Blast From The Past: 3 Eastern Montco Residents Died Aboard The Titanic

Editor's Note — This is an occasional series that takes a look back at historic people, places, and events in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

EASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — When the Titanic hit an iceberg and sunk on April 15, 1912, three eastern Montgomery County residents were among the 1,500 passengers who perished.

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Cheltenham Township historians recently paid tribute to the three victims, including one who was on the first board ever of the Cheltenham Township Commissioners.

On the Titanic's maiden voyage, sailing from Southampton, England, to New York City, the luxury liner struck an iceberg and sank on April 15, 1912, killing over 1,500 passengers.

This horrible tragedy captured the world's imagination and made the Titanic an enduring legend.

To honor the three men, Cheltenham Township schools flew flags at half-mast and monuments were dedicated in their memory around the township.

Among the dead were three Cheltenham Township residents:

• George D. Widener (age 50)
• Harry Elkins Widener (age 27)
• Edwin Keeping (age 33).

George Widener (left) was the eldest son of Widener family patriarch Peter A.B. Widener. He lived in Elkins Park in the palatial Lynnewood Hall mansion with his family, historians said.

Widener was elected a member of the first Board of Cheltenham Township Commissioners and became the president of the board.

A patron of the arts, he was also a director of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

His son, Harry Elkins Widener, was a 1907 Harvard University graduate and a businessman and bibliophile. The Harrry Elkins Widener Memorial Library at Harvard is named in his honor.

Edwin Keeping, originally from England, was George Widener's personal valet. He lived on Keenan Street in La Mott.