Dr. Washington Dodge

Dr. Washington Dodge was a prominent American politician, physician, and Titanic survivor who lived from June 3, 1859, to June 30, 1919. As a first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic, his experience during the disaster and subsequent survival made him a notable figure in the ship’s history.

Early Life and Medical Career

What was Dr. Dodge’s background?

Born in Sonora, Tuolumne County, California, Dr. Henry Washington Dodge was the son of Dr. Mark Tyler Dodge and Eliza Laurence Rodgers. Tragically, his father passed away before Washington turned 7 years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his sister Adelaide Louise.

Dr. Dodge’s education and early career included:

• Attending Boys High School in San Francisco
• Enrolling at the University of California in 1881
• Obtaining his medical degree in 1884
• Becoming a faculty member of the Medical Department as Professor of Therapeutics

Personal Life and Family

Dr. Dodge’s personal life was marked by two marriages:

1. First marriage to Alice Lampson Shepard (1864-1959) on February 11, 1891

   • Stepchildren: Royal (b. 1885) and Gladys (b. 1886)
   • Son: Henry Washington Dodge (1891-1967)
   • Divorced in 1902

2. Second marriage to Ruth Brown (née Vidaver) in 1905

   • Stepdaughter: Vida (1899-1990)
   • Son: Washington Dodge Jr.

By 1910, the Dodge family resided in a grand home on Laguna Avenue in San Francisco, California.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Dr. Dodge on the Titanic?

In 1912, Dr. Dodge, along with his wife Ruth Dodge and son Washington Dodge, traveled to France to seek treatment for Dr. Dodge’s blood disease. After receiving treatment, the family booked their return journey on the RMS Titanic.

Titanic Travel Details:

• Class: First Class
• Cabin: A-34
• Ticket Number: 33638
• Fare: £81 17s 2d

The Dodge family boarded the Titanic at Southampton, embarking on what would become a fateful voyage.

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Dr. Washington Dodge demonstrated both courage and quick thinking. He helped his wife and son into Lifeboat 5 before securing his own escape in Lifeboat 13.

Dr. Dodge’s actions that night ensured the survival of his entire family, making them among the fortunate first-class survivors of the Titanic disaster.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster impact Dr. Dodge’s career?

Following the Titanic disaster, Dr. Dodge’s professional life took several turns:

1. He left his position at the assessor’s office
2. Joined the Anglo-London Paris National Bank as vice president
3. In 1917, became president of the Federal Telegraph Company
   • Earned an annual salary of $18,000
   • Oversaw the company’s control of Poulsen Wireless Corporation shares

Tragic End and Legacy

Sadly, Dr. Washington Dodge’s life came to a tragic end. In 1919, at the age of 60 (sixty), he suffered a nervous breakdown. On June 21, 1919, he shot himself in the basement garage of his apartment building and passed away nine days later on June 30, 1919.

After his death:

• His wife Ruth was named executrix of his estate
• Ruth moved back to her hometown of New York City, where she lived until her death on July 25, 1950
• His son Henry married Florence Bothin and had a daughter named Ferris (b. 1926)
• His son Washington Jr. married twice and had three sons

The ashes of Dr. Washington Dodge and his wife Ruth are interred at San Francisco Columbarium, San Francisco County, Aquilo (Tier 4, Niche 5), serving as a lasting memorial to their lives and experiences, including their survival of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.