Philip Joseph Stokes

Who was Philip Joseph Stokes?

Philip Joseph Stokes was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old English bricklayer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on October 12, 1887, in Egham, Surrey, Stokes was a second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Family Background

A Bricklayer’s Son

Philip Joseph Stokes was born into a working-class family in Egham, Surrey. His father, also named Philip Joseph Stokes (born 1864), was a bricklayer by trade. His mother, Sarah Ann Ward (born 1863), was from London. The couple married in Egham in 1886, just a year before Philip’s birth.

Growing Up in a Large Family

Philip was the eldest of eight children, though sadly two of his siblings did not survive infancy. His surviving siblings were:

Albert (born 1892)
Lily (born 1895)
Rose (born 1897)
Maud Violet (born 1899)
Horace Alfred (born 1905)

Early Years in London

The 1901 census reveals that the Stokes family resided at 19 Russell Road, Peckham, London. Following in his father’s footsteps, Philip took up the trade of bricklaying, continuing the family tradition.

What Led Philip Stokes to Board the Titanic?

A Romantic Entanglement

Family lore suggests that Philip’s journey to America was prompted by a complicated romantic situation. He had apparently become involved with a young woman who was already engaged to another man. To diffuse the situation, his parents financed a trip to America to keep him occupied.

First American Adventure

In 1910, Philip crossed the Atlantic and spent time in Detroit, Michigan. His name appears on the 1910 census in that city, indicating he had established a temporary residence there.

An Unexpected Return

Interestingly, the young woman with whom Philip had been involved reconsidered her situation. She wrote to him, asking him to return to England. Heeding this call, Philip arrived back in England on December 13, 1911, aboard the Campania.

The Fateful Decision to Return to America

For reasons unknown, Philip decided to return to the United States in 1912. He booked passage on the Titanic, perhaps seeing it as an opportunity to travel on the world’s most luxurious ocean liner while making his way back to America.

Titanic Journey Details

Embarkation and Ticket Information

Philip boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, as a second-class passenger. His ticket number was 13540, which cost £10 10s (10 pounds, 10 shillings).

Last Known Address and Destination

Before embarking on his journey, Philip’s last known address was:

91 Hawstead Road, Catford, London

His intended destination in America was the home of his uncle, Philip O’Grady, in Kewanee, Illinois.

What Was Philip Stokes’ Fate During the Titanic Disaster?

Tragically, Philip Joseph Stokes did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, identified as Body No. 81. The description of his remains and effects provides a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

NO. 81. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 35. - HAIR, FAIR.
CLOTHING - Blue serge coat and trousers; grey cardigan; white shirt; flannel singlet.
EFFECTS - Gold watch and chain, and fob: pocket book; knife; keys; gold pin; silver match box; fountain pen; gold ring marked “P.S.”, cheque on Dominion Bank, payable at Windsor, Ont., for $243.12; memo book; Masonic button; photo; in purse. £11 9s. 8d., and 1 dime.

Philip’s body was buried at sea on April 24, 1912.

Legacy and Impact

Financial Aftermath

Philip’s estate, valued at £48, 12s, 6d, was administered to his father on May 24, 1912. The Titanic Relief Fund also provided financial assistance to his parents in the wake of the tragedy.

Family’s Later Years

Philip’s father, Philip Joseph Stokes Sr., spent his final days in the Oakcroft Rest Home in Grove Park, London. He passed away on February 4, 1951. The fate of Philip’s mother, Sarah Ann, remains uncertain.

What Can We Learn from Philip Joseph Stokes’ Story?

Philip Joseph Stokes’ life and tragic death aboard the Titanic serve as a poignant reminder of the many individual stories that make up the larger narrative of this historic disaster. His journey - from a bricklayer in London to a passenger on the world’s most famous ship - illustrates the dreams and aspirations of many who sought new opportunities across the Atlantic.

The personal effects found with his body, including the gold ring marked “P.S.” and the photo in his purse, hint at a young man with connections to home and possibly unfulfilled plans for the future. His story, like many others from the Titanic’s second-class passengers, reminds us of the diverse backgrounds and personal histories of those aboard the ship.

In remembering Philip Joseph Stokes, we honor not just his life, but the lives of all those who perished in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.