Dickinson H. Bishop

Who was Mr Dickinson H. Bishop?

Mr Dickinson H. Bishop, known as “Dick,” was a wealthy American businessman and Titanic survivor. Born on March 24, 1887, in Dowagiac, Michigan, he gained prominence as a major shareholder in the Round Oak Stove Company and became known for his remarkable survival story from the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Early Life and Family

Michigan Roots

Dickinson Bishop was born into a prominent family in Dowagiac, Michigan. His parents were:

Father: George Bishop
Mother: Virginia (Jennie) Dickinson

Growing up in a well-to-do household, young Dickinson was exposed to the world of business from an early age, which would later shape his career and life.

Business Success and First Marriage

The Round Oak Stove Company

Dickinson’s path to wealth began with his first marriage. Though details of his first wife are scarce, we know that upon her passing, she bequeathed him a significant share in the Round Oak Stove Company, a prominent manufacturer based in Dowagiac, Michigan. This inheritance catapulted Bishop into the realm of wealthy industrialists at a young age.

The Fateful Honeymoon

A New Beginning

On November 7, 1911, Dickinson Bishop married Helen Walton, who hailed from another affluent family in Sturgis, Michigan. The newlyweds embarked on an extravagant four-month honeymoon that took them across continents:

Egypt
Italy
France
Algiers

Boarding the Titanic

As their honeymoon drew to a close, the Bishops made a fateful decision. They deliberately delayed their return to the United States, choosing to sail on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. On April 10, 1912, they boarded the luxurious liner at Cherbourg, France, settling into cabin B-49.

Titanic Ticket Details:

Ticket Number: 11967
Class: 1st Class
Price: £91 1s 7d (equivalent to approximately $13,000 in 2023)

The Night of April 14, 1912

Survival and Rescue

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on that fateful night, the Bishops found themselves in the midst of chaos and tragedy. They were among the fortunate few to secure a spot on a lifeboat, specifically Lifeboat 7. This early-launched boat was one of the first to leave the sinking ship, potentially saving their lives.

Aftermath and Controversies

Senate Inquiry and Public Scrutiny

Following their rescue and arrival in New York, the Bishops faced an unexpected delay in their return home. They were called to testify at the Senate inquiry into the Titanic disaster, providing valuable eyewitness accounts of the events.

Rumors and Reputation

In the years following the sinking, Dickinson Bishop faced persistent rumors that tarnished his reputation. Some claimed he had dressed as a woman to secure a place on the lifeboat, a serious accusation given the “women and children first” protocol. These rumors, though never substantiated, dogged Bishop for years.

Personal Tragedies

The Bishops’ life after the Titanic was marked by a series of misfortunes:

They experienced a harrowing earthquake
The couple was involved in a serious car accident, from which Helen never fully recovered
Tragically, the child Helen was carrying during the Titanic sinking died just two days after birth

Later Life and Relationships

Divorce and Remarriage

The strain of their experiences took a toll on the Bishops’ marriage:

1916: Dickinson and Helen divorced
March 14, 1916: Dickinson remarried to Sidney Boyce of Chicago
March 16, 1916: Helen Bishop passed away

In a twist of fate, the announcement of Helen’s death and Dickinson’s remarriage appeared on the same front page of the Dowagiac Daily News, creating a poignant juxtaposition of their intertwined lives.

Military Service and Final Years

World War I and Relocation

Answering the call of duty, Bishop served in World War I, demonstrating his commitment to his country. After his service, he chose to leave his hometown of Dowagiac, settling in Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, where he spent many years of his life.

Final Days

On February 16, 1961, at the age of 73 (seventy-three), Dickinson Bishop suffered a stroke and passed away. He was laid to rest at the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery on February 20, 1961, bringing to close a life marked by extraordinary events and personal resilience.

Dickinson Bishop’s life story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of fate. From the heights of wealth and luxury aboard the Titanic to the depths of personal tragedy and public scrutiny, his journey through life was as tumultuous as the waters of the North Atlantic on that fateful night in April 1912.