Jethro Edward Beel, the nearly two-year-old son of Jethro Richard and Marguerite Beel, was held in his Grandaunt Helen Kennedy's arms. The two were downtown to see his parents depart for the excursion and picnic. They watched as the tragedy unfolded before them.
Young Jethro Edward's father perished aboard the Eastland. His mother was injured badly enough such that she was unable, for some time, to provide support. More than a year later, Marguerite remarried and had two sons with Henry Ludwig, Sr. Jethro Edward was raised with his new family.