Who was Master Anthony William Sage?

Master Anthony William Sage was a 12 (twelve) year-old English boy who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on September 25, 1899, in Hackney, London, Anthony was one of nine children in the Sage family, all of whom perished in the disaster. His story is a poignant reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic tragedy.

Early Life and Family

Anthony William Sage was born into a large family headed by John George Sage, a corn chandler from Hackney, and Elizabeth Ann Cazaly, originally from Wolverhampton. The Sage family consisted of:

• Parents: John George (b. 1867) and Elizabeth Ann (b. 1865)
• Siblings:
  • Stella Anna (b. 1891)
  • George John (b. 1892)
  • Douglas Bullen (b. 1893)
  • Frederick (b. 1895)
  • Dorothy Florence (b. 1897)
  • Elizabeth Ada (b. 1901)
  • Constance Gladys (b. 1904)
  • Thomas Henry (b. 1907)

Family’s Relocation and Anthony’s Early Years

Around the turn of the century, the Sage family moved from London to Norfolk. The 1901 census shows them living in Gaywood, where John Sage worked as a publican at the New Inn. Anthony was baptized on February 20, 1901, in South Wooton, Norfolk, shortly after the family’s move.

By 1911, the family had relocated again. The census of that year places them at 246 Gladstone Street in Peterborough, Northamptonshire. At this time, Anthony’s father had changed professions and was working as a baker, while Anthony himself was recorded as a schoolboy.

The Family’s American Dream

In April 1911, a pivotal moment occurred in the Sage family’s history. Anthony’s father and eldest brother, George, embarked on a journey to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. There, they found employment as cooks with the Central Pacific Railway. This move was the first step towards realizing a greater ambition.

After several months of hard work and saving, John Sage and his son George had accumulated enough funds to pursue a new venture. They purchased a fruit farm in Jacksonville, Florida, with the intention of cultivating pecans. This acquisition represented the family’s hope for a new life in America.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

How did the Sage family end up on the Titanic?

The Sage family’s original plan was to sail to America aboard the Philadelphia. However, a coal strike forced a change in their travel arrangements, leading them to book passage on the RMS Titanic instead. This twist of fate would have devastating consequences for the entire family.

On April 10, 1912, after bidding farewell to their well-wishers, the Sage family boarded a train to Southampton. There, they embarked on the Titanic as third-class passengers. Their ticket, number 2343, cost £69 11s, a significant sum for a family of their means.

What happened to the Sage family during the sinking?

The events of April 14-15, 1912, remain shrouded in some mystery for the Sage family. However, it is believed that they managed to reach the deck shortly before the Titanic’s final plunge. A poignant detail emerges from this chaos: reports suggest that Anthony’s sister Stella had initially secured a place in a lifeboat but chose to leave it when other family members were unable to join her. This heart-wrenching decision speaks volumes about the family’s close bonds, even in the face of mortal danger.

Anthony’s Legacy

In the aftermath of the disaster, the entire Sage family was lost. Out of the eleven family members aboard, only Anthony’s body was recovered by the Mackay Bennett, a ship sent to retrieve victims from the water. He was designated as body number 67.

The report on Anthony’s recovery provides a somber glimpse into his final moments:

NO. 67. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 14. - HAIR, MEDIUM. CLOTHING - Grey suit (knickers); striped shirt; black boots and stockings. NO MARKS ON BODY OR CLOTHING. THIRD CLASS TICKET. WILL SAGE on ticket, List No. 20, Berth 126.

It’s worth noting that Anthony’s age was overestimated in this report, as he was actually 12 (twelve) years old at the time of the sinking.

On April 22, 1912, Anthony William Sage was buried at sea, along with many other victims of the Titanic disaster. His young life, full of promise and part of a family’s dream for a new beginning, was cut tragically short.

The story of Anthony William Sage and his family serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. It illustrates how the tragedy affected not just individuals, but entire families, extinguishing hopes and dreams in one fateful night. Anthony’s tale, while brief, remains an integral part of the Titanic’s enduring legacy, reminding us of the importance of maritime safety and the preciousness of human life.