Henry Michael Mitchell

Who was Mr Henry Michael Mitchell?

Mr Henry Michael Mitchell was a 71-year-old (seventy-one-year-old) retired leather merchant from Guernsey who tragically lost his life aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in 1840 in Whitehead, Dorset, England, Mitchell had a long career in the boot and leather trade before embarking on what was meant to be a joyous reunion with his brother in America.

Early Life and Family Roots

A Shoemaker’s Son

Henry Mitchell was born into a family with strong ties to the shoemaking trade. His father, Humphrey Mitchell, was a shoemaker from Dorset, while his mother, Sarah Woodgate, hailed from Devon. The couple married on May 23, 1841, shortly after Henry’s birth. As the eldest of seven children, Henry grew up surrounded by siblings:

• Eliza (born 1843)
• John (born 1847)
• Thomas (born 1849)
• Walter (born 1850)
• Charles (born 1859)
• Albert (born 1861)

From Dorset to Guernsey

The Mitchell family’s life took a significant turn around 1848 when they relocated to Guernsey. This move would shape young Henry’s future and set the stage for his career and life’s journey.

Career and Family Life

Following in His Father’s Footsteps

Henry’s professional life closely mirrored that of his father. The 1861 census describes him as a boot plater, likely working under his father’s tutelage. This early experience laid the foundation for his future in the leather trade.

Marriage and Children

In 1865, at the age of 25 (twenty-five), Henry married Elizabeth Mary Bartley, a native of St Peter’s Port, Guernsey. Their union brought both joy and sorrow:

• Harry Ernest (born May 18, 1867)
• Ella Elizabeth (born March 26, 1869)
• Julia Annie (March 11, 1874 - April 3, 1874)

The loss of their youngest child, Julia Annie, at just three weeks old, must have been a profound tragedy for the young couple.

From Boot Plater to Leather Merchant

Henry’s career progression is evident through census records:

This trajectory shows Henry’s rise from a skilled worker to a successful merchant before his retirement.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

A Long-Awaited Reunion

In 1912, the now-widowed Henry Mitchell planned an exciting trip to the United States. His primary goal? To visit his brother John in Montclair, New Jersey - a reunion nearly half a century in the making. The brothers had not seen each other since 1870, adding poignancy to this planned meeting.

Last-Minute Change of Plans

Originally booked on the Philadelphia, Henry’s travel plans changed when he secured passage on the Titanic. He boarded the ill-fated ship in Southampton as a second-class passenger, holding ticket number 24580, which cost £10 10s.

A Companion in Tragedy

Henry wasn’t traveling alone. He was accompanied by fellow Guernsey resident Edward Wheadon. Tragically, both men would perish in the disaster that unfolded on April 15, 1912.

What Became of Henry Mitchell?

In the chaos of the Titanic’s sinking, Henry Mitchell, like many others, lost his life. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This lack of closure must have been particularly difficult for his surviving family members.

A Final Financial Note

Henry’s estate, valued at £496 6s 8d, was administered to his daughter Ella on January 11, 1913. This final transaction serves as a poignant reminder of the life and legacy of a man who, in his twilight years, sought adventure and family reunion but instead became part of one of history’s most tragic maritime disasters.

Henry Mitchell’s story, while ending in tragedy, reminds us of the diverse lives and unfulfilled dreams aboard the Titanic. From his humble beginnings in Dorset to his successful career in Guernsey, and finally to his fateful journey, Mitchell’s life encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of many who sailed on that ill-fated voyage.