Mr Samuel James Metcalfe Hocking

Samuel James Metcalfe Hocking was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old English painter and decorator who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, Hocking’s story provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who perished in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Background

Where was Samuel Hocking born?

Samuel Hocking was born on February 25, 1876, in Stoke Damerel, Devonport, Devonshire, England. He came from a large family, being one of eleven surviving children out of fourteen born to William John Head Hocking and Elizabeth Jane Gourd Maddock.

What was Samuel’s family background?

• Father: William John Head Hocking (b. 1851), a house decorator
• Mother: Elizabeth Jane Gourd Maddock (b. 1851)
• Siblings: William James, Thomas Bazeley, Horace Richard, Mabel Margery, Albert Charles, Elizabeth Jane, Frank Claud, Ann Ellen, Beatrice May, Margaret Holman, Ethel Louise, and Ernest Sydney

Samuel’s childhood home was at 3 Fore Street in Stoke Damerel, where his family resided during the 1881 and 1891 censuses. However, by 1901, the family had moved to Antony, Cornwall, before returning to Stoke.

Professional Life and Marriage

What was Samuel’s occupation?

Following in his father’s footsteps, Samuel initially worked as a house decorator. However, he later transitioned to become a confectioner, owning his own shop at 103 Fore Street, Devonport.

When did Samuel get married?

Samuel married Ada Ralph in 1900. The couple had four children, with only two surviving:

1. Dorothy Louisa (b. 1908)
2. Frank Claud Ralph (b. 1911)

The Titanic Journey

Why was Samuel traveling on the Titanic?

Samuel boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger on April 10, 1912. His destination was Middletown, Connecticut, where his brother Thomas Hocking resided at 98 Liberty Street. Samuel’s plan was to establish himself in America before his wife and children joined him later.

What were Samuel’s experiences on the Titanic?

During the early part of the journey, Samuel befriended a newly-married Cornish couple, John Henry and Sarah Chapman from St Neot. He wrote a heartfelt letter to his wife Ada on April 11, 1912, which was posted from Queenstown, Ireland. In this letter, he described his experiences on board:

It is a lovely morning with a high wind but no heavy seas, in fact it has been like a millpond so far but I expect we shall get it a bit stiffer in the Bay of Biscay if this wind continues. This will be the ship for you, you can hardly realise you are on board except for the jolting of the engines that is why it is such bad writing.

Samuel also mentioned his cabin arrangements and his thoughts on the journey:

I have a bunk to myself which is pretty lonely but still I would rather be alone than have a foreigner who I could not talk to. There are two beds in a bunk and a couch so when you come out, and I hope it will not be long, you will be able to manage with the two children splendid.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Samuel during the Titanic’s sinking?

Tragically, Samuel Hocking did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a second-class male passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first class or women and children. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

What happened to Samuel’s family after his death?

The loss of Samuel had a profound impact on his family:

• His widow, Ada, never remarried and lived in Plymouth until her death in 1939 at the age of 63.
• Their daughter, Dorothy, never married and passed away in Swindon, Wiltshire in 1979.
• Their son, Frank, married twice and had three children in total. He moved from Kent to Surrey, where he died in 2001 at the age of 90.

How was Samuel’s estate handled?

The administration of Samuel’s estate was completed on August 21, 1913. His effects, totaling £70, were passed to his widow Ada. The official record states:

HOCKING Samuel James Metcalfe of 101 Fore Street Devonport died 15 April 1912 at sea Administration London 21 August 1913 to Ada Hocking widow Effects £70

Samuel’s Brother in America

What became of Thomas Hocking, Samuel’s brother in America?

Thomas Hocking, the brother Samuel was en route to visit, lived in New York for the rest of his life. He married and had three children, passing away in 1944. It’s a poignant reminder of the life Samuel might have had if he had reached his destination.

Samuel James Metcalfe Hocking’s story serves as a touching reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His final letter to his wife, filled with hope and plans for the future, stands as a poignant testament to the dreams and aspirations of those who embarked on what was supposed to be a journey of new beginnings.