Mr Washington Augustus Roebling II

Who was Washington Augustus Roebling II?

Washington Augustus Roebling II was a 31 (thirty-one) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on March 25, 1881, in Trenton, New Jersey, he was a member of the prominent Roebling family, known for their engineering feats and contributions to bridge construction. Tragically, Roebling perished in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and heroism.

Early Life and Family Background

A Legacy of Engineering Excellence

Washington Augustus Roebling II was born into a family of renowned engineers and industrialists. His lineage included:

• Father: Charles Gustavus Roebling (b. 1849)
• Mother: Sarah Mahon Ormsby (b. 1856)
• Grandfather: John Augustus Roebling (1806-1869), founder of John A. Roebling & Sons engineering company

The Roebling family was particularly famous for their work on steel suspension bridges, including the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Education and Siblings

Roebling’s early life was marked by both privilege and loss:

• Graduated from the State Model School
• Earned an engineering degree from the Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania
• Excelled in football during his school years

His siblings included:

• Harrison Ormsby (1877-1883)
• Emily Margaretta (1880-1941)
• Helen (1885-1963)

Tragically, Roebling’s mother passed away on January 15, 1887, when he was just 5 (five) years old.

Professional Achievements

From Wire Company to Automobile Racing

Roebling’s career path showcased his diverse talents:

1. Worked at his father’s business, the Roebling Wire Company
2. Joined the Walter Automobile plant (later Mercer Automobile Company)
3. Designed and built the Roebling-Planche racing car
4. Achieved second place in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race in Savannah, Georgia

“Washington A. Roebling, II, at the wheel of the specially built Roebling Planche racer, which, after having been designed and built under the direction of young Roebling, was entered and driven by him in the Vanderbilt Cup Race at Savannah two years ago.”

The Fateful Titanic Journey

European Tour and Titanic Boarding

In early 1912, Roebling embarked on a European tour with his friend Stephen Weart Blackwell. Their journey included:

• Touring Italy and France
• Meeting the George Dennick Wick family
• Acquainting with Miss Caroline Bonnell

Roebling boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger, occupying cabin A-24. His ticket (PC 17590) cost £50 9s 11d.

Heroic Actions During the Disaster

On the night of April 14, 1912, Roebling demonstrated remarkable bravery:

• Alerted Edith Graham and her daughter Margaret to the danger
• Assisted Howard Case in escorting passengers to lifeboats
• Helped Caroline Bonnell and the Wick party women into a lifeboat
• Reportedly said, “You will be back with us on the ship again soon”

Legacy and Remembrance

Confusion and Confirmation of Fate

Initially, there was confusion about Roebling’s fate:

• An early survivor list mentioned a “Mr Washington”
• This was later confirmed to be Dr. Washington Dodge, who survived with his family
• Roebling’s cousins, Ferdinand W. Roebling, Jr. and Karl Roebling, traveled to New York to search for survivors

Memorial and Family Impact

The loss of Washington Augustus Roebling II had a profound impact:

• His father, Charles, had the west wall of Trinity Episcopal Church in Trenton rebuilt as a memorial
• Charles Roebling never recovered from his son’s death, passing away on October 5, 1918
• Both father and son were buried in Riverview Cemetery in Trenton

What happened to Roebling’s possessions?

The only tangible remnant of Roebling’s ill-fated journey was his Fiat car:

• It was driven back to America by his chauffeur, Frank Stanley, who had fallen ill before the Titanic voyage
• After Stanley’s return, relatives drove the car back home
• The ultimate fate of this vehicle remains a mystery, adding an intriguing footnote to the Roebling family’s Titanic story

Washington Augustus Roebling II’s life, though cut short at 31 (thirty-one) years of age, was marked by innovation, adventure, and ultimately, selfless heroism in the face of disaster. His story remains a poignant chapter in both the Roebling family legacy and the broader narrative of the Titanic tragedy.