Mr William Edward Hipkins

Who was William Edward Hipkins?

William Edward Hipkins was a prominent English manufacturer and businessman who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster. Born on January 1, 1857, in Birmingham, Warwickshire, Hipkins was 55 (fifty-five) years old when he boarded the ill-fated ship. His journey on the Titanic would be his last, as he perished in the sinking on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Business Career

What was Hipkins’ educational background?

William Edward Hipkins received his early education at the Birmingham Grammar School from 1868 to 1872. Following this, he continued his studies under private tutors while traveling extensively in the United States and Europe until 1875. This combination of formal schooling and worldly experiences laid the foundation for his future success in business.

How did Hipkins build his career?

Hipkins’ professional journey was marked by steady progression and notable achievements:

1875: Began apprenticeship as an engineer’s toolmaker and machinist at the family firm “G.F. Hipkins & Son” in Edgbaston, Birmingham
1880-1882: Worked in the firm’s drawing office
1882: Appointed assistant manager
1886-1889: Served as manager of the family firm
1890-1895: Managed John & Edwin Wright, steel rope manufacturers in Birmingham
Post-1895: Became manager of James Watt & Co. and managing director of W. T. Avery Limited

Throughout his career, Hipkins held several prestigious positions:

Director of Birmingham Small Arms
Life Governor of the University of Birmingham
Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (elected in 1898)

Literary Contributions

Hipkins was not only a successful businessman but also an author. He penned the book “The wire rope and its applications,” showcasing his expertise in the field of steel rope manufacturing.

Personal Life

William Edward Hipkins married Lavinia Ellen Green in 1905. Tragically, their marriage was short-lived, as Lavinia passed away in 1910, leaving Hipkins a widower. At the time of his Titanic journey, Hipkins maintained two residences:

16 Augustus Road, Birmingham (primary residence)
50 Albert Hall Mansions, London (business and travel base)

The Titanic Journey

How did Hipkins come to be on the Titanic?

In April 1912, Hipkins embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise. He took the train from Birmingham to London, where he stayed for a couple of days before boarding the Titanic at Southampton. As a successful businessman, Hipkins traveled as a first-class passenger, holding ticket number 680 and paying a fare of £50.

Hipkins’ firm is believed to have supplied a weighing machine for the Titanic’s Turkish bath, connecting his business to the very ship that would claim his life.

What were Hipkins’ accommodations on the Titanic?

During the voyage, Hipkins occupied cabin C-39, a first-class accommodation befitting his status and the price of his ticket.

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, William Edward Hipkins did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This unfortunate outcome aligns with the fate of many first-class victims who perished in the disaster.

Legacy and Remembrance

Despite his untimely death, William Edward Hipkins left a lasting legacy:

His estate was valued at over £38,000 (approximately £3 million in today’s currency)
A family tomb at Warstone Lane Cemetery (Section D, Grave 1001) in Birmingham bears his memory
W. T. Avery unveiled a memorial tablet on the first anniversary of the sinking
The firm produced an “In Memoriam” booklet in his honor
His sister donated an oil painting, “Springtime in Spain, near Gordella” by John William Inchbold, to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in 1913

How is Hipkins remembered today?

Today, William Edward Hipkins is remembered through various memorials:

The Hipkins family tomb at Warstone Lane Cemetery, Birmingham
A brass plaque at Avery Weigh Tronix, Soho Foundry, Smethwick, Birmingham
His contributions to the University of Birmingham, particularly in establishing the Faculty of Commerce (now the Business School)

William Edward Hipkins’ life and tragic death on the Titanic serve as a poignant reminder of the many accomplished individuals who were lost in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.