Thomas Henry Ismay
Encyclopedia
Thomas Henry Ismay was the founder of the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, more commonly known as the White Star Line
. His son was Joseph Bruce Ismay
who travelled on (and survived) the maiden voyage
of his company's ocean liner, the RMS Titanic in 1912.
, Cumberland
. Sometime after Thomas's birth, his father Thomas Ismay started a timber business, shipbrokers and shipbuilder. He bought shares in five vessels coming in and out of Maryport. When the young man was six years old, the Ismays moved to a much larger house in Grasslot, Maryport. The entire family moved to the dwelling because of the 3 sisters Thomas's mother had. The homes name was "The Ropery", the name deriving from the ropes being used at the ship yard laid out in front of the home. This house was near his grandfathers ship yard. This was the first place were he was employed. He spent much of his time around the harbor. He learned here about the sea and navigation along with his most notable habit, of chewing tobacco, giving him the nickname "Baccy Ismay". When Thomas was 12 he was sent to High School in Brampton, Cumberland. This school was one of the best in all of Northern England
. At the age of 16 Thomas left school and started an apprentice with shipbrokers Imire in Tomlison, Liverpool. Upon completion of the apprenticeship he wanted to gain some experience on the high seas. Once he got back to England he started a business. He partnered with Philip Nelson who was also a man from Maryport and a friend of his fathers. However, the partnership did not last long, Philip was a retired sea captain and believed in old, trustworthy wooden ship while Thomas believed the future was in iron ships. In 1867 Thomas Henry Ismay acquired the flag of the White Star Line
.
. During these years he undertook several grand projects including, in July 1882, the building of a private residence in Thurstaston
on the Wirral Peninsula
, designed by the renowned architect Richard Norman Shaw
. Built of a local red sandstone
, the property was completed in December 1884. It was named Dawpool and, when Ismay's widow died in 1907, both of his sons declined to take up residence. When the Ismay's tried selling the home, the agent said the land would be worth more if the home was blown up and it was eventually sold to a Mr Rutter who loaned to the government as a hospital during World War I. In 1926 it was sold to Sir Henry Roberts who had it demolished a year later.
Ismay had always held an interest in the Asiantic Steam Navigation Company and wanted to see how it was run, so he and Gustav Wolff, founder of Harland & Wolff, decided to take a trip to India
on board an ANSC steamer. This was partly to see how their rival was managed and partly a family holiday. On 26 October 1887, they left Dawpool and traveled by train across Europe, seeing the sites of France, Switzerland
and Italy
along the way. Once they got to Italy they joined the SS Nizam, bound for Alexandria
. Once in Egypt the pair visited the pyramids and cruised on the Nile
.
Around 1870 Thomas Ismay drafted a new set of rules and regulations for his brand new trend setting steamers, RMS Atlantic
and RMS Oceanic
.
2. Responsibility of Commanders. must use their intelligence to steer and navigate their vessel whilst securing their passengers with a comfortable and respectable crossing. Safety and security are a top priority. Steer your ship for navigation and safety, not for a gain in speed or obbsinety.
3. Authority of all Commanders. Officers and engineers do their job by the book. all people under the rank of Commander are under the control of the commander. All absences by crew must be granted by a Commander or Commanding officer. when in a foreign port, (not Liverpool) there must never be an absence of the Chief and second officer. Junior officer is to be always on board.
4. Respect due to officers. all superior officers must give up command to an above commander or officer. all of his order's must be done in a respectful and non-negative way. Respect shall always be given due respect by the superior.
5. Watches must be equally divided, no ship shall ever be left without an officer on deck. no Officer, under most circumstances is to leave the deck while his watch is still in play. first and second officer is to never give up their watch, except under clear weather and open sea, at that time they may be relieved by 3rd and 4th officer for their meals. they may also be relieved by a commanding officer.
6. Watch in dock, Liverpool. An officer is to be on deck at all times.
7. Watch in dock, abroad. Always to be an officer on deck and at the spar deck. Along with two quarter masters. Until the night watch where there is to be one quarter master and one watchman.
