Re: Lillian Renouf, Titanic survivor

Mrs Lillian Renouf (née Jefferys)



Mrs Peter Henry Renouf (Lillian "Lily" Jefferys), 30, from Rossly Halfway Banks, Guernsey, boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second class passenger together with her husband Peter. Her father Mr W. Jefferys lived at Rosslyn, St. Sampson's, Guernsey. The couple were accompanied by her brothers Clifford and Ernest. Also with them was Herbert Denbury. Their destination was Elizabeth, New Jersey. To reach it, they bought ticket number 31027 for £21.

Mrs Renouf survived the sinking. She was rescued by the Carpathia in lifeboat 12.

After arriving in New York, she went to 237 Baltic Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey.

References
Contract Ticket List, White Star Line 1912 (National Archives, New York; NRAN-21-SDNYCIVCAS-55[279]).
Titanic, Fortune & Fate, Letters, Mementos, and Personal Effects From Those Who Sailed On The Lost Ship (1998), Mariner' Museum. Simon & Schuster New York.
List or Manifest of Alien Passengers for the United States Immigration Officer At Port Of Arrival (Date: 18th-19th June 1912, Ship: Carpathia) - National Archives, NWCTB 85 T715 Vol 4183

Contributors
Hermann Söldner, Germany







Guernsey Evening Press

April/May 1912

In the boat with Mrs. Renouf were the Misses Lillian Bentham (of Jersey) and Miss Emily Rugg.

When the boat left the ship's side there were 30 on board, but later 30 men were taken from a raft, of whom one died later from exposure.

Another passenger who'd booked in the White Star line's office at Arcade, St. Peter Port, was Miss Bentham, an American lady of Guernsey parentage returning home from a holiday.






Elizabeth Daily Journal


Date of Publication: Tuesday 16th April 1912
News of Relatives Anxiously Awaited by Families In This City
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SCHOOL FLAGS ORDERED AT HALF-MAST
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Fred Jefferies, of 21B Florida street, is anxiously awaiting word of his sister, two brothers and brother-in-law, who were passengers on the fated steamship Titanic, on their way to this city. The sister, Mrs. Peter Reniff, and her husband, had been residents of this city for two years and were on their way home from a visit to England, their motherland. Mrs. Reniff was bringing her two brothers, Ernest and Clifford Jefferies, to this country.

Mr. Jefferies went to his work in the plant of the Goldsmith Detinning Company, at Chrome, this morning, unaware of the fact that the Titanic had sunk and that most of her passengers were supposed to be lost. He scanned the papers eagerly last night, but fear for the safety of his relatives was subdued by the reports that the passengers on the big steamer were in no danger.

Mr. and Mrs. Reniff had lived in Florida street for about two years. Last December, following the death of Mrs. Reniff’s mother, they decided to go back to England. According to letters received by Mr. Jefferies they had intended to sail on Good Friday, but the opportunity to sail home on the largest steamer in the world tempted them to wait. Mrs. Reniff’s brothers wanted to see something of America and they also took passage on the Titanic. The family were second-cabin passengers. Dispatches that the passengers were mostly women and children leads [sic] to the belief that Mr. Reniff and the two Jefferies brothers are probably among the lost.

In the list of the survivors is the name of Mrs. Lizzie Ranuff, who is believed to be Mrs. Peter Reniff. Mr. Jeffries [sic] is awaiting confirmation from the White Star line offices in New York.

The Reniffs had expected to again make their home in this city. They are quite well-known in the neighborhood in which they lived and intended to return there. Their furniture is stored in their flat in Florida street. The couple were members of Grace Episcopal Church and Mr. Reniff was a member of the Hawthorne Athletic Club.

Mr. Jefferies boards with Mr. and Mrs. Richard Holland, who occupy the same house in which the Reniffs had lived. Only this morning an English paper arrived, which had been mailed by the Reniffs before they set sail from England.

[The next several paragraphs of this article mention the Carter family, the Peacock family and Col. Gracie, in that order. Links to those parts of this article can be found on those passengers' respective summary pages.]

Flags on the school buildings have been ordered placed at half-mast out of respect to the victims of the Titanic disaster. The following telegram was received by Superintendent of Schools Richard E. Clement from President of the Board of Education Robert B. Cissel, who is in Philadelphia:

“Extend the sympathy of our public schools to those bereaved by the awful disaster, by ordering flags half-mast.”







Elizabeth Daily Journal


Date of Publication: Wednesday 17th April 1912
Two Women Only Ones of Reniff Party on Titanic Believed Saved
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FAMILY OF BENJAMIN PEACOCK UNACCOUNTED FOR
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There is mourning in several Elizabeth households to-day, as a result of the loss of the Titanic and the majority of its passengers, and in a number of families the joy caused by the anticipated return of loved ones who had been abroad, perhaps for months, was turned to gloom by the published lists of the lost. On the other hand, the anxiety of many was relieved by the roll of the saved.

Rushed through by the wireless operators, the lists are as yet by no means complete, and it is probable that many of these now noted as dead or unaccounted for are now safe aboard the Carpathia which is now steaming toward New York with its load of human freight.

Included in the roll of those who are supposed to have perished, are the names of Clifford and Ernest Jefferies, brothers of Fred Jefferies, of 21B Erie street. Mr. Jefferies’ brother-in-law, Peter H. Reniff, who was also a passenger on the ill-fated steamer, is unaccounted for. Mrs. Reniff is among the saved, according to the lists published yesterday. Reniff and his wife were returning to their home in this city after a trip abroad, and Mrs. Reniff’s brothers accompanied them.

