William Fisher Hoyt

William Fisher Hoyt was a 43 (forty-three) year-old American businessman and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on January 24, 1869, in Wadsworth, Ohio, Hoyt’s life was tragically cut short during one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Background

Ohio Roots

William Fisher Hoyt was born into a family with strong ties to Ohio. His parents, Charles E. Hoyt (1835-1915) and Helen Maria Fisher (b. 1841), hailed from Connecticut and New York respectively. Hoyt grew up alongside three brothers:

Gordon C. (b. 1863-1943)
Charles S. (1865-1918)
Carlos H. (1874-1916)

The 1870 census records show young William as a one-year-old infant living with his family in Wadsworth. By 1880, the family was still residing in Medina, Ohio, before eventually relocating to Cleveland.

Professional Life

As Hoyt entered adulthood, he embarked on a successful business career:

In 1900, he was described as a commercial traveler, living with his parents in Cleveland
By 1910, he had become a resident of Manhattan
He held the position of senior partner and buyer for Houghton, Lee & Hoyt
His role required frequent transatlantic travel

Beyond his primary occupation, Hoyt was involved in various other pursuits:

Captain of the Lakeside Bicycle Club
Connected with the Lozier Bicycle Company
Associated with Sterling & Welch, Co.

The Titanic Journey

Why was William Fisher Hoyt on the Titanic?

William Fisher Hoyt boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as a first-class passenger. He was returning from one of his many business trips to Europe. Hoyt purchased ticket number 17600 for his journey, paying £30 13s 11d for his accommodation.

Titanic’s Final Moments

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Hoyt found himself among those who remained aboard during the ship’s final throes. His experience during those terrifying hours would become a poignant part of the Titanic’s tragic story.

Fate During the Disaster

A Desperate Rescue Attempt

In the aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking, Fifth Officer Harold Lowe returned to the wreck site in lifeboat 14 to search for survivors. The rescue team heard a moan coming from the water and discovered a man buoyed by his life preserver, bleeding from his nose and mouth. This man was William Fisher Hoyt.

“After we got him in the boat we took his collar off so as to give him more chance to breathe, but unfortunately, he died. He was too far gone when we picked him up.” - Harold Lowe

Despite the valiant efforts of the lifeboat’s occupants, who struggled to pull the heavily-built Hoyt aboard, they were unable to save his life.

Final Resting Place

William Fisher Hoyt was buried at sea by sailors from the Carpathia on April 16, 1912. He was identified by the contents of his pockets, which included:

Cards and papers
A watch and chain of atypical workmanship
A membership card for the New York Athletic Club
An identification card issued by the Fidelity and Casualty Company of New York

Legacy and Remembrance

Family’s Quest for Answers

In the wake of the disaster, William’s brother traveled to Washington, D.C., seeking information about his sibling’s fate from crew members. Initially, his efforts were unsuccessful, highlighting the confusion and lack of information that followed the Titanic’s sinking.

Memorial and Remembrance

While William Fisher Hoyt’s body was never recovered, his memory lives on:

He is remembered on his brother’s headstone in Woodlawn Cemetery, Santa Monica, California (Block 4, plot 190)
His story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost in the Titanic disaster

Impact on Titanic History

Hoyt’s experience provides a unique perspective on the Titanic’s final moments. As one of the few passengers pulled from the water after the ship sank, his story offers insight into the desperate rescue attempts and the grim reality faced by those who remained in the freezing Atlantic.

William Fisher Hoyt’s life and tragic death aboard the Titanic serve as a testament to the human cost of the disaster, reminding us of the individual stories behind one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies.