Miss Kate Herman: Titanic Survivor and American Immigrant

Miss Kate Herman was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old English woman who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Her remarkable journey from a small Somerset town to becoming a Titanic survivor and later an American citizen is a testament to her resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Early Life and Background

What was Kate Herman’s family background?

Kate Herman was born on December 6, 1887, in Galhampton, Somerset, England. She was the daughter of Samuel Herman, a butcher born in Somerset, and Jane Laver, who was born in India to British parents. Kate had a twin sister, Alice, who was her only sibling.

Where did Kate grow up?

The Herman family’s early years were spent in Castle Cary, Somerset:

• 1891-1901: Lived at 4 Abbey Cottages
• Later moved to Smallways, Castle Cary
• Father became proprietor of the Britannia Hotel

What was Kate’s occupation before the Titanic voyage?

According to the 1911 census, Kate was working as a barmaid at the Junction Hotel, located at 42 Great Western Road in Dorchester, Dorset.

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Herman family decide to emigrate?

Despite being financially comfortable for years, the Herman family experienced a slump in their fortunes in England. This setback prompted their decision to emigrate to America, where Kate’s uncle, Arthur Laver, was living in Bernardsville, New Jersey.

How did the Hermans end up on the Titanic?

The family’s journey to America took an unexpected turn:

1. Initially booked on a different ship
2. Cancelled their original voyage to allow more preparation time
3. Boarded the Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers
4. Traveled with Kate’s parents, sister Alice, and her father’s young employee, George Frederick Sweet
5. Purchased ticket number 220845 for £65

The Fateful Night

What happened to Kate Herman during the Titanic disaster?

On the night of April 14, 1912, Kate’s experience of the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg unfolded as follows:

Kate, her mother Jane Herman, and sister Alice Herman were in bed when the collision occurred but reported not much of a shock.

1. Her father, who had been on deck, returned to the cabin
2. He initially told them not to fear and to stay in bed due to the cold
3. After investigating, he returned and ordered his wife and daughters to dress
4. The family headed to the boat deck
5. Kate, her mother, and sister are believed to have departed in one of the aft lifeboats

Tragically, Kate’s father Samuel Herman and George Sweet were lost in the sinking. Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified.

Life After the Titanic

How did Kate’s life change after surviving the Titanic?

Kate’s post-Titanic life was marked by significant changes and new beginnings:

1. Arrived in New York with her mother and sister
2. Met by uncle Arthur Laver and his associate William David Cleland
3. Interviewed by The Bernardsville News at Somerset Hill Country Club
4. Moved to Portland, Oregon
5. Married Walter George Parsons, a dairy merchant from Surrey, on January 5, 1914
6. Had three children:
   • Hermione (1914-1997)
   • Twin sons: Norman Elliott (1917-2009) and Herman Albert (1917-2008)
7. Became a naturalized US citizen on February 26, 1952

What was Kate’s later life like?

After her husband’s death on November 10, 1950, Kate:

• Lived with her daughter and family
• Became a member of the Titanic Historical Society
• Passed away on January 18, 1983, at the age of 95 (ninety-five)

Kate Herman’s Legacy

Kate Herman’s story is a remarkable tale of survival and resilience. As one of the survivors of the Titanic disaster, she represents the strength and adaptability of those who lived through one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies. Her life journey, from a small English town to becoming an American citizen and raising a family, serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and build a new life.