Mr Richard James Slemen

Who was Richard James Slemen?

Richard James Slemen was a 35 (thirty-five) year-old English carpenter and second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on December 16, 1876, in Landrake, Cornwall, Slemen’s life was tragically cut short when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Slemen’s family like?

Richard James Slemen came from a working-class family in Cornwall, England. His parents were:

• Father: William Slemen (born 1830), a shoemaker
• Mother: Augusta Louisa Steed (born 1851), a dressmaker

Slemen had three siblings:

• Minnie Jane (1879-1884)
• Hilda Mary (born 1883)
• Arthur William (born 1888)

How did Slemen’s early years shape his life?

Slemen’s childhood was marked by family separations and early work experiences:

• In the 1881 census, at age 4, he lived with his mother and sister at his maternal grandfather’s home
• His father was listed separately, living with Richard’s paternal grandmother
• By age 14, Slemen had left school and was working as a page for a medical GP in St Germans, Cornwall

Career and Adult Life

What was Slemen’s profession?

Richard James Slemen followed in his family’s footsteps of skilled labor, becoming a journeyman carpenter. This profession would ultimately lead him to seek opportunities abroad, culminating in his fateful journey on the Titanic.

As a journeyman carpenter, Slemen demonstrated his commitment to his craft and his willingness to travel for work.

How did Slemen’s role in his family change over time?

After his father’s death in 1899, Slemen became the main breadwinner for his family. This responsibility likely influenced his decision to seek better opportunities in America.

The Titanic Journey

What were the details of Slemen’s Titanic voyage?

Richard James Slemen’s Titanic journey can be summarized as follows:

• Class: Second Class
• Ticket Number: 28206
• Fare: £10 10s (10 pounds, 10 shillings)
• Embarkation: Southampton
• Destination: Likely Nashua, New Hampshire, where he had relatives

Why was Slemen traveling to America?

While the exact reason for Slemen’s journey is not specified, it’s likely he was seeking better employment opportunities as a carpenter in the United States. His choice of Nashua, New Hampshire as a destination suggests he had a support network of family members already established there.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Richard James Slemen during the Titanic sinking?

Tragically, Richard James Slemen did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a second-class male passenger, his chances of survival were slim due to the “women and children first” protocol followed during the evacuation.

• Survival Status: Did not survive
• Body Recovery: If recovered, never identified

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Richard James Slemen remembered?

Although Richard James Slemen’s life was cut short at the age of 35 (thirty-five), his memory lives on:

1. A memorial to Richard Slemen exists on a family gravestone in the cemetery at Landrake, Cornwall.
2. His story contributes to the broader narrative of the Titanic’s second-class passengers, many of whom, like Slemen, were skilled workers seeking new opportunities.

What became of Slemen’s family?

The aftermath of the Titanic disaster affected Slemen’s family for generations:

• His mother, Augusta, passed away in 1921.
• His brother Arthur:
  • Married Lillian Clarke (born 1888)
  • Settled in LaSalle, Illinois
  • Had a daughter named Elizabeth in 1929
  • Moved to Riley, Kansas
  • Was widowed in 1979
  • Died on December 15, 1989, just shy of his 101st birthday

Richard James Slemen’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations cut short by the Titanic tragedy, representing countless others who embarked on journeys of hope only to meet an untimely fate.