John Borie Ryerson

Who was Master John Borie Ryerson?

Master John Borie Ryerson was a young American passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic. Born on December 16, 1898, in Illinois, USA, he was just 13 (thirteen) years old when he embarked on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. John’s survival story, his family’s experience, and his later contributions to Titanic history make him a notable figure in the annals of this historic maritime disaster.

Early Life and Family

John Borie Ryerson was born into a prominent American family. He was the son of Arthur Larned Ryerson and Emily Maria Ryerson, both of whom were also passengers on the Titanic. John had two sisters who accompanied the family on the voyage:

• Emily Borie Ryerson
• Suzette Parker Ryerson

The Ryerson family’s ultimate destination was Cooperstown, NY, suggesting they were likely returning from a European trip when they boarded the Titanic.

The Fateful Voyage

Boarding the Titanic

John and his family boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France. As first-class passengers, they enjoyed some of the finest accommodations the ship had to offer:

• Ticket Number: 17608
• Cabin: B57/63/66
• Ticket Price: £262, 7s (equivalent to approximately £31,000 in 2023)

The Night of the Sinking

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, the Ryerson family found themselves in the midst of chaos and confusion. John’s survival hung in the balance due to the “women and children first” protocol being strictly enforced by some officers.

How Did John Ryerson Survive?

John’s survival is a testament to his father’s quick thinking and insistence. Here’s how the dramatic scene unfolded:

1. John was initially denied entry into Lifeboat 4 by Second Officer Lightoller.
2. Arthur Ryerson, John’s father, protested vehemently, arguing that at 13, John was still a child.
3. Lightoller relented, allowing John to board the lifeboat.
4. John was rescued along with his mother and sisters in Lifeboat 4.

This decision by Lightoller to allow John into the lifeboat ultimately saved the young boy’s life, while his father, Arthur Larned Ryerson, went down with the ship.

Life After the Titanic

Contributions to Titanic History

John Ryerson’s experience on the Titanic didn’t end with his rescue. He went on to make significant contributions to preserving and sharing the history of the disaster:

• Assisted Walter Lord with research for the book “A Night to Remember,” a seminal work on the Titanic disaster.
• Was invited, along with his sister Emily Ryerson Cooke, to the film set of the 1953 Hollywood film “Titanic” starring Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck.
• Gave interviews on the 50th anniversary of the sinking and on subsequent anniversaries, helping to keep the memory of the event alive.

Personal Life

John B. Ryerson led a long life after his Titanic experience:

• Married Jane Morris Ryerson (born February 6, 1909)
• Resided in Palm Beach, Florida in his later years
• Was known to participate in golfing tournaments

What Was John Ryerson’s Legacy?

John Borie Ryerson’s legacy is multifaceted:

1. Last Survivor: He was the last survivor of the Titanic in the Ryerson family, carrying their story into the late 20th century.
2. Historical Resource: His firsthand account and assistance with historical works helped preserve accurate information about the Titanic disaster.
3. Public Educator: Through interviews and public appearances, he helped educate later generations about the Titanic’s history.

John Borie Ryerson passed away on January 21, 1986, in Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 87 (eighty-seven). His wife, Jane, followed him in March 1990. The couple had no children, but John’s contributions to Titanic history ensure that his family’s story and the broader narrative of the disaster continue to be remembered and studied to this day.

As we reflect on John Ryerson’s life, we’re reminded of the profound impact the Titanic disaster had on individuals and families. His story serves as a poignant reminder of both the tragedy and the enduring fascination with one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.