Master William Loch Coutts

William Loch Coutts was a young Titanic survivor who, at the age of 9 (nine), embarked on a journey that would shape the rest of his life. Born on October 16, 1902, in Chatham, Kent, England, William’s story is one of survival, resilience, and the lasting impact of a historic tragedy.

Early Life and Background

Who were William Coutts’ parents?

William was born to William Coutts Sr., a gold and silver engraver from Haddingtonshire, Scotland, and Minnie Trainor, who hailed from Ireland. His parents had married earlier in 1902, the same year William was born. The family expanded with the birth of William’s younger brother, Neville Leslie, in 1908.

Where did the Coutts family live before their Titanic journey?

Prior to their fateful voyage, the Coutts family resided at:

• 5 Knox Buildings
• Caledonian Road
• Islington, London

This information comes from the 1911 census, providing a glimpse into their life just before the Titanic disaster.

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Coutts family board the Titanic?

In early 1912, William’s father emigrated to America and later sent money for his family to join him. Their intended destination was:

• 143 Fourth Avenue
• Brooklyn, New York

What class did the Coutts family travel in?

Although William’s father had sent enough money for second-class passage, his mother made a frugal decision. She purchased third-class tickets instead, hoping to save money for their new life in America.

What were the details of their Titanic booking?

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Date of Boarding: April 10, 1912
• Ticket Number: C.A. 37671
• Fare: £15 18s (15 pounds, 18 shillings)

The Night of the Disaster

How did the Coutts family react to the collision?

When the Titanic struck the iceberg, the Coutts family was asleep in their cabin. The impact, though slight, was enough to wake William’s mother. She investigated and, upon hearing murmurs of trouble, quickly returned to prepare her children.

“Hurry now, all women and children to the lifeboats…” - A seaman’s urgent call that guided the Coutts family to safety.

What challenges did they face in reaching the lifeboats?

1. Mrs. Coutts couldn’t find a lifebelt for herself in their cabin.
2. The family struggled to navigate through the crowded steerage areas.
3. They initially couldn’t find a way to reach the lifeboats.
4. William, wearing a straw boater hat, was initially refused entry to a lifeboat due to appearing too mature.

How did the Coutts family survive?

• They were led to the boat deck by a seaman.
• An unidentified American man gave his lifebelt to Mrs. Coutts.
• Mrs. Coutts insisted, “If he doesn’t go, we aren’t going,” ensuring William’s place in the lifeboat.
• William, his mother Minnie Coutts, and his brother Neville Leslie Coutts escaped in lifeboat 2.

Life After the Titanic

Where did the Coutts family settle after surviving the Titanic?

• Initially, they reunited with William’s father in Brooklyn.
• Around 1920, the family moved to Dormont, Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
• By 1940, they had relocated to Pittsburgh.

What was William’s career path?

William’s professional life was diverse and eventful:

1. Professional musician
   • Played guitar and banjo at the William Penn Theatre
   • Gave music lessons
2. Manager at Household Finance Corps
3. Credit manager for Rubber Products Co. of Pittsburgh

Interesting Fact: During his career, William was held at gunpoint six times.

Did William start a family of his own?

Yes, William married Alma Blanch Eiferd, a native of Pennsylvania born on April 22, 1912. They had two daughters:

1. Fay Alma (1930-1997)
2. Barbara (born 1932)

The family resided at 561 South Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, where William was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

William’s Connection to Titanic History

How did William commemorate the Titanic disaster?

To honor their survival, William’s father engraved a locket with their names and the date of the sinking. This locket, containing photographs of his wife and sons, remains in the family’s possession to this day.

What was William’s perspective on Titanic depictions?

In April 1956, while hospitalized for low blood pressure and a heart ailment, William watched the Kraft adaptation of “A Night to Remember.” He praised the play but noted one criticism - the absence of any mention of the Carpathia, the ship that rescued the Titanic survivors.

The End of William’s Journey

William Loch Coutts’ life came to an unexpected end on December 25, 1957. At the age of 55 (fifty-five), he was found dead in South Water Street, Steubenville, Ohio, having suffered a stroke. His final resting place is at Sunset View Cemetery, Pittsburgh, marking the end of a life profoundly shaped by one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.