Mr Stephen Hold

Who was Stephen Hold?

Stephen Hold was a 44 (forty-four) year old English clerk and second-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on January 24, 1868, in Porthoustock, Cornwall, Hold’s life journey took him from England to America and back again, ultimately leading to his tragic fate on the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Background

A Naval Family Heritage

Stephen Hold came from a family with strong naval ties:

• Born to Stephen Hold (1835-1876), a Warrant Officer in the Royal Navy
• Mother: Anna Maria Connor (1845-1920) of St Mawes
• Second of four siblings:
  1. Henrietta (b. 1866)
  2. Stephen (b. 1868)
  3. Arthur Wallace (b. 1872)
  4. Emma (b. 1875)

Childhood and Early Career

Hold’s early years were marked by frequent moves and an early start to his career:

• 1871: Living in Charlotte Terrace West, Stoke Damerel, Devon
• 1876: Father passed away, leaving the family behind
• 1881: Family moved to Devonport, Devon
• February 22, 1883: Apprenticed into the Royal Navy in Liverpool at a young age

A Life Across Two Continents

“Hold’s movements over the following decades are difficult to ascertain…”

Stephen Hold’s life took an interesting turn as he moved between England and America:

1. 1900: Working as a sign painter in San Francisco, California
2. July 29, 1909: Returned to Britain aboard the Adriatic
3. October 18, 1909: Married Margaret Annie Hill in Cornwall
4. November 17, 1909: Returned to America with his new wife aboard the Teutonic
5. 1910: Settled in Sacramento, California

Professional Life in America

In Sacramento, Hold established himself in various roles:

• Garage chauffeur
• Member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
• President of the Order of the Sons of St George
• Chauffeur for Captain W. H. Bradley (since 1908)
• Electric bus driver for the Hotel Sacramento

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why did the Holds return to England?

In November 1911, the Holds departed California due to the reported illness of either Mrs. Hold or a relative in England. They arrived in Southampton on December 16, 1911, aboard the Olympic.

The Decision to Return to America

A card sent to his employer in April 1912 indicated their imminent return to Sacramento. Interestingly, this card was posted from Liverpool, suggesting a possible change in their travel plans.

Boarding the Titanic

The Holds embarked on the Titanic at Southampton:

• Class: Second Class
• Ticket Number: 26707
• Fare: £26 0s for both
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

Fate During the Disaster

Stephen Hold did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. In his will, he left $4000 to his widow, Annie Margaret Hold.

Legacy

While Stephen Hold’s life was cut short at the age of 44 (forty-four), his story provides a glimpse into the lives of those who traveled between England and America in the early 20th century. His experience as a Titanic passenger serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives impacted by this historic tragedy.

Margaret Hold, Stephen’s widow, later returned to England and remarried. She passed away in 1960, carrying with her the memory of her husband and their shared journey on the Titanic.