Mr William Crothers Dulles

Who was William Crothers Dulles?

William Crothers Dulles was a 39 (thirty-nine) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born into a prominent Philadelphia family, Dulles was a wealthy bachelor known for his passion for horses and his extensive collection of equine-related books and art.

Early Life and Background

A Privileged Upbringing

Born on December 21, 1872, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, William Crothers Dulles was the son of Andrew Cheves Dulles, a lawyer and insurance agent, and Mary Bartow Cooke Crothers. He grew up in a socially prominent family and had one sibling, his sister Margaret.

Education and Career

Dulles was a graduate of Yale University and also studied at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Despite his legal education, he never practiced law. Instead, he focused on his passions:

• Horse breeding at his Tophill Farm in Goshen, New York
• Collecting equine-related books and art
• Participating in dog shows with his Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

What Made William Crothers Dulles Unique?

William Crothers Dulles stood out among his peers for several reasons:

1. His estimated personal wealth of $1,500,000 to $2,500,000
2. Ownership of one of the world’s largest collections of equine-related books and art
3. A specially-built, fortified bunker at his country home to store his collection
4. His status as a bachelor despite his wealth and social standing

Titanic Journey

Why was Dulles on the Titanic?

Dulles had been traveling in Europe with his mother, spending time in Britain searching for rare equine books to add to his collection. He parted company with his mother in Paris and boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a first-class passenger.

Titanic Voyage Details

During the voyage, Dulles befriended fellow passenger William Sloper, with whom he spent many hours in conversation. It was reported that Dulles was returning on the Titanic with a dog, likely one of his beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

What Was Dulles’ Fate During the Disaster?

Tragically, William Crothers Dulles did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, listed as body number 133. The recovery report provided the following details:

N0. 133. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 50. CLOTHING- Green suit; grey sweater and overshoes. EFFECTS- Gold watch and chain; gold plated knife and chain; gold tie clip; “W. C. D.”; four memo books; gold stud; 11s. 6 1/2d. FIRST CLASS. NAME - W. C. DULLES.

Legacy and Impact

The Mystery of the Locked Vault

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dulles’ story is the fate of his extensive equine art print and book collection. The only key to the vault containing this collection was lost with Dulles on the Titanic. After his death, expert locksmiths were employed to open the vault, revealing its contents.

Auction of the Dulles Collection

The contents of Dulles’ collection were later put on display and auctioned off. The New York Herald reported on December 1, 1912:

“The Library of the late WILLIAM C. DULLES NOW ON EXHIBITION Sporting and Colored Plate Books. ‘The largest and Choicest Collection ever offered for sale by auction in America or Europe.”

Establishment of Crothers Dulles Hospital

In a touching tribute to William, his sister Margaret’s estate was combined with that of their mother, totaling $800,000, and was bequeathed to the University of Pennsylvania to establish Crothers Dulles Hospital. The bequest specified:

“… for the purpose of erecting a building of brick and limestone to be used for a hospital for treatment of cancer or such other diseases as the Board of Trustees shall deem advisable.”

What Can We Learn from William Crothers Dulles’ Story?

The life and tragic death of William Crothers Dulles serve as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the Titanic disaster. His passion for collecting, his wealth, and the mystery surrounding his locked vault of treasures add a unique dimension to the narratives of first-class passengers on the ill-fated ship. Dulles’ legacy, preserved through the hospital established in his name, ensures that his memory lives on, contributing to medical research and treatment long after his untimely death at sea.