Mrs Orian Davidson: A Titanic Survivor’s Story

Mrs Orian Davidson, born Orian Hays, was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Canadian passenger who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. As a first-class passenger with a unique connection to the ship’s management, her story offers a compelling glimpse into one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Background

Who was Orian Davidson?

Orian Davidson was born on November 18, 1884, to Charles Melville Hays and Clara Jennings Gregg. Her father, Charles Melville Hays, was a prominent figure in the Canadian railway industry and played a significant role in the development of the Grand Trunk Railway.

Family Ties and Social Status

• Daughter of Charles Melville Hays, a railway magnate
• Born into a family of considerable influence and wealth
• Married to Thornton Davidson, a successful businessman

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Davidsons on the Titanic?

The Davidsons were returning to their home in Montreal after enjoying a holiday in Paris. They boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, embarking on what was supposed to be a luxurious transatlantic crossing.

Titanic Accommodations

Mrs Davidson and her husband were traveling in style, occupying cabin B-71. Interestingly, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hays, were also on board, staying in the adjacent cabin B-69.

The Night of the Disaster

How did Orian Davidson survive the Titanic sinking?

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Orian Davidson found herself in a perilous situation. Fortunately, she was able to secure a place on lifeboat 3, which ultimately led to her rescue.

Orian and Clara were rescued in lifeboat 3 but both their husbands were lost.

This tragic turn of events meant that while Orian and her mother survived, both their husbands perished in the disaster. The loss of Thornton Davidson and Charles Melville Hays would have a profound impact on their lives moving forward.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster affect Orian’s later life?

The sinking of the Titanic and the loss of her husband marked a turning point in Orian Davidson’s life. While specific details about her immediate activities after the disaster are scarce, we know that she lived for many years afterward.

Some key points about her later life include:

1. She survived for 67 years after the Titanic disaster
2. Passed away on May 3, 1979, at the age of 94 (ninety-four)
3. Was buried next to her parents and first husband at Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal

Legacy and Remembrance

Orian Davidson’s survival of the Titanic disaster ensured that her family’s story would be remembered as part of the broader narrative of this historic event. As a first-class survivor, her account provides valuable insights into the experiences of the ship’s more privileged passengers during those terrifying hours.

What can we learn from Orian Davidson’s Titanic experience?

Orian Davidson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the random nature of survival in such disasters. Despite their wealth and status, the Davidson and Hays families were not immune to tragedy. Her tale underscores the human cost of the Titanic sinking, where lives were forever altered in a matter of hours.

The fact that Orian lived to the age of 94 also highlights the long-lasting impact of the Titanic disaster on its survivors. For decades, she carried with her the memories of that night and the loss of her husband, serving as a living link to one of the most famous maritime tragedies in history.