Lawrence Gavey, a resident of this city for five years, and Herbert Denbuoy, of England, a football player, who were members of the Reniff party, are noted among the lost. Miss Emily Rugg, a seventh member of the party, is supposed to have been saved. Miss Rugg was coming to this city on a visit. The party was to have sailed Good Friday on the American liner Philadelphia, but decided to wait for the larger vessel. Had they sailed on the Philadelphia they might have arrived in New York last Saturday. The whole party were second cabin passengers on the Titanic.

Seeks Wife and Children

His face drawn and haggard after a night of awful anxiety, Benjamin Peacock, of 609 South Broad street, visited the Journal office this morning, seeking news of his wife, two children and two brothers, who are believed to have been on the Titanic. The names of Mrs. Treasteal Peacock and two children appeared in the list of steerage passengers this morning, but whether or not they are among the rescued, is not known. The names of the two brothers do not appear, but it is feared they were lost with the vessel. Until the lists of the steerage passengers were published this morning, Mr. Peacock was not sure that his wife, 4-year-old daughter, Treasteal and 9-months-old son, Albert Edward, were on the ill-starred steamer.

According to the story told by Mr. Peacock, his brothers were coming here to make their home with him. He is employed by the Public Service Corporation in Cranford. He sent passage money to his wife two weeks ago. The letter should have reached Mrs. Peacock, who was visiting in Southampton, last Tuesday, and she probably immediately took passage on the Titanic. He did not send any money for passage before this time as he did not want his wife to make the voyage during the winter. He was a sailor before coming here and knows the dangers of the Atlantic.

Both of Mr. Peacock’s brothers were in the marine service of the British government. Ernest Peacock was a marine on H. M. S. Powerful and had just completed two years’ service in Australia.

The other brother, Robert Peacock, had been an engineer in the Submarine Mining Corps and had recently come from the west coast of Africa. He had served twelve years in the service of his country. He received a certificate for life saving almost three years ago from the Royal Humane Society for saving lives off the British cruiser Gladiator when that vessel was struck by the steamship St. Paul off the Isle of Wight.

At the time of that accident Mr. Peacock was stationed on the Isle of Wight, and when the vessel was struck he, with several of his companions, swam to the scene and managed to rescue some of the sailors.

Says Banks Are Dreaded

Mr. Peacock before coming here was a sailor on the steamship Oceanic, of the White Star Line. He said that the Newfoundland banks are dreaded by every sailor. Because of the fog in this section, he further said, it is almost impossible to discern icebergs until the vessel is almost upon them. They can best be seen on moonlight nights as the light of the moon makes them easy to discern.

The icebergs break away from the coast about the middle of March or April. They are a constant menace to vessels until they strike the Gulf stream, which causes the to melt rapidly and thus prevents them from getting to the coasts of England. During this period vessels usually go 100 miles south of the regular route.

Mr. and Mrs. William E. Carter, of Philadelphia, and their two children, Lucille, 13 years old, and William, 10, are among those saved, it is believed. Carter is a nephew of Joseph W. Carter, of 43 South Broad street, this city.


The name of Colonel Archibald Gracie, of Washington, also appears on the list of the rescued. He is a cousin of Miss Esther Gracie Ogden, of 232 South Broad street, this city. Colonel Gracie went abroad five weeks ago for his health.


Snyder Missed Titanic

Word has been received here to the effect that Fred Snyder, of Court street, who went to Paris some months ago on a business trip, had intended to sail for home aboard the Titanic. Business connections kept him in France three days longer than he had anticipated, however, and he was unable to sail on the liner. Mr. Snyder is now on his way across the Atlantic aboard the Mauretania.









(Newark Evening News, 17 April 1912)


----------
ELIZABETH, April 17---Two residents of this city and several former residents
are known to have been on the Titanic when she sailed for this country.Mr.
and Mrs. Peter E. Renouf, of 20B Erie street, were second cabin passengers, and
were accompanied by Mrs. Renouf’s brothers, Clifford and Ernest Jeffries, of
Elizabeth.The name of Mrs. Renouf appears on the list of survivors.The
Renoufs went to England last December, where they visited their native heath.

Former Elizabeth residents on the boat were Mr. and Mrs. William E. Carter and
their children, Lucille, aged thirteen, and William, aged ten, of
Philadelphia.They were accompanied by a maid.Mr. Carter, who is thirty-
seven years old, is a nephew of Joseph Carter, of 43 South Broad street, this
city.Mrs. Carter’s maiden name is Polk, and she is said to be a descendent of
President James K. Polk.Press dispatches show that the Carters were saved.











Elizabeth Daily Journal


Date of Publication: Thursday 18th April 1912
Relatives of Titanic Passengers Here Grief-Stricken Because of Suspense.
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SISTER OF ENGINEER SUFFERS NERVOUS SHOCK
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Almost crazed by grief and anxiety over the fate of relatives who are known to have been on the lost steamer Titanic, three persons in this city are on the verge of nervous collapse. The lack of details of the disaster and the incomplete lists of the lost and saved, and the uncertainty of the fate of loved ones is almost more than the human mind can bear. Benjamin Peacock, of 609 South Broad street, whose wife and two little children, one of whom he had never seen, were on the luckless vessel, is in a pitiable condition.

He spent yesterday anxiously awaiting an answer to a cablegram which he sent to England on Tuesday asking whether or not his wife had sailed on the Titanic. He was unaware of her presence on the ship until he read her name in the list of steerage passengers. She and her children were still unaccounted for in the lists published this morning. Peacock’s two brothers are also believed to have been on the steamer.

