In early 1912 Georgia-born author and journalist Jacques Futrelle traveled to Europe to promote his Thinking Machine stories and to gather inspiration for future works. The Thinking Machine was a series of detective stories featuring Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, a brilliant logician who solved complex mysteries with his superior intellect, often considered an American version of Sherlock Holmes for his deductive prowess and analytical methods.

Traveling alongside Jacques was his wife, Lily May, an author and journalist from Atlanta known for her bestselling novel Secretary of Frivolous Affairs. After securing new contracts with upfront cash advances, the Futrelles yearned to be back at home with their children, Virginia and Jacques Jr.

Days before the couple was to leave Europe, Jacques celebrated his 37th birthday, and in a narrative twist worthy of Jacques’ own stories, they were offered passage on the RMS Titanic, an ocean liner making its maiden voyage to New York City. As they embarked on this ill-fated voyage, the Futrelles were unaware that their names would soon be etched in history for their literary achievements and as part of a maritime disaster.

“Titanic Disaster.” Globe Film Company, Warner’s Features, and Kleine. Library of Congress

As first-class passengers on the Titanic, Jacques and May mingled with members of the American elite, from business magnate John Jacob Astor IV to theatrical producer Henry B. Harris. On the night of April 14, 1912, Jacques and May attended a lavish dinner party with Harris and his wife before retiring to their stateroom. May would later recall that she and Jacques had been “filled with the joy of living” that evening.

At 11:30 p.m., the couple heard a loud sound, but Jacques dismissed the noise as harmless. Soon after, alarms began to sound, and passengers were ordered to begin evacuation procedures. First-class passengers were all told to gather in the saloon to put on life…