Richard William Smith

Richard William Smith was a prominent English tea merchant who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on June 11, 1854, in Camberwell, London, Smith was 57 (fifty-seven) years old when he boarded the ill-fated ship as a first-class passenger. His life and death offer a poignant glimpse into the world of early 20th-century commerce and the devastating impact of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Career

What was Richard William Smith’s family background?

Richard William Smith was born into a family with diverse occupational backgrounds. His father, Richard Smith, was variously listed as a hairdresser, beer seller, and commercial traveller. His mother, Marianne Croxford, hailed from Henley, Oxfordshire. Smith had three full siblings:

• Frederick Alfred (born 1856)
• Henry (born 1858)
• Edward Christopher (possibly born 1865)

How did Richard William Smith enter the tea trade?

Smith’s journey in the tea trade began early in his life. By 1871, at the age of 17 (seventeen), he was already listed as a clerk in the tea trade. His career progression was steady and impressive:

• 1881: Manager of the East India & China Tea Co. wholesale & export tea dealers
• 1891: Listed as a “Tea Chandler”
• 1901: Described as a Tea Merchant
• 1911: Still working in the tea trade, now with Reinachs Nephew & Co.

“Mr. Richard William Smith… a well-known judge of tea, formerly in the shipping department of Messrs. Peek Bros. and Co., who died in the wreck of the Titanic on 15th April last, aged 56 years…” - The Irish Times, July 17, 1912

The Titanic Journey

What were the details of Smith’s Titanic booking?

Richard William Smith boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger. His journey details were as follows:

• Ticket Number: 113056
• Cabin: A19
• Fare: £26
• Destination: Mr. T. G. Matthews, 437 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn

Smith was traveling on behalf of his employers, Reinachs Nephew & Co., wholesale tea dealers. This was not his first transatlantic journey; he had made a similar trip three years earlier in 1909.

Who accompanied Smith on his journey?

Traveling with Smith as far as Queenstown was a family friend, Emily Nichols. Mrs. Nichols’ late husband had also worked in the tea trade, suggesting a close-knit community within the industry. It’s also speculated that Smith may have known Arthur Nicholson, another prominent tea dealer aboard the Titanic.

Final Communications

On April 11, 1912, Smith wrote two postcards which were posted at Queenstown. These postcards provide a poignant last glimpse into his thoughts and experiences:

1. To his family:

   “Have had a fine run round to Queenstown, just leaving for the land of Stars and Stripes. Hope you are all well at home. Kind regards. RWS”

2. To Miss Eva Roberts:

   “You’ll be pleased to hear I am now looking on dear Ireland once more & she certainly looks as if she could rule herself: had a nice blow round: would have just suited George and plenty of room for another. Kindest Regards. RWS”

These messages paint a picture of a man in good spirits, unaware of the tragedy that lay ahead.

The Fateful Night

What happened to Richard William Smith during the Titanic disaster?

Sadly, Richard William Smith did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a first-class passenger, he may have had better access to lifeboats, but like many men aboard, he likely adhered to the “women and children first” protocol. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Legacy and Aftermath

How was Smith’s death reported and remembered?

The loss of Richard William Smith was felt keenly in the tea industry. The Boston Globe reported on April 18, 1912:

“Among the first cabin passengers on the Titanic whose name has not been accounted for is Mr. R. W. Smith, who was connected with a large tea importing firm in London. Mr Smith had made several trips to the United States and had many friends in the tea business in this country.”

What happened to Smith’s estate?

Following his death, several legal and financial proceedings took place:

1. His employer, Reinachs Nephew & Co., made a claim for £1025 ($4988) for loss of property.
2. Smith’s mother, Marianne Megson, claimed $45,000 against the White Star Line for her son’s death.
3. Smith’s estate, worth £1708, 6s, 5d, was administered to a widow named Susan Hepburn.
4. An additional £105 was granted in respect of his assets in Ireland.

A Life in Tea: Smith’s Professional Legacy

Richard William Smith’s career in the tea industry spanned several decades and notable companies:

His expertise as a “well-known judge of tea” and his transatlantic business trips highlight the global nature of the tea trade in the early 20th century. Smith’s tragic death on the Titanic not only ended a successful career but also symbolized the loss of valuable expertise in the international tea market.

Richard William Smith’s life and death encapsulate a pivotal moment in history, where the worlds of international commerce and maritime tragedy intersected. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster and the far-reaching impact it had on families and industries across the globe.