John Henry Chapman

Who was John Henry Chapman?

John Henry Chapman was a 37-year-old (thirty-seven) English passenger who perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was a second-class passenger traveling with his newlywed wife, Sarah Elizabeth Chapman. Chapman’s life story is a poignant tale of love, adventure, and ultimately, tragedy, as he and his wife chose to face their fate together on that fateful night.

Early Life and Family

Cornish Roots

John Henry Chapman was born in late 1875 at Parson’s Park Farmhouse in St Neot, Liskeard, Cornwall, England. He was baptized on January 1, 1876, marking the beginning of his life in the picturesque Cornish countryside. Chapman was one of six children born to James Chapman (1841-1921), a farm labourer and bailiff, and Isabella Wilton (1841-1927).

Siblings and Childhood

The Chapman family consisted of:

Dorcas (born 1868)
William James (born 1870)
Catherine Sarah (born 1873)
Sidonia (born 1875)
John Henry (born 1875)
Mehetabel (1877-1878)

Growing up in a large family, John likely experienced the joys and challenges of rural life in late 19th-century Cornwall.

Education and Early Career

Schooling in St Neot

John’s early education took place in St Neot. The 1891 census describes him as a schoolboy, indicating that he received formal education well into his teenage years. This was not uncommon for the time, but it suggests that the Chapman family valued education.

Following in His Father’s Footsteps

By the time of the 1901 census, John had joined his father in farming. The family was still residing in St Neot, and John, now in his mid-twenties, was working as a farmer alongside his father. This period of his life laid the foundation for his future endeavors and perhaps instilled in him a sense of adventure that would later lead him across the Atlantic.

Adventure Across the Atlantic

Emigration to North America

In 1906, at the age of 31, John Chapman embarked on a life-changing journey. Accompanied by his friend Norman Courts, also from Liskeard, Chapman set sail for North America. This decision to leave his homeland demonstrates a spirit of adventure and a willingness to seek new opportunities.

From Alberta to Spokane

The two friends initially settled in Alberta, Canada, but their stay was relatively short-lived. By 1910, Chapman and Courts had relocated to Spokane, Washington, in the United States. Here, they found work at Fairmount Cemetery, with Chapman listed as a cemetery labourer in the 1910 census.

A Transatlantic Romance

Love from Afar

While building his new life in America, John Chapman had left behind a sweetheart in Cornwall - Sarah Elizabeth Lawry, born in 1882. Despite the distance, their love endured through correspondence, a testament to their commitment to each other.

A Joyful Reunion and Marriage

In November 1911, after five years abroad, Chapman made the journey back to Cornwall. On Boxing Day (December 26) of the same year, John and Sarah were wed at the Wesleyan Chapel, finally uniting after years of separation.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding the Ship of Dreams

Newly married and full of hope for their future together, John and Sarah Chapman boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers. Their ticket, number 29037, cost £26 and was purchased from George & Co of Liskeard.

Destination Confusion

Interestingly, sources differ on the couple’s final destination. One account suggests they were headed to Chapman’s home in Spokane, while another indicates they were bound for Sarah’s brother William’s home in Fitzburgh, Dane, Wisconsin. It’s possible they planned to visit Wisconsin en route to their new life in Spokane.

Friendships Aboard

During their voyage, the Chapmans befriended several other passengers, including:

Samuel James Hocking from Devon
Emily Richards and her family
James Vivian Drew and his family

These connections would prove significant in the final hours of their lives.

The Night of the Sinking

A Fateful Decision

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, the Chapmans found themselves in the midst of chaos. According to Emily Richards’ account, the Chapmans, along with the Drews, Hockings, and Richards, waited on deck together during the evacuation.

Love’s Ultimate Sacrifice

As lifeboat 4 was being filled from the A-deck promenade, Mrs. Chapman was reportedly following Mrs. Richards towards the boat. However, upon realizing that her husband would not be allowed to accompany her, Sarah made a heart-wrenching decision. She reportedly said, “Goodbye Mrs. Richards, if John can’t go, I won’t go either,” before stepping back to rejoin her husband.

This poignant moment encapsulates the deep love and commitment shared by John and Sarah Chapman, choosing to face their fate together rather than be separated.

Recovery and Remembrance

Body Recovered

John Henry Chapman’s body was recovered by the Mackay-Bennett and was buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 10, 1912. He was identified as Body No. 17.

Personal Effects

The items found on Chapman’s body paint a touching picture of the man and his final moments:

Clothing: Grey overcoat, brown suit, handkerchief marked “J. Chapman”
Personal items: Gold watch, chain and locket; gold watch, chain and badge
Money: £63 10s in gold; 13s 7d in silver and copper; $2 in paper and silver
Documents: Letter, baggage receipt, baggage insurance, marriage certificate
Miscellaneous: Lady’s handbag, keys, tie clip, pipe, nail cleaner

A Watch Frozen in Time

Perhaps the most poignant item recovered was Chapman’s gold watch, its hands frozen at 1:45 am, marking the moment when time stood still for John and Sarah. This watch was exhibited for the first time in 2009 at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth