John Bradley Cumings

Who was John Bradley Cumings?

John Bradley Cumings was a prominent American banker and stockbroker who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on September 26, 1872, in Boston, Massachusetts, Cumings was a successful Wall Street partner and a member of New York’s elite social circles. His heroic actions during the Titanic disaster, ensuring his wife’s survival while sacrificing his own life, exemplify the spirit of selflessness that has become synonymous with the Titanic’s legacy.

Early Life and Family

A Boston Upbringing

John Bradley Cumings was born into a well-established Boston family. His father, John Wells Cumings (1836-1891), was a sugar importer, while his mother, Abba M. Clark (1840-1914), came from a respectable Massachusetts lineage. The couple had married on June 18, 1861, and John Bradley was the youngest of their three children.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

John’s elder siblings were:

• Clara Louisa (1862-1893), who later married George H. Witherell
• Marion Wells (b. 1868), who later married Frank B. Bermis

Growing up in a family involved in the sugar trade likely exposed young John to the world of commerce from an early age, possibly influencing his future career choices.

Education and Career

From Banking to Wall Street

While specific details about John’s education are not provided, his career trajectory suggests he received a quality education befitting his family’s status. John initially worked as a banker, demonstrating his aptitude for finance early in his professional life.

Rise in the Financial World

John’s career took a significant turn when he became a stockbroker. His talents in this field led him to become a partner in Cumings & Marckwald, a prominent firm located on Wall Street. This position placed him at the heart of America’s financial district, rubbing shoulders with the country’s economic elite.

Diversified Interests

Beyond his primary role in finance, John showed an interest in emerging technologies. He served as a director in the Subsurface Torpedo Boat Company, indicating a keen eye for innovative ventures and possibly a patriotic interest in naval defense technologies.

Personal Life and Family

Marriage and Children

On September 24, 1896, John married Florence Briggs Thayer in Brookline, Massachusetts. The couple initially settled in Brookline, where they started their family:

1. John Bradley Jr. (born August 15, 1897)
2. Wells Bradley (born September 18, 1899)
3. Thayer (born March 16, 1904, after the family moved to Manhattan)

Life in Manhattan

Around 1900, the Cumings family relocated to Manhattan, New York. By 1910, they were living at 50 East 64th Street, a prestigious address that reflected John’s success. The family employed four Irish female servants, indicating their wealthy status.

Social Standing and Lifestyle

Club Memberships

John’s social life was as active as his professional one. He held memberships in several exclusive clubs:

• Racquet Club
• Metropolitan Club
• Riding Club
• Knollwood Country Club

These memberships not only provided leisure activities but were also crucial for networking in New York’s high society.

Financial Security

Demonstrating prudence in his personal affairs, John had his life insured for $10,000, a considerable sum at the time, ensuring his family’s financial security.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

A European Vacation

In the spring of 1912, John and Florence embarked on a six-week European vacation. For their return journey to the United States, they boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France.

First-Class Accommodations

The Cumings traveled in first-class luxury:

• Ticket number: 17599
• Cost: £71 5s 8d (approximately $10,000 in today’s currency)
• Cabin: C-85

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg, John and Florence made their way to the boat deck. As the situation became dire, they were among the first-class passengers directed to A-deck to board lifeboat 4.

A Husband’s Sacrifice

In a moment of crisis, John Bradley Cumings displayed remarkable courage and selflessness. Despite Florence’s reluctance to leave him, John assured her he would follow in a later boat, convincing her to board lifeboat 4. This act of love ultimately cost John his life but ensured his wife’s survival.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Poignant Memorial

John Bradley Cumings, aged 39 (thirty-nine) years old, perished in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified. A touching memorial on his widow’s grave in Mt Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts, reads:

“Sacred to the memory of John Bradley Cumings - Born September 26, 1872, Lost at Sea on S.S. Titanic, April 15, 1912 - ‘Greater love hath no man than this - that a man lay down his life for his friends.’”

The Fate of the Cumings Family

John’s tragic death marked the beginning of a series of hardships for the Cumings family:

• Florence remarried but passed away in 1949.
• John Bradley Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps as a stockbroker and banker but died young at 39 in 1937 from a stroke.
• Wells Bradley, the second son, joined the Marines during World War I and died heroically at 18 in the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918.
• Thayer, the youngest, had a successful career in advertising, served in WWII, and lived until 1989.

John Bradley Cumings’ life and death encapsulate the tragedy of the Titanic disaster. His story of success, love, and ultimate sacrifice continues to resonate, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of that fateful night in April 1912.