John Law Hume

Who was John Law Hume?

John Law “Jock” Hume was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old Scottish musician who gained tragic fame as a violinist in the Titanic’s orchestra. Known for his talent and dedication, Hume played courageously with his fellow musicians as the ill-fated ship sank into the Atlantic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

Born on August 9, 1890, in Dumfries, Scotland, John Law Hume was the son of Andrew Hume, a music teacher. This musical lineage likely influenced young Jock’s career path. He resided at 42 George Street, Dumfries, before embarking on his fateful journey aboard the Titanic.

Musical Career and Titanic Engagement

How did Hume become part of the Titanic’s orchestra?

Jock Hume’s musical talents led him to join the prestigious orchestra aboard the RMS Titanic. He was employed by a Liverpool firm, C.W. and F.N. Black, which had contracts with various steamer companies to provide musicians for their vessels.

The compensation for these talented musicians had recently undergone changes:

• Until 1912: 6 pounds and 10 shillings a month, plus a 10 shilling uniform allowance
• After 1912: Reduced to 4 pounds a month with no uniform allowance

This reduction in pay highlights the challenging conditions faced by musicians of the era, even those selected for prestigious ocean liner orchestras.

The Fateful Voyage

What was Hume’s role during the Titanic’s sinking?

As a second-class passenger and a member of the ship’s orchestra, Jock Hume boarded the Titanic at Southampton. His ticket number was 250654, and he was assigned a cabin in the ‘E’ deck.

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Hume and his fellow musicians famously continued to play, providing comfort and maintaining calm among the passengers. This act of bravery and dedication has become one of the most poignant stories of the Titanic disaster.

Tragic Fate

Sadly, John Law Hume did not survive the sinking. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, a cable ship chartered to retrieve victims from the disaster site. He was identified as body No. 193, and the description provided offers a glimpse into his appearance and possessions:

Hume was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, far from his Scottish home.

Personal Life and Legacy

What personal circumstances added to the tragedy of Hume’s death?

The sinking of the Titanic was not only a professional tragedy for Jock Hume but a personal one as well. He left behind a fiancée, Mary Costin, who was pregnant with his child at the time of his death. This poignant detail adds another layer of sorrow to Hume’s untimely passing.

In December 1912, several months after the disaster, Mary Costin made a claim against Hume’s estate for the maintenance of their daughter. Despite attempts by Hume’s father to block the payments, the court eventually awarded £67 for the child’s care.

The Cruel Aftermath

Perhaps one of the most shocking aspects of Hume’s story came after his death. On April 30, 1912, just two weeks after the Titanic sank, Jock Hume’s father received an insensitive note from C.W. & F.N. Black, the company that had employed his son:

Dear Sir:

We shall be obliged if you will remit us the sum of 5s. 4d., which is owing to us as per enclosed statement. We shall also be obliged if you will settle the enclosed uniform account.

Yours faithfully, C.W. & F.N. Black

This callous demand for payment, including charges for sewing White Star Line buttons onto a uniform that now lay at the bottom of the Atlantic, exemplifies the harsh business practices of the time and the lack of compassion shown to the families of the deceased.

Remembering John Law Hume

John “Jock” Law Hume’s story embodies the tragedy of the Titanic disaster. A young musician with a promising future and a family on the way, his life was cut short in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters. His bravery in continuing to play music as the ship sank has ensured that he, along with his fellow musicians, will be remembered as heroes who faced death with dignity and courage, providing comfort to others in their final hours.