8. Anchor watch. while in harbor, your ship's watch must consist of a junior officer, 2 quarter master and four seamen.
9. Junior officers. must exert themselves to aid in navigation of the vessel. must use solar and stellar observation; both for correction of compass and ascertaining the position of the vessel.
10. Junior officers. in vessels carrying 3-4 officers, those officers are not to have a watch but mus be relieved of duties by a commander.
11. Log and observation for position of ship. each day location of vessel must be logged using solar or stellar means. take log to chart room were on a large scale map the position will be logged.
12. Compass. compass is to be carefully watched and any difference in local deviation is to be noted.
13. Night order book. Commander is to enter course and steered of vessel in night order book.
14. Nearing land and heaving the lead. a wide berth is to be given to land and islands. when nearing land take frequent cross-bearings or well marked objects to make sure of the vessel's course. should weather be unsuitable then engines should be eased and if necessary stopped. In fog the steam whistle should be blown and the condition of weather logged into the log book.
15. Boats, firehouse, pumps, etc... a crew to be appointed to each boat and all tackling to be kept in good order, and ready for immediate service. Exercises are to be practiced regularly. all fire house and pump stations are to be kept in working order and so should buckets. All crew is to be properly trained in case of fire or accident.
16. Lights. Side and head mast light is to be regularly attended and logged if working. all lights, law pertaining are to set out at Dusk. All lights in ship are to be put out at 10 o'clock in forecastle and steerage, 11 o'clock in salon and 11:15 P.M. in smoking rooms. And 11"30 in sleeping berths and state rooms.
17. Fires. no fire is to be allowed in the galley after 10 o'clock, unless with permission of commander.
18. Inspection of ship by commander. the Commander is expected to make regular inspections of ships. pump gears inspected and compass to be done too. Chief officer is to check inspect log book and check regularly.
This is just a small glimpse of the rules and regulations.
, even after 1870 most of White Star Lines vessels were chartered from more notable/wealthy shipping lines, the reason being so that they were not completely at fault if someone died on board because of medical or the ships being and condition.
Ulcoats, Cecelia, Golden Sunset, Gladiator, Duke of Edinburgh, Duleep Singh, Bucton Castle, Globe, Nereus, Borrowdale
, Weathersfeild, British Prince
, Dallam Towers, Remington
, Hecuba
, Pride Of The Thames, Houghton Towers, Warwickshire
, Victoria Tower
, Hawarden Castle, Vancouver
, Castlehead, Vandieman, Comandre, Seatoller
, Casma
, Compadre
, Bayard, British Admiral, Montrose, Ismay
, Estrella, Pembroke Castle
, Hausquina, Raja
h, SS. British Navy, Cairnsmore, Santon
, Kirkwood
, Delhi
, Merwanjee Framjee, Ravenscrag
, Cape Clear
, Grace Gibson, Hannibal, Cardigan Castle
, Santiago, Jason
, Oceanic
, This was White Star Line's first true Vessel. Being the first true because she was actually ordered by Thomas Ismay, Ardgowan, More To Come...
where he became sick again. Mrs Margaret summoned a doctor and a dose of morphine was given to Ismay. After 6 days he was feeling better and he returned to Dawpool in Thurstaston
, Wirral
. Within 6 weeks he had more violent pain. The doctor diagnosed it as a gallstone
. By April 26 Ismay felt good enough to work, but in August he collapsed and was confined to bed. On 31 August an operation was performed on Ismay to try to alleviate his condition. The operation was unsuccessful and a second one became necessary on 4 September. The next morning he insisted that his daughters go on a voyage on the Oceanic whilst he talked to his wife. He asked his wife to arrange for the local church to pray for him. On 13 September Thomas suffered a heart attack. His condition continued to worsen and on November 23 Thomas Henry Ismay died. His wife never fully recovered and she died 7 years later.
He and his wife are commemorated with a large grave at St Bartholomew's Church, Thurstaston, Wirral, inscribed: "Great thoughts, great feelings came to him like instincts unawares" and "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
White Star Line
The Oceanic Steam Navigation Company or White Star Line of Boston Packets, more commonly known as the White Star Line, was a prominent British shipping company, today most famous for its ill-fated vessel, the RMS Titanic, and the World War I loss of Titanics sister ship Britannic...
