Jirjis Yūsuf Tu'Mah

Who was Master Jirjis Yūsuf TU’MAH?

Master Jirjis Yūsuf TU’MAH, later known as George Thomas, was a young Syrian-Lebanese Titanic survivor who went on to become a successful businessman and respected member of his community in Michigan. Born on February 9, 1904, he was just 8 years old when he survived the sinking of the Titanic, an experience that would shape the rest of his life.

Early Life and Titanic Journey

A Family’s Migration

Jirjis was born in Tibnīn, al-Janub, Lebanon, to Darwīsh Tu’mah, an onion farmer, and Hinnah Yūsuf Rāzī. In 1905, his father left Lebanon for Silver Creek, Michigan, working to save money and bring his family to America. This dream would set in motion the events that led to Jirjis’s fateful journey on the Titanic.

The Perilous Voyage

In February 1912, Jirjis, his mother, and his elder sister Mariyam began their journey to America. Their trek included:

A camel caravan from their village to Beirut
A freighter voyage to Marseille, France
A train ride to Cherbourg

On April 10, 1912, they boarded the Titanic as third-class passengers, their ticket (number 2650) costing £15, 4s, 11d.

What was life like for Jirjis on the Titanic?

Aboard the ship, young Jirjis and his sister spent their days:

Running up and down passages and stairwells
Playing in nearby vacant cabins
Marveling at the ship’s splendor

These carefree moments would soon be shattered by the tragedy that unfolded on April 14, 1912.

The Fateful Night

A Family’s Narrow Escape

On the night of the sinking, Jirjis’s mother faced a harrowing ordeal:

Jirjis had been put to bed, but his sister was missing
The ship struck the iceberg while their mother searched for her daughter
Despite instructions to stay in their cabins, Jirjis’s mother dressed him quickly
She placed him near a lifeboat while searching for his sister
The family was reunited and escaped, possibly in Collapsible C

A Child’s Perspective on Tragedy

From the lifeboat, young Jirjis witnessed the final moments of the Titanic:

“The ship, in her final throes, stood out of the water before settling back and finally sinking, which was followed by the grim sound of the cries of those struggling in the water.”

This vivid memory would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Life After the Titanic

New Beginnings in America

Upon reaching New York, the family:

Recuperated at St. Vincent’s Hospital
Traveled to Dowagiac, Michigan to reunite with Jirjis’s father
Anglicized their names, with Jirjis becoming George Thomas

Building a Life and Legacy

George’s post-Titanic life was marked by:

Marriage to Rose in 1926, with whom he had three children
A second marriage to Dorothy Lucille Lane in 1936
Success in the grocery business and later in real estate
Active involvement in community organizations

Keeping the Titanic’s Memory Alive

Throughout his life, George Thomas:

Shared his Titanic experience with local media
Attended Titanic Historical Society conventions
Preserved the memory of the tragedy for future generations

His son Joseph Thomas published “Grandma Survived the Titanic” in 2008, ensuring the family’s story would live on.

George Thomas passed away on December 9, 1991, at the age of 87 (eighty-seven). His life journey from a young Titanic survivor to a respected community member in Michigan serves as a testament to human resilience and the enduring impact of historical events on individual lives.