Frederick James Banfield

Who was Mr Frederick James Banfield?

Mr Frederick James Banfield was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old English miner and second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in Helston, Cornwall, on February 29, 1884, Banfield’s life was tragically cut short during the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His story is a poignant example of the many lives impacted by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Family

Cornish Roots

Frederick James Banfield was born into a working-class family in Helston, Cornwall. His parents were:

• Father: James Martin Banfield (born 1859), a printer’s compositor
• Mother: Ellen Berdinner (born 1852), a housemaid

The couple married on March 28, 1882, in Helston Parish Church. Frederick was one of three children, with only his younger brother, William John (born 1887), surviving to adulthood.

Childhood and Early Years

The 1891 census provides a glimpse into young Frederick’s early life:

• Residence: Church Street, Helston
• Living with: Parents and brother in his grandfather James Banfield’s home
• Grandfather’s occupation: Shoemaker

Tragedy struck the family in 1900 when Frederick’s father passed away. The 1901 census reveals the family’s changing circumstances:

• New residence: Wendron, Cornwall
• Frederick’s occupation: Grocer’s assistant
• Mother’s occupation: Laundress

Career and Marriage

From Grocery to Mining

Following his stint as a grocer’s assistant, Frederick pursued a career in mining. He worked in the mines of Cornwall and spent time in Devonport, developing skills that would shape his future career path.

A New Chapter: Marriage and Migration

On September 22, 1907, Frederick married Cecilia Elizabeth Avery Carder (born February 22, 1887) in Plymouth. Cecilia, a native of Plympton, Devon, would play a significant role in preserving Frederick’s legacy.

Shortly after their wedding, on October 19, 1907, Frederick embarked on a life-changing journey:

• Destination: San Remo, Nevada, USA
• Occupation: Mining engineer at the Montana Mine

The 1910 US census listed Frederick as a resident of Tonopah, Nevada, indicating his successful integration into the American mining industry.

The Fateful Journey

A Brief Return Home

On December 15, 1911, Frederick returned to England for a three-month holiday, staying with Cecilia at 30 Grenville Road, Plymouth, Devon. This visit would be his last time on English soil.

Boarding the Titanic

After his holiday, Frederick planned to relocate to Houghton, Michigan, where his brother William John had been living since 1907. He secured employment at the Isle Royale Mine, ready to start a new chapter in his life.

Frederick boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger, holding ticket number C.A. 34068, which cost £10 10s. He was not alone in his journey, traveling alongside fellow Houghton-bound passengers Joseph Fillbrook and Hayden Sobey.

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

Lost at Sea

Frederick James Banfield did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified. A memorial to Frederick stands on the family gravestone in Helston, Cornwall, serving as a poignant reminder of his untimely death.

A Posthumous Legacy

In a bittersweet twist of fate, Frederick’s brief holiday in England left an unexpected legacy:

• Cecilia was pregnant at the time of Frederick’s departure
• On November 15, 1912, she gave birth to a son
• The child was named Frederick James, in honor of his late father

Young Frederick lived a long life, passing away in Plymouth on July 2, 2002, at the age of 89.

Cecilia’s Life After the Tragedy

Cecilia Banfield’s story continued:

• Remarried in 1914 to Henry Charles Alonzo Thomas (1883-1958), a wood worker
• Had four more children: Edna, Alfred, Edwin, and Norman
• Lived the rest of her life in Plymouth
• Passed away on January 8, 1977, at the age of 89

Remembering Frederick James Banfield

Frederick’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His life, cut short at 28 (twenty-eight) years old, represents countless dreams and aspirations that sank with the ship. Yet, through his posthumous son and the enduring memories of his family, Frederick James Banfield’s legacy lives on, a testament to the enduring impact of those lost on that fateful night in April 1912.