John Morgan JR Davies

Who was Master John Morgan Davies?

Master John Morgan Davies was a young Titanic survivor who, at the age of 8 (eight), embarked on a life-changing journey from Cornwall, England to America. Born on July 31, 1903, in St Ives, Cornwall, John was one of the youngest passengers to survive the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Cornish Upbringing

John Morgan Davies was born into a family with deep roots in Cornwall. His father, Robert Davies, was an insurance agent from St Ives, while his mother, Agnes Nicholls (née Friggens), hailed from Ludgvan. John’s early years were marked by change and loss:

• His parents married in 1903, the year of his birth
• John had three older half-siblings from his mother’s previous marriage
• His father passed away in 1910, leaving Agnes a widow

Family Dynamics

John’s family structure was complex:

• Half-siblings:
  1. Mary Ethel (b. 1886)
  2. Richard Henry (b. 1890)
  3. Joseph Charles (b. 1892)
• Mother: Agnes Nicholls (née Friggens), widowed twice
• Father: Robert Davies (d. 1910)

The Journey to America

Why did the Davies family decide to emigrate?

The Davies family’s decision to emigrate was influenced by John’s stepbrother, Richard Nicholls, who had already settled in Kearsarge, near New Allouez, Houghton, Michigan. Agnes, now a widow, saw an opportunity for a fresh start in America with her young son John and stepson Joseph.

Preparations for the Voyage

To fund their ambitious journey, the family took drastic measures:

• Sold all their belongings in St Ives
• Purchased tickets through William Cogar, the White Star Line agent in St Ives
• Ticket details:
  • Number: 33112
  • Cost: £36, 15s
  • Class: 2nd Class

Traveling Companions

The Davies family didn’t travel alone. They were accompanied by:

• Maud Sincock, a family friend from Halsetown
• Alice Phillips from Ilfracombe, Devon

John, his mother, Maud Sincock, and Alice Phillips shared a cabin, while Joseph had separate accommodations.

The Titanic Experience

Boarding the Ship of Dreams

On April 10, 1912, John Morgan Davies, just 8 (eight) years old, boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton with his mother and stepbrother. Little did they know that this voyage would become one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

The Night of the Sinking

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, John’s life was forever changed. His mother later recounted the harrowing events of that night, though her exact words have been lost to time.

Survival and Rescue

Amidst the chaos and tragedy:

• John and his mother survived the sinking
• They were possibly rescued by lifeboat 14
• Tragically, John’s stepbrother Joseph was lost in the disaster

Life After the Titanic

Arrival in New York

Upon reaching New York, the White Star Line provided the survivors with:

• Overnight accommodation
• A train ticket
• $5 in cash
• A lunch box

The Journey to Michigan

The Davies’ journey continued as they traveled by train to Mohawk, Michigan. Their plight touched the hearts of fellow passengers:

• Travelers between Negaunee and Calumet raised money for them
• A subscription list was started in Calumet to benefit the family

Settling in America

John and his mother eventually settled in Hancock, Michigan, where they began to rebuild their lives:

• Agnes remarried in 1921 to Richard Edwards, an English-born firefighter
• She passed away in 1933

John’s Adult Life

Marriage and Family

As John grew into adulthood, he:

• Married Leona Uren (b. 1911) from Iron Mountain, Michigan
• Had two children: Francis and Beverly
• Lived in Osceala, Houghton, Michigan (as per the 1940 census)

Career and Later Years

John’s life took several turns in his later years:

• The family moved to Detroit
• John worked in a drug store
• He and Leona divorced in November 1951

A Tragic End

Sadly, John Morgan Davies’ life came to a premature end:

• Date of death: December 16, 1951
• Age at death: 48 (forty-eight)
• Cause: Barbiturate poisoning, believed to be suicide
• Possible trigger: His recent divorce

John was laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery, Calumet, Houghton, Michigan, alongside his mother.

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

John Morgan Davies’ life, though cut short, serves as a poignant reminder of the Titanic’s lasting impact on its survivors. From a young boy who narrowly escaped death on the frigid North Atlantic to a man who faced personal struggles in later life, John’s story encapsulates the complex legacy of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters. His journey from Cornwall to America, punctuated by the Titanic tragedy, reflects the broader narrative of early 20th-century immigration and the unforeseen challenges that could alter the course of a life in an instant.