Jamīlah Nīqūla Yārid

Who was Miss Jamīlah Nīqūla Yārid?

Miss Jamīlah Nīqūla Yārid was a 14-year-old (fourteen-year-old) Syrian-Lebanese Titanic survivor who later became known as Amelia Garrett in the United States. Born on April 15, 1898, in Al Hākūr, Akkār, Lebanon, she embarked on a life-changing journey aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic in 1912, surviving the tragedy to become a local celebrity and cherished storyteller of her Titanic experience.

Early Life and Family

A Lebanese Childhood

Jamīlah was born into a family deeply rooted in Lebanese culture and tradition. Her father, Nīqūla Yārid (1850-1940), worked as a flour miller, while her mother, Nūr Badr (born 1860), managed their household. Jamīlah grew up surrounded by siblings, including her younger brother Ilyās, who would play a crucial role in her Titanic story.

A Family Divided

In the early 20th century, like many Lebanese families, the Yārids sought opportunities abroad. Jamīlah’s mother and several of her siblings had already settled in Jacksonville, Florida, years before the Titanic voyage. This separation set the stage for the fateful journey that would reunite the family and change their lives forever.

The Journey to America

A Fateful Departure

In March 1912, Jamīlah, her father, and younger brother Ilyās left their village, embarking on a journey that would take them from Beirut to Marseille and finally to Cherbourg. However, fate intervened when Jamīlah’s father was diagnosed with a contagious eye infection, preventing him from boarding any ship. In a heart-wrenching decision, he sent his young children ahead while he remained behind to recover.

Aboard the Titanic

Jamīlah and Ilyās boarded the Titanic as third-class passengers, carrying ticket number 2651, which cost £11, 4s, 10d. Speaking no English, the young siblings likely relied on the kindness of fellow Lebanese passengers for guidance and support during the voyage.

“We boarded the Titanic, not knowing the English language or the magnitude of the journey ahead. Our fellow countrymen became our lifeline in this unfamiliar world of steel and luxury.” - Jamīlah Nīqūla Yārid (paraphrased)

The Night of the Sinking

A Child’s Intuition

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Jamīlah’s quick thinking and persistence may have saved her and her brother’s lives. After feeling a bump and hearing unusual noises, she insisted that Ilyās investigate, despite his initial reluctance. This decision led them to follow others to the Boat Deck, unknowingly escaping the rising waters below.

A Narrow Escape

In a moment of clarity amid the chaos, Jamīlah remembered the $500 her father had given her for their journey. The siblings attempted to return to their cabin but found the passageway flooded. Forced back to the deck, they were fortunately allowed into a lifeboat, narrowly escaping the sinking ship.

Life After the Titanic

Reunion and Recovery

Upon arriving in New York aboard the Carpathia, Jamīlah and Ilyās were met by their elder brother Isaac (1894-1985). They spent several months recuperating in Nova Scotia before being reunited with their father in July and settling in Jacksonville, Florida.

A New Identity

To assimilate into their new American life, the family changed their surname from Yārid to Garrett, and Jamīlah adopted the name Amelia. This transformation marked the beginning of her new life in the United States.

Family Life in America

Marriage and Children

On December 13, 1914, at the age of 16 (sixteen), Amelia married Isaac Abdallah Isaac, a fellow Lebanese immigrant. Their union produced seven children:

• Albert (born 1916)
• Fred (1917-2011)
• Sheffield (1919-1995)
• Dorothy (1921-1983, later Soud)
• Margaret (1922-2009)
• Susan (born 1925, later Kozak)
• Sophie (1928-2003)

A Stable American Life

Amelia’s husband owned a grocery store and later expanded into investment property and the oil delivery business. After his death on September 20, 1942, Amelia remained in Jacksonville, never remarrying and dedicating herself to her family and community.

Titanic Legacy

A Local Celebrity

Amelia Garrett became a cherished local Titanic celebrity in Jacksonville. Her vivid recollections of the disaster made her a sought-after speaker for school groups and newspaper interviews. Her experiences offered a unique perspective on one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.

Honoring Her Story

In 1953, Amelia’s Titanic legacy was celebrated when she attended a special screening of the Clifton Webb movie “Titanic” at the Florida Theatre, held in her honor. This event underscored the enduring fascination with Titanic survivors and their stories.

What was Jamīlah’s lasting impact?

Jamīlah Nīqūla Yārid, known later as Amelia Garrett, left an indelible mark on her community and Titanic history. Her survival story, transition to American life, and willingness to share her experiences made her a valuable witness to a pivotal moment in maritime history. Amelia’s life journey from a young Lebanese girl to a respected Titanic survivor in Jacksonville exemplifies the immigrant experience and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

Amelia passed away on March 8, 1970, at the age of 71 (seventy-one), and was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville on March 10, 1970. Her legacy lives on through her descendants and the countless individuals she touched with her remarkable story of survival and perseverance.