Thomas Henry Davison

Thomas Henry Davison, also known as “Harry,” was a 32 (thirty-two) year-old English blacksmith who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on February 27, 1880, in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England, Davison was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling with his wife Mary Elizabeth Davison.

Early Life and Family Background

Who were Thomas Henry Davison’s parents?

Thomas was born to Thomas Cook Henry Davison (1859-1931), a corn miller, and Sarah Ann Long (1856-1935). Both of his parents were natives of Wiltshire and had married in 1876. Thomas was one of eleven children in the Davison family.

Siblings and Childhood

Thomas grew up in a large family, with ten known siblings:

• Frederick George (b. 1876)
• Louisa Ellen (b. 1878)
• Ralph Herbert (b. 1882)
• Sarah Annie (b. 1885)
• John Robert (b. 1887)
• Daniel (b. 1889)
• Albert Edward (b. 1893)
• Francis Nelson (b. 1895)
• Charles Ethelbert (b. 1896)

The Davison family moved several times during Thomas’s childhood:

1. 1881: Living on Sheldon Road in Chippenham
2. 1891: Residing on Mansfield Road
3. 1901: Settled in Hardenhuish, Wiltshire, at Woodlands

It was during this time in Hardenhuish that Thomas began his career as a blacksmith.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1902, at the age of 22, Thomas married Mary Elizabeth Finkenagel, a native of Malmesbury, Wiltshire, born in 1878. The couple faced tragedy early in their marriage:

• They had two children, one named Thomas Henry (b. 1907)
• Both children sadly passed away in early infancy

By 1911, the Davisons were living at 32 Marshfield Road, Chippenham, as recorded in that year’s census.

Journey to America and Titanic Voyage

Why were the Davisons traveling to America?

The Davisons had previously spent time in Cleveland, Ohio around 1908. They had decided to return and settle permanently in Bedford, Ohio, leading to their fateful journey on the Titanic.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 386525
• Fare: £16 2s (16 pounds, 2 shillings)
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, Thomas’s actions were described as follows:

After the collision Thomas dressed and went out on deck to see what was the matter, later returning to fetch his wife and both heading topside.

This account shows Thomas’s concern for both investigating the situation and ensuring his wife’s safety.

Fate and Legacy

What happened to Thomas Henry Davison?

Tragically, Thomas Davison did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He was one of the many victims of the disaster, while his wife Mary was among the survivors. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Mary Elizabeth Davison’s Survival

Mary Elizabeth Davison, Thomas’s wife, managed to survive the sinking. Her survival story stands in stark contrast to her husband’s fate, highlighting the often arbitrary nature of who lived and who perished in the disaster.

Remembering Thomas Henry Davison

Thomas Henry Davison’s life, though cut short at the age of 32, is a testament to the dreams and aspirations of many who boarded the Titanic. His journey from Wiltshire to the decks of the Titanic represents the hopes of countless immigrants seeking new opportunities in America. While his life ended tragically, his story continues to be told, ensuring that he and other victims of the Titanic disaster are not forgotten.