Stanley Harrington Fox: A Titanic Passenger’s Tragic Tale

Stanley Harrington Fox was a 38 (thirty-eight) year-old American businessman who lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a second-class passenger, Fox’s story provides a unique perspective on one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Background

From New York to Rochester: The Fox Family Journey

Stanley Harrington Fox was born on April 13, 1874, in Henrietta, Monroe, New York. He was the son of Charles Morton Fox, initially a grocer and later a carpenter, and Mary Elizabeth Harrington. Fox grew up alongside his older brother Morton R. and younger sister Mabel.

The Fox family’s journey can be traced through various census records:

• 1875: Living with grandfather Stephen Harrington in Henrietta
• 1880: Still in Henrietta, father now working as a carpenter
• 1892: Moved to Rochester, Monroe; Stanley, at 18, working as a clerk
• 1905: Stanley described as a machinist

Career and Family Life

Fox’s professional life evolved over the years:

1. Started as a clerk at 18
2. Worked as a machinist
3. Became a salesman for Rochester’s Gleason Works, selling machinery to automobile plants

In 1899, Fox married Cora Ellen Morton, daughter of a farmer from Erie, New York. The couple settled in Rochester and had two sons:

• Raymond H. (1901-1968)
• Clifford Stanley (1905-1967)

The Titanic Journey

Why Was Stanley Fox on the Titanic?

Stanley Fox had been on a business trip to Birmingham, England, before booking his return passage to America. He chose to travel on the RMS Titanic, embarking at Southampton on April 10, 1912.

Titanic Ticket Details

Interestingly, Fox celebrated his 38th birthday during the voyage on April 13, 1912, just two days before the tragic sinking.

The Night of the Disaster

A Fateful Card Game

On the night of April 14, 1912, Fox was socializing with fellow passengers in the second-class smoking room. His companion, Charles Whilems, later recalled:

“A party of four of us had been smoking and playing cards in the second cabin smoking room when the shock came… There was a man named Fox, a Texas ranchman, one other man, and myself. We felt a slight jar, and hastened to the deck. Even as we did so, we saw the iceberg, huge and white against the dark blue sea, go whizzing past on the starboard side of the ship, just clear of the stern. We returned immediately to the smoking room, and finished our game of cards. By that time we could hear many voices on deck, and again went out to learn what had happened…”

This eyewitness account provides a chilling glimpse into the initial moments of the disaster and the passengers’ initial lack of concern.

Fox’s Fate

Tragically, Stanley Fox did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, identified as body number 236.

The Aftermath: A Tale of Mistaken Identity

The Recovery of Fox’s Body

When Fox’s remains were brought to Halifax, Nova Scotia, a curious incident occurred:

1. A woman claiming to be Lydia Fox, Stanley’s sister-in-law, attempted to claim the body
2. Officials initially released the body and personal effects to her
3. A telegram from Mrs. Cora Fox instructed not to release the body to Lydia
4. The body was removed from the train en route due to suspicions of insurance fraud
5. Lydia Fox was indeed Stanley’s sister-in-law, married to his elder brother Morton

What Was Found With Fox’s Body?

The recovery report detailed Fox’s possessions:

• Clothing: Grey suit and overcoat
• Personal Effects:
  • Letter credit case
  • Memo books
  • Card case
  • £2 in gold
  • $65
  • Watch and chain
  • Pen
  • Nickel watch
  • 11 shillings
  • 25 cents
  • Comb

Final Journey Home

After the confusion was resolved, Fox’s body was finally sent to Rochester. His funeral took place on May 6, 1912, and he was laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Legacy

Stanley Harrington Fox’s story is a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His widow, Cora, never remarried and remained in Rochester until her death on October 22, 1941. She was buried alongside her husband, their shared grave a lasting testament to their tragically interrupted life together.

Fox’s experience as a second-class passenger on the Titanic provides valuable insights into the disaster’s impact on middle-class travelers, often overshadowed by accounts of first-class passengers and impoverished immigrants in third class. His story serves as a bridge between these narratives, offering a unique perspective on one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies.