Mr Louis Gustave Joseph Lesueur

Who was Louis Gustave Joseph Lesueur?

Louis Gustave Joseph Lesueur was a French servant who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born on August 26, 1876, in Brametot, Normandy, Lesueur was 35 (thirty-five) years old when he boarded the ill-fated ship. His remarkable journey from servant to Titanic survivor and his subsequent life make for a fascinating tale of survival and resilience.

Early Life and Background

A Norman Upbringing

Born to Cyr Casimir Lesueur and Héloise Sophie Mélanie Bouts, Louis Gustave Joseph Lesueur spent his early years in the picturesque village of Brametot in Normandy, France. His humble beginnings would eventually lead him to a life of service and unexpected adventure.

Physical Appearance and Employment

By 1910, Lesueur was described as:

Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Complexion: Fair
Hair color: Blond
Eye color: Grey

These details paint a picture of a man who would soon find himself in the employ of the wealthy Cardeza family, a position that would ultimately change the course of his life.

The Titanic Journey

How did Lesueur come to be on the Titanic?

Lesueur boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a first-class passenger, traveling in the service of Thomas Cardeza and his wife, Marie. He was assigned cabin B-101 and traveled on the Cardeza’s ticket, number PC 17755.

The Cardeza Connection

“He was working for Thomas Cardeza by June 1910 when they were listed as passengers arriving, with Cardeza’s wife Marie, at New York aboard the SS George Washington.”

This employment with the Cardezas was crucial, as it led to Lesueur’s presence on the Titanic and, ultimately, his survival.

Fate During the Disaster

A Fortunate Escape

When disaster struck on April 14, 1912, Lesueur’s status as a first-class passenger and his association with the Cardezas likely contributed to his survival. He was rescued in Lifeboat 3, along with Thomas Drake Martinez Cardeza and Charlotte Wardle Cardeza.

What happened to Lesueur after the rescue?

Following his rescue, Lesueur disembarked in New York City, where he likely assisted the Cardezas in recovering from the traumatic experience.

Life After the Titanic

Military Service and Marriage

Served in the French Army during World War I
Married Alexandrine Vasseur on July 1, 1918, in Le Petit Quevilly, Normandy

Career and Later Life

After his military service, Lesueur’s life took several turns:

Worked as an interpreter
Became a personnel manager
Resided at 102, rue de Trianon in Sotteville-les-Rouen

A Tragic End

What were the circumstances of Lesueur’s death?

Tragically, Louis Gustave Joseph Lesueur is believed to have committed suicide by hanging on or around January 13, 1939. He was 62 (sixty-two) years old at the time of his death. His body was discovered in the woods of Petit Quevilly a few days later, and he was laid to rest in Sotteville cemetery.

Lesueur’s Legacy

Despite the tragic end to his life, Louis Gustave Joseph Lesueur’s story remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of fate. From his humble beginnings in Normandy to his survival of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters, Lesueur’s life was marked by extraordinary events and resilience.

His connection to the Cardeza family and his experiences as a Titanic survivor provide valuable insights into the lives of servants and first-class passengers during that fateful voyage. Lesueur’s story continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective on the disaster and its long-lasting impact on those who lived through it.