Frank John Goldsmith

Who was Frank John Goldsmith?

Mr. Frank John Goldsmith was a 33 (thirty-three) year-old English turner who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Hadlow, Kent, England, on January 27, 1879, Goldsmith was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling with his wife and young son in hopes of starting a new life in Detroit, Michigan.

Early Life and Family

Childhood in Kent

Frank John Goldsmith was born into a working-class family in Hadlow, Kent. His parents were:

Father: James George Goldsmith (born 1854), an agricultural laborer
Mother: Maria Barton (born 1849)

Frank was one of nine children, with six surviving to adulthood. His siblings included:

William James (1877-1929)
Richard (1880-1940)
Laura Louisa (1884-1968, later Mrs. Joseph Tweed)
Annie Maria (born 1887)
Albert (born 1890)

Additionally, Frank had a half-sibling, Stephen William Barton (born 1869), from his mother’s previous relationship.

Relocation to Strood

In 1889, when Frank was about 10 (ten) years old, the Goldsmith family moved from Hadlow to Strood, Kent. This move likely influenced Frank’s future career path, as Strood was a more industrialized area with different employment opportunities.

Education and Early Career

While specific details about Frank’s education are limited, we know that:

In the 1891 census, Frank, then 12 (twelve) years old, was described as a “scholar”
By 1901, at the age of 22 (twenty-two), Frank was working as an engineer’s laborer
Later, he became skilled as an engineer’s turner, a more specialized profession

This progression suggests that Frank likely received some form of technical education or apprenticeship to advance in his field.

Marriage and Family Life

Union with Emily Alice Brown

In late 1901, Frank married Emily Alice Brown, a native of Milton Regis, Kent, born in 1880. The couple went on to have two sons:

Frank John William (born 1902)
Albert John (born 1905)

Tragedy Strikes

Sadly, the Goldsmith family faced heartbreak in 1911 when their youngest son, Albert John, succumbed to diphtheria at just 6 (six) years old. This loss may have been a factor in their decision to seek a fresh start in America.

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Goldsmiths on the Titanic?

In 1910, Emily’s parents and several of her siblings had emigrated to Detroit, Michigan. Inspired by their move and seeking new opportunities, the Goldsmith family decided to follow suit in 1912.

Titanic Boarding Details

Embarkation Point: Southampton
Date of Boarding: April 10, 1912
Class: Third Class
Ticket Number: 363291
Ticket Cost: £20 10s 6d (equivalent to approximately £2,400 or $3,000 in 2023)

Companions on the Journey

The Goldsmiths were not traveling alone. They were accompanied by:

Thomas Theobald, an acquaintance from Strood
Alfred Rush, another acquaintance from Surrey

During the voyage, the family also became friendly with other British passengers, including:

May Howard
Emily Badman
Rhoda Abbott
Edward Lockyer
Edward Dorking

The Night of the Sinking

Frank’s Quick Response

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Frank Goldsmith’s quick thinking may have saved his family’s lives. When the Titanic struck the iceberg:

Frank felt the impact while in their cabin
He immediately alerted his sleeping wife and son
The family, along with their acquaintances, made their way to the upper decks

A Heart-wrenching Farewell

In the chaos of the sinking ship, the Goldsmith family found themselves on the starboard boat deck where collapsible lifeboats were being prepared. In a moment of selfless love:

Frank helped his wife and son into Collapsible C
He bid them a final farewell, knowing he would likely never see them again

Legacy and Remembrance

Frank John Goldsmith perished in the sinking of the Titanic at the age of 33 (thirty-three). His body, if recovered, was never identified. However, his memory lives on:

A memorial marker stands in his honor at Ashland Cemetery, Ashland, Ohio
His son, Frank John William Goldsmith, survived to carry on the family name and share their story
The Goldsmith family’s experience has become part of the larger narrative of the Titanic disaster, illustrating the personal tragedies behind the historic event

Frank Goldsmith’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the countless acts of bravery and sacrifice that occurred on that tragic night, as ordinary people faced extraordinary circumstances with courage and dignity.