Mr Percy Thomas Oxenham

Who was Percy Thomas Oxenham?

Percy Thomas Oxenham was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old English mason who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on October 4, 1889, in Aston, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, Oxenham was a second-class passenger on the ill-fated ship’s maiden voyage. His survival story and subsequent life in the United States offer a fascinating glimpse into the experiences of Titanic survivors.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Percy Oxenham’s family like?

Percy Oxenham came from a large working-class family in England. Here are some key details about his background:

• Parents: Charles Edward Oxenham (1852-1920) and Phoebe Josebury Bond (1854-1920)
• Father’s occupation: Stonemason
• Number of siblings: Ten
• Notable siblings:
  • Charles Thomas George (b. 1874)
  • Edward George (b. 1875)
  • Charlie (b. 1880)

Where did Percy grow up?

Percy’s early years were spent in various locations:

1. Born in Aston, Birmingham
2. Moved to Enfield, Middlesex shortly after birth
3. Lived at Redburn Cottage in Enfield (1891 census)
4. Resided at 86 South Street, Ponders End, Middlesex (1911 census)

Titanic Journey

Why was Percy Oxenham on the Titanic?

Percy boarded the Titanic as a second-class passenger at Southampton on April 10, 1912. His destination was New Dunham, New Jersey, where his brother Charlie resided. Oxenham’s ticket (number 14260) cost £10 10s, a significant sum at the time.

“He was one of the second cabin passengers and when the crash came he was in bed asleep. He said that he hastily dressed himself, putting on trousers, shirt and a coat, and came out on deck.” - Perth Amboy Evening News, April 26, 1912

Who did Percy know on board?

During the voyage, Percy made some notable acquaintances:

1. Walter Harris: A close personal friend of Percy’s elder brother Charles
2. Samuel Ward Stanton: A fellow passenger whom Percy was pleased to meet

The Fateful Night

How did Percy Oxenham survive the Titanic disaster?

Percy Oxenham’s survival story is both dramatic and fortunate:

1. He was asleep when the ship struck the iceberg
2. Upon waking, he quickly dressed and went on deck
3. Oxenham assisted in placing life belts on some women
4. An officer asked if he could handle an oar
5. He was placed in one of the last lifeboats to leave the ship (possibly lifeboat 13)
6. After rowing for six hours, they were rescued by the Carpathia

Life After the Titanic

Where did Percy settle after the disaster?

Following his rescue, Percy Oxenham’s life took several turns:

1. Initially stayed with his brother Charles in New Dunham, New Jersey
2. Visited his brother Theodore in Pleasant Plains, Staten Island
3. Attended a Titanic memorial in Tottenville with fellow survivor Mary Davis
4. Settled in North Bergen, Hudson, New Jersey by 1915
5. Moved to Vineland, Cumberland, New Jersey around 1924

Did Percy Oxenham start a family in America?

Yes, Percy married and started a family in the United States:

• Married Elsie Henny (b. November 24, 1896) around 1916
• Had one daughter, also named Elsie (b. 1917)
• Elsie later married Lawrence “Larry” Jackson

Career and Later Life

Percy Oxenham had a varied career after settling in the United States:

How did the Titanic affect Percy’s later life?

The Titanic disaster had a lasting impact on Percy Oxenham:

• He initially declared he would never cross the ocean again
• Continued to give interviews about his experiences for many years
• Became part of the community of Titanic survivors in the United States

Percy Oxenham’s Final Years

Percy Thomas Oxenham passed away on April 8, 1954, in Vineland, New Jersey, at the age of 64 (sixty-four). He was buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Millville, New Jersey. His widow, Elsie, survived him by nearly a decade, passing away on January 10, 1964.

As one of the Titanic’s second-class survivors, Percy Oxenham’s story provides a unique perspective on the disaster and its long-term effects on those who lived through it. His journey from an English stonemason to a Titanic survivor and eventually a long-time resident of New Jersey encapsulates the dramatic life changes experienced by many who were touched by the tragedy of the Titanic.