Mr Alfonzo Meo (Martino): The Talented Musician Who Perished on the Titanic

Who was Mr Alfonzo Meo (Martino)? He was an Italian-born musician and Titanic passenger who tragically lost his life in the infamous maritime disaster of 1912. Born on January 25, 1864, in Potenza, Lucania, Italy, Alfonzo’s life was marked by musical talent, international travel, and a complex personal life that ultimately led him to board the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Alfonzo Meo was born to Rocco and Francesca Meo, and had at least one sibling - his twin brother Antonio. Both brothers showed exceptional musical aptitude from an early age, a talent that would shape their futures.

A Musical Journey to London

In the early 1880s, the Meo twins embarked on a life-changing journey:

They moved to London, England
Their musical talents likely motivated this relocation
The 1881 census recorded them living at 8 Fleet Row, Trinity

This move would prove pivotal in Alfonzo’s life, setting the stage for his future personal and professional endeavors.

Marriage and Family Life

First Marriage to Emily Jane Innes

Alfonzo’s personal life took a significant turn in 1884:

He married Emily Jane Innes in London
Emily was born in 1846, making her 18 years his senior
The couple had a son, Luigi Alfonzo Rocco Innes, born in 1886

The family’s residences over the years included:

Year	Address	Location
1891	Warwick Road	Kensington
1901	42 Hogarth Road	Kensington

A Complicated Personal Life

As the new century dawned, Alfonzo’s personal life became more complex:

While still married to Emily, he began cohabiting with a younger woman named Katharine
Katharine was born in 1883 in Benenden, Kent
On July 15, 1907, Alfonzo and Katharine had a daughter, Anita Enrichetta
The 1911 census listed Alfonzo, Katharine, and Anita at 120 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth
Meanwhile, Emily and Luigi were recorded as lodgers at 4 Glycena Road, Lavender Hill, Battersea

This unconventional arrangement would have been scandalous by Edwardian standards, reflecting the complexities of Alfonzo’s personal life.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Alfonzo on the Titanic?

Alfonzo boarded the Titanic in Southampton on April 10, 1912, as a third-class passenger. His reasons for travel remain somewhat mysterious:

He was traveling from 95 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth (his brother’s address)
His destination was Washington, DC
The purpose of his journey to America is unknown

Titanic Ticket Details

Alfonzo’s passage on the Titanic came at a considerable cost:

Ticket number: 11206
Price: £8 1s (equivalent to about £950 in 2023)

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

Alfonzo’s Final Moments

Tragically, Alfonzo Meo did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was 48 (forty-eight) years old at the time of his death.

Recovery and Burial

In the days following the disaster:

Alfonzo’s body was recovered by the Mackay Bennett, listed as body #201
He was buried at Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 10, 1912

Personal Effects

The items found on Alfonzo’s body paint a poignant picture of the man:

Clothing: Blue serge suit
Jewelry: Silver chain, silver watch, ladies gold watch, 8 rings, sleeve links, gold stud
Personal items: Snuff box, silver match box, silver fob, pocketbook, pince-nez, pencil case
Money: £15 10s in gold, $5.00 in gold, 3s. 6d., $3.00
Other: Union Badge

These effects offer a glimpse into Alfonzo’s personal style and suggest he was a man of some means, despite traveling in third class.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

Following Alfonzo’s death:

His estate, valued at £34, was administered to his widow Emily on April 30, 1913
Emily never remarried and passed away in London in 1922
Their son Luigi married Yvonne Doris Gwynne (1896-1980) but is believed to have remained childless
Luigi died in Surrey in 1967

The fate of Katharine, Alfonzo’s partner in Bournemouth, remains unknown. However:

Their daughter Anita married Bernard Lawrence Edwards in Luton in 1935
Anita passed away in Canterbury, Kent in 1983

A Life of Music and Mystery

Alfonzo Meo (Martino)’s life was one of musical talent, complex relationships, and ultimately, tragedy. From his early days as a gifted musician in Italy to his final journey on the Titanic, his story encapsulates the dreams, challenges, and fateful decisions of many who sought new opportunities in the early 20th century. While his life was cut short, the details of his personal effects and the enduring questions about his relationships continue to intrigue Titanic historians and enthusiasts alike.