William Thompson Sloper

Who was William Thompson Sloper?

William Thompson Sloper was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old American stockbroker and estate manager who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on December 13, 1883, in New Britain, Connecticut, Sloper’s life would be forever changed by his experience aboard the ill-fated ship. His story is one of survival, controversy, and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.

Early Life and Background

William Thompson Sloper was born into a prominent family in New Britain, Connecticut. His father, Andrew Jackson Sloper, was the former president of New Britain National Bank, indicating a background of financial stability and influence. This upbringing likely contributed to William’s career path as a stockbroker and estate manager.

What was Sloper’s profession before boarding the Titanic?

Prior to his fateful journey on the Titanic, William Thompson Sloper worked as a stockbroker and estate manager. His professional background in finance would later play a role in his post-Titanic life, as he continued to work in the investment sector.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Sloper choose to sail on the Titanic?

Interestingly, William Thompson Sloper had not originally planned to sail on the Titanic. He was returning from a three-month vacation in Europe when a chance encounter changed his travel plans. During his tour, Sloper met the family of Mark Fortune and became particularly fond of Alice Fortune. This newfound connection led him to cancel his passage on the Mauretania and book a first-class ticket on the Titanic instead.

Titanic Boarding Details:

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Passenger Class: 1st Class
• Ticket Number: 113788
• Cabin: Unknown
• Fare: £30 10s

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, William Thompson Sloper was engaged in a game of bridge with friends. This seemingly ordinary evening would soon turn into a fight for survival.

How did Sloper survive the sinking?

Sloper’s survival can be attributed to a combination of factors:

1. Early evacuation: He was rescued in lifeboat 7, one of the first boats to be launched.
2. Assistance from a fellow passenger: According to Sloper, he owed his life to Dorothy Gibson, an actress and one of his bridge companions, who insisted he join her in the lifeboat.
3. Circumstances of launch: First Officer William Murdoch was allowing men into the starboard side lifeboats when there were no women around.

“Many persons aboard felt that the Titanic was ‘unsinkable’ and therefore, did not want to leave the well-lit deck to set off into the dark waters in small boats.” - William Thompson Sloper

This statement from Sloper highlights the disbelief and hesitation that many passengers experienced, which may have contributed to the high loss of life.

Aftermath and Controversy

What challenges did Sloper face after the disaster?

Upon arriving in New York aboard the Carpathia, Sloper faced immediate challenges:

1. Media Frenzy: Like all survivors, he was inundated by members of the press.
2. False Accusations: A New York Herald reporter identified Sloper on April 19 as having dressed in women’s clothing to escape the ship.
3. Lifelong Refutation: On the advice of his father and trusted friends, Sloper chose not to sue the Herald or the reporter, but spent the rest of his life refuting the charge.

This false accusation would cast a shadow over Sloper’s life, requiring him to constantly defend his honor and the circumstances of his survival.

Life After the Titanic

Despite the challenges he faced, William Thompson Sloper went on to lead a successful life after the Titanic disaster:

• Career: He became a managing partner of Judd & Co. in New Britain, a private investment firm that in 1926 succeeded the former New York Stock Exchange firm of Judd & Co.
• Family Life: On February 26, 1915, Sloper married Mrs. Helen Tallmadge Lindenberg in Columbus, Ohio. He raised her three daughters from a previous marriage.
• Legacy: In November 1949, “The Life and Times of Andrew Jackson Sloper” was published, focusing largely on William Sloper’s memoirs and the history of New Britain’s manufacturing industry.

How did the Titanic experience impact Sloper’s later life?

The Titanic disaster left an indelible mark on William Thompson Sloper’s life. While he continued to be successful in his professional endeavors, the false accusations about his escape from the ship required him to spend considerable effort defending his reputation. This experience likely influenced his decision to share his story primarily through his son’s book, rather than through more public channels.

Final Years

William Thompson Sloper passed away on May 1, 1955, at the age of 71 (seventy-one). He was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in New Britain, Connecticut, the city where his life began. His wife, Helen, outlived him by over a decade, passing away on July 30, 1967, at the age of 82 (eighty-two).

Sloper’s life, marked by both triumph and controversy, serves as a testament to the complex legacy of Titanic survivors. His story continues to fascinate those interested in the human stories behind one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.