Mr Thomas Parnham Franklin

Who was Thomas Parnham Franklin?

Thomas Parnham Franklin was a 37 (thirty-seven) year-old English first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in Walthamstow, Essex, Franklin worked as a commercial traveller in the silk trade and was en route to Manhattan when he tragically perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

A Silk Industry Legacy

Born on May 9, 1874, Thomas Parnham Franklin was the eldest child and only son of Thomas Franklin and Jane Amelia Greaves. His father worked as a warehouseman in a silk factory, setting the stage for Thomas’s future career in the silk trade.

Family and Upbringing

Thomas grew up in a household with four sisters:

• Jenny Martha (born 1877)
• Edith Maud (1881-1938)
• Marian Ruby (1887-1928)
• Grace Minnie (1890-1959, later Jennings)

The Franklin family resided at various addresses in Walthamstow, including:

1. 27 Black Horse Lane (1881 census)
2. 51 Black Horse Road (subsequent census)

Career Progression

Thomas followed in his father’s footsteps, initially working as a silk warehouseman. By the time of the 1911 census, he had advanced to the position of commercial traveller in the silk trade, demonstrating his ambition and success in the industry.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Thomas Parnham Franklin on the Titanic?

Thomas boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, as a first-class passenger. He was traveling to Manhattan, likely for business purposes related to his work in the silk trade.

Titanic Ticket Details

Communication During the Voyage

During his journey, Thomas sent two postcards, both postmarked at Queenstown:

1. A postcard to his mother
2. Another postcard (recipient unknown)

In his postcard to his mother, Thomas mentioned having spoken to Bruce Ismay regarding the ship, providing a fascinating insight into his experience aboard the Titanic.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Thomas Parnham Franklin during the Titanic sinking?

Thomas Parnham Franklin did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a first-class male passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those of women and children, who were given priority in lifeboat allocation.

Recovery and Estate

• Body status: Not recovered
• Estate value: £1826, 17s, 9d
• Estate administrator: Alfred James Batley (accountant)
• Date of estate administration: July 18, 1912

Legacy and Family Aftermath

How did Thomas Parnham Franklin’s death impact his family?

The loss of Thomas would have been a significant blow to the Franklin family, particularly to his widowed mother, with whom he had been living prior to his fateful journey.

Mother’s Longevity

Despite the tragedy of losing her only son, Jane Amelia Franklin (née Greaves) lived a remarkably long life:

• Remained in Essex after Thomas’s death
• Passed away on June 21, 1943
• Lived to the age of 96 (ninety-six)

An Intriguing Connection

One of the most fascinating aspects of Thomas Parnham Franklin’s Titanic story is his interaction with Bruce Ismay, the chairman of the White Star Line. The fact that Franklin mentioned this encounter in a postcard to his mother suggests he was impressed by the experience and provides a unique personal connection to one of the most controversial figures associated with the Titanic disaster.