Harvey Collyer

Who was Mr Harvey Collyer?

Mr Harvey Collyer was a 31-year-old English grocer and church sexton who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Surrey in 1880, Collyer was a devoted family man and active church member who was emigrating to America with his wife and young daughter in search of a better life when disaster struck.

Early Life and Family

Harvey Collyer was born on November 26, 1880 in West Horsley, Surrey, England. He was baptized on January 16, 1881 at St Martin’s Church in East Horsley. Harvey’s parents were George Collyer, a gardener, and Ellen Nunns. He was one of eight children, including his twin brother George.

The 1881 census shows the Collyer family living at West Horsley Place. By 1901, they had moved to Leatherhead, Surrey, where the 20-year-old Harvey was working as an ironmonger’s porter.

Marriage and Career

On May 5, 1903, Harvey married Charlotte Caroline Tate at St Mary and St Nicholas’ Church in Leatherhead. Charlotte worked as a cook for Reverend Sydney Sedgwick. The couple welcomed their only child, daughter Marjorie Lottie, in 1904.

The Collyer family later relocated to Bishopstoke, Hampshire, following Reverend Sedgwick to his new parish at St Mary’s Church. There, Harvey took on multiple roles:

• Verger at St Mary’s Church
• Church council member
• Bell ringer
• Grocer (running his own store in town)

By the 1911 census, the Collyers were living at 82 Church Road in Bishopstoke. Harvey’s occupation was listed as “grocer and sexton.”

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why did the Collyers decide to emigrate?

Friends of the Collyers had successfully established a fruit farm in Payette, Idaho and encouraged them to seek their fortune in America as well. The family was hesitant until Charlotte began experiencing respiratory issues related to tuberculosis. Hoping the climate change would improve her health, they made the difficult decision to sell their home and business to start anew in Idaho.

The Collyers’ Titanic Experience

On April 10, 1912, Harvey, Charlotte, and 8-year-old Marjorie boarded the RMS Titanic as second-class passengers. Their ticket (number 31921) cost £26 5s. Remarkably, the Collyers had invested their entire life savings in this journey - carrying cash and their remaining possessions onboard.

Harvey wrote a cheerful letter to his parents as the ship approached Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland:

“Well dears so far we are having a delightful trip the weather is beautiful and the ship magnificent. We can’t describe the tables it’s like a floating town.”

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14, Harvey initially reassured his family, telling Charlotte:

“What do you think? We’ve struck an iceberg - a big one - but there’s no danger. An officer told me so!”

Tragically, Harvey Collyer did not survive the sinking. Charlotte and Marjorie were rescued in lifeboat 14, but Harvey perished in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Legacy

After returning to England, Charlotte Collyer eventually remarried but died at a young age. A touching memorial to Harvey stands in St Mary’s Church, Bishopstoke - a notice board and umbrella stand still used today. The inscription reads:

“Sacred to the memory of Harvey Collyer who fell asleep April 15th 1912 Age 31 years ‘Jesus said come.’”

Harvey Collyer’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams, sacrifices, and tragic losses experienced by so many Titanic passengers. His legacy lives on through his family’s survival and the enduring memorials to his life.