Edwin Charles Wheeler

Who was Mr Edwin Charles Wheeler?

Mr Edwin Charles Wheeler was a 26-year-old English servant who perished in the Titanic disaster. He was employed as a footman for the prominent Vanderbilt family and boarded the ill-fated ship to chaperone their luggage across the Atlantic.

Early Life and Family

Edwin Charles Wheeler was born on February 19, 1886, in Bath, Somerset, England. His parents were William Frederick Wheeler, a tailor born in 1858, and Emma Rowlands, born in 1853. Both were natives of Bath and had married in 1879.

Siblings and Childhood Struggles

Edwin had four known siblings:

• Frederica (1881-1882)
• Ida Egeria Winifred (1882-1883)
• Maud Lilian (b. 1888)
• Elsie (1891-1895)

Tragically, Edwin’s early life was marked by loss and hardship. His father passed away in 1892, and it’s believed his mother may have died around the same time. This unfortunate turn of events led to a challenging childhood for Edwin and his siblings.

Edwin and his siblings are believed to have spent a portion of their childhood in a poorhouse, a stark reflection of the harsh realities faced by orphaned children in late 19th-century England.

During this difficult period, Edwin’s younger sister Elsie died, adding to the family’s sorrow.

Early Career and Journey to America

From Errand Boy to Footman

The 1901 census provides a glimpse into Edwin’s early working life. At the age of 15 (fifteen), he was employed as an errand boy for a wealthy family residing at Highbury House, Bath. This position marked the beginning of his career in service to affluent households.

Crossing the Atlantic

Edwin’s ambitions led him across the Atlantic. Ellis Island records show that he arrived in New York on April 6, 1911, aboard the Majestic. At this time, he was unmarried and likely seeking new opportunities in America.

Employment with the Vanderbilts

A Prestigious Position

In New York, Edwin secured a position as a footman for George Washington Vanderbilt (1862-1914), a prominent businessman and art collector. Vanderbilt was renowned as the owner of Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, the largest private residence in the United States.

A Fateful Decision

In early 1912, the Vanderbilts, along with Edwin, found themselves back in Europe. They had initially planned to return to the USA aboard the Titanic on her maiden voyage. However, a twist of fate intervened.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Edwin on the Titanic without the Vanderbilts?

The New York Tribune reported on April 30, 1912, that Mrs. Vanderbilt’s mother, Mrs. Dresser, had insisted the couple cancel their Titanic voyage, believing maiden voyages to be hazardous. The Vanderbilts heeded this advice and switched their passage to the Olympic, which would arrive in New York on April 10.

Edwin, however, boarded the Titanic in Southampton on April 10, 1912. His primary duty was to chaperone the Vanderbilts’ luggage across the Atlantic.

Ticket and Accommodation Details

• Class: 2nd Class
• Ticket Number: 2159
• Ticket Cost: £12, 17s, 16d (equivalent to £1,500 or $1,900 in 2023)

The Tragedy and Edwin’s Fate

Tragically, Edwin Wheeler did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was just 26 (twenty-six) years old when he perished in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving a poignant end to a life cut short by one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Edwin’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost in the Titanic tragedy, including those of the often-overlooked service staff who perished while dutifully carrying out their responsibilities.