George Dunton Widener

Who was Mr George Dunton Widener?

Mr George Dunton Widener was a prominent American banker and businessman who tragically perished in the Titanic disaster at the age of 50 (fifty). He was an heir to one of Philadelphia’s largest fortunes and a successful entrepreneur in his own right, known for running a thriving street-car firm in the city.

Early Life and Family

George Dunton Widener was born on June 16, 1861, into one of Philadelphia’s wealthiest families. His father, P.A.B. Widener, was a member of the board of the Fidelity Trust Company of Philadelphia, which controlled the International Mercantile Marine Co. (IMM), the owners of the White Star Line.

A Legacy of Wealth and Influence

The Widener family’s influence extended far beyond their immediate business interests:

• Their home in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, was a testament to their wealth and social standing
• George Widener inherited what was likely the largest fortune in Philadelphia
• Despite his inherited wealth, Widener proved himself a capable businessman in his own right

Business Acumen and Personal Success

How did George Widener make his mark in business?

George Widener demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills by successfully managing a street-car firm in Philadelphia. This venture not only added to his personal wealth but also established him as a competent businessman separate from his family’s legacy.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Luxurious Voyage

The Widener family’s journey on the Titanic began with a stay at the Paris Ritz Hotel, showcasing their penchant for luxury and high society. Their party included:

• George Dunton Widener
• His wife, Eleanor Widener
• Their son, Harry Elkins Widener
• Two servants: Edwin Keeping and Emily Geiger

The family boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, occupying the luxurious cabins C-80/82. Their ticket, numbered 113503, cost a princely sum of £211 10s, equivalent to thousands of dollars today.

A Dinner Party with Destiny

On the afternoon of April 14, 1912, the Wideners found themselves at the center of a pivotal moment in the Titanic’s history:

1. George and Eleanor were on the promenade deck, conversing with J. Bruce Ismay
2. Captain Smith passed by, handing Ismay an ice warning from the Baltic
3. Ismay, in a fateful decision, simply pocketed the message and went below deck

Later that evening, the Wideners hosted a dinner party in honor of Captain Smith in the ship’s à la carte restaurant. The guest list included notable passengers such as John B. Thayer and his wife, Major Archibald Butt, and William Carter and his wife Lucile.

The Night of the Disaster

As the evening progressed, events took a tragic turn:

• The men, including George Widener, remained in the smoking room after the ladies had retired
• They were still there when the Titanic struck the iceberg
• George and Harry Widener escorted Eleanor to lifeboat 4, ensuring her safety
• Colonel Archibald Gracie later observed George Widener in deep discussion with John B. Thayer as the boats continued to be loaded

The Final Moments

As the Titanic sank deeper into the frigid Atlantic waters, George Widener, along with his son Harry, John B. Thayer, and Charles Duane Williams, faced their fate with dignity. All four men perished in the disaster, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice.

Legacy and Remembrance

George Dunton Widener’s life, though cut short, left an indelible mark on Philadelphia’s business and social landscape. His family’s name lives on through various philanthropic endeavors and institutions, serving as a reminder of their influence and the tragic loss suffered on that fateful night of April 15, 1912.

The story of George Dunton Widener remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, where even wealth and status could not overcome the forces of nature and fate.