Francis Davis Millet

Who was Mr Francis Davis Millet?

Mr Francis Davis Millet was a renowned American artist, war correspondent, and writer who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic at the age of 65 (sixty-five). Born on November 3, 1846, in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, Millet led a life filled with remarkable achievements in art, journalism, and public service before his untimely death on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Military Service

A Young Patriot in the Civil War

Francis Davis Millet’s adventurous spirit emerged early in life. As a teenager, he accompanied his father, a surgeon, to the Civil War. During this tumultuous period, young Millet served in two crucial roles:

1. Drummer boy for a Massachusetts regiment
2. Surgical assistant to his father

This early exposure to conflict and service would shape Millet’s future endeavors and instill in him a sense of duty that would persist throughout his life.

Education and Early Career

From Harvard to Journalism

Millet’s intellectual prowess became evident during his time at Harvard, where he excelled as a student. After completing his studies, he embarked on a career in journalism, quickly ascending the ranks:

1. Reporter for the Boston Courier
2. City editor of the Boston Courier

It was during this period that Millet discovered his passion for art, initially pursuing lithography and portraiture as a hobby.

The Transition to Fine Arts

Determined to refine his artistic skills, Millet made a pivotal decision to study at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. His talent was immediately recognized:

• First year: Won an unprecedented silver medal
• Second year: Secured a gold medal

This remarkable achievement set the stage for Millet’s illustrious career in the arts.

A Multi-Faceted Career

War Correspondence and Bravery

Millet’s journalistic background and artistic eye made him an ideal war correspondent. During the Russian-Turkish War, he represented several American and English newspapers with distinction. His courage under fire and dedication to helping the wounded earned him decorations from both Russia and Romania.

Literary Pursuits

In addition to his visual artistry, Millet was a talented writer. His literary accomplishments included:

• Publishing accounts of his travels
• Writing short stories and essays
• Translating Tolstoy’s “Sebastopol”

Artistic Achievements

Millet’s work as a decorative artist left an indelible mark on American architecture and culture. Some of his most notable works include:

• Murals at the Baltimore Customs House
• Decorations in Trinity Church of Boston
• Murals in the Capitol Buildings of Wisconsin and Minnesota

His paintings found homes in prestigious galleries, including:

• The Metropolitan Museum in New York City
• The Tate Gallery in London

Administrative Excellence

Millet’s organizational skills were as impressive as his artistic talents. He served in several key administrative roles:

• Superintendent of decoration at the World’s Colombian Exhibition in Chicago (1893)
• Organizer of the American Federation of the Arts for the National Academy

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

In 1912, Millet boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as a first-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket number: 13509
• Fare: £26 11s
• Cabin: E-38

He was accompanied by his friend, Major Archibald Butt.

Observations from the Titanic

While on board, Millet wrote a letter to a friend, which was posted at Queenstown. In it, he shared some rather candid observations about his fellow passengers:

“Queer lot of people on the ship. There are a number of obnoxious, ostentatious American women, the scourge of any place they infest and worse on shipboard than anywhere.”

He also noted the prevalence of passengers with pets:

“Many of them carry tiny dogs, and lead husbands around like pet lambs.”

The Tragic End

Millet perished when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. His body was later recovered by the crew of the Mackay Bennett, identified as body number 249. The recovery report provided a poignant description of Millet’s final state:

• Estimated age: 65
• Hair color: Grey
• Clothing: Light overcoat, black pants, grey jacket, evening dress
• Personal effects: Gold watch and chain (inscribed “F.D.M.”), glasses, two gold studs, silver tablet bottle, £2 10s in gold, 8s in silver, pocketbook

Legacy and Remembrance

Francis Davis Millet’s life and contributions have been commemorated in various ways:

1. His body was buried at East Bridgewater Central Cemetery in Massachusetts.
2. Lych Gates were erected in his memory at Broadway Churchyard, Worcestershire.
3. A water fountain honoring both Millet and his friend Archibald Butt stands near the south portico of the White House in Washington, DC.
4. A limited edition biography, “Soldier of Fortune: F.D. Millet,” was published privately by Joyce Sharpey-Schafer.

Senator Elihu Root eloquently summed up Millet’s character at a memorial in 1913:

“He must have been born with a sense of the beautiful and a love for it, for he devoted his life to it….He was one of the most unassuming and unselfish of men….He was a man of great strength and force, decision and executive capacity….He always pressed on to the accomplishment of his purposes, purposes in which self was always subordinate….”

Francis Davis Millet’s life was a tapestry of art, adventure, and public service. From the battlefields of the Civil War to the opulent corridors of the Titanic, his journey was as diverse as it was remarkable. Though his life was cut short by tragedy, his legacy as an artist, writer, and humanitarian continues to inspire and captivate more than a century after his passing.