John Borland Thayer

Who was Mr John Borland Thayer?

Mr John Borland Thayer was a prominent American businessman and Second Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He tragically lost his life at the age of 49 (forty-nine) during the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Thayer was known for his business acumen and his heroic actions during the final moments of the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Family

Born on April 21, 1862, John Borland Thayer came from a respected Pennsylvania family. He was married to Marian Longstreth Morris, and together they had four children:

• Margaret “Peggy” Thayer
• Pauline Thayer
• Jack Thayer (who accompanied them on the Titanic)
• Another son (name not provided)

The Thayers were a well-established family in Haverford, Pennsylvania, where they made their home.

Career and Business Achievements

Rising Through the Ranks of the Pennsylvania Railroad

John B. Thayer’s most notable professional achievement was his position as the Second Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. This role placed him among the elite of American business leaders during the early 20th century. The Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the largest and most influential corporations in the United States at the time, making Thayer’s position extremely prestigious.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why were the Thayers on the Titanic?

The Thayers had been traveling in Europe and were returning to the United States aboard the Titanic. Just two weeks before boarding the ship, they had been guests of the American Consul General and Mrs. Thackara in Berlin.

Titanic Ticket and Accommodation Details

• Class: 1st Class
• Cabin: C68
• Ticket Number: 17421
• Fare: £110 8s (equivalent to about $17,000 in today’s currency)

The Night of the Disaster

On the evening of April 14, 1912, the Thayer family participated in a dinner party at the ship’s à la carte restaurant. The gathering was hosted by George, Harry, and Eleanor Widener, and included other notable passengers such as:

• Lucile and William Carter
• Major Archibald Butt
• Captain Edward Smith

This elegant affair would be one of the last moments of normalcy before the tragic events that followed.

The Sinking: Thayer’s Final Hours

How did John B. Thayer face the disaster?

As the Titanic struck the iceberg, the Thayer family’s response was swift:

1. Jack Thayer, their son, went to investigate the collision.
2. Upon his return, the family went up on deck together.
3. Initially, John and Jack believed Marian had been evacuated.
4. Chief Second Steward George Dodd informed them she was still aboard.
5. John ensured Marian’s safety by helping her into lifeboat 4.

Thayer’s Heroic Decision

John B. Thayer made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing to remain on the ship. His actions in those final moments paint a picture of a man of honor and courage:

• He stayed with friends George and Harry Widener, and Charles Duane Williams.
• Colonel Archibald Gracie reported seeing Thayer looking “pale and determined” by the midship rail aft of lifeboat 7.
• Thayer was last seen talking with George Widener, possibly moving towards the stern as the ship’s final moments approached.

Legacy and Remembrance

John B. Thayer’s body was never identified, if recovered at all. His legacy, however, lives on through the accounts of his bravery during the Titanic’s final hours. The story of the Thayer family encapsulates both the tragedy and heroism that defined that fateful night.

The Thayer Family’s Titanic Story

The Thayer family’s experience on the Titanic is a microcosm of the larger tragedy:

• John B. Thayer perished with the ship
• Marian Thayer survived in lifeboat 4
• Jack Thayer miraculously survived after jumping from the ship

Their story of separation and survival (for some) continues to captivate historians and the public alike, offering a personal glimpse into one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

As we remember John Borland Thayer, we are reminded of the countless acts of bravery and sacrifice that occurred on that cold April night in 1912. His story serves as a testament to the human spirit in the face of unimaginable circumstances, forever etched in the annals of Titanic history.