Fred Jefferies, of 21B Florida street, whose sister, two brothers, cousin and brother-in-law were on the Titanic, is in an awful state of anxiety to-day. He did not learn until this morning that his cousin, Charles Cann, was on the steamer, but the man’s name appeared in the passenger lists. Jefferies’s sister, Mrs. Peter Reniff, and her husband, resided in this city and went to England in December on a visit. There were eight persons in their party, all of whom were on their way to this city.

Torn with anxiety over the fate of her brother, Jonathan Sheppard, of England, who was the third engineer of the ill-fated steamer, Miss Frances Sheppard, of Newark, who is visiting Mrs. J. S. H. Clarke, of 561 North Broad street, this city, is in a state of collapse. She still hopes that her brother was one of the officers in command of the lifeboats, but the fact that so far no word has been received of those members of the crew saved, adds to the painful suspense. Sheppard was formerly on the staff of the Titanic’s sister ship, Olympic, but he was one of the prize crew picked to man the larger vessel.

With fresh dispatches coming in, giving revised lists of the passengers rescued and lost from the leviathan, it seems very probable now that at least four Elizabethans went down with the vessel and that several other persons who were on their way to visit in this city, are among the lost.

Few of the steerage passengers were saved and it is doubtful whether Mrs. Peacock and her two children, Treatrea, age 4, and Albert Edward, 9 months, were among the number. Her husband, who is employed by the Public Service Corporation in Cranford, slep [sic] little last night. This morning he visited the telegraph office but there was no answer to the message which he sent to England yesterday. He said this morning that he believed his wife and children and brothers had perished, although he has not as yet abandoned hope. He left for New York to wait, with the rest of the sad throng of people who had friends or relatives on the Titanic, for the arrival of the Cunarder at 11 o’clock to-night with all of the saved.

Jefferies also went to New York to learn, if possible, the fate of his relatives and friends. The name of Mrs. Reniff and Miss Emily Rugg, the only women in the party, were published among those believed saved and it is thought the rest of the party perished. Peter Reniff had been a resident of this city for several years and was well known in the neighborhood where he lived. With him were his two brothers-in-laws [sic], Clifford and Ernest Jefferies, who were coming here on a visit; Mrs. Reniff’s cousin, Charles Cann; Lawrence Gavey, a resident of this city for five years; Herbert Denbuoy of England; and Miss Rugg, all of whom were coming here. Jefferies has not seen any of his relatives since the coronation of King George. He learned this morning that his sister and father were to have been members of the party but decided at the last minute to remain in England.

Joseph W. Carter, of 43 South Broad street, is one of the few who secured permits admitting them to the pier where the Carpathia is expected to land to-night. Carter’s nephew, William E. Carter. of Philadelphia, his wife and two children, were on the ill-fated vessel. The family is believed to have been rescued. Mr. Carter went to New York this morning.









Newark Star


Date of Publication: Thursday 18th April 1912
ELIZABETH, April 17---Benjamin Peacock, of 609 South Broad street, is fearful that his two brothers, Ernest and Robert, were among those lost on the steamship Titanic. Mr. Peacock's wife and two children were also passengers on the boat, but it is probable that they were saved.

Frederick Jefferies, of 21B Erie street, now believes that his sister, Mrs. Peter H. Reniff, was saved, but it is understood that her husband and Mr. Jefferies's brothers, Clifford and Ernest, were lost.

The local lodge of Elks has started a fund for the relief of the steerage passengers of the Titanic who were saved. The following committee has been appointed: Welcome W. Bender, Abe J. David and George L. Hirtzel, jr.









Elizabeth Daily Journal


Date of Publication: Friday 19th April 1912
ELIZABETH WOMAN, TITANIC SURVIVOR, TELLS OF TRAGEDY
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Mrs. Peter Reniff, Only Rescued Member of Local Party of Eight, Gives to Journal Story of Most Appalling Calamity in History of Navigation--Peacock Party Lost
----------

Thrilling but awful almost beyond description, was the story of the Titanic disaster given this morning by Mrs. Peter Reniff, of 20B Florida street, who was a passenger on the lost vessel. Unaware of the fact that her husband and two brothers went down on the giant steamer, Mrs. Reniff was brought to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Paul, of 237 Baltic street, late last night. Her story is a tale of heroism and self-sacrifice probably never before surpassed in the history of the world.

After striking the iceberg the Titanic was racked from stem to stern with a series of explosions and sank like a rock. The scenes following the collision were appalling. Strong men knelt on the deck of the sinking ship and wept like children. Women and little ones were almost hurled into the boats. The crew preserved some semblance of order among themselves. Cold and a choppy sea added to the discomfort of the passengers in the small boats, many of whom witnessed the last gasps of the wounded leviathan. Mrs. Reniff was one of these.

It is believed that all of the party with her perished. Despite the fact that the name of Miss Emily Rugg, of Southampton, England, was among the list of the saved, no trace of her was found on the Carpathia last night. All hope has been given up for the rest of the party who started merrily from England last
Saturday.

Peter Reniff was for several years a resident of this city. He was well known here, a member of Grace Church and prominent in athletics. He was a member of the Hawthorne Athletic Club. The rest of the party consisted of Mrs. Reniff’s brothers, Clifford and Ernest Jefferies, of England; her cousin, Charles Cann; Lawrence Gavey, who lived for five years in this city; Miss Emily Rugg, of Southampton; and Herbert Denbuoy, of England. All were on their way to this city.

