Frederick William Pengelly

Who was Frederick William Pengelly?

Frederick William Pengelly was a young English miner who tragically lost his life at the age of 19 (nineteen) in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Calstock, Cornwall, in late 1892, Pengelly was a second-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage, traveling to Montana with dreams of working in the mines there.

Early Life and Family

Cornish Roots

Frederick William Pengelly was born in the closing months of 1892 in Calstock, Cornwall, England. He was baptized on December 2, 1892, marking the beginning of his short but poignant life. Frederick was the eldest child of William John Pengelly, a tin miner, and Sarah Jane Eva, both natives of Calstock who had married in late 1891.

Siblings and Family Tragedy

Frederick’s family life was marked by both joy and tragedy:

• Siblings:
  1. William James (1895-1967)
  2. Lilian Beatrice (1898-1957)
  3. Russell Charles (1900-1902)

Tragedy struck the Pengelly family twice in quick succession. Frederick’s father, William John, died in 1901 at the young age of 33. Shortly after, in early 1902, the family suffered another loss when the youngest child, Russell Charles, passed away before reaching his second birthday.

A New Chapter

In 1904, Frederick’s mother, Sarah Jane, remarried to Silas George Reynolds, a granite quarryman. This union brought three half-siblings into Frederick’s life:

1. Doris Gwendoline (1905-1977)
2. Silas George (1906-1961)
3. Winifred Eva (1907-1987)

Career and Aspirations

Following in His Father’s Footsteps

Like his late father, Frederick Pengelly chose the path of a miner. This decision would ultimately lead him to seek opportunities across the Atlantic, following in the footsteps of many young Cornishmen of his time.

The Dream of Montana

What drove Frederick to board the Titanic? His intended destination was Butte, Montana, where his stepfather, Silas George Reynolds, was already established. It’s believed that Frederick planned to work in the mines there, seeking better prospects than those available in his native Cornwall.

The Fateful Journey

A Change of Plans

Originally, Frederick had not planned to sail on the Titanic. However, due to the ongoing coal strike, he was forced to switch his booking to the now-infamous vessel. This twist of fate would have profound consequences.

Boarding the Titanic

On April 10, 1912, Frederick boarded the RMS Titanic in Southampton as a second-class passenger. His ticket, number 28665, cost £10 10s, a significant sum for a young miner. Frederick wasn’t alone on this journey; he traveled with three friends:

• William Ware
• Harry Gale
• Shadrach Gale

The Tragic End

Frederick Pengelly, along with his friends, perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At just 19 years old, his promising life was cut short. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Legacy and Family’s Future

While Frederick’s life ended tragically, his family’s story continued:

• His mother, Sarah Jane, lived until 1956, passing away in Cornwall.
• His stepfather, Silas George Reynolds, died on August 13, 1958, in Lamerton, Devon.
• Frederick’s brother William, a stonemason, emigrated to the United States. He settled in Michigan, working in an auto factory, married, and had two daughters. William passed away on April 23, 1967, in San Bernardino, California.

A Reflection on Young Dreams

Frederick William Pengelly’s story is a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost on the Titanic. At 19 (nineteen), he represented the hopes and aspirations of a generation seeking better opportunities across the ocean. His journey, cut short by one of history’s most famous maritime disasters, serves as a touching testament to the human cost of the Titanic tragedy.