Mr Samuel Ward Stanton

Samuel Ward Stanton was a talented American artist and maritime historian who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on January 8, 1870, in New York, Stanton was known for his expertise in steamship renderings and his extensive knowledge of steam shipping history.

Early Life and Background

Samuel Ward Stanton was born into a family with strong maritime connections. His father, Samuel Stanton Sr., operated the Ward-Stanton Company shipyard on the Hudson River in Newburgh, New Jersey. This early exposure to ships and maritime life would shape young Samuel’s future career and passions.

Family and Education

• Born to Samuel (b. 1839) and Margaret Fuller Smith (b. 1840)
• Father: New York-born with Irish parents
• Mother: Native of Connecticut
• Two older brothers: William Henry (b. 1861) and Curtis Henderson (b. 1865)

Stanton spent his childhood in various locations:

1. New York (1870)
2. Newburgh, Orange, New Jersey (1875-1880)
3. Florida (part of his adolescence)

A Life Dedicated to Maritime Art and History

Samuel Ward Stanton’s passion for maritime subjects led him to become one of the foremost authorities on steam shipping in the United States. His artistic talents and historical knowledge combined to create a unique and valuable perspective on the maritime world.

Artistic Achievements

• Specialized in rendering steamships
• Published works in “American Steam Vessels” (1895)
• Received awards for his artistic endeavors
• Created mural paintings for various river steamers, including the Rose Standish

“Samuel was an artist and mural painter who specialised in the rendering of steamships.”

Historical Contributions

At the time of his death, Stanton was working on what would have been the most comprehensive history of American steamboats ever compiled. His expertise was widely recognized, and he frequently published articles in “Master, Mate and Pilot” magazine.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

In early 1912, Samuel Ward Stanton embarked on a European trip that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise aboard the RMS Titanic.

European Travels

• Visited the Julien Academy in Paris
• Explored the Alhambra in Spain
• Created sketches for the interior decoration of the new Hudson River steamboat “Knickerbocker”

Boarding the Titanic

• Embarkation Point: Cherbourg, France
• Passenger Class: Second Class
• Ticket Number: 237734
• Fare: £15 0s 11d

What Happened to Samuel Ward Stanton During the Disaster?

Samuel Ward Stanton, aged 42 (forty-two), did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a second-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first class. Despite his expertise in maritime matters, Stanton was unable to secure a place on a lifeboat.

The Tragic Loss

• Died in the sinking on April 15, 1912
• Body was never identified or recovered
• Lost along with his sketches of the Alhambra and other works

Legacy and Impact

Samuel Ward Stanton’s untimely death was a significant loss to the world of maritime art and history. His unfinished work on American steamboats would have been a valuable contribution to the field.

Family’s Aftermath

• Survived by his widow, Cornelia Arents Whitehurst Stanton, and their three children
• Cornelia never remarried
• Family moved to Newark, New Jersey
• Cornelia lived alone in Bloomfield, Essex, New Jersey by 1930
• Cornelia passed away in 1956

Artistic Legacy

While many of Stanton’s works were lost with the Titanic, his published illustrations and articles continue to be valuable resources for maritime historians and enthusiasts. His detailed renderings of steamships provide a unique window into the golden age of steam travel.

Samuel Ward Stanton’s life and work serve as a poignant reminder of the talent and potential lost in the Titanic disaster, as well as the enduring fascination with maritime history and art.