Fred Jefferies, of 20B Florida street, another brother of Mrs. Reniff, met her at the wharf last night and brought her to the home of the Pauls in this city. Mrs. Paul crossed to England with the Reniffs last December, but she returned to this city several weeks ago.

Mrs. Reniff’s condition is so serious that it was deemed unsafe to tell her of the loss of her husband, brothers and friends. She thinks that they were picked up by another ship and has not given up hope of seeing them again. How vain are her hopes is shown by the authentic reports of the disaster. Her story follows:

Mrs. Reniff’s story

“I had just gone below when the crash came. It must have been just after 11 o’clock, as all of the women are ordered off the deck at that time and I had been on the port side of the boat talking to my husband and brothers. It was a beautiful, clear night, the stars appearing like glittering steel points against the dark sky. When the watch ordered women off the decks, I went down into my stateroom and I was partially undressed when the collision occurred. The shock was awful. Not fully realizing what had happened, I was dressing myself again when my husband and brothers burst into the cabin.

“They had been in the smoking room, and had seen the iceberg as it bore away from the vessel and told me to dress hurriedly although they thought there was little danger. Nearly all of the passengers though that the Titanic could not sink. Some of them took the collision as a joke and others were annoyed at the jouncing which they had received. My husband and brothers, who were fully dressed, helped me to put on my wraps and hurried me to the deck.

“There for the first time the passengers saw their peril and the utmost confusion prevailed. People were hurrying back and forth. Orders were being shouted in all directions and the crew was busy, getting ready to launch the lifeboats. The first and second class passengers were calm in the face of the disaster but when the steerage passengers burst up from below, the scramble for places in the boats and the bedlam of noise was awful. I saw no flagrant instances of cowardice. Everyone was terribly excited and people forgot everything but their eagerness to get off the sinking ship. It was trembling from stem to stern. The foreigners from the steerage were like animals, but an officer with a revolver stood by every boat and ordered the women to go first.

Husband Helped Save Her

“The boats filled up rapidly, and cast off. I was in one of the last boats. My husband pushed me forward and he was standing there on the deck as the lifeboat went over the side. Rocket after rocket was shot from the deck of the Titanic.

“For a few minutes the boats were grouped together near the sinking ship while the officers watched the last loads of passengers come over the side.

“The crowd was just starting to settle when the last boat went into the water. The halyard of one of the dories snapped as it was being lowered and the boat with its load of passengers fell fifteen or twenty feet into the water. It landed right side up and I do not think that any of the passengers went overboard.

Screams of Lost Frightful

Just as the boats were leaving the side of the steamer the chief steward of the second class cabin jumped off the Titanic into one of them. The impact nearly capsized the boat but it righted itself. The steward was allowed to remain in it. The big boat could be plainly seen. She parted in the middle. There was an awful roar followed by violent explosions. The whole steamer seemed to rock and steady herself for the final plunge. Then she went down. The screams of those who had been left on board were frightful. I shall hear them to my dying day.

“I remember hardly anything after the sinking of the ship. We floated around for hours, it seemed. It was bitterly cold and all of the passengers in our boat suffered. I do not know how many there were. I think that they all survived. I remember hearing someone say that several men had been shot by the officers while trying to escape with the women and children, but I saw no acts of violence. We suffered horribly. Although the sea was smooth waves broke frequently over our boat and we were drenched through. Some of the women were scantily clothed.

Man Dead on Raft

“I remember that we picked up a life raft a great distance from where the Titanic sank. There was one man on it. He was dead. I do not remember what they did with his body. I seemed to be dazed and forgot everything else that happened until we sighted the Carpathia. The I fainted and awoke to find myself on board her.

“I was dreadfully cold and was confined to a berth on the Cunard liner until we landed. There were two doctors on board and they did great work. It was a frightful experience and the only wonder of it is that so many escaped alive. The seamen kept up their spirits. One of them told me that when the Titanic sank he was drawn down into one of the funnels and that he was shot out again when the air rushed from the ship. He said that he swam sixteen miles before he was picked up.

“I did not see the captain of the Titanic after the collision nor had I seen him during the evening. The officers and men performed their work nobly and only praise can be given them.”

Peacock Family Lost

Mrs. Reniff and Fred Jefferies, her brother, both deny absolutely a story published in New York evening papers last night to the effect that Ernest and Clifford Jefferies, second class cabin passengers, who went down with the Titanic, were members of the notorious “Doc” Owen gang of card sharps who live by fleecing passengers on trans-Atlantic liners.

The only two second cabin passengers by the name of Ernest and Clifford Jefferies who were on board the Titanic were the brothers of the local woman. They left Southampton on the Titanic for their first trip to this country, according to Fred Jefferies and he cannot account for their names being mixed up with the Owen gang.

Mr. Jefferies was so incensed over the story that he declared he would sue those who were responsible for its publication.

The story in which the names of the Jefferies appeared stated that the Owen gang had planned to fleece Col. Astor.

Among the scores who waited in vain when the Carpathia landed the survivors of the Titanic disaster in New York last night, was Benjamin Peacock, 36 years old, of 609 South Broad street. Although none of the lists of the survivors published gave the names of Peacock’s wife, his two children and two brothers, he held a hope that they might possibly have been saved. It was left to one of the sailors on the Titanic, one of Peacock’s friends, to break the sad news that his wife and two little ones had gone down with the vessel.

