Early Life and Background
The oldest child of Edward Swift Isham and Frances “Fannie” Burch was Ann Elizabeth Isham, born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 25, 1862. Her influential family raised her to participate in social and intellectual communities. Ann relocated to Paris with her sister Frances in 1903, living like privileged Americans abroad.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth | January 25, 1862, Chicago, Illinois |
| Parents | Edward Swift Isham and Frances “Fannie” Burch |
| Siblings | Pierrepont, Edward Swift Isham Jr., Frances |
| Migration to Paris | Moved in 1903, lived with sister Frances |
Career and Social Engagements
Instead of a career, Ann Elizabeth Isham was involved in literary and social circles. Her Chicago Friday Club and Scribbler’s Club memberships show her cultural commitment. Assisted by her family’s fortune, she maintained her Paris activities.
| Engagement | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Clubs | Friday Club, Scribbler’s Club |
| Professional Career | None documented; focus on social activities |
| Lifestyle | Supported by family wealth, engaged in expatriate community in Paris |
Net Worth and Financial Status
Ann Elizabeth Isham’s first-class Titanic trip suggests wealth, although her net worth is unknown. Her family’s renowned law company, Isham, Lincoln & Beale, made her wealthy.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Travel Class | First-class on RMS Titanic |
| Family Wealth | Derived from Edward Swift Isham’s successful law practice |
| Law Firm | Isham, Lincoln & Beale |
Family and Famous Members
Edward Swift Isham, a lawyer and politician, and Robert Todd Lincoln, her father’s law partner and Abraham Lincoln’s son, are Ann’s relatives. Her brother Pierrepont Isham distinguished himself in the military and law.
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Edward Swift Isham, lawyer and politician |
| Law Partner | Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln |
| Brother | Pierrepont Isham, West Point graduate, military service, law firm partner |
Titanic and Legacy
As a first-class passenger on the Titanic, Ann Elizabeth Isham died trying to visit her brother in New York City. Unverified reports of her sticking aboard owing to her Great Dane add poignancy to her memory.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Boarding | April 10, 1912, at Cherbourg, France |
| Intended Destination | New York City to visit her brother Edward |
| Death | April 15, 1912, Titanic disaster |
| Rumor | Unverified claim of staying with Great Dane |
FAQ
Who was Ann Elizabeth Isham?
Rich American Ann Elizabeth Isham died aboard the Titanic as a first-class passenger. She was born into a famous Chicago family and spent her later years in Paris.
Was Ann Elizabeth Isham employed?
No professional career was documented for Ann Elizabeth Isham. Social events and literary clubs dominated her family-funded life.
What links Ann Elizabeth Isham to Abraham Lincoln?
Edward Swift Isham, Ann Elizabeth’s father, and Robert Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln’s son, started a law practice. This alliance linked her family to Lincoln.
What happened with Ann Elizabeth Isham’s Great Dane?
Supposedly, Ann Elizabeth Isham refused to leave the Titanic without her Great Dane and perished with the ship. This tale is unproven and folklore.
