Guillaume Joseph De Messemaeker

Who was Guillaume Joseph De Messemaeker?

Guillaume Joseph De Messemaeker was a Belgian-born Titanic survivor who later became a successful rancher in Montana. Born on December 30, 1875, in Wilsele, Belgium, De Messemaeker’s life was shaped by his adventurous spirit, resilience in the face of tragedy, and his ability to build a new life in America.

Early Life and Immigration to America

A Call to the New World

In 1901, at the age of 26 (twenty-six), Guillaume and his brothers Emmanuel and Jacques made the bold decision to emigrate to the United States. Drawn by tales of vast unclaimed lands, they set their sights on Montana, a land of opportunity for aspiring farmers and ranchers.

Homesteading in Montana

Upon arrival, the De Messemaeker brothers homesteaded land between Tampico and Vandalia, near the Milk River. Guillaume, known as “Bill” to his American neighbors, threw himself into the challenging work of frontier life:

Cleared acres of land for farming
Built a log cabin on his property
Established himself as a dedicated homesteader

Return to Belgium and Fateful Voyage

A Bride and a Ticket Home

After years of hard work, Bill decided to return to Belgium in 1911. This journey had two purposes:

To visit his family
To find a wife

His visit was successful on both counts. In early 1912, Bill married Anna, and the newlyweds prepared for their journey to America.

Boarding the Titanic

The De Messemaekers booked passage on the RMS Titanic, embarking at Southampton as third-class passengers. Their ticket details were as follows:

Detail	Information
Ticket Number	345572
Fare	£17 8s
Class	Third Class

Little did they know that this voyage would become one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

The Night of April 14, 1912

A Test of Love and Courage

As the Titanic struck the iceberg and began to sink, Bill’s knowledge of English proved crucial. While many non-English speaking passengers struggled to understand the commotion, Bill and Anna managed to reach the boat deck.

When the time came for Anna to board a lifeboat, she became hysterical, refusing to leave her husband’s side. In a heart-wrenching moment, Bill made a decision that would save both their lives:

He forcibly picked up Anna and handed her to an officer on Lifeboat 13
Believing he might never see her again, Bill prepared to face his fate

An Unexpected Twist of Fate

Just as Bill resigned himself to the worst, fate intervened. Officers called for experienced crew to man Lifeboat 15. Bill, seizing this opportunity, quickly volunteered. He jumped into the crowded boat and helped row through the night, not knowing if Anna had survived or if they would ever be reunited.

Survival and Reunion

Against all odds, both Guillaume and Anna survived the sinking of the Titanic. They were reunited aboard the rescue ship Carpathia, their love having endured an unimaginable test.

Life After the Titanic

The Toll of Trauma

Following their rescue, the couple headed west to Montana. However, the ordeal had taken a severe toll on Anna’s mental health. Unable to recover from the trauma and anxiety of nearly losing her husband, she was admitted to a mental hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Tragically, Anna passed away on April 30, 1918, just six years after the Titanic disaster.

A New Chapter

Bill continued to work his ranch near Tampico for a time after Anna’s death. Eventually, he returned to Belgium for another family visit. During this trip, he met Marie Van Hamme, born on June 4, 1896. The couple married in Paris in 1920 and soon returned to Montana to start a new life together.

Building a Legacy in Montana

From Sheep to Horses

The De Messemaekers built a thriving ranch, adapting to changing times and opportunities:

Initially focused on sheep farming
Raised various crops
Kept a small herd of cattle
Later added goats to their livestock
Eventually transitioned to horse ranching exclusively

Family Life

Bill and Marie had four children - three girls and a boy. They raised their family on the ranch, instilling in them the values of hard work and perseverance that had seen Bill through so many challenges.

Final Years

As they entered their golden years, Bill and Marie sold their ranch and moved to a small home in Glasgow, Montana. After a long and eventful life, Guillaume Joseph De Messemaeker passed away on June 5, 1955, at the age of 79 (seventy-nine). He was laid to rest next to his first wife, Anna, in Glasgow’s Highland Cemetery.

Marie, who had been by Bill’s side for 35 years, later remarried to John Heckner in 1959. She lived to the age of 86 (eighty-six), passing away on May 22, 1983. She was buried alongside Bill and Anna in the Highland Cemetery.

Guillaume Joseph De Messemaeker’s life story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From his early days as an immigrant to his survival of the Titanic disaster and his success as a Montana rancher, De Messemaeker’s journey embodies the American dream and the enduring strength of those who lived through one of history’s most tragic events.