Henry John Spinner

Who was Mr Henry John Spinner?

Mr Henry John Spinner was a 31-year-old English glove cutter and Titanic passenger who tragically perished in the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912. Born in Worcester, England, Spinner was a skilled craftsman, decorated swimmer, and former Royal Marine who was embarking on a new chapter of his life in America when disaster struck.

Early Life and Family

Henry John Spinner was born on April 26, 1880, in Worcester, Worcestershire, England. He was baptized two months later on June 27, 1880. Henry was the youngest son of George Spinner (1843-1924) and Ellen Taylor (1844-1904), both natives of Worcester who had married on September 4, 1864, in St Clement’s Church.

A Large Victorian Family

The Spinners were a sizeable family, typical of the Victorian era:

• Emma (b. 1865)
• George (b. 1867)
• Annie (b. 1869)
• Charles (b. 1870)
• Ellen (b. 1871)
• Elizabeth (b. 1872)
• William Albert (b. 1875)
• Henry John (b. 1880)
• Edith (b. 1882)

Sadly, several of Henry’s siblings died in infancy, a common occurrence in the 19th century.

Childhood and Youth

A Changing Home

Young Henry’s early years were marked by several moves within Worcestershire:

1. 1881: Lower Cheshunt Street, Claines
2. 1891: 29 Friar Street, St Helen’s (where his father was innkeeper of the Crown Inn)
3. Later: Back to Lower Cheshunt Street

A Heroic Act

At the tender age of 15, Henry demonstrated extraordinary courage and swimming prowess. He dove fully clothed into a Worcester canal to rescue a young boy from drowning. This act of bravery foreshadowed his later achievements in swimming.

An Accomplished Swimmer

Henry Spinner was not just a casual swimmer; he was a champion. His skill in the water earned him both trophies and medals, a testament to his athletic abilities and dedication to the sport.

Military Service and Early Career

Royal Marines and the Russo-Japanese War

Henry’s adventurous spirit led him to join the Royal Marines. During the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), he served aboard HMS Orion in the China Seas. This experience would have exposed him to different cultures and honed his discipline and skills.

From Soldier to Craftsman

After his military service, Henry followed in his father’s footsteps and became a glove cutter. This skilled trade required precision and attention to detail, qualities that Henry likely developed during his time in the Marines.

Family Life

Marriage and Fatherhood

In 1907, Henry married Harriet Alice Walker in his hometown of Worcester. Harriet, born in 1880, was the daughter of Alfred and Harriet Walker. The couple welcomed their only child, Alice Maud Winifred, in late 1908.

A New Home in Yeovil

Shortly after their marriage, the Spinners moved to Yeovil, Somerset. The 1911 census shows the family residing at Glenville Road, Yeovil. Here, Henry became an active member of the local community, even joining the local football team.

The Fateful Journey

Why was Henry Spinner on the Titanic?

Henry boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger, holding ticket number 369943, which cost £8 1s. His destination was Gloversville, New York, where he had secured a position at a glove cutting factory. This move represented a significant opportunity for Henry and his family to start a new life in America.

The Tragic End

Sadly, Henry Spinner did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was 31 (thirty-one) years old at the time of his death. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Legacy and Family’s Fate

Harriet’s Life After the Tragedy

Henry’s widow, Harriet, never remarried. She lived out her later years at Cambersley Road, Worcester, maintaining a connection to the city where she and Henry had begun their life together. Harriet passed away on September 23, 1949, at the age of 69 (sixty-nine).

The Next Generation

Henry and Harriet’s daughter, Alice Maud Winifred, carried on the family name. She married Cecil J. Smith and remained in Worcester throughout her life. Alice passed away in 1968, having lived through both World Wars and seen tremendous changes in the world her father never got to witness.

Henry John Spinner’s life, though cut tragically short, was one of adventure, bravery, and aspiration. From his heroic rescue as a youth to his military service and his final journey seeking new opportunities, Henry exemplified the spirit of many who sailed on the Titanic – individuals full of hope and dreams for a brighter future.