Mr Edgar Samuel Andrew was born in "El Durazno" (San Ambrosio), Province of Córdoba, Argentina, on 28 March 1895, the son of English parents, Samuel and Annie (Robson) Andrew, from Whitby, Yorkshire.
On 5 May 1911, Edgar arrived in New York from Argentina on board the Vasari to visit his brother Alfredo. He would then go on to study in Bournemouth, England. A year later he was invited by Alfredo to attend to his wedding in the USA and, eventually, stay for a working position in his fiancée's (Harriet White Fisher) company (Fisher & Norris Anvil Works, of Trenton, New Jersey). He was supposed to board the Oceanic but owing to a coal strike he was forced to change his ticket and go aboard the Titanic instead.
On April 8, 1912, Edgar wrote a moving letter to his friend Josey Cowan from Argentina:
You figure Josey I had to leave on the 17th this (month) aboard the "Oceanic", but due to the coal strike that steamer cannot depart, so I have to go one week earlier on board the "Titanic". It really seems unbelievable that I have to leave a few days before your arrival, but there's no help for it, I've got to go. You figure, Josey, I am boarding the greatest steamship in the world, but I don't really feel proud of it at all, right now I wish the 'Titanic' were lying at the bottom of the ocean.
On the morning of Wednesday, 10 April 1912, Edgar arrived in Southampton by train and boarded the Titanic as a second-class passenger (ticket no. 231945, £11 10s). On the afternoon of that same day, while on their way to Cherbourg, Edgar bought a postcard in the barbershop, which was sent to his brother Wilfred on the farm in San Ambrosio. Later on, in the reading and writing room, he wrote:
"From this colossal ship I'm pleased to greet you. I'll be arriving in Ireland today, where I will spend a few hours. On its first trip I'm inaugurating this... (illegible)." - Edgardo.
Courtesy of Enrique Dick, Patricia Andrew, Argentina
Edgar Samuel died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified. Both, the postcard and the letter have remained in the family.
In April 2001 RMS Titanic inc. salvors in possession of the Titanic wreck site claimed to have found a suitcase belonging to Edgar Andrew and were restoring its contents.
Hi, all! I wanted to let you know about a terrific website devoted to Titanic victim Edgardo Andrew. The website was created by my friend Nestor Diaz and is a wonderful tribute to a passenger about whom very little was known (until now, that is.) Nestor (with the cooperation of Edgardo's family) has done a fantastic job of posting information and illustrations of Edgardo and his family, and it would definitely be worth every passenger researcher's time to drop by and pay the website a visit. The URL is: [URL...
George, What an excellent site - thanks for sharing it with us. Geoff
Fabulous site, George! Always special to hear the intimate stories of the lesser known passengers and crew. The photographs were wonderful. Kyrila
Very Good website indeed, My Best, Andrew M.
Terrific website, George
Hi, Andrew and Jason! I'm sure Nestor will appreciate your (and everyone else's) kind words about his website -- he's worked very hard to make it worthwhile. It's nice to see you again, guys -- I hope all is well with both of you. All my best, George
George - You didn't say you hope all is well with me - just Andrew & Jason. What have I done to hurt you????? p.s. Will answer your email shortly.
Hi, Geoff! > p.s. Will answer your email shortly. Threats will get you nowhere. :-) (Please give Alma our love.) WSOM George and Pat
Hi George and all, I really want to thank George for recommending my Edgardo Andrew website and everyone else for taking the time to visit. I'm planning an update based on the information I'm gathering from Enrique Dick's book, which I think will be ready sometime next year. I'll be glad to let you all know when it's online. George persuaded me to join ET just when I was trying to spend less time online... I guess that won't be possible now! :-) But I'm really happy to be here. Hope to share many great discussions with all of you! Best regards, Nestor
Hi, Nestor! Welcome, my friend! I'm glad you've decided to spend hours and hours .... er, I mean spend a few minutes every day here at ET. :-) I know you'll enjoy yourself here, old chap. Again, congratulations on your outstanding website! All my best, George
Behe, just what are you doing on ET at this time of day? Has Pat thrown you out yet again? Geoff
Try though I might, I just can't hide the truth from you, Geoff. Last night I staggered home at two in the morning with Mountain Dew on my breath, and Pat gave me my walking papers. :-) George
Hi George! I suppose Mountain Dew + Titanic Online Overload was too much for Pat!!! At least, you should quit one of them. I bet I know which one you will choose... Best regards, Nestor
Nestor, But where will Pat go? Geoff
Don't worry, Nestor -- I got her a nice motel room. (I'm not the cold-hearted ruffian Geoff thinks I am.) George
I think there are three different equations to solve this puzzle: George + Mountain Dew + Titanic Online Overload = Pat in a motel room George + No Mountain Dew + Titanic Online Overload = Pat back home George + No Mountain Dew + No Titanic Online Overload = Pat back home preparing a party! :-) Nestor
Nestor, sureley it should read: No Mountain Dew + No Titanic Online Overload + No George = Pat back home preparing a party! Geoff
See what I have to put up with here, Nestor? :-) George
Dear George, Thank you for sharing that beautiful website by Nestor Diaz. I am always amazed when I am introduced to yet another little-known story about a "Titanic" victim. Diaz has not only designed a great site, he has paid tribute to a forgotten young man who, like so many, was cut down by disaster before reaching his prime. It makes one wonder what contributions to mankind some of these bright young people from all backgrounds might have made. Thanks again, George, for bringing this to our attention. Warm regards, Doug
Hi, Doug! I agree with your heartfelt sentiments about Nestor's terrific website. It would be great if other folks could crate similar websites devoted to other Titanic passengers and crewmen with whom they feel a special affinity; just think of all the great, in-depth research that could be shared in that manner! Take care, my friend, and enjoy your upcoming get-together with Phil Gowan, Randy Bigham and Pat Cook (and breathe a sigh of relief that Geoff Whitfield won't be showing up.) :-) All my best, George