Mr Philip Wiseman

Who was Philip Wiseman?

Mr Philip Wiseman was a 53 (fifty-three) year old Canadian merchant who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born as Elzear Philippe Wiseman on November 18, 1858, in Quebec, Canada, he was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling back to his home in Quebec City.

Early Life and Background

A Quebec Native with a Diverse Family History

Philip Wiseman’s roots were deeply embedded in Quebec, Canada. He was born to George Philippe Wiseman and Mathilde (Emilie Mathilde Rodrigues), who had married in 1853. Sadly, Philip’s mother passed away on June 1, 1867, when he was just eight years old. His father remarried in 1869 to Adele Magnan, giving Philip four siblings and two half-siblings.

Marriage and Family Life

Philip’s personal life was marked by two marriages:

1. First Marriage: On February 19, 1882, he married Emélie (or Émilia) Dupuis in Quebec. Together, they had approximately nine children. Unfortunately, Emélie passed away in 1895.

2. Second Marriage: In 1896, Philip remarried to Marie McNeil (née Noreau), born in Quebec in 1864. Marie had four children from her previous marriage to Joseph McNeil, and with Philip, she had five more children.

Professional Life

Philip Wiseman’s career was diverse and interesting:

• Maritime Experience: He previously worked as a quartermaster on the American Lines’ S.S. New York, ironically the ship that the Titanic nearly collided with when leaving Southampton.
• Bookstore Owner: After his maritime career, he ran a bookstore in Quebec.
• Commercial Traveler: By 1911, he was listed in the census as a commercial traveller specializing in stationery, residing in Quebec City.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Fateful Voyage

Philip Wiseman boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

He was traveling back to his home in Quebec, likely for business purposes given his occupation as a commercial traveller.

What Was Philip Wiseman’s Fate During the Disaster?

Tragically, Philip Wiseman did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He was one of the many victims who perished in the early hours of April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

“A traveling agent for a manufacturing firm, fifty-four years of age, was drowned. His wife had been dead for many years. He is survived by four children in ages from twenty-four to twenty years….. (1,000 dollars)” - Red Cross files

This Red Cross file entry, while containing some inaccuracies, provides a glimpse into the impact of Wiseman’s loss on his family.

Legacy and Legal Aftermath

A Family’s Quest for Compensation

In the wake of the disaster, Philip Wiseman’s second wife, Marie, took legal action:

• In 1913, she sued the White Star Line for $50,000 compensation on behalf of herself and six dependent children.
• This legal action highlights the profound impact of the Titanic disaster on families left behind and the struggles they faced in its aftermath.

Unresolved Questions

Several aspects of Philip Wiseman’s life and final journey remain unclear:

• The circumstances of his marriage in 1912 are uncertain.
• The 1911 census shows Marie living separately from Philip, with her two eldest McNeil children and three surviving male Wiseman children, raising questions about their relationship status at the time of the Titanic voyage.

Philip Wiseman’s Lasting Impact

Philip Wiseman’s story is a poignant reminder of the diverse backgrounds of the Titanic’s passengers. From his roots in Quebec to his varied career and complex family life, he represents the many ordinary individuals whose lives were cut short by the tragic sinking. His legacy lives on through his descendants and as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster, serving as a testament to the human cost of one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies.