Revd Robert James Bateman

Who was Reverend Robert James Bateman?

Reverend Robert James Bateman was a 52 (fifty-two) year-old English priest and minister who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on October 14, 1859, in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Bateman’s life was marked by his deep religious convictions and his work as both a minister and a stonemason. His story is one of faith, family, and ultimate sacrifice during one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Background

A Bristol Beginning

Robert James Bateman was born into a working-class family in Bristol. His father, Charles Bateman, was a currier (leather worker), and his mother was Esther Beck. Growing up with two older brothers, Charles and Matthew, young Robert’s early years were spent in the bustling city of Bristol.

From Stonemason to Minister

Bateman’s professional journey was as diverse as it was interesting:

• Initially trained as a stonemason
• Developed a deep interest in Methodist mission work
• Described as an evangelist missionary in the 1881 census
• Continued his stonemason work even after becoming a minister

Family Life

Robert Bateman’s family life was marked by both joy and sorrow:

• Married Emily Jane Hall in early 1880
• First child, Laura Emily, born in 1881 but passed away in 1883
• Had seven more children between 1884 and 1901
• Family emigrated to Canada around 1889, settling in Toronto
• Later moved to the United States, living in various states

Titanic Journey: A Fateful Return

Why was Reverend Bateman on the Titanic?

Reverend Bateman had returned to England to visit relatives in his native Bristol. It was during this trip that he encouraged his widowed sister-in-law, Ada Balls, to accompany him back to America. This decision would lead them both to board the ill-fated Titanic.

Titanic Boarding Details

The Night of the Disaster

A Final Act of Faith

On the night of April 14, 1912, Reverend Bateman organized a prayer meeting near the second-class dining room. This gathering, which included his sister-in-law Ada Balls, concluded around 10:30 PM, just hours before the Titanic’s fateful collision with an iceberg.

Heroic Last Moments

Reverend Bateman’s final actions aboard the Titanic were marked by selflessness and courage:

1. Woke his sister-in-law Ada after the collision
2. Escorted her to the boat deck
3. Assisted her into a lifeboat
4. Reportedly threw his necktie to her as the boat lowered
5. Shouted his final words: “If I don’t meet you again in this world, I will in the next.”

Legacy and Remembrance

Recovery and Burial

Robert Bateman’s body was recovered by the cable-laying vessel Mackay-Bennett, identified as Body No. 174. The description of his remains and effects paint a poignant picture of the man:

NO. 174 - MALE ESTIMATED AGE, 50. - GRAY HAIR AND MOUSTACHE CLOTHING- Black overcoat; black frock coat; vest and trousers. EFFECTS- Gold watch and chain; masonic charm pin; glasses; knife; photo; fountain pen; pipe lighter; gold links; 4 gold studs; purse; 7s 2½d.; gold mounted eye glasses; £4 10s. in a sovereign purse; cigar holder; style pin.

His remains were forwarded to his widow in Jacksonville on May 6, 1912, and he was interred in the Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville on May 12, 1912.

Family’s Continued Story

Following the tragedy, Reverend Bateman’s family continued to honor his memory:

• His widow Emily moved to Baltimore, staying close to her sister Ada Balls
• Emily passed away on October 12, 1953, in Baltimore
• Their last surviving child, Grace Ellinghaus, lived until 1990, passing away just before her 95th birthday

Reverend Robert James Bateman’s life and death serve as a testament to faith, duty, and sacrifice. His story remains an integral part of the Titanic’s tragic history, exemplifying the human stories behind one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.