Mr Thomas Storey

Who was Thomas Storey?

Thomas Storey was a 59 (fifty-nine) year-old English seaman who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on January 29, 1853, in Rochdale, Lancashire, Storey had a long career at sea before becoming an unexpected passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic.

Early Life and Maritime Career

Humble Beginnings in Rochdale

Thomas Storey was born to Benjamin Storey, a boatman, and Maria Holt (née Dawson), a charwoman. His father hailed from Leicestershire, while his mother was a native of Rochdale. The 1861 census shows young Thomas living with his parents at 43 School Lane, Rochdale, the address of his birth.

A Life at Sea

Storey’s maritime career began in earnest when he left British shores in 1878, at the age of 25 (twenty-five). Upon arriving in the United States, he quickly found work as an able seaman for the American Line. His career at sea included:

• Serving aboard the Arizona
• Working for Cunard Line on several ships:
  • Scythia (1883-1886)
  • Pavonia (1887)
  • Gallia (1888)
• Returning to American Line to work aboard City of New York (1888-1890)

Rising Through the Ranks

Thomas Storey’s dedication to his maritime career led to significant achievements:

• Became a naturalized U.S. citizen on March 8, 1898
• Rose to the rank of master-at-arms
• Served aboard the St. Paul, as recorded in the 1910 U.S. census
• Later transferred to the Philadelphia

The Fateful Titanic Journey

How did Thomas Storey end up on the Titanic?

A twist of fate led Thomas Storey to board the Titanic. In April 1912, a British coal strike caused scheduling problems for many ships, including the Philadelphia, where Storey was stationed. As a result, Storey and several of his shipmates were forced to travel as passengers aboard the Titanic for their return journey.

“In April 1912 the British coal strike had caused scheduling problems and Philadelphia’s westbound voyage was cancelled, with Storey and several other shipmates forced to travel aboard Titanic as passengers.”

Titanic Boarding Details

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 370160
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton
• Fare: £7 5s

Fellow Shipmates on Titanic

Thomas Storey boarded the Titanic with several colleagues, all traveling in third class:

• Alfred John Carver
• August Johnson
• William Cahoone Johnson
• Andrew John Shannon (also known as Lionel Leonard)
• Johan Vilhelm Henrik Törnqvist (known as William Henry Törnquist)

The Titanic Disaster and Storey’s Fate

What happened to Thomas Storey during the sinking?

As a third-class passenger, Thomas Storey faced significant challenges in surviving the Titanic’s sinking. Unfortunately, he did not survive the disaster. His body was later recovered by the Mackay-Bennett, labeled as body number 261.

Recovery and Burial

The details of Thomas Storey’s recovery provide a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

Thomas Storey was laid to rest at Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 10, 1912.

Legacy of a Seasoned Mariner

Thomas Storey’s life and tragic death aboard the Titanic serve as a testament to the many experienced seafarers who found themselves passengers on the ship’s maiden voyage. His long career at sea, spanning multiple shipping lines and rising to the position of master-at-arms, highlights the respect and expertise he had gained in his profession.

The circumstances that led this 59-year-old mariner to become a third-class passenger on the Titanic underscore the unpredictable nature of fate. Storey’s story, along with those of his shipmates, adds a unique perspective to the Titanic’s passenger list, reminding us of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those aboard the ill-fated vessel.