Ernest Cann

Who was Ernest Cann?

Ernest Cann was a 29-year-old (twenty-nine-year-old) English miner and Titanic passenger who perished in the infamous maritime disaster of April 15, 1912. Born in Cornwall, Cann was a devout member of the Wesleyan Church and had recently married before embarking on his ill-fated journey to America.

Early Life and Family

Ernest Cann was born on February 6, 1883, in Amble, St Kew, Cornwall, England. He was baptized a year later on February 27, 1884. His parents were:

Father: William Cann (born 1826), a farm laborer
Mother: Sarah Jane Teague (born 1846), a charwoman

Ernest had four known siblings:

Mary Ann (born 1878, later Mrs. Frederick Jenkins)
Albert (born 1881)
Edward (born 1884)
Frederick John (born 1897)

Childhood and Adolescence

Ernest’s early years were spent in Cornwall, with the 1891 census recording him living at Tregildersin, St Kew. A significant change occurred in 1899 when his father passed away at the age of 73. This event prompted the family’s relocation to Gloucestershire, where they settled in Frampton Cotterell.

How did Ernest’s family adapt to their new life in Gloucestershire?

In Frampton Cotterell, Ernest’s mother Sarah Jane ran a boarding house to support the family. The 1901 census provides insight into this period of Ernest’s life, describing him as a railway navvy at the age of 18 (eighteen).

Return to Cornwall and Career as a Miner

Around 1905, at the age of 22 (twenty-two), Ernest Cann made the decision to return to his roots in Cornwall. He settled in St Austell, where he found employment as a clay miner. This career choice was not uncommon in the region, known for its rich clay deposits.

What was Ernest’s life like in St Austell?

In St Austell, Ernest not only pursued his career but also became an active member of the community. He attached himself to the Wesleyan Church and its Sunday school, demonstrating his commitment to his faith. The 1911 census provides a snapshot of his life during this period:

Residence: Boarding at Rosevear, Bugle, St Austell
Occupation: Clay miner
Marital Status: Unmarried

Marriage to Emmie Johns

Ernest’s bachelor status changed on November 4, 1911, when he married Emma “Emmie” Johns in Treverbyn Parish church. Emmie was a 33-year-old (thirty-three-year-old) dressmaker from St Stithians, Cornwall.

The local newspaper, the Cornish Echo, described their wedding on November 10, 1911:

“A very pretty wedding took place at Troverbyn Church near St. Austell, on Saturday. The contracting parties were Miss Emmie Johns (formerly of Stithians) and Mr. Ernest Cann, of Wadebridge. The ceremony was performed by Rev. E. Carey. The bride, who looked charming in a navy costume with picture hat to match, was given away by her cousin, Mr James Tozer (Stithians), and was attended by her sister, Mrs. Pendray of Bugle. Mr. Arthur Beard, of Johannesburg, acted as best man. After the ceremony the bridal party drove to Truro.”

The Titanic Journey

What led Ernest Cann to board the Titanic?

Just months after his wedding, Ernest made the decision to travel to America. On April 10, 1912, he boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. He was accompanied by his friend William Saundercock, and they may have also been acquainted with William Nancarrow, another clay laborer from St Austell.

Key details of Ernest’s Titanic journey:

Ticket number: 2152
Ticket cost: £8, 1s
Class: Third-class
Embarked: Southampton

Before departing, Ernest and William Saundercock were presented with Sunday School teacher’s Bibles, highlighting their involvement with the Wesleyan Church. Ernest was also a member of the Temperance movement and a Freemason, having reportedly been inducted into St Austell’s Rechabite Lodge just weeks before his departure.

Tragic Fate and Legacy

Ernest Cann did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified. He was just 29 (twenty-nine) years old at the time of his death.

How did Ernest’s death impact his widow and community?

The loss of Ernest deeply affected his wife Emmie and the community. A local newspaper, the St Austell Star and Cornish Advertiser, reported on January 16, 1913:

“The sum of 12s, 6d per week has also been allocated to Mrs Emmie Cann, of Carloggas, whose husband also went down in the Titanic. Mr Ernest Cann came into the neighbourhood from Mount Charles some eight years ago. He associated himself with the Wesleyan Society and Sunday school. His marriage took place not many weeks prior to his departure for America.”

Tragically, Emmie never fully recovered from the shock of losing her husband. Her health deteriorated, and despite several surgical interventions, she passed away on February 26, 1914, at the young age of 36 (thirty-six).

Ernest Cann’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His dedication to his faith, his recent marriage, and his aspirations for a new life in America all add to the tragedy of his untimely death, leaving behind a grieving widow and a community that valued his contributions.