James Veal

Who was James Veal?

James Veal was a 40-year-old English stone cutter and socialist politician who perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born in Constantine, Cornwall in 1871, Veal immigrated to the United States in 1889 and established himself as a skilled granite carver in Barre, Vermont. He was known for his involvement in labor unions, fraternal organizations, and the Socialist Party of Vermont in the early 20th century.

Early Life and Immigration

James Veal was born in November 1871 in Constantine, Cornwall, England, to Thomas Veal and Selina (née Sarah). At the age of 17, he embarked on a life-changing journey across the Atlantic. In June 1889, young James sailed alone from either Liverpool or Queenstown aboard the Samaria, arriving in Boston to start a new life in America.

Family Ties in Vermont

James was not alone in his American adventure for long. Several members of the Veal family also made the move to Barre, Washington County, Vermont around the same time. This migration would prove significant, as the Veal brothers would soon establish themselves in the thriving stone cutting industry of the region.

Career in Stone Cutting

Barre, Vermont, renowned for its high-quality granite, provided the perfect backdrop for James Veal to hone his skills as a stone cutter. His career in this field spanned over two decades, during which he worked for several prominent companies:

1890: Everson & Company
1895: Barclay Brothers
1896: Littlejohn & Milne
1898: Mackie, Hussie & Company
1900: Harrison Granite Company
1911: Willis A. Hall

James’s expertise in granite carving, particularly in the manufacture of tombstones, became well-established over the years. His dedication to the craft and his involvement in labor organizations would shape much of his adult life.

James Veal was not content with being merely a skilled craftsman; he was also deeply involved in various social and political organizations that reflected his values and heritage.

Fraternal Organizations

Veal was an active member of several fraternal organizations:

Sanctuary Granite City, Shepherds of America (Recording Scribe)
Court Granite City No. 3 of the Foresters of America
John Bright Lodge of the Sons of St. George (Assistant Secretary)

These groups provided a sense of community and mutual support for English immigrants like James in their new American home.

Labor Union Activity

As a stone cutter, James was naturally drawn to labor organizations. In August 1904, he was elected as an auditor for the Barre Granite Cutter’s Union, demonstrating his commitment to workers’ rights and fair labor practices.

Socialist Party Involvement

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of James Veal’s life was his involvement with the Socialist Party of Vermont. His political activities included:

Appointed librarian when the party organized in Vermont (September 1902)
Ran for State Auditor, receiving 733 votes (October 1904)
Served as chair of the Vermont Socialist Party’s state committee (May 1906)
Ran again for Vermont Auditor of Accounts, receiving 733 votes (September 1906)

These political endeavors showcase Veal’s commitment to socialist ideals and his desire to effect change through the democratic process.

Transoceanic Travels

Starting in 1908, James began making annual trips back to his homeland of Cornwall. These voyages included:

March 21, 1908: Sailed from Liverpool on the Mauretania with his brother William
March 27, 1909: Sailed on the Philadelphia from Southampton
March 30, 1910: Aboard the S.S. St. Louis from Southampton

These regular trips back to England suggest that James maintained strong ties to his roots despite his success in America.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

In early 1911, James made another trip back to Constantine, Cornwall. Little did he know that his return journey would be his last. After his visit, James boarded the RMS Titanic with his friends James and Lulu Drew of Long Island, New York.

Titanic Passage Details

Class: Second Class
Ticket Number: 28221
Ticket Price: 13 pounds

James Drew, like Veal, was also involved in the monument carving business, highlighting the professional connections that often linked passengers on these transatlantic voyages.

Tragic Fate and Remembrance

James Veal did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was 40 (forty) years old at the time of his death. The tragedy was felt deeply by his family back in Barre, Vermont. By April 17, his brothers Edwin and Nicholas were anxiously awaiting news, clinging to hope that James might have survived.

The finality of James’s fate was confirmed in a poignant report:

“E. C. Veale, of Barre, has received word from his brother William J. Veale, of Westerly, R.I., that there is now no further hope that their brother, James, survived the wreck of the Titanic. James Veale had been a resident of Barre since 1889. He had been on a visit to the old country and was returning to Barre when the disaster occurred. He was 41 years old and unmarried.”

Today, James Veal is remembered on a family gravestone in the churchyard at Constantine, Cornwall, a lasting tribute to a life cut short by one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

James Veal’s story is a testament to the immigrant experience, the pursuit of craft, and the tragic unpredictability of fate. His life, spanning two continents and bridging the working class with political aspirations, offers a unique glimpse into the social fabric of early 20th-century America and the far-reaching impact of the Titanic disaster.