Mrs Myra Raymond Harper

Who was Myra Raymond Harper?

Mrs Myra Raymond Harper was a 49 (forty-nine) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on February 10, 1863, in Manhattan, New York, she was the wife of Henry Sleeper Harper, a member of a prominent publishing family. Myra survived the tragic sinking of the Titanic and lived until November 14, 1923, passing away at the age of 60 (sixty).

Early Life and Background

A New York Upbringing

Myra Raymond Harper, née Haxtun, was born into a merchant family in Manhattan. Her parents were:

• Benjamin Haxtun (born 1826), a merchant
• Susan Carman Naylor (born 1831)

Myra had only one known sibling, her older sister Mary Britton (born 1853, later Mrs. John Hopson). The 1880 US census described the young Myra as a 17-year-old student, indicating she received an education typical of her social standing.

Marriage and Lifestyle

On February 28, 1889, Myra married Henry Sleeper Harper, connecting her to the influential Harper publishing family. The couple’s lifestyle was characterized by:

• Childless marriage
• Residence in Manhattan
• Frequent global travels

Their wealth and social status allowed them to indulge in extensive journeys around the world, setting the stage for their fateful voyage on the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Luxury Voyage

In April 1912, the Harpers were returning from an extensive tour of Europe and Asia. They boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as first-class passengers. Their travel details included:

• Ticket Number: 17572
• Cabin: D33
• Fare: £76 14s 7d (76 pounds, 14 shillings, and 7 pence)

Unique Travel Companions

The Harpers’ journey was made more intriguing by their unusual travel companions:

1. Hammad Hassab: A dragoman (interpreter/guide) acquired by Mr. Harper in Cairo, Egypt
2. Sun Yat-Sen: Mr. Harper’s Pekingese dog

The presence of Hammad Hassab, described as handsome and mysterious, became a topic of conversation among the first-class passengers, adding an exotic element to the Harpers’ voyage.

What Happened on the Night of the Disaster?

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14, 1912, the Harpers’ experience unfolded as follows:

1. They were roused from their cabin after the collision.
2. The couple made their way to the Boat Deck.
3. They initially sat in the gymnasium, perhaps unaware of the severity of the situation.
4. Eventually, they ventured out onto the starboard side of the ship.
5. The Harpers, along with Hammad Hassab and their dog, were allowed to enter lifeboat 3.

Rescue and Aftermath

A New Dawn on the Carpathia

The occupants of lifeboat 3, including the Harpers, were rescued by the RMS Carpathia at around 6:00 AM on April 15, 1912. Mr. Harper was overheard making a poignant observation:

The rescue ship looked so small with its one smokestack compared to the ship he had just been on.

This statement encapsulates the stark contrast between the grand Titanic and the smaller vessel that came to their aid.

News of Survival Reaches Home

The Harpers’ survival quickly made news, as evidenced by this report in the Pittsburgh Sun on April 18, 1912:

“Mrs E.H. Wells, wife of Professor Wells of the chair of Chemistry at Washington and Jefferson College (in Washington, Pa.) yesterday received word that her cousin, Henry Sleeper Harper and his wife, who were passengers on the Titanic, were safe aboard the Carpathia.”

This report highlights the relief felt by their family and friends upon learning of their rescue.

Life After the Titanic

Return to Manhattan

Following their harrowing experience, Myra and Henry Harper returned to their life in Manhattan. They continued to reside there, presumably maintaining their social status and lifestyle.

Myra’s Final Years

Myra Raymond Harper passed away on November 14, 1923, at the age of 60 (sixty). She was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York. In a poignant twist of fate, she was eventually joined in death by her husband Henry and his new wife, Anne.

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

Myra Raymond Harper’s story serves as a testament to the diverse experiences of Titanic survivors. Her journey from a privileged upbringing in New York to a harrowing night on the Atlantic and her subsequent return to society offers a unique perspective on this historic tragedy. As one of the first-class survivors, her account contributes to our understanding of how different passenger classes experienced the disaster and its aftermath.