Peacock met the man on the dock. “I’m sorry, Ben,” said the seaman, looking with pity at the grief-stricken face of the suffering man. “They have all gone down.”

Peacock now believes that his brothers did not sail on the Titanic. Their names were not in the lists furnished by the steamship company.

Since Monday, Peacock has not slept. He is on the verge of a collapse from the awful suspense and uncertainty. All last night he sobbed like a child over the loss of his wife and babies, one of whom he had never seen. He was in doubt as to whether or not his family were aboard the boat until he came across their names in a partial list of the steerage passengers given out at the offices of the White Star Line. About three weeks ago he sent passage money to his wife in England. He believed that his two brothers, who had seen service in the British navy, had booked passage on the Titanic, but is now satisfied that their sailing must have been delayed.

There was just one chance in a hundred, he declared on Monday, that his wife Treasteal, his 4-year-old daughter Treasteal, and his infant son, 9 months old, had not boarded the White Star liner at Southampton for America, but his worst fears were confirmed by the news last night. Mrs. Peacock received the money to bring her to America the day before the Titanic left England. With her two children she must have embarked the next day.

Believes Brother Lost

Another who waited in vain for the return of a loved one was Miss Frances Sheppard, a trained nurse, of Newark, who is staying at the home of Mrs. J. H. S. Clark, of 561 North Broad street, this city. Miss Sheppard’s brother, Jonathan Sheppard, of Southampton, England, is believed to have been a member of the crew of the Titanic. He was third engineer on the liner’s sister ship, Olympic, and was promoted to the same station on the larger vessel. There is a faint hope that he did not sail with the Titanic on her maiden voyage.

If he was on the steamer, it is probable that he was lost, as none of the engineers were saved. Miss Sheppard, although worn out by the strain, and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, went to New York this morning in an effort to learn if he was really on the wrecked vessel. Sheppard had followed the sea for years. He had been in two other disasters, but in each case he managed to escape.

In Boat With Ismay

Extremely happy because none of the members of his family lost their lives in the wreck of the Titanic, but expressing sorrow at the magnitude of the disaster, Joseph W. Carter, of 43 South Broad street, was able to add details to the story of the manner in which the tragedy was brought to the homes of Elizabethans. Mr. Carter was seen at his home in South Broad street this noon, but could only tell in generalities what happened to his relatives when the Titanic met her doom.

Speaking of the wreck, Mr. Carter said when seen by a Journal man, that everyone was safe, meaning his nephew, William Ernest Carter, of Philadelphia, his wife Lucille, aged 14. and William, aged 10. Mr. Carter said that while he had not seen his nephew personally to talk with him about the details of the wreck, he had learned much from conversation with another nephew who greeted him at the Cunard line pier last night and to whose home Mr. Carter and his family weer [sic] taken by automobile when they disembarked from the Carpathia. This nephew is William Carter Dickerman, who lives at Madison avenue and Fifty-seventh street, New York.

Mr. Carter said that his nephew was rescued in the same lifeboat carrying J. Bruce Ismay.

Like the other passengers, the Carters were practically destitute when landed from the Carpathia. Mr. Carter was in evening clothes, and had been forced to wear that dress since being picked up by the Carpathia. His wife was also in evening dress, while the two children were wrapped in clothing carried by the maid, who was rescued with them when she took them from their cabins where they were asleep at the time of the crash.

Jumped Into Sea

Taking his chance with the rest of the men on the Titanic, Mr. Carter was separated from his wife and children, bidding them goodby as they were carried over the side of the ship in the lifeboat which was filled with other women and children. They were in one of the first boats, and at that time the situation did not seem as serious as it later developed. Mr. Cater remained by the ship, but as it was seen to sink lower and lower he leaped into the sea, and was picked up by the tenth lifeboat. This was the boat containing J. Bruce Ismay, general manager of the White Star Steamship Company.

Deep Interest Here

The deep interest of the people of Elizabeth in the Titanic disaster was evidenced last night by the anxious and persistent efforts of hundreds of persons to get the first news of the landing of the Carpathia and the authentic details of the catastrophe from those who passed through it.

Those having friends and acquaintances aboard the unfortunate ship were especially anxious to hear of them and those who did not go to the dock stayed up as long as there was any hope of getting more news. In spite of the weather, many persons were out on the streets buying the latest newspaper extras and talking over the features of the disaster.

The Journal office was kept busy from 9 o’clock until midnight answering inquiries as to the possibility of the Carpathia’s making a landing or any news of the survivors. The lateness of the hour and the hope of getting a complete account to-day finally led to an abatement of interest in the news.

With the arrival of morning the absorbing topic was taken up with greater zeal. The first newspapers were eagerly scanned and the telephone and telegraph wires kept hot between here and the new centres in New York until all obtainable details had been learned.

To-morrow evening the members of Hawthorne Lodge, No. 156, Order Sons of St. George, and the members of Britannia Lodge, Daughters of St. George, will attend service in the First M. P. Church, Fourth and Franklin streets, at which time they will be notified of the date of the memorial service to be held in memory of the brothers who lost their lives by the Titanic disaster. All members are urged to be present. The Rev. Mr. Bajderston will preach a patriotic sermon to the members.

Snyder Saved by Delay

Frederick J. Snyder, of 314 Court street, who arrived this morning from Europe on the Mauretania, had planned to sail on the fated Titanic.

He as delayed three days, however, and sailed on the Mauretania. The delay probably saved his life. When the news of his arrival home this morning spread to his friends a crowd thronged his home to congratulate him.