. His son was Joseph Bruce Ismay
J. Bruce Ismay
Joseph Bruce Ismay was an English businessman who served as chairman and managing director of the White Star Line of steamships. He came to international attention as the highest-ranking White Star official among the 706 survivors Joseph Bruce Ismay (12 December 1862 – 17 October 1937) was...
who travelled on (and survived) the maiden voyage
Maiden voyage
The maiden voyage of a ship, aircraft or other craft is the first journey made by the craft after shakedown. A number of traditions and superstitions are associated with it....
of his company's ocean liner, the RMS Titanic in 1912.
Early years
Thomas Ismay was born on 7 January 1837, in a small cottage in the town of MaryportMaryport
Maryport is a town and civil parish within the Allerdale borough of Cumbria, England, in the historic county of Cumberland. It is located on the A596 road north of Workington, and is the southernmost town on the Solway Firth. Maryport railway station is on the Cumbrian Coast Line. The town is in...
, Cumberland
Cumberland
Cumberland is a historic county of North West England, on the border with Scotland, from the 12th century until 1974. It formed an administrative county from 1889 to 1974 and now forms part of Cumbria....
. Sometime after Thomas's birth, his father Thomas Ismay started a timber business, shipbrokers and shipbuilder. He bought shares in five vessels coming in and out of Maryport. When the young man was six years old, the Ismays moved to a much larger house in Grasslot, Maryport. The entire family moved to the dwelling because of the 3 sisters Thomas's mother had. The homes name was "The Ropery", the name deriving from the ropes being used at the ship yard laid out in front of the home. This house was near his grandfathers ship yard. This was the first place were he was employed. He spent much of his time around the harbor. He learned here about the sea and navigation along with his most notable habit, of chewing tobacco, giving him the nickname "Baccy Ismay". When Thomas was 12 he was sent to High School in Brampton, Cumberland. This school was one of the best in all of Northern England
Northern England
Northern England, also known as the North of England, the North or the North Country, is a cultural region of England. It is not an official government region, but rather an informal amalgamation of counties. The southern extent of the region is roughly the River Trent, while the North is bordered...
. At the age of 16 Thomas left school and started an apprentice with shipbrokers Imire in Tomlison, Liverpool. Upon completion of the apprenticeship he wanted to gain some experience on the high seas. Once he got back to England he started a business. He partnered with Philip Nelson who was also a man from Maryport and a friend of his fathers. However, the partnership did not last long, Philip was a retired sea captain and believed in old, trustworthy wooden ship while Thomas believed the future was in iron ships. In 1867 Thomas Henry Ismay acquired the flag of the White Star Line
White Star Line
The Oceanic Steam Navigation Company or White Star Line of Boston Packets, more commonly known as the White Star Line, was a prominent British shipping company, today most famous for its ill-fated vessel, the RMS Titanic, and the World War I loss of Titanics sister ship Britannic...
.
During his years
On April 7, 1859, Thomas married Margaret who was the daughter of Luck Bruce. In 1867, he acquired the flag and branding of the White Star LineWhite Star Line
The Oceanic Steam Navigation Company or White Star Line of Boston Packets, more commonly known as the White Star Line, was a prominent British shipping company, today most famous for its ill-fated vessel, the RMS Titanic, and the World War I loss of Titanics sister ship Britannic...
. During these years he undertook several grand projects including, in July 1882, the building of a private residence in Thurstaston
Thurstaston
Thurstaston is a village on the Wirral Peninsula, England. It is part of the West Kirby & Thurstaston Ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral...
on the Wirral Peninsula
Wirral Peninsula
Wirral or the Wirral is a peninsula in North West England. It is bounded by three bodies of water: to the west by the River Dee, forming a boundary with Wales, to the east by the River Mersey and to the north by the Irish Sea. Both terms "Wirral" and "the Wirral" are used locally , although the...
, designed by the renowned architect Richard Norman Shaw
Richard Norman Shaw
Richard Norman Shaw RA , was an influential Scottish architect from the 1870s to the 1900s, known for his country houses and for commercial buildings.-Life:...
. Built of a local red sandstone
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains.Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours are tan, brown, yellow,...
