Mr Thomas William Solomon Brown

Who was Thomas William Solomon Brown?

Thomas William Solomon Brown was a 60 (sixty) year-old South African hotelier who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on July 13, 1851, in Kuilsrivier, Western Cape, Brown was a second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling with his wife and daughter as they sought to start a new life in Seattle, Washington.

Early Life and Background

A South African Upbringing

Thomas Brown was born into a family with strong ties to South Africa. His father, James Solomon, was a storekeeper originally from Greenwich, Kent, while his mother, Harriet Holloway, hailed from London, England. Brown was christened on August 25, 1851, in Cape Town, following the Church of England tradition.

Family Ties

Brown’s family included several siblings:

Edward William (born March 28, 1854)
John Andrew (May 11, 1857 - April 15, 1908)
Elizabeth Maria Charlotte (born September 2, 1858)

Professional Life and Marriages

First Marriage and Children

On May 6, 1873, Thomas Brown married his first wife, Gracilda Isabella Willoughby, at St. John’s Church in Cape Town. Their union produced five children:

William James (1875-1875)
Lillian Henrietta (born April 26, 1878)
Harriett Elizabeth Maria (born May 27, 1880)
Thomas Andrew Ralph (born February 18, 1882)
Ernest Herbert Willoughby (January 28, 1886 - April 29, 1914)

Second Marriage and Career Change

Following the death of his first wife in November 1889, Brown married Elizabeth Catherine Ford on August 11, 1890. At the time of this marriage, he was listed as a storekeeper. The couple had two children:

Edith Eileen (born October 27, 1896)
Dorothy Beatrice (October 9, 1899 - October 16, 1906)

“He had been a hotel manager in South Africa but business had declined so he had decided to resettle in Seattle, Washington where his sister-in-law lived.”

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Browns board the Titanic?

The Brown family decided to embark on the Titanic’s maiden voyage due to declining business prospects in South Africa. They saw an opportunity for a fresh start in Seattle, Washington, where Brown’s sister-in-law resided.

Boarding Details

Date of Embarkation: April 10, 1912
Port of Embarkation: Southampton
Passenger Class: Second Class
Ticket Number: 29750
Fare: £39

The family’s accommodations on the ship were as follows:

Mrs. Brown and Edith Eileen shared a four-berth cabin with two other ladies
Mr. Brown was accommodated in a separate cabin

The Fateful Night

How did Thomas Brown face the disaster?

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, Thomas Brown exhibited remarkable composure and selflessness. He ensured the safety of his wife and daughter by placing them in lifeboat 14.

“After the collision, Brown placed his wife and daughter in lifeboat 14 and stepped back, just smoking a cigar and awaiting his fate.”

This poignant image of Brown calmly smoking a cigar as he faced his impending doom speaks volumes about his character and the stoicism displayed by many men during the disaster.

Legacy

Thomas William Solomon Brown’s story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice exhibited by many during the Titanic tragedy. His actions ensured the survival of his wife, Elizabeth Catherine Brown, and daughter, Edith Eileen Brown, who went on to share their experiences and keep his memory alive.

Remembering Thomas Brown

Date of Death: April 15, 1912
Age at Death: 60 (sixty) years old
Body Recovery: Not identified

While Thomas Brown’s body was never recovered or identified, his legacy lives on through the accounts of his final moments and the survival of his family members. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster and the complex lives of those aboard the ship.