Who was Alfred James Davies?

Alfred James Davies was a 24-year-old English passenger who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in early 1888 in Sedgley, Staffordshire, Davies was a newly married iron founder who embarked on the ill-fated voyage with dreams of starting a new life in America.

Early Life and Family

Alfred James Davies was born into a working-class family in Sedgley, Staffordshire, England. His parents were:

Father: Richard James Davies (born 1859), a puddler (iron worker)
Mother: Mary Ann Cox (born 1864)

Alfred was one of nine children in the Davies family. His siblings included:

William (born 1886)
John (born 1890)
Richard (born 1892)
Joseph (born 1895)
Alice May (born 1898)
Matilda Doris (born 1902)
Mary Gladys (born 1904)
Arthur (born 1907)

Education and Early Career

How did Alfred’s career begin?

Alfred’s career in the iron industry began at a young age. By the time he was 13 (thirteen) years old, he had already left school and was working as a foundry hand, following in his father’s footsteps. This early start in the industry shaped his future career path.

As he grew older, Alfred honed his skills in the iron industry. By the time of the 1911 census, when he was 23 (twenty-three) years old, he was described as an iron founder. This progression shows his dedication to his craft and his ability to advance in his chosen field.

Marriage and Titanic Journey

When did Alfred get married?

Alfred James Davies married Ann Maria Cartwright on April 8, 1912, just days before his fateful journey. The wedding took place at Oldbury Parish Church, with Ann being born in West Bromwich in 1891. Tragically, their honeymoon was cut short as Alfred had to depart for his journey to America the very next day.

Why did Alfred decide to travel to America?

Alfred’s decision to travel to America was influenced by the success of his elder brothers. His brother William had settled in the USA around 1905, and another brother followed around Christmas 1911. The brothers had made a good living in their new home of Pontiac, Michigan.

Inspired by their success, Alfred, along with his younger brothers John and Joseph, and their uncle James Lester (husband of their mother’s sister Alice), decided to make the journey themselves. Their intention was to save enough money to eventually bring the rest of the family to join them in America.

The Titanic Voyage

What was Alfred’s experience on the Titanic?

Alfred boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. He shared a joint ticket (number 48871) with his brothers and uncle, which cost £24 and 3 shillings. This was a significant investment for the family, highlighting their commitment to starting a new life in America.

During the initial stages of the voyage, Alfred and his companions wrote home from Southampton and Queenstown, describing their journey as “comfortable” and “enjoyable.” These communications would be the last their family received from them.

Tragic Outcome

Sadly, Alfred James Davies, along with his brothers John and Joseph, and their uncle James Lester, all lost their lives in the Titanic disaster. Their [bodies]https://titanicuniverse.com/ship/wreck/bodies) were never recovered, adding to the family’s grief.

How did the family react to the tragedy?

The loss of the four men was a devastating blow to the Davies family. Their father, in his sorrow, later described them as “fine big lads” and “the best of sons,” a poignant testament to the character of the men and the depth of the family’s loss.

Legacy and Family’s Future

After the tragedy, Alfred’s widow Ann went to live with her parents, John and Sarah Jane Cartwright, in Oldbury. Although her exact fate is unclear, it is believed that she remarried before the end of the decade and passed away in the mid-1970s.

The remainder of the Davies family, including Alfred’s parents and surviving siblings, emigrated to the USA the following year. They departed from Liverpool on February 16, 1913, aboard the Carmania. By the 1920s, they had settled in Royal Oak, Oakland, Michigan, fulfilling the dream that Alfred and his brothers had pursued.

Alfred’s father died on October 4, 1926, in Clawson, Oakland, and his mother passed away sometime in the 1940s. The last known surviving siblings were his sister Matilda and his youngest brother Arthur, who died on November 5, 1995, and February 25, 1995, respectively, both in Oakland, Michigan.

Alfred James Davies’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, the dreams of a better life that drove many to make the journey, and the lasting impact on the families left behind.