Miss Lillian Winifred Bentham

Who was Lillian Winifred Bentham?

Lillian Winifred Bentham was a 19 (nineteen) year-old American second-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on July 23, 1892, in Holley, Murray, Orleans, New York, Lillian’s journey on the ill-fated ship would become a defining moment in her life, showcasing her bravery and compassion during one of history’s most tragic maritime disasters.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Lillian’s family history?

Lillian came from a family with roots in the Channel Islands. Her parents, Henry Bentham (born 1860) and Mary Jane Smith (born 1865), were both natives of Guernsey. Lillian had three siblings:

Annie Lillian Wilhelmina (born April 1, 1884, in Guernsey)
Walter Henry (born March 20, 1886, in Guernsey)
Daisy Gertrude (born June 3, 1888, died March 2, 1904)

How did the Bentham family come to America?

The Bentham family’s journey to America unfolded as follows:

Initially lived in St Peter Port, Guernsey (1891 Channel Island census)
Emigrated to America in 1891
Settled in Murray, Orleans, New York
Lillian was born the following year (1892)
Family appeared in the 1900 and 1910 census records in Murray township
Later moved to Rochester, Monroe, New York

Titanic Journey

Why was Lillian traveling on the Titanic?

Lillian had been part of a group of 11 people visiting the Channel Islands. Her travel companions included:

William Joseph Douton, her godfather
Peter Henry Renouf and Lillian Renouf
Clifford Thomas Jefferys and Ernest Wilfred Jefferys
Albert Joseph Denbuoy
Emily Rugg

After her visit, Lillian stayed with her married sister, Annie Dawson, in Brixton, England, before embarking on her journey back to New York.

What were the details of Lillian’s Titanic ticket?

Detail	Information
Class	Second Class
Ticket Number	28404
Cost	£13
Embarkation Point	Southampton

The Fateful Night

How did Lillian react to the Titanic’s collision?

Initially, Lillian did not believe the Titanic would sink, even as passengers were being evacuated into lifeboats. It wasn’t until Albert Joseph Denbuoy rushed to her stateroom and urged her to hurry to the deck that she grasped the gravity of the situation.

What was Lillian’s experience during the sinking?

Lillian was rescued in lifeboat 12. From her vantage point, she witnessed the tragic sight of the Titanic breaking in two as it sank into the icy Atlantic waters. Her lifeboat later played a crucial role in rescuing survivors from the overturned collapsible lifeboat B.

“I helped the seamen pull those 20 men into our boat, which already had more than 30 in it. We had to pile them on the bottom of the boat, like so many sacks of flour, because they were unable to do anything to help themselves. The boat was very much overloaded when the task was finished.”

How did Lillian demonstrate compassion during the rescue?

In a touching act of kindness, Lillian consoled a freezing Irish crewman named Cecil Fitzpatrick, who had been rescued from the overturned collapsible boat. She wrapped her fur coat around him, likely saving his life. In gratitude, Cecil gave Lillian his Scout whistle, which he had been blowing throughout the night in hopes of attracting help.

Life After the Titanic

How did Lillian’s life unfold after surviving the Titanic?

Upon arrival in New York aboard the Carpathia, Lillian was greeted by eight friends, including the widow of William Douton
Her mother couldn’t meet her due to her brother contracting typhoid fever
Continued living with her family in Rochester, appearing in the 1915 census
Married John Smellie Black (born May 5, 1890) on September 1, 1917
John was a native of Airdrie, Lanarkshire, Scotland
The couple had no children
They spent the rest of their lives in Rochester
Lillian gave several interviews to local media about her Titanic experiences

When did Lillian pass away?

Lillian was widowed on June 28, 1971, when her husband John passed away. She herself died on December 15, 1977, at the age of 85 (eighty-five), having lived a long life marked by her extraordinary experience as a Titanic survivor.

Lillian Winifred Bentham’s story serves as a testament to the resilience and compassion of those who lived through one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and inspire generations.