Master Ralph Lester Wells

Ralph Lester Wells was a young second-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on December 15, 1909, in Newlyn, Cornwall, England, Ralph was just 2 (two) years old when he embarked on the ill-fated voyage with his mother and sister to join his father in America.

Early Life and Family Background

Who were Ralph’s parents?

Ralph was born to Arthur Henry Wells, a railway conductor from London, and Addie Dart Trevaskis, a dressmaker from Cornwall. His parents had married in 1907, and Ralph had one older sister, Joan, born in 1908.

Where did the Wells family live before the Titanic?

The Wells family’s life was marked by separation and migration:

Ralph’s father emigrated to Akron, Ohio in 1910
In 1911, Ralph, his mother, and sister were living at 24 Alma Place, Heamoor, Penzance
By April 1912, they had moved to Nevada Place, Heamoor

The Titanic Journey

How did the Wells family come to be on the Titanic?

The Wells family’s Titanic journey was a result of several factors:

They were reuniting with Ralph’s father in America
Originally booked on the Oceanic, they were transferred to the Titanic due to coal strikes
They boarded at Southampton as second-class passengers
Their ticket (number 29103) cost £23

Who did Ralph’s mother meet on board?

During the voyage, Addie Wells made acquaintances with other Cornish families, including:

Mrs. Agnes Davies and her family
Mrs. Emily Richards and her family

It’s likely that young Ralph spent time playing with the children of these families, including John Davies and William and Sibley Richards.

The Night of the Disaster

What happened to the Wells family when the Titanic struck the iceberg?

The night of April 14-15, 1912, was a harrowing experience for the Wells family:

They were asleep when the ship struck the iceberg
Addie awoke to a tremendous jolt and heard commotion
A friend warned them to dress quickly
They found several familiar passages locked as they tried to reach the upper decks
Upon reaching the boat deck, they were guided to lifeboat 14

“Dress quickly: there’s some trouble I believe, but I don’t know what it is.” - A friend’s warning to Addie Wells

How did they survive the sinking?

The Wells family was fortunate to be placed in lifeboat 14
Mrs. Wells described the lifeboat as extremely crowded
She stood holding her children in her skirts to keep them dry
On the rescue ship Carpathia, they reportedly slept on deck as Mrs. Wells refused to go below

Life After the Titanic

What happened to Ralph after arriving in America?

Upon arrival in New York City:

The family was met by Ralph’s father and uncle Abednego
They spent the night at the Star Hotel on Clarkson Street
The family then journeyed to Akron, Ohio

In Akron, Ralph’s life took shape:

He gained two younger brothers: Arthur Lovesy (1918-2008) and Charles Owen (1921-2002)
Ralph spent the rest of his life in Akron
He worked as a shipping and receiving clerk at George J. Myer Manufacturing
Socially, he was a member of the Eagles Aerie 2238 and later became president of the Grand Aerie Fraternal Order of Eagles

Did Ralph marry and have a family of his own?

Yes, Ralph did marry:

He wed Colina Troutman (née McDonald) on January 6, 1950, in Summit, Ohio
Colina was born in Scotland in 1915 and came to the USA in 1923
She had been previously married to Lee Troutman and had two children from that marriage
Ralph and Colina did not have any children together

Ralph’s Later Years and Legacy

When did Ralph pass away?

Ralph Lester Wells died suddenly on September 27, 1972, at the age of 62 (sixty-two). He was buried in Mt Peace Cemetery in Akron.

What became of his family?

Ralph’s widow, Colina, lived to the remarkable age of 101, passing away in 2016
His survival story as one of the youngest passengers on the Titanic has become part of the broader narrative of the disaster

Ralph Lester Wells’ life, from his early brush with tragedy on the Titanic to his long life in Akron, Ohio, serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of historical events on individual lives. His story continues to fascinate those interested in the human stories behind the Titanic disaster.