Thomas Rumble, 27, of Toronto, Canada died in the sinking of the Lusitania. His ticket on the ship’s last voyage was 10870 and he stayed in cabin B-3. He had one daughter named Helen. He lived on Kendal Avenue in Toronto and was a buyer for the John McDonald Co. He was on a buying trip to Europe.
Contributors
Cliff Barry
Zachary Schwarz
Marthe Williams
Tomas Home lived on Kendal Avenue, Toronto. He was a buyer for the John McDonald Co, and was on a buying trip to Europe.
I am Thomas Walter Rumble’s granddaughter. He was born 20 Jun 1886, Maple, Vaughan Twp., York Co., ON, Canada. His mother, Mary Goodwill, was born 1 Sep 1845, Vaughan Twp., York Co., ON, Canada. His father, Robert Rumble [Hotel Keeper] was born in 1843 – Norfolk, England. Walter Thomas Rumbles wife’s name was Minnie [maiden name Cooper born 5 Sep 1886, ON, Canada ]. She was an artisan milliner, tailor, seamstress, furrier. His daughter, Helen, was born Sept. 21 1914. So was still an infant when her father died on Lusitania. My Mom told us her father [Thomas Walter Rumble] was head fashion buyer for Eaton’s [Dept. Store], in Toronto and was on his way to Europe for Spring Fashion Week 1915, when the ship was struck. He had wanted to take my grandmother and mother on the trip but my grandmother was afraid of the warnings specific to political problems in Europe and had asked “Walter” not to go on this trip. According to my mother the family was told, by Cunard, that my grandfather was counted on deck and could have made it off safely but turned back to help a sick friend out of the infirmary. He took the elevator which became stuck and he drowned [in the elevator] as the ship went down. Thomas Walter Rumble’s daughter [Helen] earned a degree in Commercial Art and designed candy boxes, wrapping paper design and chairs. She applied to be the first woman architect in Canada but was turned down [as she was a woman]. Helen married Thomas Rodgers Williams [born 1911 in Toronto] in 1935. They were married for 67 years until “Tommy’s” death. She worked for E.P. Taylor in the 2nd World War effort organizing food ration distribution to the troops. Tommy Williams was a [Bush League] hockey professional, golf professional [played on PGA and CPGA tours]. Helen and Thomas were business partners. Together designed and developed beautiful subdivisions. Designed a golf course. Owned and operated Westbrook Golf Course, in Welland, Ont. Lived in Toronto, Florida, Oakville [Ont.], Litchfield [South Carolina]. Tommy was a golf teaching pro for Glenn Abbey, in Oakville and helped design and taught at Family Golf Center in Ont. Helen and Tommy raised four daughters [Diana-nurse, Linda-teacher, Marthe- golf professional and Clinical Social Worker, Heather-Social Worker – all live in U.S.] 6 grandchildren. Helen died in Toronto in 2009. She was 95 years old. Her grandson, Jahmal Landers [Heather’s son] is a fashion designer.
please note on
8 October 2011 at 21:42 Cliff Barry· Reply
Tomas Home lived on Kendal Avenue, Toronto. He was a buyer for the John McDonald Co, and was on a buying trip to Europe. This refers to Thomas Home not Rumble so there may be some confusion…which is why I am submitting above. Thanks, marthe williams
Hi Marthe,
Did you know your family filed a monetary claim for his death?
Hi Mike, My Mom [Helen] told us Germany had to pay the families recompense but not sure she knew anything about a claim as she was an infant when her Dad died on the ship. How would I trace that information? Thanks, marthe
I have it! Send me your email and I will dig it out.
email is flowersinmygardentoday@gmail.com. Thanks Mike
Will do!