Mr William James Elsbury

Who was William James Elsbury?

Mr William James Elsbury was a 48 (forty-eight) year-old English farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on September 3, 1863, in Stoke St Gregory, Somerset, England, Elsbury had built a successful life as a farmer in Illinois before his fateful journey aboard the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Background

A Somerset Upbringing

William James Elsbury was born into a farming family in Somerset, England. His parents were:

• James Elsbury (1823-1893): An agricultural labourer
• Mary Ann Pope (1828-1906)

Growing up with seven siblings, William was part of a large family deeply rooted in Somerset’s agricultural community. His siblings included:

• Ellen (b. 1849)
• Sarah (b. 1851)
• Elizabeth (b. 1854)
• Mary Jane (b. 1857)
• Rosina (b. 1859)
• Sophia (b. 1861)
• John (b. 1866)

From English Labourer to American Farmer

William’s early years were spent following in his father’s footsteps as an agricultural labourer. However, his life took a significant turn when he decided to emigrate to America in 1881, at the age of 18 (eighteen).

“According to US census records William, or James as he preferred to be known, emigrated around 1881 and settled in Gurnee, Lake County, Illinois where he acquired a 105 acre farm.”

This bold move would shape the rest of Elsbury’s life, leading him to:

1. Establish a successful 105-acre farm in Gurnee, Lake County, Illinois
2. Meet and marry his wife, Eliza Jane Hucker
3. Raise a family of four children

Family Life in America

Marriage and Children

James Elsbury, as he preferred to be known in America, married Eliza Jane Hucker around 1889. Eliza, born on September 20, 1862, was the daughter of English immigrants George and Emma Hucker. The couple had four children:

A Prosperous Farming Life

The Elsbury family thrived in their new American home. James continued his work as a farmer, eventually joined by his two elder sons. Their success in the local community was a testament to James’s hard work and determination since his arrival in the United States.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was William James Elsbury on the Titanic?

In November 1911, James returned to Somerset, England, to help his younger brother John settle their deceased parents’ financial affairs. This trip was meant to be temporary, with plans to return to Illinois in March 1912.

However, fate intervened when James learned of the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. Intrigued by the opportunity to sail on this magnificent new ship, he changed his plans and booked passage on the Titanic for his return journey to America.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 3902
• Fare: £7 5s
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

What happened to William James Elsbury during the Titanic disaster?

Tragically, William James Elsbury did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the age of 48 (forty-eight), he became one of the many victims of this historic disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

The Impact on His Family

The loss of James Elsbury had a profound impact on his family:

• His widow, Eliza, never remarried
• Eliza continued to live in Lake, Illinois, with their daughter Bernice
• They also spent time in Rice Lake City, Wisconsin
• Eliza passed away on September 16, 1946, just days before her 84th birthday

Memorials and Remembrance

James Elsbury is remembered in several ways:

1. His name is commemorated on his wife’s headstone in Warren Cemetery, Lake, Illinois
2. A memorial to James exists on a gravestone in the Taunton, Somerset area
3. A photograph of James, taken during his visit to England, was published in the Lake County Independent on May 10, 1912, serving as a poignant reminder of his life

Legacy of the Elsbury Family

Despite the tragic loss of their patriarch, the Elsbury family showed remarkable resilience. All four of James and Eliza’s children lived long lives, with each reaching their late 80s or 90s. This longevity stands as a testament to the strong foundation James and Eliza built for their family in America.

William James Elsbury’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives affected by the Titanic disaster, bridging two continents and leaving behind a legacy that spans generations.