Mr Thomas Pears

Who was Thomas Pears?

Thomas Pears was a 29 (twenty-nine) year-old English businessman and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on May 7, 1882, he was a prominent figure in the Pears soap manufacturing company and tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Thomas Pears’ family legacy?

Thomas Pears came from a distinguished lineage in the soap manufacturing industry. He was:

The fourth son of Andrew Pears
Great-great-grandson of Andrew Pears, founder of A & F Pears Ltd
Grandson of Francis Pears, whose initials formed part of the company name

Unlike his eldest brother Francis, who ventured into rubber plantations in Burma, Thomas chose to follow in the family’s soap-making footsteps.

Career and Business Ventures

How did Thomas Pears contribute to the family business?

Thomas Pears joined the family soap manufacturing firm in 1903, quickly rising through the ranks:

Appointed manager of the Lanadron Works in Isleworth
Director of Lanadron Rubber Estates Ltd, a subsidiary firm
Responsible for the profitable operation of Isleworth Works
Managed Lanadron Rubber’s estates in Malaya

His business acumen and leadership skills made him a respected figure in the company and local community.

Personal Life and Interests

Thomas Pears married Edith Wearne on September 15, 1910. The couple resided at “Mevagissey” on St Johns Road, Isleworth, Middlesex. They were active members of their community:

Worshipped at St John the Baptist Church, Woodlands, Isleworth
Thomas was proposed as a sidesman at the church
Had a wide circle of friends in the neighborhood

What were Thomas Pears’ sporting achievements?

Thomas was not just a businessman but also an avid sportsman:

Supported the Pears’ Athletic Club
Participated in motor car and motorcycle races
Won two gold medals for long-distance car races:
1. ‘The 23 Hours Run, London - Edinburgh’ on May 28-29, 1908
2. ‘The 24 Hours Run, London to Edinburgh’ on June 5th and 6th, 1908

These medals were later mounted as table napkin rings, inscribed with ‘T.P’ and ‘E.P’ respectively.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Thomas Pears on the Titanic?

In 1912, three years after his father’s death, Thomas Pears embarked on a journey across the Atlantic. His purpose was likely to explore potential sites for his company’s expansion into America. He boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger.

Journey Details:

Ticket number: 113776
Fare: £66 12s
Cabin: C-2 (shared with his wife Edith)

The Fateful Night

On April 13, 1912, at 6:05 p.m., a radio message was sent from the Titanic via the S.S. Potsdam to the company’s Isleworth Works:

“All well, telephone Hampstead and Pyrford”

This message, which wouldn’t arrive until 1:30 p.m. on April 15, led to considerable confusion about the Pears’ fate.

What happened to Thomas and Edith Pears during the sinking?

The night of April 14-15, 1912, brought tragedy to the Pears family:

Edith Pears was rescued in lifeboat 8
Thomas Pears did not survive the sinking

The confusion about their fate continued for days, with conflicting reports reaching Isleworth:

Initial assumption that both had been saved
A cable from the Carpathia stating “Edith safe, all hope for Tom”
A second cable reporting both were lost
A final cable confirming Edith’s survival and Thomas’s death

Legacy and Remembrance

How was Thomas Pears remembered?

The loss of Thomas Pears was deeply felt in his community:

A memorial service was held on Sunday, April 21, at St John’s, Isleworth
About 1,200 people attended, including many from his local workforce
Collections from the service were donated to local charities he had supported

Financial Legacy:

Probate was registered on August 19, 1912
Effects valued at £16,763 10s 7d were left to John and Roland Pears

Thomas Pears is commemorated on the family memorial at Isleworth Cemetery, Middlesex, serving as a lasting tribute to his life and the tragic circumstances of his death aboard the Titanic.