Mr. Snyder said the first news of the fate of the Titanic reached the Mauretania last Tuesday by wireless, and from that time until the voyage came to an end this morning there was a pall of sorrow over the Mauretania’s passengers.

A New York man committed suicide by leaping from the Mauretania into the ocean last Sunday night. The boats were lowered, but he was not recovered.











Elizabeth Daily Journal


Date of Publication: Friday 19th April 1912
[The beginning of this article appears under Julia Barry's ET entry.]

Overcome with grief at the loss of his wife and two children, who were on their way from England to join him in this country, Benjamin Peacock left his boarding place at 609 North Broad street yesterday noon and has not yet returned. His boarding mistress, Mrs. Kate Town, said this afternoon that she feared Peacock had perhaps shipped out on the Carpathia. Until a year ago Peacock had followed the sea and it is thought he may have gone back to the old life in an effort to forget his sorrow.

He was a steady, sober, industrious man and since he came to this city he had never remained one night away from home. On several occasions he spoke of again taking to sea but the thought of his wife and family kept him from carrying out his plan. He was preparing to furnish a little home and for months had counted on the coming of his wife and little ones. Only yesterday afternoon a notice arrived that his household goods were awaiting him at the railroad station. They had been shipped from England weeks ago.

Ever since the news that the Titanic had gone down with most of her passengers was confirmed, Peacock had been in an awful state of mind. The possibility that his family had not taken passage on the fated liner, buoyed up his hopes, but they were crushed when the passenger lists were made public. Since then he has scarcely slept or touched food. Yesterday morning he said that he was going to buy a black suit. Mrs. Town told him that it would be unnecessary if he wore a band of black crepe on his arm. He went out, however, and returned later with a new suit of clothes.

Returning to his boarding place, he said that he was going to New York. He has not been seen since. Unless he returns to-day the police will be asked to look for him.

Mrs. Reniff Ill.

Mrs. Lillian Reniff, believed to be the only survivor of a party of eight, among whom fas [sic] her husband, Peter Reniff, of this city, is under the care of Dr. A. R. Eaton, Jr., at the home of friends, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Paul, of 237 Baltic street. So serious is Mrs. Reniff’s condition that no one is allowed to see her. She has not been told that her husband, brothers, cousin and friends who were with her were not among the rescued.

Miss Frances Sheppard, a trained nurse, of Newark, who is visiting Mrs. J. H. S. Clark, of 561 North Broad street, went to New York yesterday afternoon and confirmed the sad news that her brother was a member of the crew of the ill-fated liner.

Members of the local lodge of Elks are responding generously to the call for contributions to a fund which will eventually be turned over to the survivors of the Titanic’s steerage list. Exalted Ruler Welcome Bender is chairman of the committee in charge of this fund and his co-workers are Abe. J. David and
George L. Hirtzel, Jr.












Newark Evening News


Date of Publication: Friday 19th April 1912
Special Service of the NEWS

ELIZABETH, April 19---Almost prostrated by the terrible experiences which she had undergone since the Titanic went down, Mrs. Peter Renouf, of 21b Florida street, returned to her home here today. She told of seeing men shot down by officers while trying to force their way into boats, and declared that it was only in this way that some of the men could be forced back.

Mrs. Renouf’s husband, her two brothers, Clifford and Ernest Jeffries; a cousin, Charles Cann, and Herbert Denbouy, a friend of the family, formed a party. All were lost except Mrs. Renouf. All of the party but the Renoufs were residents of England.

Mrs. Renouf is in a condition bordering on hysteria, and it was between sobs that she told her story to a News reporter who found her at the home of her brother, Frederick Jeffries, in this city. She is about thirty years old. Mrs. Renouf said that she cannot realize the awful calamity and that it haunts her all the time. She will make her home with her brother for a while at least.

“The shock evidently was not very severe,” side Mrs. Renouf, “for it did not awaken either myself or my husband. The first we knew that the boat had struck an iceberg was when my brothers came running into our stateroom and told us to get ready to leave, as there was danger that the boat would go down. Neither of us could hardly believe it, and at first we thought that they were joking. They soon convinced us, however, that they were serious.

“My brothers pulled me out of bed, and handing me a blanket told me to take it and protect myself as best I could, for we could not take any chances of getting more covering. All of us then hurried on deck and we were placed with the second cabin passengers. My husband wanted to remain by my side, but the officers would not let him. They said ‘Women and children first.’ I believed my husband and brothers would follow in another boat. That was the assurance the officers gave me.

“Suddenly there was a rush on the part of several men to get into the lifeboats, which were already crowded with women and children. They pushed women aside and became frenzied. It seemed for a while as if they would leap into the boats. Then the officers raised their guns and shot these men down. I don’t suppose there was anything else to do. It was horrible.

“It seemed only about half an hour after we left the Titanic when she went under. I had hoped that my husband and the rest of the party were fortunate enough to get into another boat, but I gave up all hope after the survivors grouped on the Carpathia and I could not find any other member of our party among them.”

Lawrence Garvey, formerly of Elizabeth, is also said to have been among the lost. He was frequently in the Renouf party. While he lived in Elizabeth, Garvey made a reputation in amateur circles as a football player.











JERSEY DEATH ROLL DETAILS

Newark Evening News
Friday 19 April 1912


Besides Residents of This State, Many Victims Had Connections Here
----------
ANGUISH OF THE RELATIVES
----------

In addition to the New Jersey residents who lost their lives in the disaster,
fourteen more who met death had friends and relatives from this State on the
desolate pier at the foot of Fourteenth street last night.Sixteen of the
survivors have friends or connections in the State.

