Miss Sarah Roth

Who was Sarah Roth?

Miss Sarah Roth was a 26 (twenty-six) year-old Polish tailor who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on October 10, 1885, in Tarnów, Austria (modern-day Poland), Sarah was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would change her life forever.

Early Life and Background

A Jewish Family in London

Sarah Roth came from a Jewish family, born to Abraham Roth, a cobbler, and his wife Sarah. The family’s story is one of migration and adaptation:

• 1881: Relocated from Austria to London, living at 5 Wells Place, Whitechapel
• 1891: Sarah resided at the Jews Hospital and Orphan Asylum in Norwood, London
• 1901: Lived with family at 15 Plough Street, Commercial Road, Whitechapel

Sarah’s Siblings

Sarah had several siblings, including:

• Barnett (born 1874)
• Harry (born 1891)
• Samuel (born 1894)

What was Sarah’s occupation?

Sarah followed in her father’s footsteps in the garment industry. Her career progression was as follows:

1. 1901: Described as a tailoress
2. 1911: Worked as a coat finisher

Titanic Journey: A New Beginning

Why was Sarah on the Titanic?

Sarah boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger, holding ticket number 342712, which cost £8 1s. Her journey was motivated by love and the promise of a new life in America.

Sarah was traveling to join her fiancé, Daniel Michael Iles, who had emigrated to New York in 1911.

Who were Sarah’s companions on the Titanic?

During her voyage, Sarah became acquainted with a group of similarly-aged passengers, including:

• Emily Badman
• Edward Lockyer
• Edward Dorking
• Thomas Theobald
• May Howard
• The Goldsmith family

The Night of the Disaster

How did Sarah survive the Titanic sinking?

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Sarah’s survival story unfolded:

1. Woke up sensing the ship had stopped moving
2. Left her cabin and met with acquaintances, possibly Frank and Emily Goldsmith
3. Witnessed crew members hurrying past and learned of the iceberg collision
4. Initially prevented from accessing higher decks
5. Eventually permitted to ascend to the boat deck
6. Rescued in Collapsible C, one of the last lifeboats to leave the Titanic

Sarah lost her wedding gown and trousseau in the sinking, but managed to escape with her life.

Life After the Titanic

A Whirlwind Romance

Following her arrival in New York, Sarah’s life took a dramatic turn:

• Married her fiancé, Daniel Michael Iles, in St. Vincent’s Hospital just one week after the disaster
• Wore a dress donated by the Woman’s Relief Committee
• Fellow Titanic survivor Emily Badman served as her bridesmaid

Family Life

Sarah and Daniel’s family grew:

• December 9, 1914: Birth of their son, Albert Daniel
• 1920s-1930s: Lived in Manhattan
• Later moved to Milford, New Haven, Connecticut

Sarah’s Legacy

When did Sarah pass away?

Sarah Roth Iles died on July 4, 1947, at the age of 61 (sixty-one) in Milford, New Haven, Connecticut. She was laid to rest in an unmarked grave at Kings Highway Cemetery.

What happened to Sarah’s family?

• Daniel Iles (husband): Continued to live in Milford until his death in 1966
• Albert Daniel Iles (son): Married and remained in Milford, passing away on February 28, 1999

Sarah Roth’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the immigrant experience in early 20th century America. From her humble beginnings in Poland to her harrowing escape from the Titanic and subsequent life in the United States, Sarah’s journey embodies the spirit of hope and perseverance that defined her generation.