Joseph Holland Loring

Who was Mr Joseph Holland Loring?

Mr Joseph Holland Loring was a 30-year-old American stockbroker who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born into a wealthy family in Chicago, Loring was a well-traveled and well-connected individual who moved in high society circles on both sides of the Atlantic.

Early Life and Family

Joseph Holland Loring was born on March 18, 1882, at his parents’ home at 202 Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Francis L. Loring, a grain dealer, and William Anna Holland. The Loring family eventually moved to New York City, where they resided in a luxurious mansion at 811 5th Avenue.

A Life of Privilege

The Loring family’s wealth and status were evident in their lifestyle:

They employed numerous servants, including a chef, housekeeper, and multiple butlers
Joseph grew up in affluent neighborhoods in Chicago and New York
The family could afford frequent transatlantic travel

Physical Appearance and Characteristics

In 1902, when applying for a United States passport, Joseph Loring was described as:

5 feet 9 inches tall
Small blue eyes
Large nose
Full mouth
Short chin
Dark brown hair
Fair and clear complexion
Oval face

This detailed description provides us with a vivid image of the young man who would later become a Titanic victim.

Marriage and Family Life

A Transatlantic Romance

Joseph Loring married Henriette Claudine Wieniawska in the fall of 1904 in St. George, Hanover Square, London, England. This union brought together two notable families:

Henriette was born in 1877
Her father was Henryk Wieniawski (1835-1880), a renowned Polish violinist and composer
Her mother was Isabella Hampton

The Loring Children

Joseph and Henriette had two daughters:

Frances Holland Loring - born on November 26, 1906, in New York City
Joan Holland Loring - born on December 14, 1908, in London, England

Career and Travels

A Life Between Continents

Joseph Loring’s life was characterized by frequent travel between Europe and America:

He worked as a stockbroker
In 1902, he planned to spend 3-4 years in England
He made multiple trips on the Lusitania in 1908
The family lived in both New York and London

Notable Voyages

Date	Ship	Route
January 11, 1905	S.S. Arabic	Liverpool to New York
April 10, 1908	Lusitania	Liverpool to New York
December 26, 1908	Lusitania	Liverpool to New York

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding the Titanic

Joseph Loring boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg with his brother-in-law, George Rheims. Key details of their journey:

Ticket number: 113801
Ticket cost: £45 10s
Class: First Class
Cabin: B Deck

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 15, 1912:

Loring and Rheims were in the smoking room discussing the ship’s speed
They noticed unusual vibrations in the ship
After the collision, they seemed unsure of what to do
They went to the deck wearing lifebelts
The men prepared to jump overboard but Joseph hesitated
In a final poignant moment, Joseph and George shook hands before parting

Tragically, Joseph Loring did not survive the sinking, and his body was never recovered.

Legacy and Aftermath

Remembering Joseph Loring

A memorial service was held at St. George’s Church in Hanover Square on April 25, 1912
Joseph’s estate was valued at 41,786 pounds in July 1912

Henriette’s Journey of Grief

Henriette Loring’s actions following her husband’s death were deeply moving:

She sailed on the Carmania in May 1912
At the longitude of the Titanic disaster, she performed a flower-dropping ceremony
She later returned to New York with her daughters on the Lusitania

An Enduring Tale of Tragedy

Joseph Holland Loring’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His life, cut short at just 30 years old, represents the countless dreams and potential lost on that fateful night. The image of Joseph hesitating on the deck, saying goodbye to his brother-in-law, serves as a haunting final memory of a man caught in the midst of one of history’s greatest maritime tragedies.