Mr Thornton Davidson

Who was Thornton Davidson?

Mr Thornton Davidson was a 31 (thirty-one) year-old Canadian first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on May 17, 1880, Davidson was an accomplished businessman and sportsman who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

A Distinguished Family Heritage

Thornton Davidson was born into a prominent Canadian family, with his father being Sir Charles Peers Davidson, Chief Justice of the Quebec Supreme Court. The Davidsons were known as an indomitable Protestant family of United Empire Loyalists, which significantly shaped Thornton’s upbringing and values.

Tragedy in the Family

“His older brother Shirley and his fiancée, Eileen Hingston, died in a suicide pact by drowning in 1907 after Judge Davidson refused to allow Shirley to marry Eileen because she was a Roman Catholic.”

This tragic event in the Davidson family history undoubtedly had a profound impact on Thornton and the family dynamics.

Professional Life and Achievements

Thornton Davidson’s career was marked by success and ambition. His professional journey included:

1. Starting as a teller at the Bank of Montreal
2. Representing the Wall Street firm of Charles Head and Son in Montreal
3. Opening his own brokerage house with partner Robert Hickson

A Man of Many Talents

Davidson was not only successful in business but also excelled in various sporting activities:

• Yachting: Described as “a sailor of intrepid daring and remarkable skill”
• Hockey: Played with the Montreal Victorias
• Tennis: Accomplished player
• Horsemanship: Skilled equestrian

Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Fateful Trip

Thornton Davidson boarded the Titanic at Southampton with his wife, Orian Davidson. They were invited on this trip by Charles Melville Hays, Orian’s father and the president of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. This journey was meant to be a business trip to England for the couple who had never been abroad.

Journey Details

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Thornton Davidson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He was one of the many victims who perished in the disaster at the young age of 31 (thirty-one). His body was never recovered from the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

Legacy and Remembrance

Memorial

While Thornton Davidson’s body was never found, his memory lives on through a memorial stone at Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal, Canada. This serves as a lasting tribute to his life and the tragic circumstances of his death.

Impact on Family

The loss of Thornton Davidson deeply affected his family, including his wife Orian and his father-in-law Charles Melville Hays, who also perished in the disaster. Clara Jennings Hays, Orian’s mother, survived the sinking, adding another layer of complexity to the family’s Titanic legacy.

What was Thornton Davidson’s lasting impact?

Thornton Davidson’s life, though cut short, left a lasting impact on both his family and the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster. His story encapsulates the tragedy that befell many prominent and promising individuals aboard the ship. As a successful businessman and accomplished sportsman, Davidson represented the vibrant potential lost in the sinking, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic tragedy.