, the property was completed in December 1884. It was named Dawpool and, when Ismay's widow died in 1907, both of his sons declined to take up residence. When the Ismay's tried selling the home, the agent said the land would be worth more if the home was blown up and it was eventually sold to a Mr Rutter who loaned to the government as a hospital during World War I. In 1926 it was sold to Sir Henry Roberts who had it demolished a year later.
Ismay had always held an interest in the Asiantic Steam Navigation Company and wanted to see how it was run, so he and Gustav Wolff, founder of Harland & Wolff, decided to take a trip to India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
on board an ANSC steamer. This was partly to see how their rival was managed and partly a family holiday. On 26 October 1887, they left Dawpool and traveled by train across Europe, seeing the sites of France, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
and Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
along the way. Once they got to Italy they joined the SS Nizam, bound for Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city of Egypt, with a population of 4.1 million, extending about along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country; it is also the largest city lying directly on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt's largest seaport, serving...
. Once in Egypt the pair visited the pyramids and cruised on the Nile
Nile
The Nile is a major north-flowing river in North Africa, generally regarded as the longest river in the world. It is long. It runs through the ten countries of Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Egypt.The Nile has two major...
.
Around 1870 Thomas Ismay drafted a new set of rules and regulations for his brand new trend setting steamers, RMS Atlantic
RMS Atlantic
RMS Atlantic was a transatlantic ocean liner of the White Star Line that operated between Liverpool, United Kingdom, and New York City, United States. During the ship's 19th voyage, on 1 April 1873, it ran onto rocks and sank off the coast of Nova Scotia, killing 535 people...
and RMS Oceanic
RMS Oceanic (1899)
RMS Oceanic was a transatlantic ocean liner, built for the White Star Line. She sailed on her maiden voyage on 6 September 1899 and, until 1901, was the largest ship in the world...
.
White Star Line Steam Navigation Company Regulations
1. Instructions to be attended to. all WSL officers and commanders have to be acquainted with these rules.2. Responsibility of Commanders. must use their intelligence to steer and navigate their vessel whilst securing their passengers with a comfortable and respectable crossing. Safety and security are a top priority. Steer your ship for navigation and safety, not for a gain in speed or obbsinety.
3. Authority of all Commanders. Officers and engineers do their job by the book. all people under the rank of Commander are under the control of the commander. All absences by crew must be granted by a Commander or Commanding officer. when in a foreign port, (not Liverpool) there must never be an absence of the Chief and second officer. Junior officer is to be always on board.
4. Respect due to officers. all superior officers must give up command to an above commander or officer. all of his order's must be done in a respectful and non-negative way. Respect shall always be given due respect by the superior.
5. Watches must be equally divided, no ship shall ever be left without an officer on deck. no Officer, under most circumstances is to leave the deck while his watch is still in play. first and second officer is to never give up their watch, except under clear weather and open sea, at that time they may be relieved by 3rd and 4th officer for their meals. they may also be relieved by a commanding officer.
6. Watch in dock, Liverpool. An officer is to be on deck at all times.
7. Watch in dock, abroad. Always to be an officer on deck and at the spar deck. Along with two quarter masters. Until the night watch where there is to be one quarter master and one watchman.
8. Anchor watch. while in harbor, your ship's watch must consist of a junior officer, 2 quarter master and four seamen.
9. Junior officers. must exert themselves to aid in navigation of the vessel. must use solar and stellar observation; both for correction of compass and ascertaining the position of the vessel.
10. Junior officers. in vessels carrying 3-4 officers, those officers are not to have a watch but mus be relieved of duties by a commander.
11. Log and observation for position of ship. each day location of vessel must be logged using solar or stellar means. take log to chart room were on a large scale map the position will be logged.
12. Compass. compass is to be carefully watched and any difference in local deviation is to be noted.
13. Night order book. Commander is to enter course and steered of vessel in night order book.
14. Nearing land and heaving the lead. a wide berth is to be given to land and islands. when nearing land take frequent cross-bearings or well marked objects to make sure of the vessel's course. should weather be unsuitable then engines should be eased and if necessary stopped. In fog the steam whistle should be blown and the condition of weather logged into the log book.
