William Cahoone Johnson Jr.

William Cahoone Johnson Jr. was a 19 (nineteen) year-old American seaman who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster. Born on October 1, 1892, in Newark, New Jersey, Johnson was a promising young sailor whose career was cut short by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Background

What was William’s family like?

William Cahoone Johnson Jr. was born into a modest family in Newark, Essex, New Jersey. His parents were:

• Father: William Cahoone Johnson Sr. (born 1856), a bank clerk
• Mother: Amy Belmont Rogers (born 1868)

William had one older sister, Bessie, born on March 17, 1888. The family moved to Hawthorne, Passaic, New Jersey around 1899, where they appeared in both the 1900 and 1910 census records.

How did William start his career?

Young William’s career path took an interesting turn:

1. First job: Wells Fargo company in their New York offices
2. Entered marine service as a cadet on the American Line’s St. Paul around 1910
3. Rapidly advanced through the ranks
4. Transferred to the SS Philadelphia around 1911, serving as fourth quartermaster

By 1912, William was living at Diamond Avenue, Hawthorne, and continued working for the American Line aboard the Philadelphia. He was also actively involved in his community, being a member of:

• The local YMCA
• The Young People’s Club
• The Young Men’s Club of Hawthorne

Titanic Journey

Why was William on the Titanic?

William’s presence on the Titanic was an unexpected turn of events. A British coal strike caused scheduling problems, leading to the cancellation of the Philadelphia’s westbound voyage. As a result, William and several of his shipmates were forced to travel aboard the Titanic as passengers.

“I knew Johnson well when I was on the Philadelphia and when he shipped for home on the Titanic. I was well pleased to have his company, as he was a fellow anyone would like.” - William Henry Törnquist, a fellow seaman

What were the details of William’s Titanic ticket?

William boarded the Titanic at Southampton along with his shipmates:

• Andrew John Shannon
• August Johnson
• Johan Vilhelm Henrik Törnqvist
• Alfred John Carver
• Thomas Storey

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to William during the sinking?

According to accounts from survivors, William Johnson displayed remarkable bravery during the Titanic’s final hours:

• He was sleeping when the ship struck the iceberg but quickly went on deck
• An officer recognized him and assigned him to assist with the lifeboats
• Johnson helped load women and children into the lifeboats
• He reportedly refused a place offered to him in a lifeboat, insisting that women and children be saved first

A poignant moment was recounted by a survivor:

“Just as the boat I was in was about to be lowered, I called to Billy and told him to climb in, as I thought there was room. The captain at the time was rushing past and he turned and, seeing Billy, placed his hand on his shoulder and said: ‘Jump in, Kid, you might as well have a chance…’”

Despite this opportunity, William Johnson reportedly refused to enter the lifeboat, staying behind to help others.

What was the aftermath for William’s family?

The tragedy deeply affected the Johnson family:

• William’s father placed ads in local newspapers, desperately seeking information about his son
• Confusion arose due to William traveling under a pass ticket, causing his name to initially not appear on survivor or casualty lists
• William’s body, if recovered, was never identified
• His mother passed away in 1929, and his father sometime after
• William’s sister Bessie remained unmarried for many years before eventually marrying Ernest Lucas (born 1877)
• Bessie died in Passaic, New Jersey in 1981 at the age of 93 (ninety-three)

Legacy

How was William remembered?

William Cahoone Johnson Jr.’s short life left a lasting impression on those who knew him:

• He was known for his sterling character and quick rise through the ranks in his maritime career
• Chief Officer Candy of the Philadelphia thought “there was no one like Billy”
• On the Titanic, officers quickly took to him, with the captain affectionately calling him “Kid”
• His bravery during the Titanic’s final moments exemplified the “women and children first” ethos

William’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His selfless actions in the face of mortal danger continue to inspire, over a century after that fateful night of April 15, 1912.