Mr Richard Leonard Beckwith

Who was Richard Leonard Beckwith?

Richard Leonard Beckwith was a 37 (thirty-seven) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on November 9, 1874, in Hartford, Connecticut, Beckwith was a successful property developer and realtor who survived the tragic sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

Family and Education

Richard Beckwith came from a well-established family in Hartford, Connecticut. His father, Charles Beckwith (1829-1884), was a stock broker, while his mother, Hannah Boyds Miller (1842-1891), hailed from Franklin, Massachusetts. Richard had two siblings:

• Charles Miller (born 1866)
• Charlotte (born 1870)

After growing up in Hartford, Beckwith pursued higher education at Yale University, graduating in 1898. This educational background would serve as a foundation for his future career in real estate.

Physical Description

According to his 1901 passport application, Richard Leonard Beckwith was described as:

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches
• Hair color: Light brown
• Eye color: Grey
• Face shape: Round

Career and Marriage

Following his graduation from Yale, Beckwith embarked on a career in real estate. He worked as a realtor for the prestigious firm of Ruland & Benjamin, establishing himself as a successful property developer.

On September 25, 1903, Richard married Sarah “Sallie” Newsom (née Monypeny) in New York. Sallie was a widow nearly a decade older than Richard, bringing two children into their marriage:

1. William (born 1887)
2. Helen (born 1892)

The couple settled in Manhattan and became frequent travelers, often embarking on international journeys.

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Beckwiths on the Titanic?

In early 1912, Richard Beckwith, his wife Sallie, and his stepdaughter Helen Monypeny Newsom had been touring Europe. Their return journey on the Titanic was partly motivated by a desire to discourage Helen’s romantic involvement with a young tennis player named Karl Behr.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Port of Embarkation: Southampton
• Ticket Number: 11751
• Cabin: D35
• Ticket Cost: £52 11s 1d

The Beckwiths boarded the Titanic as first-class passengers in Southampton. Surprisingly, at Cherbourg, they were joined by Karl Behr, who had traveled to Europe to pursue his courtship with Helen.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, the Beckwith party found themselves in a dramatic situation. Here’s how the events unfolded:

1. The group assembled on the starboard boat deck following orders to abandon ship.
2. They waited alongside Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Nelson Kimball.
3. Karl Behr joined them on deck.
4. Mrs. Kimball asked Bruce Ismay, who was assisting with lifeboat 5, if they could all board.
5. Ismay replied, “Of course madam, every one of you.”
6. The Beckwiths, Kimballs, and Behr entered lifeboat 5 and were saved.

Life After the Titanic

Famous Photograph

Richard and Sarah Maybell Beckwith became the subjects of a well-known photograph taken aboard the rescue ship Carpathia. The image captures them in conversation with fellow first-class passengers, Mr. and Mrs. George Harder.

Post-Disaster Life

Following the Titanic disaster:

• Richard continued to reside in Manhattan
• He also spent time living in New Hampshire
• The couple maintained their love for travel, visiting:
  • France
  • England
  • Monaco
  • Italy

Richard Beckwith’s Final Years

Richard Leonard Beckwith passed away on April 11, 1933, at the age of 58 (fifty-eight). He died at his home, 224 East Sixty-First Street, Manhattan, after a period of ill health. Beckwith was laid to rest in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford, Connecticut, returning to his hometown for his final resting place.

Richard Beckwith’s life, from his early days in Hartford to his survival of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters, paints a picture of a resilient and adventurous spirit. His story remains an intriguing chapter in the broader narrative of the Titanic’s first-class survivors.