Katherine MacIntyre Survivor - Rescuer
Katherine MacIntrye
BIRTH 9 JUN 1889 • Lawrence Station, Elgin, Ontario, Canada
DEATH 23 MAR 1967 • Franklin, Johnson, Indiana, USA
Collage of the life of Katherine MacIntryre, Eastland Disaster Survivor and Rescuer
Katherine’s story is featured in Eastland Chronicles: Katherine MacIntyre's Bravery Didn't Stop with Survival (Flower in the River Podcast) and Eastland Chronicles: Katherine MacIntyre - Survivor - Rescuer (YouTube).
Introduction
I dove deep into Katherine MacIntyre's life for my podcast and ended up crafting a video from all the cool bits and pieces I found. Initially, it was simply a way for me to keep track of everything, but by the time I popped in the final frame, I was in awe of her and had to bring her incredible story to you.
Katherine MacIntyre - Survivor
In this video tribute, we go back in time to honor the courageous actions of Katherine MacIntyre, a survivor of the tragic 1915 Eastland disaster in Chicago. Born in Canada in 1889, Katherine embodied strength and bravery when disaster struck on that fateful day. Click here to open YouTube to see the video.
The ill-fated passenger ship Eastland had faced ongoing issues with listing from the time it was built, due to being dangerously top-heavy in design. After the Titanic sank, heavy lifeboats were added, further worsening its stability. Tragically, the overloaded ship had become a veritable time bomb on the Chicago River that morning.
As the unstable Eastland rolled over, Katherine sprang into action, using her modest swimming abilities to keep her mother and younger brother afloat until help arrived. Her heroic efforts helped save their lives.
Katherine's compassion shone through when she selflessly donated $25 to the Mayor's Relief Fund for fellow survivors just days after the disaster - a significant sum at the time.
Her tapestry of life reflected ongoing service and community leadership, from philanthropic endeavors with organizations like the Red Cross to managing the Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago where she graduated.
Later relocating to Hammond, Indiana, Katherine continued her legacy of service by leading high school cafeterias and actively participating in groups like the League of Women Voters.
When Katherine passed in 1967, she left behind an inspiring legacy of selflessness, courage and devotion to helping others. Her story exemplifies the power of the human spirit. May we never forget her heroic actions in support of her family and community.
Katherine MacIntyre, Eastland Survivor and Rescuer. Photo appeared in various publications in July 1915 including the Chicago Examiner, The Huntington Press, The Daily Advocate, The Centralia-Evening Sentinel, and the Summer Illini (student newspaper of the University of Illinois)
Katherine MacIntyre featured in the Trenton Evening Times, August 23, 1915
This piece from the Trenton Evening Times, (August 23, 1915), shines a light on Katherine's bravery during the disaster. It's a touching tribute to how she heroically saved her mother and young brother a month earlier. Discovering such stories really brings history to life, and it’s a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of genealogical research.
Note:
Katherine’s story was reprinted in many newspapers, including The Windsor Star Sat, Jul 31, 1915 ·Page 2.
Page last updated: Aug 1, 2024