One of the rescued is Mrs. Lillian Renouf, of Elizabeth, a second cabin
passenger, while her husband, Peter Renouf; her two brothers, Ernest and
Clifford Jeffries; a cousin, Charles Cann; and a friend, Herbert Denbouy, are
among the dead.This is the only separation which occurred in a Jersey family
on board, although there were three other families known in the State which
were divided by death.Mrs. Renouf’s brothers and cousin lived in England.

Charles Melville Hays, president of the Grand Trunk Railway, of Montreal, a
nephew of former Postmaster James L. Hays, of this city, and his son-in-law,
Thornton Davidson, are dead, while Mrs. Hays and Mrs. Davidson were rescued by
the Carpathia and arrived in New York last night.They were taken from the
pier in automobiles to the Grand Central Station, where they took a special
train of two private cars and two coaches for Montreal at 10:30 o’clock.

The Hays family were met at the pier by Mr. Grey, father of Mrs. Hays; Howard
G. Kelly, chief architect of the Grand Trunk; Dr. J. Alexander Hutchison, of
Montreal, who had been Mr. Hays’s physician for years, and E. H. Fitzhugh, vice-
president of the Grand Trunk.

In an almost hysterical condition, Miss Margaret Froelicher, of Switzerland,
was led off the Carpathia.She sailed with her father and mother, Mr. and.
Mrs. Max Froelicher, both of whom are lost.The family are relatives of Emil
Stehli, of Montclair.

Herman Family Broken up.

Coming from England to establish a home at Bernardsville, where his brother-in-
law, Arthur Laver, is steward of a country club, Samuel Herman lost his life,
while his wife and two daughters, Alice and Katharine, were saved.

Among the hundreds who watched the survivors of the Titanic as they landed last
night from the Carpathia were four Trentonians, Ferdinand W. Roebling, Karl G.
Roebling, Henry C. Blackwell and William Blackwell, who thought, perchance,
Washington A. Roebling, 2d and Stephen Weart Blackwell might have been among
the saved.

Their names had not appeared in the list of survivors, but it was thought that
there was a bare possibility that they had been rescued.When the last
passenger had left the rescue ship the Trentonians realized that their search
had been in vain.

Still hoping against hope that the two might be alive, the four men pursued
inquiries at the White Star offices.They were informed, however, that all the
Titanic living had been brought ashore.

By telephone from New York the Trenton men informed the two bereaved families
here early this morning that there was no further hope that Messrs. Roebling
and Blackwell were saved.

In a little flat at 609 Willow street, Hoboken, John Moore is grieving today
over the death of his brother Leonard, who was one of the victims of the
disaster to the Titanic.Leonard Moore, who was nineteen years old, had come
to this country with John about a year ago.Early last winter Leonard went to
London to visit his mother.He chose the Titanic for the return trip.

“It will kill his poor mother,” said John.“To think of his drowning with the
rest like rats in a trap.I watched and waited about the White Star offices
for hours.It’s just like the lad to go down with the ship trying to let
others get into boats.”

Saved and Lost.

The full list of friends of Jerseymen saved is as follows:

Behr, Karl H., champion tennis player, New York lawyer, brother of Fred Behr,
of Morristown, and nephew of Henry Behr, of Montclair.
Carter, Mr. and Mrs. William E., daughter Lucille and son William, of
Philadelphia, formerly of Elizabeth.
Compton, Mrs. A. T., Miss S. W., and Mr. A. T. Jr., of Lakewood and New York.
Davidson, Mrs. Thornton (father, Charles Melville Hays, lost).
Earnshaw, Mrs. Boulton, of Philadelphia.
Froelicher, Miss Margaret (father, Max, and wife lost).
Harder, Mr. and Mrs. George, of Brooklyn.
Hays, Mrs. Charles Melville, of Montreal (husband lost).
Herman, Mrs. Jane (husband, Samuel, lost).
Herman, Kate and Alice (father lost).
Potter, Mrs. Thomas Jr., of Philadelphia, relative of Colonel Henry A. Potter,
of East Orange.
Seward, Frederick, nephew of Dr. John L., of Orange.

The friends of Jersey people lost are as follows:

Cann, Charles, of England.
Denbouy, Herbert, of England.
Davidson, Thornton, son-in-law of Charles M. Hays (wife and her mother saved).
Froelicher, Max and wife (daughter saved).
Hays, Charles Melville, of Montreal, nephew of former Postmaster James L. Hays
(wife and daughter saved; son-in-law lost).
Herman, Samuel, brother-in-law in Bernardsville (wife and daughters saved).
Jeffries, Ernest and Clifford, of England.
Mitchell, Henry, of England; has brother in Montclair.
Mrs. Benjamin Peacock and two children, of England.
Shepherd, Jonathan, third assistant engineer on Titanic; has sister in this
city.
Stanton, S. Ward, of New York.














TITANIC VICTIM'S HUSBAND MISSING

Newark Star

Monday 22 April 1912



Elizabeth Man Strangely Disappears After Learning of Her Death at Sea

---

ELIZABETH, April 21---Benjamin Peacock, of 609 South Broad street, who lost his wife and two children in the Titanic disaster, disappeared on Friday at noon and has not been seen since. He was in a distracted condition since he learned that his wife and children were not among those rescued by the Carpathia. It is feared that his mind may have been seriously affected.



