Architect Edward Kent helped many flee

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Distinguished Buffalo architect Edward Austin Kent was among the first-class passengers aboard the Titanic.  

Kent, 58, had planned on retiring after his European tour but did not survive the Titanic disaster.  

Accounts of Kent’s last minutes aboard the ship state that he bravely and heroically assisted women and children into lifeboats. It is said he repeated went below to bring supplies to the boat deck for the fleeing passengers. 

Students from Canisius College created a short film on the life and works of Edward A. Kent starting April 15th at the Buffalo Historical Society.  Watch the trailer for the film below.

His body was recovered from the disaster at sea and he is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Kent left a number of important structures he designed as his legacy including the Unitarian Church at Elmwood and West Ferry Streets,  Firehouse No. 5 , which is now a residence on Cleveland Avenue.  He designed a number of homes and also the old Temple Beth Zion on Delaware which fell victim to fire in 1961.

Kent attended Yale University and his family ran a very upscale department store, Flint and Kent, which some say gave way to the old Hens & Kelly’s Department store on Main Street.

Note:  Much of this information is from Encylopedia Titanica.