15. Boats, firehouse, pumps, etc... a crew to be appointed to each boat and all tackling to be kept in good order, and ready for immediate service. Exercises are to be practiced regularly. all fire house and pump stations are to be kept in working order and so should buckets. All crew is to be properly trained in case of fire or accident.
16. Lights. Side and head mast light is to be regularly attended and logged if working. all lights, law pertaining are to set out at Dusk. All lights in ship are to be put out at 10 o'clock in forecastle and steerage, 11 o'clock in salon and 11:15 P.M. in smoking rooms. And 11"30 in sleeping berths and state rooms.
17. Fires. no fire is to be allowed in the galley after 10 o'clock, unless with permission of commander.
18. Inspection of ship by commander. the Commander is expected to make regular inspections of ships. pump gears inspected and compass to be done too. Chief officer is to check inspect log book and check regularly.
This is just a small glimpse of the rules and regulations.
Ships under his command
From 1863 till 1899 Thomas Henry Ismay was president of White Star Line and had several ships under his authority, Most of these ships up until 1870 were charteredChartered
Charter or Chartered might refer to different things:* Charter, a legal document conferring rights or privileges* Chartered , a professional credential* Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, a manufacturing company...
, even after 1870 most of White Star Lines vessels were chartered from more notable/wealthy shipping lines, the reason being so that they were not completely at fault if someone died on board because of medical or the ships being and condition.
Ulcoats, Cecelia, Golden Sunset, Gladiator, Duke of Edinburgh, Duleep Singh, Bucton Castle, Globe, Nereus, Borrowdale
Borrowdale (ship)
The Borrowdale was a First Fleet storeship of 272 tons, built in Sunderland in 1785. She left Portsmouth on 13 May 1787, and arrived at Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia on 26 January 1788. She left Port Jackson on 14 July 1788 to return to England via Cape Horn...
, Weathersfeild, British Prince
British prince
This is a list of British princes from the accession of George I in 1714. The title of prince is at the will of the sovereign, who can both grant and revoke the title. Individuals holding the title of prince will usually also be styled His Royal Highness or formerly His Highness...
, Dallam Towers, Remington
Remington
- People :* Eliphalet Remington , American firearms designer* Philo Remington , American firearms and typewriter manufacturer, son of Eliphalet Remington* Frederic Remington , American painter and sculptor...
, Hecuba
Hecuba
Hecuba was a queen in Greek mythology, the wife of King Priam of Troy during the Trojan War, with whom she had 19 children. These children included several major characters of Homer's Iliad such as the warriors Hector and Paris, and the prophetess Cassandra...
, Pride Of The Thames, Houghton Towers, Warwickshire
Warwickshire
Warwickshire is a landlocked non-metropolitan county in the West Midlands region of England. The county town is Warwick, although the largest town is Nuneaton. The county is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare...
, Victoria Tower
Victoria Tower
The Victoria Tower is the square tower at the south-west end of the Palace of Westminster in London, facing south and west onto Black Rod's Garden and Old Palace Yard. At , it is slightly taller than the more famous Clock Tower at the north end of the Palace . It houses the Parliamentary Archives...
, Hawarden Castle, Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, Castlehead, Vandieman, Comandre, Seatoller
Seatoller
Seatoller is a settlement in Borrowdale in the English Lake District. It lies on the B5289 road at the east foot of the Honister Pass, and to the south of Derwent Water...
, Casma
Casma
Casma is a city in the Ancash Region, Peru. It is located in the Casma Valley. Its surface has 1 204,85 km².Its people venerate saint Santa Maria Magdalena and its day is celebrated on July 22....
, Compadre
Compadre
The compadre relationship between the parents and godparents of a child is an important bond which originates when a child is baptized in Hispanic families...
, Bayard, British Admiral, Montrose, Ismay
Ismay
Ismay may refer to:*Hastings Lionel Ismay, 1st Baron Ismay, the British soldier and Chief of Staff during World War II*J. Bruce Ismay, managing director of the White Star Line and survivor of the Titanic disaster...
, Estrella, Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is a medieval castle in Pembroke, West Wales. Standing beside the River Cleddau, it underwent major restoration work in the early 20th century. The castle was the original seat of the Earldom of Pembroke....
