Mr Samuel Dennis

Who was Samuel Dennis?

Samuel Dennis was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old English farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on June 17, 1889, in Cornwall, England, Dennis was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey to start a new life in Canada when disaster struck.

Early Life and Background

Cornish Roots

Samuel Dennis was born and raised in the picturesque county of Cornwall, England. His early years were spent at Treyeo Farm in the North Cornwall parish of Launcells, where his father, William Henry Dennis, worked as a farmer. Samuel’s mother, Mary Arabella Dennis (née Sobey), helped raise him alongside his siblings:

• Elizabeth
• Olive
• William
• A younger brother (name unknown)

By 1894, the Dennis family had relocated to Leigh Farm in Week St Mary, Cornwall. This move would later prove significant as it was from this location that Samuel would embark on his fateful journey.

The Decision to Emigrate

What inspired Samuel Dennis to leave Cornwall?

Samuel’s decision to emigrate was influenced by his relatives, Lewis Richard Braund and Owen Harris Braund from nearby Bridgerule, Devon. These family members had connections in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, specifically a relative named Leonard Lovell. The promise of opportunity in the Canadian prairies was a compelling reason for Samuel to leave his home in Cornwall.

Titanic Journey Details

Embarkation and Travel Companions

Samuel Dennis boarded the Titanic at Southampton after a long train journey from North Cornwall. He was part of a larger group that included:

• His brother, William Dennis
• Relatives John Hall Lovell (from Ashbury, Devon) and John Henry Perkin (from Holsworthy, Devon)
• Susan Webber, a family friend from North Tamerton, Cornwall

Ticket and Accommodation

Samuel’s third-class ticket was likely purchased from Mr. Hawking, the Bude White Star agent. It is believed that he shared a cabin with John Lovell during the voyage.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Samuel Dennis on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Samuel Dennis did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of reaching a lifeboat were significantly reduced. The chaos and confusion of that fateful night, combined with the shortage of lifeboats, sealed his fate.

Samuel Dennis was lost in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

This stark statement underscores the tragic end to a young life full of promise and ambition.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Samuel Dennis’s life was cut short at just 22 (twenty-two) years old, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many dreams and aspirations that were lost with the Titanic. He is remembered as one of the many third-class victims whose stories often went untold in the aftermath of the disaster.

Memorials and Tributes

Although Samuel’s body was never recovered or identified, his name lives on through:

• Memorials dedicated to Titanic victims in Cornwall
• Genealogical records and family histories
• Historical accounts of the Titanic disaster

Samuel Dennis’s story, intertwined with those of his traveling companions, provides a glimpse into the lives of rural English emigrants seeking new opportunities abroad in the early 20th century. His tragic fate on the Titanic serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those in search of a better life.