Joseph Fynney

Who was Joseph Fynney?

Mr. Joseph Fynney was an English rubber merchant and second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on August 11, 1876, in Great Sutton, Cheshire, Fynney was known for his work with delinquents at St. James Church in Toxteth and his frequent travels to Canada. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 35 (thirty-five) when he perished in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Cheshire Childhood

Joseph Fynney was born into a working-class family in Great Sutton, Cheshire. His parents, Richard Fynney (born 1828) and Frances Windsor (born 1841), married in Liverpool in 1872. Joseph was the youngest of their three children, with older siblings John (born 1873) and Martha Jane (born 1874).

A Father’s Legacy

Richard Fynney, Joseph’s father, worked as a cowkeeper and dairyman. Originally from Wetton, Staffordshire, he brought his trade to Liverpool, where the family settled. Tragically, Richard passed away on July 16, 1894, when Joseph was just 17 (seventeen) years old. This early loss would shape Joseph’s future and his close relationship with his remaining family members.

Career and Personal Life

The Rubber Trade

As Joseph entered adulthood, he found his calling in the rubber industry. By the time of the 1901 census, he was listed as a rubber salesman. His career continued to flourish, and by 1911, he had advanced to the position of rubber merchant. This profession likely contributed to his frequent travels across the Atlantic.

A Bachelor’s Life in Liverpool

Joseph Fynney never married, instead leading a bachelor’s life in Liverpool. He resided at Brookfield, Park Way, a location that would become the subject of neighborhood gossip due to his lifestyle choices.

Charitable Work and Controversy

While Joseph was known for his charitable efforts, particularly his work with delinquents at St. James Church in Toxteth, his personal life was not without controversy. Neighbors often complained about the late-night comings and goings of younger men at his residence. This aspect of his life raises questions about societal norms and personal freedoms in Edwardian England.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Joseph Fynney on the Titanic?

Joseph Fynney was a frequent traveler to Canada, where his sister (and possibly his brother) had settled in Montréal, Québec. His ticket for the Titanic’s maiden voyage (number 239865) cost £26, a considerable sum at the time, reflecting his status as a second-class passenger.

A Traveling Companion

On this particular journey, Fynney was accompanied by William Alfred Gaskell, an 18-year-old apprentice barrel maker. This was not unusual for Fynney, who often traveled with young male companions. Both Fynney and Gaskell boarded the Titanic at Southampton, embarking on what would be their final voyage.

The Tragic End

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, Joseph Fynney was among the many passengers who did not survive the sinking. His body was later recovered by the ship Minia, identified as body number 322.

Legacy and Remembrance

Final Resting Place

Joseph Fynney’s remains were laid to rest in Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal, Section G-1701A. His gravestone bears a touching epitaph:

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOSEPH FYNNEY, OF LIVERPOOL, ENG. AGED 35 YEARS WHO LOST HIS LIFE AT R.M.S. TITANIC DISASTER APRIL 15, 1912 AND WAS FOUND MAY 3, 1912. HIS DELIGHT WAS IN DOING GOOD

A Family’s Journey

In the wake of the tragedy, Joseph’s mother, sister, and their families made the decision to emigrate to Canada. They departed from Bristol aboard the Royal Edward on September 18, 1912, bound for Montréal. This move underscores the profound impact of Joseph’s loss on his family and their desire to be closer to his final resting place.

Financial Legacy

Joseph Fynney’s estate, valued at £4,509, 17s, 8d, was administered on July 25, 1912. His sister Martha Jane Hoseason and one George Frank Upton were named as administrators, ensuring that his affairs were settled and his legacy preserved.

Reflections on a Life Cut Short

Joseph Fynney’s story is one of many tragic tales from the Titanic disaster. His life, while relatively short, was marked by professional success, charitable work, and a hint of controversy. As we remember the victims of the Titanic, Joseph Fynney stands out as a complex figure – a successful merchant, a charitable soul, and a man whose personal life raised eyebrows in his time. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse lives and stories that were lost on that fateful night in April 1912.