Lulu and Marshall to dress and put on their lifebelts
James escorted them to lifeboat 10, ensuring their safety
In a final act of selflessness, he bid them goodbye and stepped back into the crowd

This selfless act ensured the survival of his wife and nephew, but cost James his own life. He was lost in the sinking, and his body, if recovered, was never identified.

Legacy and Remembrance

James Vivian Drew’s life and sacrifice are commemorated in several ways:

A monument in Ashaway Cemetery, Ashaway, Rhode Island, carved by his brother William
His story, passed down through his surviving family members
His inclusion in historical records and accounts of the Titanic disaster

While James Drew’s life was cut short at 42 (forty-two) years old, his legacy lives on as a testament to the human capacity for love, sacrifice, and courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances. His final act on the Titanic ensured that his family’s story would continue, with Lulu remarrying and living until 1970, and Marshall carrying on until 1986.

James Vivian Drew’s tale serves as a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that make up the larger story of the Titanic disaster, each one a