Edward Henry Wheadon

Who was Mr Edward Henry Wheadon?

Mr Edward Henry Wheadon was a 65 (sixty-five) year-old farmer and businessman from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. He was a second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic, tragically losing his life in the sinking on April 15, 1912. Wheadon was known for his work in agriculture, his involvement in local community organizations, and his dedication to the Ebenezer Wesleyan Chapel.

Early Life and Family

Edward Henry Wheadon was born on October 11, 1846, in St Peter Port, Guernsey. He came from a maritime family, with his father, Edward Wheadon (born 1816), being a master mariner and ship owner. His mother, Elizabeth Le Pelley (born 1813), was also a native of St Peter Port. Edward had two known siblings:

• William Henry (born 1848)
• George Samuel (born 1849)

Childhood and Education

While specific details about Edward’s education are not provided, his upbringing in a maritime family likely exposed him to the seafaring life from an early age. The 1851 census shows the family living on Normanville Road in St Peter Port, where Edward’s mother was described as “the wife of a captain and ship owner.”

Career and Adult Life

From Farming to Business

Edward Wheadon’s professional life evolved over the years:

1. In the 1871 census, he was described as a farmer.
2. By 1881, he was farming 12 acres of land.
3. In the 1911 census, his occupation was listed as a “grower and manure merchant.”

This progression suggests that Wheadon not only worked the land but also developed business acumen in agricultural supplies.

Community Involvement

Edward was an active member of his community, holding several important positions:

• Member of the Central Donzaine of St. Peter Port
• Committee member of the R.G.A. and H.S. (likely local agricultural organizations)
• Committee member of the Growers’ Association
• Trustee of the Ebenezer Wesleyan Chapel

These roles demonstrate Wheadon’s commitment to both his profession and his faith.

Family Life

Marriage and Children

Edward married Caroline Cohu, who was born on May 4, 1849, in Guernsey. The couple had five children:

1. Edward (born 1876)
2. George (born 1877)
3. Herbert (born 1878)
4. Annette Le Pelley (born 1880)
5. Carrie (born 1881)

Tragically, Caroline passed away on February 23, 1881, shortly after giving birth to their youngest child, Carrie. Edward never remarried, raising his children as a widower.

Family Home

The Wheadon family resided at Granada House in St Peter Port, Guernsey. Census records from 1881 through 1911 show that Edward remained at this address, surrounded by his parents and extended family who lived nearby. This close-knit living arrangement likely provided support for Edward as he raised his children without their mother.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Edward Wheadon on the Titanic?

Edward boarded the Titanic in Southampton as a second-class passenger, with ticket number 24579, which cost £10 10s. He was traveling to visit his married daughter, Carrie Bourgaize, who lived in Edgewood, Rhode Island.

Interesting Facts about Edward’s Titanic Voyage

• Edward was originally booked on the Philadelphia but ended up on the Titanic instead.
• He was traveling with a fellow Guernsey man, Henry Mitchell.
• At 65 years old, Edward was one of the older passengers on the ship.

The Tragic Outcome

Both Edward Wheadon and his traveling companion Henry Mitchell perished in the sinking of the Titanic. Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified, adding to the heartbreak for their families and community back in Guernsey.

Legacy

Edward Henry Wheadon’s life, while cut short by the Titanic disaster, was one of dedication to family, community, and faith. His journey from farmer to businessman, his involvement in local organizations, and his role as a widowed father paint a picture of a resilient and respected member of Guernsey society. Today, he is remembered not only as a victim of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters but also as a representation of the many lives unexpectedly cut short by the Titanic’s sinking.