Miss Margaret Bechstein Hays

Who was Margaret Bechstein Hays?

Margaret Bechstein Hays was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on December 6, 1887, in New York City, she became known not only for surviving the tragic sinking but also for her compassionate actions in the aftermath of the disaster.

Early Life and Background

Margaret Hays came from a privileged background, residing at 304 West 83rd Street in New York City. She received her education at the prestigious Briarcliff School in New York, where she formed a lasting friendship with Olive Earnshaw, who would later accompany her on the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Margaret Hays board the Titanic?

Margaret Hays boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. She was traveling with her friends Olive Earnshaw and Lily Alexenia Potter. The trio was returning from a European tour, and their journey on the Titanic was meant to be the luxurious finale to their adventure.

Who was Gilbert Tucker?

During their European travels, the ladies met Gilbert Tucker, a 31-year-old bachelor and Cornell University graduate. Tucker was so enamored with Margaret that he changed his travel plans to accompany the group on the Titanic, serving as their self-appointed escort.

“We have hit an iceberg but the steward told us we should not worry and should go back to bed.” - Margaret Hays and Olive Earnshaw

What were Margaret’s accommodations on the Titanic?

Cabin: C54 (shared with Olive Earnshaw)
Ticket Number: 11767
Fare: £83 2s 0d

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Margaret Hays and her companions were in bed when the Titanic struck the iceberg at 11:40 p.m. Initially, they didn’t grasp the severity of the situation, with Margaret reportedly thinking little of the incident.

How did Margaret escape the sinking Titanic?

As the situation became dire, Margaret and her friends:

Wrapped Margaret’s Pomeranian dog in blankets
Met Gilbert Tucker on their way to the boat deck
Received assistance from Tucker in donning their lifejackets
Boarded Lifeboat 7, the first boat to be launched

James Clinch Smith, another passenger, made a lighthearted comment about putting a life preserver on Margaret’s dog as they waited to board the lifeboat.

Rescue and Aftermath

What role did Margaret play after the rescue?

Aboard the rescue ship Carpathia, Margaret Hays demonstrated exceptional compassion and linguistic skills:

She volunteered to care for two young French boys, Michel and Edmond Navratil
The boys spoke no English and had been separated from their father during the sinking
Margaret, fluent in French, became their temporary guardian
She housed the boys under the supervision of the Children’s Aid Society until their mother was located and brought to America

Life After the Titanic

Despite maintaining contact with Gilbert Tucker after the rescue, Margaret chose a different path for her future.

Who did Margaret marry?

In 1913, Margaret married Dr. Charles Daniel Easton, a physician from Rhode Island. The couple:

Lived in Providence and Newport, Rhode Island
Had two daughters
Remained together until Dr. Easton’s death on October 4, 1934

Margaret’s Later Years and Legacy

Margaret Hays Easton led a full life after her Titanic experience:

She was photographed in 1918 holding her daughter, Margaret (who later became Mrs. John W. Starbuck)
Continued to be known for her bravery and compassion during the Titanic disaster
Passed away on August 21, 1956, at the age of 68 (sixty-eight) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while vacationing with her daughter and granddaughter
Was laid to rest at St. Mary’s Churchyard in Portsmouth, Rhode Island

Margaret Bechstein Hays’ story remains a testament to the human capacity for kindness and resilience in the face of tragedy. Her actions aboard the Carpathia, caring for the young Navratil boys, exemplify the spirit of compassion that emerged from the Titanic disaster.