Mr Lewis Hickman

Who was Lewis Hickman?

Lewis Hickman was a 32 (thirty-two) year-old English passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in 1879 in Woodfalls, Wiltshire, England, he was a second-class passenger traveling from Southampton to Canada with his brothers in pursuit of new opportunities. Tragically, Lewis did not survive the Titanic disaster, and his story became intertwined with a case of mistaken identity that would not be resolved until after his burial.

Early Life and Background

What was Lewis Hickman’s family background?

Lewis Hickman was born into a large family in rural England. He was the third son of Herbert James Hickman and Emily Augusta (née Champ). The Hickman family, which included eleven siblings, lived in the Woodfalls, Redlynch, Downton area of Wiltshire before moving to Fritham, Hampshire, about 5 miles away.

What was Lewis Hickman’s occupation?

Lewis Hickman wore many hats throughout his life:

• Farmer (as listed on his marriage certificate)
• Possible munitions factory worker in Fritham

On August 26, 1911, Lewis married Marie Marion Staples at St Peter’s Church in Paddington, marking a significant milestone in his life.

The Journey to a New Life

Why did Lewis Hickman decide to emigrate?

Lewis Hickman’s decision to emigrate was influenced by several factors:

1. The success of his younger brother, Leonard Mark Hickman, who had emigrated to Neepawa, Manitoba, in 1908
2. Leonard’s persuasive visit home for Christmas in 1911
3. The prospect of better opportunities in Canada

Who accompanied Lewis Hickman on his journey?

Lewis was not alone in his journey. He traveled with:

• His brothers: Leonard Mark Hickman and Stanley George Hickman
• Four companions from Fritham:
  • Percy William Deacon
  • Ambrose Hood
  • Charles Henry Davies
  • William Dibden

The Titanic Experience

How did Lewis Hickman end up on the Titanic?

Due to a coal strike, Lewis and his companions were unable to secure passage on their original ship. In what seemed like a stroke of luck at the time, they were upgraded from third-class to second-class accommodations on the Titanic. They traveled on a single ticket (number S.O.C. 14879) at a cost of £73 10s.

What were Lewis Hickman’s last known actions on the Titanic?

As the Titanic was sinking, Lewis Hickman’s last known action was grabbing his brother Leonard’s coat before going up on deck. This seemingly small act would later play a crucial role in the mistaken identification of his body.

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

What happened to Lewis Hickman after the Titanic sank?

Lewis Hickman did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, numbered 256, was recovered from the Atlantic. However, due to a tragic mix-up, it was initially identified as that of his brother Leonard because Leonard’s membership card in the Foresters Lodge was found in the coat pocket.

How was Lewis Hickman’s body described?

The description of body No. 256 read:

MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 40. - HAIR, FAIR; AND MOUSTACHE. CLOTHING - Grey overcoat; fancy Vest; dark suit. EFFECTS - Keys; razors; scissors; silver watch and chain; amber cigarette holder; cigarette case; £14 10s. in gold; 7s. SECOND CLASS. NAME - LEONARD HICKMAN.

What happened after the misidentification?

A series of events unfolded following the misidentification:

1. The body was sent to Neepawa, Manitoba, for burial, believed to be Leonard Hickman.
2. A funeral was held, with the casket sealed due to the condition of the body.
3. The body was interred in Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa.
4. Personal effects were returned to the Hickman family in England.
5. Lewis’ wife, Maria, identified items belonging to her husband.
6. The true identity of the body was confirmed to be Lewis, not Leonard.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Lewis Hickman remembered today?

Lewis Hickman’s memory is preserved in several ways:

1. The tombstone in Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa, was changed to accurately reflect his identity:

   IN LOVING MEMORY OF
   LEWIS HICKMAN
   AGED 32 YRS
   BELOVED HUSBAND OF
   MARIE HICKMAN.
   ALSO OF
   LEONARD MARK HICKMAN
   AGED 24 YRS. AND
   STANLEY GEORGE
   HICKMAN AGED 21 YRS.
   SONS OF HERBERT & EMILY
   HICKMAN FRITHAM, HAUTS.(sic)
   ENGLAND, VICTIMS OF THE TITANIC
   DISASTER, APR. 15, 1912.
   HICKMAN
   

2. Memorials to the Hickman brothers can be found in:

   • Fritham, Free Church, New Forest Hampshire
   • St. Peter’s Church, Bramshaw, New Forest, Hampshire

What became of Lewis Hickman’s wife?

Maria Hickman, Lewis’ widow, lived for many years after the tragedy. She passed away in 1967 and is buried in London, carrying the memory of her husband and the unusual circumstances surrounding his final resting place for over five decades.

Lewis Hickman’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of the Titanic disaster, affecting not only those who perished but also the lives of their loved ones for generations to come. His mistaken identity and the eventual correction of his burial site underscore the complexities and lasting consequences of this historic tragedy.