Mr William Alfred Gaskell

Who was William Alfred Gaskell?

Mr William Alfred Gaskell was a 19 (nineteen) year-old English cooper who tragically lost his life as a second-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in 1893 in Toxteth Park, Lancashire, Gaskell was embarking on a journey to Montreal, Quebec when he became one of the many victims of the infamous maritime disaster.

Early Life and Background

A Lancashire Upbringing

William Alfred Gaskell, who preferred to go by Alfred, was born in the second quarter of 1893 at 20 Dexter Street, Toxteth Park, Lancashire, England. He was baptized on May 3, 1893, at St James Church in Toxteth. Alfred came from a working-class family with strong ties to the cooperage trade.

Family Roots

Alfred’s parents were:

• Father: Thomas Harrison Gaskell (1859-1933), a cooper
• Mother: Eliza Gaskell (née Brideson) (b. 1865)

Both of his parents were Liverpudlians who married in 1890. Alfred was one of five siblings:

1. Annie Isabella (b. 1891)
2. Florence Edna (b. 1895)
3. Thomas Brideson (1897-1970)
4. Ethel (b. 1901)

Following in His Father’s Footsteps

The 1911 census described Alfred as an apprentice cooper, indicating that he was learning the trade of barrel-making from his father. This traditional craft was a respected profession in an era when barrels were essential for storing and transporting goods.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Alfred Gaskell on the Titanic?

Alfred boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger. He was traveling with Joseph J. Fynney, a rubber merchant in his 30s. The pair were bound for Montreal, Quebec, where Fynney had family connections.

Ticket and Fare Details

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Alfred Gaskell on the night of April 14, 1912?

Tragically, both Alfred Gaskell and Joseph Fynney perished in the sinking of the Titanic. The disaster occurred on April 15, 1912, marking the end of Alfred’s life at the young age of 19 (nineteen).

Alfred’s body, if recovered, was never identified.

This somber fact underscores the magnitude of the tragedy and the difficulties faced by families in finding closure.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Alfred Gaskell remembered?

While Alfred Gaskell’s life was cut short, his story lives on as part of the larger narrative of the Titanic disaster. He represents the many young lives lost in the tragedy, particularly those from working-class backgrounds who were seeking opportunities abroad.

Alfred’s connection to the cooperage trade also serves as a reminder of the traditional crafts and industries that were an integral part of early 20th-century British society.

Gaskell’s Place in Titanic History

As a second-class passenger and victim of the Titanic disaster, Alfred Gaskell’s story contributes to our understanding of:

• The diverse backgrounds of Titanic passengers
• The impact of the disaster on working-class families
• The dreams and aspirations of young people seeking new opportunities in North America

Alfred Gaskell’s tragic fate aboard the Titanic serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching consequences of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.