Miss Margaret Edith Graham

Who was Margaret Edith Graham?

Margaret Edith Graham was a 19 (nineteen) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on February 16, 1893, in Wheeling, West Virginia, she was the daughter of wealthy businessman William Thompson Graham and Edith Ware Junkins. Margaret survived the tragic sinking of the Titanic and went on to lead a fulfilling life, becoming a prominent figure in her community.

Early Life and Background

A Privileged Upbringing

Margaret Edith Graham was born into a life of privilege and opportunity. Her family’s background included:

• Father: William Thompson Graham (1851-1932), President of the American Can Company
• Mother: Edith Ware Junkins (1852-1924)
• Six siblings: William Townsend, Mary, Nellie Alice, John Joseph, Alice, and Samuel Junkins

Shortly after Margaret’s birth, the Graham family relocated to Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. Her father’s success in business, particularly as one of the original backers of the ‘Dixie Cup’, ensured a comfortable lifestyle for the family.

Education and Social Standing

As a young woman from a wealthy family, Margaret likely received a top-notch education. Her social standing in Greenwich, Connecticut, positioned her among the elite of early 20th-century American society.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Margaret on the Titanic?

Margaret boarded the Titanic at Southampton along with her mother, Edith Graham, and their governess, Elizabeth Weed Shutes. They were returning to the United States after a trip abroad.

Titanic Accommodations

The Graham party traveled in style:

Their first-class ticket (number 17582) cost £153 15s 3d, equivalent to about £19,000 in today’s currency.

The Night of the Disaster

A Fateful Sandwich

On the night of April 14, 1912, as the Titanic struck the iceberg, Margaret was nibbling on a chicken sandwich. Her governess, Miss Shutes, noticed Margaret’s unease:

Then she looked at Margaret, who was so uneasy that the chicken kept falling from the bread.

This simple observation paints a vivid picture of the growing tension aboard the ship.

Rescue and Survival

Margaret, her mother, and Miss Shutes were fortunate to be among the survivors. They were helped into Lifeboat 3 by Howard B. Case and Washington Augustus Roebling II. As they were lowered into the water, they witnessed a poignant moment:

As the boat landed they watched Case calmly leaning against the rail, lighting a cigarette and waving goodbye.

This image of Case’s stoic farewell encapsulates the bravery and tragedy of that fateful night.

Life After the Titanic

Marriage and Family

Margaret’s life continued to flourish after surviving the Titanic disaster:

• Married Eugene M. Moore on June 6, 1914
• Eugene was a senior executive at a prominent law firm in Stratford, Connecticut
• The couple had three children:
  1. Margaret (b. 1916)
  2. Eugene Maxwell Moore (1917-2009)
  3. William (1922-2003)

Community Involvement and Legacy

Margaret Graham Moore became an active member of her community:

• Volunteered with the American Red Cross during World War II
• Engaged in local civic life throughout her years

Her experiences on the Titanic likely influenced her commitment to service and community involvement.

How did Margaret’s Titanic experience shape her life?

While we can’t know for certain, Margaret’s survival of the Titanic disaster may have instilled in her a deep appreciation for life and a desire to give back to her community. Her active involvement in civic affairs and volunteer work with the American Red Cross during World War II suggests a woman who understood the value of service and compassion.

Final Years

Margaret Edith Graham Moore passed away on April 26, 1976, at the age of 83 (eighty-three). She was laid to rest in Putnam Cemetery in her hometown of Greenwich, Connecticut. Her life, spanning from the Gilded Age through two World Wars and into the modern era, was marked by both extraordinary events and a commitment to family and community.

Margaret’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the enduring impact of that fateful voyage on the lives of those who lived to tell the tale.