, Hausquina, Raja
Raja
Raja is an Indian term for a monarch, or princely ruler of the Kshatriya varna...
h, SS. British Navy, Cairnsmore, Santon
Santon
Santon may be a reference to:* Davide Santon, an Italian footballer* Santon , a fictional Beast Wars character* Santon , a small figurine cast in terracotta or a similar material...
, Kirkwood
Kirkwood
Kirkwood may refer to:United States:*Kirkwood, California, in Alpine County**Kirkwood Mountain Resort*Kirkwood, Glenn County, California*Kirkwood, Delaware*Kirkwood , Georgia*Kirkwood, Illinois*Kirkwood, Missouri*Kirkwood, New Jersey...
, Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...
, Merwanjee Framjee, Ravenscrag
Ravenscrag
Ravenscrag can refer to:*Ravenscrag, Saskatchewan, a settlement in Saskatchewan, Canada*Ravenscrag Formation, a stratigraphical unit in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin*SS Ravenscrag, a British barque...
, Cape Clear
Cape Clear
Cape Clear may refer to:* Cape Clear * Cape Clear Island, on the southern coast of Ireland.* Cape Clear, Victoria, a town in Australia...
, Grace Gibson, Hannibal, Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle is a castle located in Cardigan, Ceredigion, Wales.-History:The first motte-and-bailey castle was built a mile away from the present site, probably about the time of the founding of the town by Roger de Montgomery, a Norman baron....
, Santiago, Jason
Jason (Ship)
Jason was a Norwegian whaling vessel laid down in 1881 in Rødsverven, Norway, the same shipyard which later built Ernest Shackleton's ship the Endurance...
, Oceanic
RMS Oceanic (1870)
RMS Oceanic was the White Star Line's first liner and an important turning point in passenger liner design.-Design and construction:Oceanic was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, and was launched on 27 August 1870, arriving in Liverpool for her maiden voyage on 26 February 1871...
, This was White Star Line's first true Vessel. Being the first true because she was actually ordered by Thomas Ismay, Ardgowan, More To Come...
Death
Shortly after the launching of the Oceanic on January 14, 1899, Thomas Henry Ismay began to complain of pains in his chest. Throughout his life he had been very active and was seldom sick, so his doctor took his pains very seriously. His condition slowly deteriorated and construction on Oceanic's sister ships was delayed. In March of that year, Thomas's health began to improve, and he and Margaret went to WindermereWindermere
Windermere is the largest natural lake of England. It is also a name used in a number of places, including:-Australia:* Lake Windermere , a reservoir, Australian Capital Territory * Lake Windermere...
where he became sick again. Mrs Margaret summoned a doctor and a dose of morphine was given to Ismay. After 6 days he was feeling better and he returned to Dawpool in Thurstaston
Thurstaston
Thurstaston is a village on the Wirral Peninsula, England. It is part of the West Kirby & Thurstaston Ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral...
, Wirral
Wirral Peninsula
Wirral or the Wirral is a peninsula in North West England. It is bounded by three bodies of water: to the west by the River Dee, forming a boundary with Wales, to the east by the River Mersey and to the north by the Irish Sea. Both terms "Wirral" and "the Wirral" are used locally , although the...
. Within 6 weeks he had more violent pain. The doctor diagnosed it as a gallstone
Gallstone
A gallstone is a crystalline concretion formed within the gallbladder by accretion of bile components. These calculi are formed in the gallbladder, but may pass distally into other parts of the biliary tract such as the cystic duct, common bile duct, pancreatic duct, or the ampulla of...
. By April 26 Ismay felt good enough to work, but in August he collapsed and was confined to bed. On 31 August an operation was performed on Ismay to try to alleviate his condition. The operation was unsuccessful and a second one became necessary on 4 September. The next morning he insisted that his daughters go on a voyage on the Oceanic whilst he talked to his wife. He asked his wife to arrange for the local church to pray for him. On 13 September Thomas suffered a heart attack. His condition continued to worsen and on November 23 Thomas Henry Ismay died. His wife never fully recovered and she died 7 years later.
He and his wife are commemorated with a large grave at St Bartholomew's Church, Thurstaston, Wirral, inscribed: "Great thoughts, great feelings came to him like instincts unawares" and "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."