James Clinch Smith

Who was James Clinch Smith?

James Clinch Smith was a prominent 56-year-old (fifty-six-year-old) American first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. He was a descendant of Richard “Bull Rider” Smith, the founder of Smithtown, Long Island, New York, and a notable figure in New York’s high society. Smith was a lawyer, expert yachtsman, and accomplished horseman who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Heritage

A Distinguished Lineage

Born on April 3, 1856, James Clinch Smith came from a prominent family:

Son of Judge John Lawrence Smith of Smithtown and Sarah Nicoll Clinch Smith
One of eleven children
His mother was the niece of Mrs. Cornelia Stewart, wife of A.T. Stewart, owner of New York’s first department store
His youngest sister, Bessie Springs Smith, married the famous architect Stanford White in 1884

Childhood and Education

Growing up in Smithtown at the family homestead, young James was immersed in a world of privilege and opportunity. His education culminated at Columbia University Law School, from which he graduated in 1878, setting the stage for his future career.

Legal Career

After completing his law degree, James Clinch Smith established himself in the legal profession:

Practiced law in New York City at 10 Wall Street
Later moved to the Stewart Building at Broadway and Chambers Street
Worked with the law firm Smith and Keene

Smith’s social status was as notable as his professional achievements:

Member of Mrs. Astor’s “400,” the elite social group of New York
Belonged to many of New York’s most prestigious clubs
Won numerous prizes at the New York Horse Show
Built his own race track in Smithtown, showcasing his passion for equestrianism

Marriage and Personal Life

Union with Bertha Ludington Barnes

In 1895, at the age of 39 (thirty-nine), James Clinch Smith married Bertha Ludington Barnes of Chicago:

Bertha was an accomplished musician and composer
The couple became well-known figures in New York, Long Island, and Newport society
Owned a beautiful villa in Newport called “The Moorings”
Their harvest dinner dance was a highlight of the 1902 Newport social season

Life in Paris and Marital Challenges

The Smiths’ life took an international turn in 1904:

Moved to Paris to support Bertha’s musical career
Bertha gained attention for organizing an all-women orchestra
By 1911, Bertha’s musical obsession strained their marriage
Rumors of separation or divorce circulated
The couple reconciled in early 1912, with plans to return to Smithtown

The Titanic Voyage

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

On April 10, 1912, James Clinch Smith embarked on his final journey:

Boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a first-class passenger
Ticket number: 17764
Fare paid: £30 13s 11d
Occupied cabin A-7

Smith quickly formed a social group on the ship:

Joined by his old friend Col. Archibald Gracie
Befriended Edward Kent, Helen Churchill Candee, Mauritz Hakan Bjornstrom-Steffanson, Edward Colley, and Hugh Woolner
The group called themselves “Our Coterie”

Tragic End and Legacy

The Sinking and Smith’s Heroism

On April 15, 1912, James Clinch Smith met his fate in the icy waters of the North Atlantic:

Died in the sinking of the Titanic
Col. Gracie’s book “The Truth About the Titanic” described Smith’s bravery
Smith reportedly “showed no sign of fear” and helped save women and children
Gracie called him “a noble gentleman and a man of dauntless courage”

Memorials and Aftermath

The loss of James Clinch Smith was deeply felt:

A memorial service was held at St. James Episcopal Church, St. James, Long Island on May 11, 1912
His wife Bertha survived him by only a year, dying on August 19, 1913, in Switzerland
It was said Bertha never recovered from the loss of her husband
A memorial stone in St. James Church commemorates both Bertha and James Clinch Smith

James Clinch Smith’s life and tragic death on the Titanic serve as a poignant reminder of the disaster’s impact on individuals from all walks of life. His courage in the face of certain doom exemplifies the spirit of many who perished that fateful night, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and selflessness.