Mr Neshan Krekorian

Who was Neshan Krekorian?

Neshan Krekorian was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old Armenian survivor of the Titanic disaster. Born on May 12, 1886, in the village of Keghi, then part of Turkish-occupied Armenia, Krekorian’s life would be forever changed by his experience on the ill-fated ship. As a third-class passenger aboard the Titanic, his story of survival and subsequent life in Canada offers a unique perspective on one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Background

From Armenia to Canada: A Journey of Escape

Neshan Krekorian’s early life was marked by religious persecution. As a Christian in Turkish-occupied Armenia, he faced ongoing hostilities from Turkish Muslims. This dangerous environment led Krekorian to make a life-altering decision:

Flee Armenia with fellow compatriots
Seek refuge in Canada
Aim for Hamilton, Ontario, where a Mr. Paul Martin resided at 108 Princess Street

Krekorian’s profession before boarding the Titanic was that of a general laborer, indicating his working-class background and likely motivations for seeking new opportunities abroad.

The Titanic Journey

How did Krekorian come to be on the Titanic?

Krekorian boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a third-class passenger. His ticket, number 2654, cost £7 4s 7d. Interestingly, one source suggests that Krekorian may not have initially had a ticket and had to bribe a travel agent in Marseilles to secure passage. However, the official contract ticket list contradicts this claim.

Life Onboard

Krekorian’s experience in third-class accommodations was less than comfortable. He later complained about being “cooped up like a chicken” in his cabin, E-57 on F-Deck. This gives us insight into the conditions faced by steerage passengers on the Titanic.

The Night of the Disaster

What were Krekorian’s actions on the night of April 14, 1912?

On the fateful night, Krekorian’s activities and observations were as follows:

Played cards in the evening
Went to bed around 11 o’clock, fully clothed
Noticed a draft and found his porthole open
Observed ice floes in the water when closing the porthole

“Even though it was the first time in my life I had seen icebergs, I didn’t think much of it because they were barely noticeable,” Krekorian later recalled.

Krekorian’s Dramatic Escape

When the Titanic struck the iceberg, Krekorian’s survival instincts kicked in:

Made his way up to A-Deck
Spotted lifeboat 10 being lowered on the Port side
Ran down the deck and leapt into the boat

Able Seaman Frank Evans later testified that Krekorian “deliberately jumped in and saved himself.” This action, while ensuring his survival, later became a point of controversy.

Survival and Aftermath

What challenges did Krekorian face after the Titanic?

Krekorian’s ordeal didn’t end with his rescue. The aftermath of the disaster brought new challenges:

Contracted pneumonia
Hospitalized in New York
Upon reaching Brantford, Ontario, spent additional weeks in hospital

A notable controversy arose from reports in the Brantford Daily Expositor on April 27, 1912, claiming Krekorian had escaped “in women’s clothes.” This allegation likely stemmed from prejudices against foreign survivors and has been discredited by historians.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic experience shape Krekorian’s later life?

Despite the trauma of the Titanic disaster, Krekorian went on to build a life in Canada:

Moved to St. Catherines, Ontario in 1918
Married Persape Vartanian on July 12, 1924
Had three children: Alice (1925-2016), George Dennis (1926-2014), and Angeline (1930-2021)
Worked on a General Motors Automobile Assembly line throughout his career

The Titanic remained Krekorian’s first and only experience on a ship. His daughter noted that whenever he was near large bodies of water, “his face betrayed his thoughts. He would gaze at the water, and instantly you knew he was reliving that night.”

Legacy and Final Years

Neshan Krekorian lived a long life, passing away on May 21, 1978, at the age of 92 (ninety-two) in St. Catherine’s, Ontario. He is buried at Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St. Catharines, leaving behind a legacy as one of the Titanic survivors who rebuilt their lives in a new country.

Krekorian’s story is intertwined with those of his fellow Armenian passengers, including Arsen Siraganian, David Vartanian, Haroutioun Zakarian, and Mampré Zakarian, highlighting the shared experiences of immigrants seeking a better life aboard the Titanic.