Henry Forbes Julian - Titanic Universe

Who was Henry Forbes Julian?

Mr. Henry Forbes Julian was a prominent Irish-English metallurgist and mining expert who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born in Cork, Ireland in 1861, Julian made significant contributions to the field of metallurgy across three continents during his lifetime. His expertise in mining and metallurgy, coupled with his inventions and writings, left a lasting impact on the industry.

Early Life and Education

Henry Forbes Julian was born on May 9, 1861, in Cork, Ireland. He was the son of Henry Julian, a coachbuilder, and his wife Marie. Growing up alongside his siblings Lily, Charles, and Annie, young Henry’s early years were spent in Cork.

A Move to England

When Henry was about 13 years old, his family relocated to Bolton, Lancashire, England. This move marked a significant change in his life and education. The 1881 census records show the Julian family residing at 8 Back of the Bank, Little Bolton.

Higher Education

Julian’s passion for science led him to pursue higher education in chemistry. He studied at:

Owens College, Manchester, under the tutelage of Sir Henry Roscoe
South Kensington, London

These educational experiences laid the foundation for his future career in metallurgy and mining.

Professional Career and Achievements

South African Adventures

In October 1886, at the age of 25, Henry embarked on a journey that would shape his career. He traveled to Natal, South Africa, where he began his professional life as a metallurgist and analyst. His career in South Africa spanned seven years and saw rapid progression:

Worked as a consulting engineer
Became a mine manager in various gold mining districts including Natal, Barberton, Johannesburg, and Kimberley

Inventions and Entrepreneurship

During his time in South Africa, Julian’s innovative spirit came to the fore. He invented and patented the “Patent Electrical Chemical Gold and Silver Extracting Apparatus.” Recognizing the potential of his invention, Henry took an entrepreneurial leap:

Established a limited company to market his invention
Served as the managing director and major shareholder of this company

European Endeavors

In 1893, Henry’s expertise took him to Germany. There, he:

Worked as a technical adviser on mining and metallurgy for the Deutsche Gold and Silver Scheide Anstalt in Frankfurt
Co-authored the book “Cyaniding Gold and Silver Ores”

A Global Expert

Julian’s work required extensive travel, making him a true global expert in his field:

Crossed the Atlantic 13 times
Visited Mexico, Canada, the USA, and the West Indies
Toured extensively in Eastern Europe

Personal Life and Connections

Move to South Devon

In 1895, Henry settled in South Devon, marking a new chapter in his personal life:

Rented Ness House in Shaldon, overlooking the River Teign
Maintained a residence in London
Became a founder member of the Royal Automobile Club
Joined the committee of the British Association

Scientific Associations

Julian’s passion for science extended beyond his professional work:

Joined the committee of the Torquay Natural History Society
Became an active member of the Devonshire Association

These associations were founded by William Pengelly, an eminent geologist who would later become Julian’s father-in-law.

Marriage to Hester Pengelly

On October 30, 1902, Henry married Hester Pengelly at St Mary Magdalene Church in Upton, Torquay. The couple made their home in Torquay, living at ‘Redholme’ in Braddons Hill Road East.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Change of Plans

In April 1912, Henry needed to attend a business meeting in San Francisco. Initially booked to travel on the Olympic on April 3, his plans changed due to the national coal strike. His journey was rescheduled for April 10 on the Titanic.

Boarding the Titanic

On April 9, 1912, Henry traveled from Torquay to Southampton by train. He spent the night at the South Western Hotel, from where he wrote a letter to his wife, who had stayed home due to influenza.

Henry’s Titanic Experience

Embarked on April 10, 1912
Assigned to cabin E-90 on E Deck, toward the stern on the starboard side
Traveled first class with ticket number 110344, costing £26
Wrote letters to his wife describing the ship and his comfort on board
Met his old friend Col. John Weir during the voyage

The Tragic End

Tragically, Henry Forbes Julian perished when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. He was 50 (fifty) years old. His body was never recovered from the sea.

Legacy and Memorials

Probate and Effects

Julian Henry Forbes of Redholme, Torquay, left effects valued at £1238 0s 11d. Probate was granted in Exeter on July 18, 1912, to William Robert Davies (examiner) and Hester Julian (widow).

Memorials in Torquay

Two memorials honor Henry’s memory in Torquay:

A Caen stone memorial with red marble panels in St Mary Magdalene Church, Upton, where he was married. The inscription praises his work and sacrifice.
The memorial cost £87 and was unveiled on February 24, 1914, in a ceremony where “Nearer, my God, to Thee” was sung.

Literary Memorial

In 1914, Henry’s wife Hester published “Memorials of Henry Forbes Julian,” which included details of his letters from the Titanic and recollections from surviving friends who had been on board.

Henry Forbes Julian’s life was one of scientific curiosity, professional achievement, and ultimately, tragic sacrifice. His contributions to metallurgy and mining continue to be remembered, as does his heroic end aboard the Titanic.