William Augustus Spencer

Who was William Augustus Spencer?

William Augustus Spencer was a 57 (fifty-seven) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on January 7, 1855, in New York, Spencer was a resident of Paris who embarked on the ill-fated voyage from Cherbourg, France. His tragic story is one of many that unfolded during the Titanic disaster of April 1912.

Early Life and Background

While details about William Augustus Spencer’s early life are limited, we know that he was born into a presumably affluent family in New York City. By the time of the Titanic’s voyage, Spencer had established himself as a resident of Paris, France, suggesting a cosmopolitan lifestyle and possibly a successful career that allowed for international living.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Spencer board the Titanic?

William Augustus Spencer boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. He was traveling as a first-class passenger, accompanied by his wife, Marie Eugenie Spencer. The couple’s decision to sail on the Titanic may have been influenced by the ship’s reputation as the pinnacle of luxury and modern engineering.

What were Spencer’s accommodations on the Titanic?

As a first-class passenger, Spencer enjoyed some of the finest accommodations aboard the ship:

• Cabin: B78
• Ticket Number: PC 17569
• Fare: £146 10s 5d

This substantial fare, equivalent to thousands of dollars today, underscores the opulence of first-class travel on the Titanic.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to William Augustus Spencer on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, William Augustus Spencer did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a male first-class passenger, he may have adhered to the “women and children first” protocol, which could explain why he did not secure a place on a lifeboat.

“Mr Spencer perished in the disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This poignant statement from historical records highlights the grim reality faced by many Titanic victims whose remains were never found or identified.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is William Augustus Spencer remembered?

While William Augustus Spencer’s life was cut short by the Titanic disaster, his memory lives on:

1. A memorial stone stands in his honor at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
2. His name is recorded in the annals of Titanic victims, serving as a reminder of the tragedy that claimed over 1,500 lives.
3. Spencer’s story contributes to the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster, which continues to captivate the public imagination more than a century later.

Connections and Relationships

William Augustus Spencer’s journey on the Titanic was not a solitary one. He was connected to other passengers, including:

• His wife, Marie Eugenie Spencer, who survived the disaster
• Eugénie Elise Lurette, another passenger with whom the Spencers were acquainted

These connections paint a picture of the social network aboard the Titanic, where passengers often traveled in groups or knew others on the ship.

Final Thoughts

William Augustus Spencer’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. As a first-class passenger, his experience highlights that tragedy struck indiscriminately, affecting individuals from all walks of life. His memorial in Brooklyn stands as a testament to a life cut short and serves as a focal point for remembrance, not just for Spencer, but for all those lost in one of maritime history’s most infamous events.