Francis William Somerton

Who was Francis William Somerton?

Mr Francis William Somerton, known as Frank, was a 30-year-old (thirty-year-old) English-American passenger who perished in the Titanic disaster. Born in Cheltenham, England in 1881, Somerton had established a life in America as a machinist before his fateful journey back to the United States aboard the Titanic in 1912.

Early Life and Family

Francis William Somerton was born on June 22, 1881, in Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. He was baptized on October 5 of the same year at St Peter’s Church, Cheltenham. His parents were:

• Father: William Henry Somerton (born September 8, 1839, in Marylebone, Middlesex)
• Mother: Hannah Soanes (born 1850 in Oxfordshire)

Francis had three siblings:

• Annie Helena (born January 2, 1877)
• Henrietta Susan (born March 7, 1878)
• James Frederick (born May 24, 1885)

The 1881 census shows the Somerton family living within the Gas Works in Cheltenham, where William Henry worked as a gasworks clerk.

Education and Early Career

Young Francis received his education at Christ Church schools in Cheltenham. After completing his schooling, he pursued a career in engineering, undergoing training at Whitehead’s Torpedo School near Weymouth. This specialized education set the foundation for his future career as a machinist.

Journey to America and Citizenship

Francis Somerton’s life took a significant turn when he first emigrated to the United States in April 1902. His journey across the Atlantic was aboard the St Louis. However, this initial stay was brief, as he soon returned to England for a visit.

In November 1904, Somerton made a more permanent move to America, traveling on the Oceanic. His destination was the home of a friend in New York City. By May 31, 1906, he had settled at 202 Campbell Avenue in Schenectady, New York, where he applied for U.S. citizenship.

Somerton’s journey to becoming an American citizen culminated on January 10, 1910, when he was officially naturalized. This milestone marked his commitment to his adopted country and set the stage for his professional life in the United States.

Professional Life in America

After gaining citizenship, Francis Somerton made his home in Canastota, New York. He found employment as a machinist at Marvin & Casler’s, where he quickly became a valued employee and made many friends and acquaintances. His skills as a machinist, honed through his education and experience, made him an asset to the company.

Marriage and Return to England

During his time in America, Somerton married a woman named Mae Fryer (possibly Mary F.[ryer] Weaver). The couple’s life took an unexpected turn when they decided to return to Britain. They sailed aboard the Lusitania, arriving on British soil on December 23, 1911.

In January 1912, Somerton attended the Christ Church Old Boys Dinner, reconnecting with his roots in Cheltenham. Following this, he briefly worked in Rugby, first at the B.T.H. Works and then at Messrs. Willans and Robinson’s. However, these positions were short-lived due to coal strikes that led to the closure of the works.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

With job prospects in England looking dim, Somerton accepted an offer to return to his former employer in Canastota. This decision led him to book passage on the Titanic for his return journey to America. Key details of his Titanic journey include:

• Embarked: Southampton
• Ticket Number: 18509
• Cabin: Unknown
• Ticket Cost: £8 1s
• Class: Third Class

Somerton boarded the Titanic with the intention of resuming his duties at Marvin & Casler’s in Canastota on April 22, 1912. Tragically, he never reached his destination.

The Aftermath of the Disaster

In the days following the Titanic’s sinking, confusion reigned regarding Somerton’s fate. His colleagues in Canastota, unable to contact him, feared the worst. The situation was complicated by conflicting reports about whether he was a passenger or crew member.

A poignant search effort was undertaken by George Jackson, a friend and former landlord of Somerton’s, who traveled to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in hopes of finding Somerton’s body among those recovered by the Mackay-Bennett. Unfortunately, if Somerton’s body was recovered, it was never identified.

Legacy and Remembrance

Francis William Somerton’s life was cut short at the age of 30 (thirty) in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912. His estate, valued at a mere £5, was administered to his widow Mae on March 29, 1913.

Today, Francis is remembered on his parents’ headstone in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Devon, a lasting memorial to a life ended too soon. The inscription reads:

WILLIAM HENRY SOMERTON
(FORMERLY OF CHELTENHAM)
DIED AUGUST 22 1913
AGED 74 YEARS
ALSO OF
FRANCIS WILLIAM
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO PERISHED
IN THE TITANIC DISASTER
APRIL 14 1912 AGED 30 YEARS
ALSO OF
HANNAH
WIFE OF WILLIAM HENRY SOMERTON
DIED JANURARY 9 1938
AGED 86 YEARS

Francis William Somerton’s story is a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster, each with their own dreams, ambitions, and loved ones left behind to mourn their loss.