Miss Mariyam Tu’mah: A Young Titanic Survivor’s Journey

Miss Mariyam Tu’mah was a 9 (nine) year-old third-class passenger who survived the sinking of the Titanic. Born on October 16, 1902, in Tibnīn, al-Janub, Lebanon, Mariyam’s journey on the ill-fated ship would become a defining moment in her life, shaping her future in America.

Early Life and Background

Mariyam was born into a Lebanese family, the daughter of Darwīsh Tu’mah, an onion farmer born in 1870, and Hinnah Tu’mah. She had one younger sibling, Jirjis Yūsuf Tu’mah, born in 1904. In 1905, Mariyam’s father left Lebanon for Silver Creek, Michigan, where he worked on a farm. His goal was to save enough money to purchase his own farm in Dowagiac and bring his family to America.

The Journey to Titanic

Mariyam’s journey to America began in February 1912, when she, along with her mother and brother, left their village by camel caravan. Their route took them through:

1. Beirut, Lebanon
2. Marseille, France (by freighter)
3. Cherbourg, France (by train)

On April 10, 1912, the family boarded the Titanic as third-class passengers. Their ticket, number 2650, cost £15 4s 11d.

Life Aboard the Titanic

During the voyage, Mariyam and her brother made the most of their time on the ship:

• Running up and down passages
• Exploring stairwells
• Playing in nearby vacant cabins

This carefree exploration would later play a crucial role in Mariyam’s survival.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Mariyam’s mother had put her younger brother to bed but grew concerned when Mariyam hadn’t returned. The sequence of events unfolded as follows:

1. Titanic struck the iceberg
2. Mariyam’s mother took her brother to the boat deck
3. She returned to search for Mariyam
4. Mariyam was found asleep in a vacant cabin
5. Mother and daughter reunited with the brother on the upper decks
6. The family escaped in a lifeboat (possibly Collapsible C)
7. They were rescued by the Carpathia

What Happened After the Rescue?

Upon reaching New York, Mariyam and her family were taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital for recuperation. They then made their way to Dowagiac, Michigan, where Mariyam’s father awaited them. Interestingly, he was unaware that his family had been aboard the Titanic and was surprised to receive a telegram from his wife.

Life in America

After settling in Dowagiac, the family anglicized their names. Mariyam became known as Mary Thomas. Her family grew with the addition of three more siblings:

Marriage and Family

On July 28, 1919, at the age of 16 (sixteen), Mary married Nicholas Haddad in Elkhart, Indiana. Nicholas, born on December 28, 1896, was also a Lebanese immigrant who had come to the USA in 1910. The couple initially lived in Dowagiac before moving to Flint, Michigan. They had six children:

1. Emma (1920-2013)
2. William (b. 1929)
3. Daniel (b. 1932)
4. Pearl (b. 1935)
5. Gerald (b. 1938)
6. Francis (b. 1940)

How Did Mary’s Life End?

Mary Thomas Haddad passed away on August 12, 1953, in Flint, Michigan, at the age of 50 (fifty). She succumbed to a long illness, specifically liver cirrhosis. In a poignant moment near the end of her life, Mary was photographed taking the oath of loyalty as part of her naturalization as an American citizen while on her deathbed.

Mary was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Flint, Michigan, in section St. Theresa, lot 21. Her husband, Nicholas, survived her by 23 years, passing away in 1976.

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

Mary Tu’mah Thomas Haddad’s life was a testament to resilience and the immigrant experience in early 20th century America. From a young girl fleeing Lebanon to a Titanic survivor and finally an American citizen, her journey encapsulates a unique slice of history. Her story serves as a reminder of the human stories behind the Titanic disaster and the lives that were forever changed by that fateful voyage.