Jessie Wills Leitch

Who was Miss Jessie Wills Leitch?

Miss Jessie Wills Leitch was a Scottish Titanic survivor who played a crucial role in caring for a young child during the disaster. Born on November 8, 1880, in Linwood, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Jessie’s life took an unexpected turn when she boarded the ill-fated RMS Titanic as a second-class passenger in 1912. Her remarkable story of survival and dedication to family makes her a noteworthy figure in Titanic history.

Early Life and Family

Jessie was born into a working-class Scottish family, the daughter of John Leitch, a driver, and Jessie Gillespie Bell. She was one of six known siblings, growing up in a bustling household typical of late 19th-century Scotland.

A Shifting Childhood

Jessie’s early years were marked by frequent moves and changes in her family situation:

In 1881, at just four months old, she lived with her parents at 43 Napier Street in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
By 1891, the family had moved to 51 Glasgow Road, Milngavie, Stirlingshire.
During this time, Jessie often stayed with her grandparents in Kilbarchan, suggesting a close extended family network.

Tragic Loss and New Beginnings

Tragedy struck the Leitch family when Jessie’s mother passed away sometime before 1900. This loss would shape Jessie’s future role as a caregiver:

Her father, John, remarried a much younger woman named Agnes in 1900.
By 1901, Jessie was living with her uncle David and aunt Annie Bell, working as a watchmaker’s shop assistant.
It’s believed she also received training as a nurse during this time, foreshadowing her future caretaking responsibilities.

A Fateful Connection

In 1903, a pivotal moment occurred in Jessie’s life when her aunt Annie married John Harper, a renowned evangelical pastor. This connection would ultimately lead Jessie to her momentous journey on the Titanic:

John and Annie had a daughter, Annie “Nana” Jessie, in 1906.
Tragically, Annie died due to childbirth complications.
Jessie stepped in to help raise young Nana, demonstrating her caring nature.

Moving to London

When John Harper became pastor of the Walworth Road Baptist Church in London, Jessie moved with him and Nana:

The 1911 census shows them living at 3 Claude Villas, Love Walk, Camberwell.
Jessie was listed as their housekeeper, but her role was clearly much more significant.

The Titanic Journey

Why were they on the Titanic?

Jessie, along with John Harper and his daughter Nana, boarded the Titanic at Southampton with a specific purpose:

They were traveling to the Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois.
Their second-class ticket (number 248727) cost £33.
This trip represented both a professional opportunity for John Harper and a new adventure for the small family unit.

The Night of the Disaster

Jessie’s firsthand account of the Titanic’s sinking provides a chilling glimpse into the chaos and confusion of that fateful night:

“About midnight Mr Harper came to our stateroom and told us that the vessel had struck an iceberg. While I was dressing he went to learn further particulars and returned to say that the order had been given to put on the life belts.”

Her description highlights several key points:

The initial lack of urgency or understanding of the danger
The challenges of evacuating with a young child
The false assurances given to passengers about the ship’s safety

Rescue and Survival

Jessie and Nana were among the fortunate survivors:

They were rescued in lifeboat 11.
Pastor John Harper, tragically, did not survive the sinking.
After rescue by the Carpathia, they slept in the ship’s library due to lack of cabin space.

Life After the Titanic

The Titanic disaster marked a turning point in Jessie’s life:

Upon arriving in New York, she chose to return to England rather than continue to Chicago.
She and Nana moved in with an uncle in London, where Jessie likely continued to care for the young girl.
In the early 1920s, Jessie married Alexander Anderson, an estate agent in Wales.
After Alexander’s death in 1928, Jessie remained in Wales for the rest of her life.

Jessie’s Legacy

Jessie Wills Leitch passed away on February 6, 1963, at the age of 82 (eighty-two) in Llanidloes, Wales. Her life was characterized by resilience, compassion, and dedication to family:

She survived one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.
Her care for Nana Harper demonstrated her selfless nature.
Her detailed account of the Titanic’s sinking provides valuable historical insight.

Jessie’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the Titanic tragedy, highlighting the strength and adaptability of those who lived through that harrowing night.