Austin Blyler Van Billiard

Who was Mr Austin Blyler van Billiard?

Mr Austin Blyler van Billiard was an American businessman and diamond trader who tragically perished aboard the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born on February 9, 1877, in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, van Billiard had spent a decade in South Africa pursuing the diamond trade before embarking on his ill-fated journey back to the United States with his two eldest sons.

Early Life and Family

Austin van Billiard was born into a successful family in Pennsylvania. His father, James Wilson van Billiard, was a prosperous marble merchant. Austin was one of seven children, growing up alongside his siblings Florence, Myrtle May, Roy James, Iva Jane, Monroe Abraham, and Penroe John.

A Fateful Meeting in Paris

At a relatively young age, Austin left the United States for Europe, seeking new opportunities. His journey led him to Paris, where he found work during the preparations for the Universal Exposition. It was in the City of Light that Austin’s personal and professional life would take a significant turn.

“It was while working in France that he met his future wife, Maude Murray, whose father was in Paris on business.”

After a whirlwind courtship of only a few months, Austin and Maude married on November 3, 1900, in Paris. This union would be the beginning of a new chapter in Austin’s life, one that would take him across continents and ultimately to his tragic fate aboard the Titanic.

The Diamond Trade and Life in Africa

In 1902, the van Billiard family relocated to South Africa, where Austin pursued his ambitions in the diamond trade. His ventures took him not only to South Africa but also to the Congo and Rhodesia, as he sought to establish himself in the competitive world of diamond mining and trading.

A Struggle for Success

Despite his efforts, Austin faced significant challenges in his business endeavors. In a poignant statement to the American Consul in Cape Town in 1910, he revealed:

“I came to South Africa for the purpose of establishing an international trade in diamonds. Owing to the depression following the war and by reason of unfortunate business reverses, my financial condition has been such that I have been unable to return to the United States thus accounting for my prolonged absence abroad.”

This statement highlights the financial struggles that had kept Austin and his family in Africa for so long, despite his desire to return to the United States.

The Fateful Journey

By 1912, Austin had sold his share in the diamond business and was preparing to relocate permanently to the United States. The family first returned to London, where they stayed with Maude’s parents.

Boarding the Titanic

Austin made the decision to travel ahead with his two eldest sons, leaving his wife and four younger children in England. They boarded the Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers, holding ticket number A/5. 851, which cost £14 10s.

Titanic Journey Details:

Class: 3rd Class
Ticket Number: A/5. 851
Ticket Cost: £14 10s
Embarked: Southampton

A Tragic End

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, Austin and his two sons were among the many passengers who did not survive. Austin’s body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, identified as body #255.

The recovery report provided a detailed description of Austin and his belongings:

Estimated Age: 40
Hair: Dark, with red imperial and moustache
Clothing: Grey suit, green flannel shirt, brown boots
Effects: Pipe, £3 5s in purse, gold watch with “J. B.” on back, 12 loose diamonds, 1 pair of cuff links

Legacy and Aftermath

The loss of Austin van Billiard and his two sons was a devastating blow to the family. His wife Maude received compensation from various relief funds, including £100 from the Red Cross and £540 from other sources.

The Family’s Future

Despite the tragedy, Maude eventually made the journey to North Wales, Pennsylvania, with her four remaining children. She never remarried and lived a long life, passing away in a Philadelphia nursing home on January 15, 1968, at the age of 94.

Austin Blyler van Billiard’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams, struggles, and ultimately the tragic fate of many who perished aboard the Titanic. His journey from Pennsylvania to Paris, Africa, and finally to the ill-fated ship encapsulates the spirit of adventure and ambition that characterized many of the era’s entrepreneurs and travelers.