Charles Edward Goodwin

Who was Mr Charles Edward Goodwin?

Mr Charles Edward Goodwin was a 14 (fourteen) year-old English passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on May 22, 1897, in Edmonton, Middlesex, England, he was one of six children in the Goodwin family who tragically perished during the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Large Victorian Family

Charles Edward Goodwin was born into a bustling Victorian household. His parents were:

• Father: Frederick Joseph Goodwin (born 1870), a printer and compositor
• Mother: Augusta Tyler (born 1868)

The couple had married on December 25, 1894, and went on to have six children:

1. Lillian Augusta (born 1896)
2. Charles Edward (born 1897)
3. William Frederick (born 1898)
4. Jessie Allis Mary (born 1900)
5. Harold Victor (born 1901)
6. Sidney Leslie (born 1910)

Where did the Goodwin family live?

The Goodwin family’s residences can be traced through census records:

• 1901: 4 Exeter Road, Edmonton, Middlesex
• 1911: Watson Court, Watson’s Yard, High Street in Melksham, Wiltshire
• 1912: 10 Vernon Street, Fulham, London (temporary residence)

This pattern of movement suggests that the family was adaptable and willing to relocate for better opportunities.

The Dream of a New Life in America

Family Connections Across the Atlantic

Several of Charles’ uncles and aunts had already embarked on the journey to America, settling in Niagara, New York. This existing family network would prove crucial in the Goodwins’ decision to emigrate.

A Promising Opportunity

Charles’ uncle, Thomas Goodwin, reached out to the family with exciting news. He had learned of a position for Charles’ father at the large power station in Niagara. This prospect of stable employment in a booming industry was too good to pass up, and plans were set in motion for the entire Goodwin family to relocate to America.

Financial Support

To fund their transatlantic journey, the Goodwins relied on the generosity of their extended family. Several uncles and aunts contributed to a pool of borrowed funds, demonstrating the close-knit nature of the family despite the geographical distance.

The Fateful Journey

Change of Plans

“The family had originally planned to cross on another steamer but the coal strike changed their plans and they were transferred to the Titanic.”

This last-minute change would prove to be a tragic twist of fate for the Goodwin family.

Boarding the Titanic

On April 10, 1912, the Goodwin family boarded the RMS Titanic in Southampton. They were traveling as third-class passengers, reflecting their modest means. Their ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket Number: 2144
• Cost: £46 18s (equivalent to approximately £5,700 in 2023)

The Tragic Sinking

Like many large families traveling in third class, particularly those with teenage boys, the entire Goodwin family was lost in the sinking. The limited number of lifeboats and the chaotic evacuation procedures meant that families in the lower decks had little chance of survival.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Poignant Recovery

In a heart-wrenching twist, only the body of baby Sidney Leslie Goodwin was recovered from the icy Atlantic waters. For many years, this infant remained unidentified, serving as a symbol for all the children lost in the disaster.

Memorial in Melksham

Today, visitors to the Church at Melksham, Wiltshire, can pay their respects to the Goodwin family at a dedicated memorial. This tribute serves as a reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster and the dreams of a better life that were tragically cut short.

Charles Edward Goodwin’s story, intertwined with that of his family, stands as a poignant reminder of the hundreds of ordinary people whose lives were forever altered by the Titanic’s maiden voyage. Their tale of hope, ambition, and ultimate tragedy continues to resonate with people around the world, more than a century after that fateful night.