Quigg Edmond Baxter

Who was Quigg Edmond Baxter?

Quigg Edmond Baxter was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Canadian first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on July 13, 1887, in Montreal, Baxter was the son of banker James Baxter and Hélène de Lanaudière Chaput. Known for his athletic prowess and romantic escapades, Baxter’s life was cut short during the tragic sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Athletic Career

A Privileged Upbringing

Quigg Baxter grew up in a wealthy Montreal family, receiving his education from the Jesuits at Loyola College, a prestigious private boys school in Montreal. His privileged background set the stage for a life of adventure and opportunity.

How did Baxter’s athletic career shape his life?

Baxter’s athletic talents emerged early in his life. At the age of 17, he joined the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association, quickly gaining recognition as a star player in both football and hockey. His promising career in hockey with the Montreal Shamrocks was cut short in 1907 when a devastating injury during a game left him blind in one eye.

Despite this setback, Baxter’s passion for sports persisted:

• He transitioned from player to coach
• Organized one of the first international hockey tournaments in Paris
• Continued to be involved in the Montreal sports scene

Academic Pursuits and European Adventure

In 1911, Baxter made a significant decision that would alter the course of his life. He chose to:

1. Drop out of his first year in Applied Sciences at McGill University
2. Accompany his mother and sister, Mary Hélène Douglas, on a European trip

This journey would lead to a fateful encounter in Brussels, where Baxter met and fell in love with Berthe Mayné, a 24-year-old cabaret singer.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

Quigg Edmond Baxter boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, holding a first-class ticket (No. PC 17558) that cost £247 5s. His cabin was assigned as B58/60. Determined to bring his new love interest back to Montreal, Baxter arranged for Berthe Mayné to travel on the Titanic as well, booking her into cabin C-90 under the assumed name of Mme. DeVilliers.

Who accompanied Baxter on the Titanic?

Baxter was traveling with:

• His mother, Hélène Baxter
• His sister, Mary Hélène Douglas
• His love interest, Berthe Mayné (traveling under an alias)

The Night of the Disaster

How did Baxter react to the Titanic’s collision?

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Baxter was in his cabin when the Titanic struck an iceberg. His mother, concerned about the ship’s sudden stop, prompted him to investigate. Baxter’s encounter with Captain Smith and Bruce Ismay outside his cabin revealed the gravity of the situation:

“There’s been an accident, Baxter, but it is all right,” Smith told him.

Ismay instructed Baxter to get his mother and sister into the lifeboats, setting in motion a series of heroic and heartbreaking actions.

Baxter’s Final Moments

Quigg Baxter’s last moments aboard the Titanic were marked by bravery and selflessness:

1. He carried his mother up the grand staircase to lifeboat 6
2. Handed her a sterling silver flask of brandy
3. Bid farewell to his loved ones with the words, “Etes vous bien maman? Au revoir, bon espoir vous-autres.” (Are you alright, mother? Goodbye and keep your spirits up everyone.)
4. Encouraged Berthe Mayné to board a lifeboat, with Molly Brown’s help

Baxter remained on the ship as it sank, sacrificing his life at the young age of 24 (twenty-four).

Legacy and Remembrance

Quigg Edmond Baxter’s body, if recovered, was never identified. His memory lives on through:

• A remembrance on his mother’s grave at Notre Dame de Neiges Cemetery, Montreal
• His story as part of the larger Titanic tragedy, highlighting the human cost of the disaster
• The legacy of his brief but impactful life in Montreal’s sports community

Baxter’s tale serves as a poignant reminder of the lives cut short on that tragic night, representing the many first-class victims who, despite their privileged status, could not escape the Titanic’s fate.