Mr William Anderson Walker

Who was William Anderson Walker?

William Anderson Walker was a 48 (forty-eight) year old English-American businessman and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on August 8, 1863, in Chorlton, Lancashire, England, Walker was a prominent figure in the waterproof manufacturing industry and an active member of the Masonic community. His tragic death in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912, left a lasting impact on his family and community.

Early Life and Background

A Lancashire Upbringing

William Anderson Walker was born into a middle-class family in Chorlton, Lancashire. His early years were shaped by:

• Attendance at Manchester Grammar School
• A childhood spent in Chorlton Upon Medlock with his parents and sisters
• Early career as a commercial clerk

Marriage and Move to America

In December 1889, William married Frances Maria (Moorhouse) Ridgeway in Altrincham, Cheshire. The couple, who had no children, embarked on a new chapter of their lives:

• Immigrated to the United States in 1890
• Settled in East Orange, New Jersey
• William established himself in the waterproof manufacturing business

Titanic Journey Details

Why was William Anderson Walker on the Titanic?

William boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger, occupying cabin D-46. His journey was part of a business trip to England, where he had been representing J. Mandelberg & Co., a rain goods manufacturer, for 18 years in New York.

“William sailed for England on the Olympic, leaving New York on 27 March 1912. He was on a business trip to the firm of rain goods manufacturers in this city, whose representative he has been for the past eighteen years in New York.”

Ticket and Fare Information

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to William Anderson Walker during the sinking?

Tragically, William Anderson Walker did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. The loss of this prominent businessman and community member was felt deeply by his wife and associates.

The Aftermath

Following the disaster:

• Frances Walker was left in a state of nervous collapse, hoping against hope for news of her husband’s survival
• The Hope Lodge No. 124, F. and A. M. of East Orange held a special meeting in his honor
• Memorial services were held at Grace Episcopal Church and by the Hope Lodge

Legacy and Legal Action

How did Frances Walker respond to her husband’s death?

Frances Walker took several actions in the wake of her husband’s death:

1. She acted as executrix of William’s estate, being one of the first to file his will in court
2. Filed a lawsuit against the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company on January 13, 1913
   • Claimed $1,000 for William’s personal effects
   • Sought $25,000 in damages for his loss
3. Eventually returned to England, purchasing a house in Totteridge

Remembering William Anderson Walker

William’s legacy was marked by his:

• Professional success in the waterproof manufacturing industry
• Active involvement in Masonic circles, serving as Worshipful Master of Hope Lodge
• Generosity and mentorship, particularly noted in his relationship with Theodore Bomeisler, a friend’s son

William Anderson Walker’s life, cut short at 48 (forty-eight) years old, was one of transatlantic business, community involvement, and tragic fate. His story remains a poignant reminder of the many lives impacted by the Titanic disaster, from prominent businessmen to the families they left behind.