Thomas Henry Ismay was the founder of the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, more commonly known as the White Star Line.
Background
Ismay was born on January 7, 1837 in Maryport, England. Some time after Thomas's birth, his father Joseph 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.
Education
When Ismay 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.
Career
Ismay travelled for a time, visiting the ports of South America, and on returning to Liverpool started in business for himself. In 1867 he took over the White Star line of Australian clippers, and in 1868, perceiving the great future which was open to steam navigation, established, in conjunction with William Imrie, the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, which has since become famous as the White Star Line. While continuing the Australian service, the firm determined to engage in the American trade, and to that end ordered from Harland & Wolff, of Belfast, the first Oceanic (3807 tons), which was launched in 1870. This vessel may fairly be said to have marked an era in North Atlantic travel. The same is true of the successive types of steamer which Ismay, with the co-operation of the Belfast shipbuilding firm, subsequently provided for the American trade. To Ismay is mainly due the credit of the arrangement by which some of the fastest ships of the British mercantile marine are held at the disposal of the government in case of war. The origin of this plan dates from the Russo-Turkish war, when there seemed a likelihood of England being involved in hostilities with Russia, and when, therefore, Ismay offered the admiralty the use of the White Star fleet. In 1892 he retired from partnership in the firm of Ismay, Imrie and Co. , though he retained the chairmanship of the White Star Company. He served on several important committees and was a member of the royal commission in 1888 on army and navy administration. He died at Birkenhead on the 23rd of November 1899.
Achievements
Personality
Ismay was always most generous in his contributions to charities for the relief of sailors, and in 1887 he contributed £20, 000 towards a pension fund for Liverpool sailors.
Connections
On 7 April 1859 Thomas married Margaret, the daughter of Luck Bruce.