By 1895, J.P. Morgan & Company had become America’s first billion-dollar corporation. J.P. Morgan then decided to try his luck at shipping. His company took control of White Star Line, which fleet included the infamous Titanic. Since Morgan controlled the majority of interest in White Star Line, he owned the Titanic. Additionally, he was booked on the maiden, and last, voyage of the Titanic. However, due to last minute business conflicts, Morgan did not board and subsequently was not involved in its deadly fate. Interesting enough, Morgan is not the only well-known cancelled passenger of the Titanic.

Industrialist Henry Clay Frick’s wife sprained her ankle, which held them up in the Mediterranean. They were unable to make the Titanic’s voyage.

Initially, Banker Horace J. Harding and his wife took J.P. Morgan’s vacant reservations but instead they opted to take an earlier ship back to New York City.

George Washington Vanderbilt, builder the Biltmore Estate, and his wife Edith, were to be passengers on the ship. Their suitcases were boarded, along with one of their servants on the ship, but some family members were concerned with the safety of the maiden voyage. Vanderbilt and his wife decided not to board, but their luggage and servant were lost along with the Titanic.

Former United States Secretary of State, Robert Bacon and his family were delayed by business matters and were unable to make their reservations on the ship’s departure.

American confectioner and founder of The Hershey Chocolate Company, Milton S. Hershey and his wife Catherine were to sail back to New York City on the Titanic but cancelled when Catherine became ill.

[Information and J.P. Morgan’s photo are found here.]



