Miss Kate Buss

Who was Kate Buss?

Kate Buss was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old English woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. She was traveling as a second-class passenger to America to marry her fiancé, Samuel Willis, in San Diego, California.

Early Life and Background

Where did Kate Buss come from?

Kate Buss was born on December 28, 1875, in Sittingbourne, Kent, England. She was one of eight children born to James Buss, a grocer, and Elizabeth Hannah Brown. Kate’s siblings included:

• Edward James (1871-1872)
• Annie (b. 1873)
• Twins Emma (1874-1897) and Edith (1874-1944)
• Elizabeth (1877-1900)
• Percy James (1882-1947)
• Alfred George Albany (1884-1901)

What was Kate’s occupation before the Titanic?

By 1911, Kate was working as a drapery manageress at the Grocer & Draper, The Mart, in Upper Halling, Kent. She was well-known in her village and was preparing for her upcoming marriage to Samuel George Willis, who had migrated to California around 1907-1908.

Titanic Journey

How did Kate Buss come to be on the Titanic?

Kate booked passage on the Titanic, joining the ship at Southampton with ticket number 27849, which cost £13. She was seen off by her brother Percy and a Mr. Hedley Peters, who had arranged her ticket. Aboard the ship, she occupied a cabin on E-deck.

What was Kate’s experience on the Titanic?

During her journey, Kate:

• Met fellow passengers, including Dr. Ernest Moraweck and Marion Wright
• Wrote letters to her family describing life on board
• Enjoyed the ship’s orchestra, particularly noting the cellist
• Attended a church service led by Reverend Ernest Carter on April 14

“There are two of the finest little Jap[anese] baby girls, about three or four years old, who look like dolls running about.” - Kate Buss, describing two young girls (likely Simonne and Louise Laroche) in a letter

The Night of the Disaster

How did Kate Buss survive the Titanic sinking?

On the night of April 14, 1912:

1. Kate was in her bunk reading when the collision occurred at 11:40 pm
2. She investigated the situation with Dr. Moraweck and Marion Wright
3. On deck, they met Robert Douglas Norman, who informed them of the iceberg collision
4. Kate got into lifeboat number 9, despite her initial reluctance to watch the evacuation

Life After the Titanic

What happened to Kate Buss after her rescue?

After being rescued by the Carpathia:

• Kate was taken to the Junior League House in New York
• She received $250 in relief from the American Red Cross
• Kate maintained contact with other survivors, including Susan Webber and Marion Wright

Did Kate Buss marry her fiancé?

Yes, Kate Buss married Samuel Willis on May 11, 1912, in San Diego. They had one daughter, Sybil Lillian, born on February 4, 1913.

Where did Kate settle after her marriage?

The Willis family:

• Initially lived in San Diego
• Moved to Santa Monica by 1930
• Relocated to Pasadena after Samuel’s retirement

Kate’s Later Years

How did the Titanic affect Kate in her later life?

In her later years, Kate found it difficult to discuss the Titanic without becoming emotional. She preferred to talk about the people she met aboard the ship rather than focus on the tragedy itself.

When and where did Kate Buss pass away?

Kate Buss spent her final days in a nursing home in Dallas, Polk, Oregon. She died on July 12, 1972, at the age of 96 (ninety-six). She was buried in Fircrest Cemetery in Monmouth, Oregon.

Legacy

Kate Buss’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors. Her detailed letters and recollections provide valuable insights into the experiences of second-class passengers on the ill-fated voyage. As one of the last survivors to pass away, her long life allowed her to share her story with future generations, contributing to our understanding of this historic event.