George Henry Hunt

Who was George Henry Hunt?

Mr George Henry Hunt was a 34-year-old English gardener who tragically lost his life aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Leatherhead, Surrey, Hunt had established a successful career in the United States before his untimely death during his return journey from visiting family in England.

Early Life and Family Roots

George Henry Hunt was born on January 21, 1878, in Leatherhead, Surrey, England. He was baptized on March 3 of the same year in St Giles’ Church, Ashtead, where his parents had married just over a year earlier.

Hunt’s family background was deeply rooted in horticulture:

• Father: George John Hunt (1850-1937), a gardener from Hampshire
• Mother: Sarah Holloway (1843-1927), originally from Worcestershire
• Siblings: Albert Alfred (b. 1879), Lewis Walter (b. 1880), Thomas Harvey (b. 1882), and Ruth Frances (b. 1884)

A Gardener’s Legacy: From Apprentice to Professional

George Henry Hunt’s journey in horticulture began under the tutelage of his father. The family’s connection to gardening is evident in their residences:

• 1881: Unspecified address in Ashtead, Surrey
• 1891: Gardener’s House, Ashtead Park
• 1901: Same address, with George now described as an “under gardener”

This progression highlights the family’s dedication to their craft and George’s growth in the profession.

Crossing the Atlantic: A New Life in America

On March 17, 1906, George embarked on a life-changing journey aboard the New York, ironically the same ship that would nearly collide with the Titanic in Southampton docks years later. He settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his career flourished:

• Worked on a large estate
• Earned $80 per month by 1912 (equivalent to approximately $2,200 in 2023)

Family Life in the New World

George married Elizabeth Maud Holder (b. April 21, 1879), a native of Epsom. The couple started their family in America:

• Daughter: Marjory (b. April 26, 1907) in New Jersey
• Son: Wilfred (b. January 3, 1912) in Pennsylvania

The Fateful Return Journey

Why was George Henry Hunt on the Titanic?

In early 1912, George returned to Britain to visit his family. His parents were then living in The Gardens, Ashtead Park, Epsom. Originally scheduled to return to the USA aboard the Oceanic, the coal strikes forced a change in his travel plans, leading him to book passage on the Titanic.

Titanic Journey Details

• Embarked: Southampton
• Class: 2nd Class
• Ticket Number: 1585
• Ticket Cost: £12 5s 6d (approximately £1,500 in 2023)

The Tragic End and Lasting Legacy

George Henry Hunt perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912, at the age of 34 (thirty-four). His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family to mourn without closure.

Family’s Aftermath

• Elizabeth Hunt (widow): Never remarried, took in boarders in Philadelphia, later moved to Delaware, Pennsylvania. Died on October 6, 1967, at 88.
• Marjory (daughter): Married Herman Barthel, had two daughters. Died in Montgomery, Pennsylvania in 1997.
• Wilfred (son): Married Florence Lynch, had a daughter Carolyn. Died in Chester, Pennsylvania in 1996.

Remembering George Henry Hunt

A poignant brass plaque in St. Giles Church, Ashtead, Epsom, Surrey, stands as a testament to George’s life and the tragedy that befell him:

To The Glory of God and Sacred To the memory of George Harry Hunt of This Parish A Passenger on the Ill-Fated R.M.S Titanic April 15th 1912 aged 34 years Nearer my God to thee

This memorial not only commemorates George’s life but also serves as a reminder of the many lives lost in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.