Walter Miller Clark

Who was Walter Miller Clark?

Walter Miller Clark was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on May 13, 1884, in Jefferson, Montana, Clark was a prominent businessman and the son of James Ross Clark, vice president of the Los Alamitos Sugar Company. His journey on the Titanic ended tragically when he perished in the sinking, leaving behind a young wife and son.

Early Life and Family Background

A Family of Influence

Walter Miller Clark came from a family of considerable influence and wealth:

• Father: James Ross Clark (1850-1927)

  • Vice president of Los Alamitos Sugar Company
  • Railroad official
  • President of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce

• Mother: Augusta Miriam Evans (1858-1951)

• Uncle: William Andrews Clark (1839-1925)

  • Montana copper magnate
  • Democratic senator

Education and Early Career

Born in Montana, Walter moved with his family to Los Angeles in the early 1890s. His early life was marked by several significant events:

• Survived the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906
• Graduated from Berkeley, University of California in 1907
• Took over as general manager of Los Alamitos Sugar Company around 1910

What was Walter’s personal life like?

Walter Miller Clark married Virginia Estelle McDowell on January 5, 1909, in New York. The couple had one child, James Ross Clark, born on April 24, 1910. They resided in Los Angeles, where they were listed twice in the 1910 census:

1. At Walter’s parents’ home on West Adams Street
2. At their own home on Severance Street

Titanic Journey

Why were the Clarks on the Titanic?

Walter and Virginia boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg on April 10, 1912, as first-class passengers. They were returning from a belated honeymoon in Europe, cutting their trip short to celebrate their son’s second birthday.

Ticket and Accommodation Details

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14, 1912, the following events unfolded for the Clarks:

1. Virginia was alone in their cabin when the collision occurred
2. She felt something was wrong and went to find Walter
3. Walter was in the smoking room playing cards
4. They made inquiries but were told there was no danger
5. Upon returning to their cabin, they saw a man with a lifejacket
6. They dressed warmly and headed to the boat deck
7. The couple met with the Astors and Strausses on deck
8. Walter reportedly felt no apprehension about the situation
9. The last Virginia saw of Walter was him waving from the railing

“Mr Clark reportedly felt no apprehension about the situation and fully expected to see his wife later; the last she saw of him was him hanging over the railing and waving to her.”

What happened to Walter Miller Clark?

Walter Miller Clark did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. Robert Williams Daniel claimed to have seen Walter and Colonel Astor leaning against the railing and conversing late in the proceedings, but this account is questionable given that Daniel left in one of the first lifeboats.

Legacy and Aftermath

Estate and Custody Battle

Following Walter’s death, several significant events occurred:

• His estate was estimated at $78,310
• His two-year-old son was to inherit $40,000
• Virginia remarried hastily in September 1912, leading to a custody battle
• Joint guardianship was awarded to Virginia and Walter’s parents, with custody alternating every six months

Memorials and Remembrances

Walter Miller Clark’s memory lives on through several tributes:

1. The Walter Miller Clark Memorial Community Church

   • Built in 1937 in Long Beach, California
   • Now known as Lakewood Village Community Church
   • Land and funds donated by Clark’s mother, Miriam

2. Hollywood Forever Cemetery Tribute

   • Located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
   • Plaque inside the Mausoleum of James Ross Clark
   • Inscription: “Walter Clark, Lost at Sea, SS Titanic”

Walter Miller Clark’s life, though cut short at the age of 27 (twenty-seven), left a lasting impact on his family and community. His story remains a poignant reminder of the many lives tragically lost in the Titanic disaster.