Thomas Henry Ismay

Thomas Henry Ismay (7 January 1837-23 November 1899) was the founder of the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, more commonly known as the White Star Line.

Born at Maryport, Cumberland, England and was educated in Carlisle, he was apprenticed to the shipping line of Imrie, Tomlinson and Company Limited . Following this he joined the firm of Philip Nelson & Co. as junior partner, and in 1864 he became a director of the National Line .

In 1868 he bought the original bankrupt White Star Line, which he merged into a new company, the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company. By the time that he died, the White Star Line was the most powerful British shipping company and he was reputed to have amassed £1.75 million.

He was the father of Bruce Ismay .

References

• BBC web page
• New York Times article of Friday 24 November 1899, from Encyclopedia Titanica