ISMAY, THOMAS HENRY (1837-1899), British ship owner, was born at Maryport, Cumberland, on Jan. 7, 1837. In 1867 he took over the White Star Line of Australian clippers, and in 1868, established, in conjunction with William Imrie, the Oceanic Steam Navigation company, which has since become fa mous as the White Star Line. While continuing the Australian service, the firm determined to engage in the American trade, and for this purpose ordered from Messrs. Harland & Wolff, of Belfast, the first "Oceanic" (3,807 tons). The launching of this vessel marks a turning-point in north Atlantic travel. 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, there fore, 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 died at Birkenhead on Nov. 23, 1899.