Mr Stephen Weart Blackwell

Who Was Stephen Weart Blackwell?

Stephen Weart Blackwell was a 45 (forty-five) year-old American businessman and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on September 6, 1866, in Trenton, New Jersey, Blackwell came from a prominent family and had established himself as a successful manager in the American Snuff Company. His journey on the Titanic would tragically be his last, as he perished when the ship sank on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

A Prestigious New Jersey Lineage

Stephen Weart Blackwell was born into a well-respected family in Trenton, New Jersey. His parents were:

• Father: Jonathan Hunt Blackwell (1841-1919)
• Mother: Susan Weart (1841-1916)

The Blackwell family had deep roots in the area, with Stephen’s paternal grandfather, Captain Stephen Blackwell, being a notable figure.

Siblings and Family Life

Stephen grew up with three siblings:

1. Clara May (1867-1935)
2. William Jewell (1869-1930)
3. Henry Clayton (1874-1945)

The family resided at 227 Academy Street in Trenton, as evidenced by the 1880 census records.

Father’s Influential Career

Jonathan Hunt Blackwell, Stephen’s father, was a prominent figure in Trenton:

• Experienced wholesale grocer
• Founder of J. Blackwell & Sons
• Elected to Trenton Common Council in 1873
• Served as State Senator
• President of various organizations, including:
  • Interstate Fair Association
  • Trenton Transportation Company
  • The Lotus Club of Trenton
  • Spring Lake Golf and Country Club

Education and Career

How did Stephen Weart Blackwell’s education shape his career path?

Stephen’s education at Princeton University, from which he graduated in 1888, laid the foundation for his successful business career. Following his graduation, he initially worked in his father’s wholesale grocery business, gaining valuable experience in the trade.

Later in his career, Blackwell transitioned to a management role at the American Snuff Company, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in different sectors of the business world.

Personal Life

Marriage and Loss

In 1901, Stephen married Emily Thomas Lake, daughter of John Ross Lake and Martha Thomas. The couple settled in New York but faced tragedy when Emily died of typhoid on December 13, 1906. They had no children, and Stephen never remarried.

Health Concerns and European Tour

By 1912, Stephen had been experiencing health issues for several years. In an attempt to improve his condition, he embarked on an extended trip to Europe in early 1912. This journey would ultimately lead him to book passage on the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Who were Stephen Blackwell’s travel companions?

Blackwell’s Titanic adventure began with a European tour alongside fellow Trentonian Washington Augustus Roebling and Roebling’s chauffeur, Frank Stanley. During their earlier voyage to Europe, Blackwell and Roebling became acquainted with Caroline Bonnell.

Boarding the Titanic

The group’s paths crossed again in France, where they met Miss Bonnell and the family of George Dennick Wick. Together, they all boarded the Titanic in Southampton for the return journey to America.

The Fateful Night

What were Stephen Blackwell’s last known moments on the Titanic?

According to Caroline Bonnell, she last saw Mr. Blackwell in the smoking room, engaged in conversation with Captain Smith shortly before the evacuation began. This final sighting paints a poignant picture of Blackwell’s last moments aboard the doomed vessel.

The Tragic Outcome

Stephen Weart Blackwell did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never positively identified. The Blackwell family grave in Hopewell churchyard, Trenton, bears a simple yet powerful epitaph:

“LOST AT SEA ON THE STEAMER TITANIC”

Aftermath and Legacy

How did the Blackwell family cope with the tragedy?

The news of Stephen’s death sent shockwaves through his family:

• His brothers, William and Henry, traveled to New York with Roebling’s cousins to gather information.
• His sister Clara was in Washington D.C. for a Daughters of the American Revolution Congress meeting when she received the news.
• There was concern about how Stephen’s mother, already in ill health, would handle the tragic news.

Financial Legacy

Stephen Blackwell left a substantial estate:

• Estimated value: Between $110,000 and $200,000
• Beneficiaries: His father and brothers
• Insurance policy: $33,000 (one of the highest among Titanic victims)

Memorial and Remembrance

A memorial service for Stephen Weart Blackwell was held on April 27, 1912, at 3:00 pm in St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Trenton. The Reverend William Best Eddy presided over the service, allowing family, friends, and the community to pay their respects to a life cut short by one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Stephen Weart Blackwell’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives irrevocably changed by the Titanic tragedy, echoing through generations and leaving an indelible mark on both family histories and the annals of maritime lore.