Mr Percy Cornelius Taylor

Who was Percy Cornelius Taylor?

Percy Cornelius Taylor was a 40 (forty) year-old English musician who perished in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a cellist in the ship’s orchestra, Taylor played a crucial role in providing comfort to passengers during the vessel’s final moments.

Early Life and Background

A Musical Family in London

Born on March 20, 1872, in Hackney, London, Percy Cornelius Taylor grew up in a family with strong ties to the printing industry. His father, Martin Taylor, was a printer and compositor from Yorkshire, while his mother, Emily Wheeler, hailed from London. Percy was one of six siblings, including:

• Frederick Martin (b. 1867)
• Henry William (b. 1868)
• George Hardcastle (b. 1874)
• Walter Guy (b. 1882)
• Emily Catherine (b. 1885)

From Clerk to Musician

The Taylor family’s early years were spent at 30 Brabone Grove, Camberwell. Following his father’s death in 1890, the family relocated to 173 Hollydale Road, Peckham. At this time, Percy worked as a clerk, likely assisting his mother who had become a grocer to support the family.

Percy’s journey from a clerk to a professional musician showcases his dedication to his craft and passion for music.

Titanic Journey Details

Boarding the Ill-Fated Vessel

Mr. Taylor boarded the Titanic as a second-class passenger in Southampton, England. He traveled on a group ticket (number 250654) along with his fellow orchestra members. As a cellist, Percy was an integral part of the ship’s musical ensemble, tasked with entertaining passengers throughout the voyage.

Life Onboard

During the Titanic’s brief journey, Percy and his colleagues in the orchestra would have performed in various locations around the ship, providing a pleasant atmosphere for the passengers. Their repertoire likely included popular tunes of the era, as well as classical pieces.

Fate During the Disaster

The Orchestra’s Final Performance

As the Titanic began to sink in the early hours of April 15, 1912, Percy Taylor and his fellow musicians made a heroic decision. Instead of attempting to save themselves, they continued to play music on the deck, helping to calm passengers as they boarded lifeboats.

A Tragic End

Sadly, Percy Cornelius Taylor, along with all of his colleagues in the orchestra, perished in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This selfless act of continuing to play music until the very end has become one of the most poignant and remembered aspects of the Titanic disaster.

Legacy and Impact

Remembering the Brave Musician

Percy Taylor’s sacrifice, along with that of his fellow musicians, has been immortalized in numerous books, films, and memorials dedicated to the Titanic. Their bravery in the face of certain death exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and duty that has come to be associated with the Titanic’s crew.

Financial Legacy

After his death, Percy’s estate, valued at £164, 4s, was administered to his widow Clara on June 29, 1912. This amount, while modest, provides insight into the financial situation of professional musicians of the era.

Personal Life

Marriage to Clara Alice Davis

On May 20, 1906, Percy married Clara Alice Davis (née Talbot) at Christ Church, Lambeth. Clara, born on November 29, 1872, in Camberwell, London, was herself a widow. Interestingly, Percy’s connection to Clara came through family ties:

• Clara’s sister, Minnie Eliza, was married to Percy’s younger brother, George Hardcastle Taylor.

A Couple in the Arts

While Percy pursued his career as a musician, often at sea, Clara described herself as an actress and worked as a concert artiste. The couple’s last known residence was at 9 Fentiman Road, Clapham, London.

Colleagues on the Titanic

Percy Taylor was part of a close-knit group of musicians aboard the Titanic. His colleagues included:

• William Theodore Ronald Brailey
• Roger Marie Bricoux
• John Frederick Preston Clarke
• Wallace Henry Hartley
• John Law Hume
• Georges Alexandre Krins
• John Wesley Woodward

These men, bound by their love of music and duty to their passengers, would play together for the last time on that fateful night.

How Did Clara Taylor’s Life Unfold After the Tragedy?

Following the loss of her husband, Clara Taylor’s life took several turns:

1. She received Percy’s estate in June 1912.
2. On August 24, 1918, Clara remarried to Albert Grafton Pearce (1869-1946), also a musician and concert artiste.
3. The couple moved to Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
4. Clara passed away in 1957, having lived 45 years beyond the Titanic disaster.

Percy Cornelius Taylor’s life, while cut tragically short, left an indelible mark on the Titanic’s history. His dedication to his craft and his ultimate sacrifice continue to resonate with people around the world, serving as a testament to the power of music and human courage in the face of adversity.