William Hull Botsford

William Hull Botsford was a talented American architect and Titanic passenger whose promising career was cut short by the infamous maritime disaster. Born on November 23, 1886, in Binghamton, New York, Botsford was just 25 (twenty-five) years old when he boarded the ill-fated RMS Titanic for what would be his final journey.

Early Life and Education

What was William Hull Botsford’s childhood like?

William Hull Botsford grew up in Millport, New York, where he spent his formative years. A photograph from 1897 captures young William standing on the porch of his childhood home, providing a glimpse into his early life.

Where did Botsford receive his education?

Botsford’s educational journey included:

• Horseheads High School, where he was one of only two boys in a class of eight
• Cornell University College of Architecture, where he honed his architectural skills

During his time at Cornell, Botsford demonstrated exceptional drawing ability. His talent was recognized when one of his works was displayed in the university library. Additionally, he was commissioned to design the cover of “The Cornellian,” the university yearbook, in 1910.

Professional Career

What were William Hull Botsford’s major professional achievements?

After graduating from Cornell, Botsford’s career quickly took off:

1. He became chief designer for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad.
2. Designed numerous railway stations across New York and New Jersey, including:
   • Elmira
   • Bath
   • New Village
   • Hopatcong
   • Basking Ridge
   • Watessing
   • Bloomfield
   • Syracuse
   • Utica
   • Hoboken
   • Ithaca
3. His final station design was for Montclair, where a memorial stone and window were later erected in his honor.

What was Botsford’s most significant architectural project?

Botsford’s crowning achievement was the design of the Tunkhannock Viaduct (also known as the Nicholson Bridge) near Nicholson, Pennsylvania. This massive structure was:

• Half a mile long
• 100 feet higher than the Brooklyn Bridge
• Designed to carry the Lackawanna railroad

Remarkably, the railroad board only accepted the design just as Botsford was preparing to depart for his fateful journey on the Titanic.

Titanic Journey

Why was William Hull Botsford on the Titanic?

Prior to boarding the Titanic, Botsford had taken leave from his work to embark on an educational tour. He traveled through Egypt, Turkey, and various European countries to study architectural design and techniques. This journey was intended to further enhance his skills and broaden his architectural perspective.

What were the details of Botsford’s Titanic booking?

• Class: Second Class passenger
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton
• Ticket Number: 237670
• Fare: £13

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14, 1912, William Hull Botsford’s promising life and career were tragically cut short. As the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Botsford’s actions aligned with the character described by his friend A. G. Hallock:

“He left a record of modesty and unselfishness which led his friends at the very first to give up hope that he might have been rescued. He would have thought first of the women and children and then of those having greater responsibilities than he.”

Botsford did not survive the sinking, and his body, if recovered, was never identified. He is remembered on a family grave at Millport Cemetery, New York.

Legacy and Remembrance

How did Botsford’s family learn of his fate?

Botsford’s sister Talitha, who was 10 years old at the time, recounted the moment they learned of the disaster:

“We were eating supper when the neighbor across the street came over and asked if we had seen the Star-Gazette. That was the first we knew of it. We watched the papers and as soon as they printed the list of the missing, we knew.”

How was William Hull Botsford remembered?

1. A memorial service was held at the Orange, NJ YMCA, where Botsford had taught night classes.
2. A memorial stone and window were erected at the Montclair station, the last he designed.
3. His work on the Tunkhannock Viaduct stands as a lasting testament to his architectural skill.

William Hull Botsford’s life, though brief, was marked by significant achievements in architecture. His designs continue to be part of the landscape in New York and New Jersey, serving as a poignant reminder of the talent lost in the Titanic disaster.