Edward Pennington Calderhead

Who was Mr Edward Pennington Calderhead?

Mr Edward Pennington Calderhead was an American businessman and Titanic survivor who gained recognition for his role as a buyer in the toy department at Gimbels and Bros. Born on June 4, 1869, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Calderhead lived a long life spanning 91 (ninety-one) years, during which he experienced the historic Titanic voyage and survived to tell the tale.

Early Life and Family

A Childhood Marked by Loss

Edward Pennington Calderhead’s early years were shaped by tragedy and resilience:

• Born to Edward Calderhead (b. 1844) and Josephine Conrad (b. 1845)
• Only child of his biological parents
• Father died on December 29, 1870, when Edward was just an infant
• Mother remarried to John W. Chew (b. 1850) from Gloucester, New Jersey

From his mother’s second marriage, Edward gained two half-sisters:

1. Elsie D. (1880-1897)
2. Lillie May (b. 1881)

Sadly, Edward experienced further loss as he grew older:

• His mother passed away in 1904
• His stepfather died in 1919

Marriage and Family Life

Who did Edward Pennington Calderhead marry?

In 1897, at the age of 28, Edward married Margaret Pabst, a native of Delaware born on April 9, 1870. The couple’s union was blessed with one child:

• Daughter: Margaret Calderhead, born on June 22, 1898

The 1910 census provides a glimpse into the Calderhead family’s life:

• Resided in Philadelphia
• Household included Edward, Margaret (wife), Margaret (daughter), and Estella Coghill (servant)

Professional Career

What was Edward Pennington Calderhead’s occupation?

Edward Calderhead carved out a successful career in retail:

1. Buyer for the toys department at Gimbels and Bros. in 1912
2. Later worked as an engraver before retiring

His position as a toy department buyer at a prestigious store like Gimbels and Bros. suggests he had a keen eye for trends and a talent for business.

The Titanic Journey

How did Edward Pennington Calderhead experience the Titanic voyage?

Calderhead’s Titanic experience was as follows:

• Boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger
• Ticket number: PC 17476
• Ticket cost: £26, 5s, 9d (equivalent to approximately £3,100 in 2023)
• Assigned to Cabin E24, which he shared with Spencer Victor Silverthorne

Survival and Rescue: Edward Pennington Calderhead was one of the fortunate passengers to survive the Titanic disaster. He was rescued in lifeboat 5, which was among the first to be launched from the starboard side of the ship.

Life After the Titanic

Following the Titanic disaster, the Calderhead family’s journey continued:

1. Initially resided in Manhattan
2. Moved to San Antonio, Texas in the 1920s
3. Finally settled in Los Angeles by 1940

Significant life events:

• Wife Margaret passed away on August 14, 1948, at the age of 78
• Edward died on April 5, 1961, at the age of 90 (ninety)
• Buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California

Legacy and Family

The Calderhead family legacy is marked by both longevity and solitude:

• Edward lived to the remarkable age of 91 (ninety-one)
• His daughter Margaret never married
• Margaret continued to reside in Los Angeles until her death in 1982

An Interesting Fact

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Edward Pennington Calderhead’s life is the symmetry between his Titanic experience and his career. As a buyer for a toy department, he likely brought joy to countless children through his work. In a twist of fate, he found himself aboard one of the most technologically advanced “toys” of his time – the RMS Titanic – and lived to see how its legacy would impact the world for generations to come.