Leonard Charles Moore: A Young Bricklayer’s Tragic Titanic Journey

Who was Leonard Charles Moore?

Leonard Charles Moore was a 19 (nineteen) year-old English bricklayer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on February 25, 1893, in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, Moore was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated ship, returning to America after a brief visit to his family in England.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Leonard Moore’s family like?

Leonard Charles Moore came from a large working-class family in Kingston-Upon-Thames. His parents were:

Edward Thomas Moore (born 1850): A bricklayer from Gravesend, Kent
Annie Jane Saunders Aspland (born 1852): Originally from Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire

The couple married on October 14, 1871, in Camberwell and had ten children, of whom only six survived infancy. Leonard’s siblings included:

Jessie Beatrice (born 1873)
Ada Florence Saunders (born 1875)
Clieve (or Cleave) Alfred (born 1883)
Olive Maud Saunders (born 1885)
Maud Annie (born 1887)
Bertha Gertrude Aspland (born 1890)

How did Leonard’s early life shape his career path?

Growing up in a family of bricklayers, it was natural for Leonard to follow in his father’s and brother’s footsteps. By the time of the 1911 census, Leonard was listed as a bricklayer, working alongside his father and brother Cleave.

American Dream: Leonard’s First Journey to the United States

When did Leonard first travel to America?

In April 1911, at the age of 18 (eighteen), Leonard embarked on his first journey to America. He traveled with his brother Cleave, departing from Southampton on the steamer Adriatic on April 5, 1911. They arrived in New York on April 13, 1911.

What were the details of Leonard’s first American journey?

Departure: Southampton, England
Ship: Steamer Adriatic
Class: Steerage (Third Class)
Arrival: New York, April 13, 1911
Destination: Hoboken, New Jersey

Leonard was described as:

5'4" tall
Brown hair
Blue eyes
Able to read and write

The brothers settled at 509 Willow Avenue in Hoboken and began working in the building trade.

The Fateful Return Journey on the Titanic

Why did Leonard return to England?

Leonard returned to England during the winter of 1911/1912 to visit his family. By April 1912, he was ready to return to Hoboken, where his brother still resided.

What were the details of Leonard’s Titanic journey?

Embarkation Point: Southampton
Passenger Class: Third Class
Ticket Number: A4. 54510
Ticket Cost: £8 1s (8 pounds, 1 shilling)
Address Given: 134 Acre Road, Kingston-on-Thames

The Tragic Fate of Leonard Moore

What happened to Leonard during the Titanic disaster?

Leonard Charles Moore, like many third-class passengers, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At just 19 (nineteen) years old, his promising life was cut tragically short. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

How did Leonard’s family cope with the loss?

The loss of Leonard deeply affected his family:

His parents received £75 from the Relief Fund.
His brother John, living in Hoboken, was reported to be grieving in their flat at 500 Willow Street.

“In a little flat at 500 Willow street, Hoboken, John Moore is grieving today over the death of his brother Leonard, who was one of the victims of the disaster to the Titanic. Leonard Moore, who was 19 years old, had come to this country with John about a year ago. Early last winter Leonard went to London to visit his mother. He chose the Titanic for his return trip…” - Newark Evening Star, April 19, 1912, p. 11

Legacy of a Young Titanic Victim

Leonard Charles Moore’s story is a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. As one of the victims of the third-class, his tale underscores the disproportionate impact the sinking had on lower-class passengers. Today, Leonard is remembered not only as a Titanic victim but as a young man full of promise, seeking a better life in America, whose journey was tragically cut short by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.