Mrs. Lillian Reniff, one of the Titanic survivors, is in a serious condition at the home of Mrs. Henry Bull, of 237 Baltic street. Her husband, two brothers and a cousin were lost in the tragedy, but her condition is such that she has not been told that they were not among the rescued.



Mrs. Thomas Cuffe, of 148 Livingston street, learned yesterday that he sister, Miss Julia Barry, of 14 West Thirty-second street, New York, went down with the Titanic.



[Note: Articles from the Elizabeth Daily Journal identify Charles Cann as the unnamed cousin mentioned in the second paragraph.]


















LONE SURVIVOR IS PENNILESS

Elizabeth Daily Journal
Friday 26 April 1912

Mrs. Peter Reniff is Left Destitute
----------
SAW NO LIGHTS OF OTHER SHIPS AS TITANIC SUNK

Made penniless by the recent Titanic disaster in which she lost her husband, two brothers, cousin and two friends, Mrs. Peter Reniff, of 21B Florida street, is to-day facing the world, depending on her friends and one brother, Frederick Jefferies, who lives at the Florida street residence, for support.

With the vessel sank the entire savings of the family as well as all of Mrs. Reniff’s clothing with the exception of that which she wore when leaving the ship. Her jewelry and many valuable gifts, which she was bringing to this country from her native land, England, were also lost.

Practically the only articles of value which she saved were her engagement and wedding rings, which she had on her finger when she left the vessel.

Although she is still under the care of a physician and has not yet fully recovered from her nervous breakdown, Mrs. Reniff was in a better frame of mind this morning to relate her experience.

According to the woman there were no lights of another vessel to be seen when the Titanic was sinking, as claimed by some of the ship’s officers. “The first lights I saw,” she said, “were those of the Carpathia, as the boat steamed toward us at daybreak.”

“The enormous loss of life,” she continued, “is due only to the fact that the number of lifeboats was inadequate. To say that the vessel floated for nearly three hours is not so,” she declared. “I was among the first of the second cabin passengers to reach the deck, and as I was being lowered in the lifeboat
I could see that mighty steamer sinking rapidly.”

At the time when the Reniffs left this city a few months ago they had a comfortable home and sufficient funds to warrant them a comfortable living for some time to come. They took all their money with them and the remainder of it, which was carried by Mr. Reniff on the return trip, was lost with him.









Newark Star


Date of Publication: Monday 29th April 1912
ELIZABETH, April 28--- Memorial services for Peter R. Renouf, Lawrence Garvey [sic] and Clifford and Ernest Jeffries, who lost their lives in the Titanic disaster, were held tonight at Grace Episcopal Church. The services were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Henry Hale Gifford, rector of the church, who made a brief address. Members of the Hawthorne Lodge, Sons of St. George, and Brittania [sic] Lodge, Daughters of St. George, attended.

The widow of Mr. Renouf, who was rescued from the sinking ship, was present, it being the first time was able to leave her home since arriving there after landing in New York from the Carpathia. Mr. Renouf and Mr. Garvey were communicants of Grace Church, and the other two men were brothers of Mrs. Renouf.



Elizabeth Daily Journal


Date of Publication: Wednesday 1st May 1912
Mrs. Lillian Renouf and Fred Jefferys, relatives of the Elizabeth victims of the Titanic, wish to thank the Rev. Henry Hale Gifford, Ph.D., rector of Grace Church and the Sons and Daughters of St. George for their kindness and sympathy shown.

Mrs. Renouf is the widow of Peter Renouf and sister of Clifford and Ernest Jefferys, who were drowned when the giant ocean liner sank after crashing into an iceberg.




Special to The New York Times
---
ELIZABETH, N. J., July 8---Mrs. Lillian E. Stead, a survivor of the Titanic disaster twenty-one years ago, died this morning at her home here after a long illness. She was born in England. She was a member of the Brittaninca [sic] Lodge, Daughters of St. George. Surviving are her husband, Arthur Stead; three brothers and a sister.
 
 Elizabeth Daily Journal
Saturday 8 July 1933
 
Mrs. Lillian E. Stead, wife of Arthur Stead, of 128 Reid street, died last night at her home after a lingering illness. Mrs. Stead was a survivor of the "Titanic" disaster twenty-one years ago. Born in England, she came to this country twenty-five years ago and settled in Elizabeth. She was returning to [sic] England for a visit, aboard the White Star liner, when the ship collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic and went down with a loss of 1,517 lives.

Mrs. Stead was a member of Brittania [sic] Lodge, 189, Daughters of St. George. Surviving bsides her husband are three brothers, Frederick Jefferys, of Roselle Park; and William and Albert Jefferys, in England; also a sister, Mrs. Albert Falla, of this city. 
 
Funeral of Mrs. Arthur Stead

Elizabeth Daily Journal
Thursday 13 July 1933
Funeral services for Mrs. Lillian E. Stead, who died Friday, wife of Arthur Stead, of 128 Reid street, were held yesterday afternoon at J. S. Stiner's Home for Services, 97 West Grand street. Rev. William G. Felmeth, D. D., pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church, officiated. The services were largely attended.

On Monday evening rites were conducted by Britannia [sic] Lodge, 189, Daughters of St. George, which also sent flowers. Tributes also were received from Hawthorn Lodge, 156, Sons of St. George, and from a friend of Mrs. Stead's, in Boston, who was a fellow survivor with her at the time of the sinking of the Titanic.

Incineration was at Rosehill Crematory, where Dr. Felmeth conducted services. Bearers were William Paul, William Queitel, Arthur Lewis and Charles Mason.