Who Was Robert Williams Daniel
Robert Williams Daniel was a first-class passenger on the RMS Titanic. Born on 24 January 1884 in Richmond, Virginia, he graduated from the University of Virginia with a law degree before entering banking and insurance. On the night of 14–15 April 1912, he survived the sinking, later becoming a key witness in U.S. and British inquiries. Daniel’s career continued in finance, and he remained closely associated with the Titanic story through interviews, public testimony, and family recollections.
Biographical Overview and Background
Daniel grew up in a prominent Southern family and pursued a career in finance rather than law despite his education. His social status as a first-class traveler shaped his experiences before, during, and after the disaster. Understanding his background clarifies why his testimony carried weight in official investigations and why his story endures in popular accounts of the Titanic.
Boarding the Titanic and Voyage Details
Daniel boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, in first class with his wife, Eloise Hughes Smith, whom he had married earlier in 1912. His cabin number was typically recorded as C86. Travel documents confirm his itinerary, class of service, and accompanying family members, establishing baseline facts about his life aboard the ship.
Cabin and Ticket Information
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | C86 (first class) | Passenger list and surviving cabin manifest |
| Ticket Number | 113806 | Official Titanic passenger record |
| Fare Paid | £30 8s 6d | Shipping line receipt |
| Port of Embarkation | Cherbourg, France | Cherbourg passenger entry logs |
The Night of the Sinking
After the Titanic struck the iceberg, Daniel helped his wife into Lifeboat 6, one of the early lifeboats lowered from the port side. He remained on board while it was being loaded, later testifying about the lack of coordination and the shortage of lifeboats. His first-hand account contributed to later inquiries and is frequently cited in historical summaries.
Key Actions and Observations
- Assisted his wife into Lifeboat 6.
- Testified to the U.S. Senate and British Wreck Commissioner investigations.
- Provided details about the ship’s speed, warnings, and passenger behavior.
Post-Sinking Career and Public Legacy
Following the disaster, Daniel continued his career in banking and insurance, serving in various leadership roles. He also remained engaged with the Titanic narrative, giving interviews and participating in hearings. His legacy endures through his written testimony, family papers, and the continued study of passenger experiences from that night.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
Some confusion exists between Daniel and others with similar names or roles. Not all survivors shared the same class or viewpoint; Daniel’s first-class status and active participation in rescue proceedings distinguish his account. Another common point of clarification involves the timing of lifeboat loading and the decisions made by crew members, which his testimony directly addresses.
Documented Sources and Further Reading
Key sources include the U.S. Senate inquiry transcripts, the British Wreck Commissioner’s report, and contemporary newspapers that cover his testimony. Family letters and later interviews provide additional context. These materials establish a documented record of his experience and its place in Titanic historiography.