Mr William John Berriman

Who was William John Berriman?

William John Berriman was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old English farm laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1889 in the hamlet of Hellesveor near St Ives, Cornwall, Berriman was a second-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely death.

Early Life and Background

A Cornish Upbringing

William John Berriman was born in early 1889 to John Berriman (b. 1862) and Sarah Brooking (b. 1860), both natives of St Ives, Cornwall. He grew up in a farming family, with his father working as a farmer in the small hamlet of Hellesveor. William had two siblings:

Lizzie Kate (b. 1887)
Samuel Henry (b. 1892)

Life Before the Titanic

Throughout his youth, William remained close to his roots:

Appeared on all census records from 1891-1911 living with his parents in Hellesveor
By 1911, he was described as a farm laborer, working for his father
Decided to emigrate to Calumet, Michigan, with intentions to work as a miner

The Titanic Journey

Why did William Berriman board the Titanic?

William Berriman boarded the Titanic at Southampton, embarking on what he hoped would be a journey to a new life in America. He was traveling with a friend, William Carbines, both seeking opportunities in the mining industry of Calumet, Michigan.

Titanic Ticket Details

Detail	Information
Class	2nd Class
Ticket Number	28425
Fare	£13

Dispelling a Myth

It is often suggested that Berriman was married to Carbine’s sister Annie Richards Carbines. William was unmarried and Annie Carbines was only 15-years-old in 1912.

This common misconception highlights the importance of verifying historical information, especially regarding Titanic passengers.

Fate During the Disaster

William John Berriman, like many others, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the young age of 23 (twenty-three), his life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Legacy and Family Tragedies

The Berriman family faced further heartbreak in the years following the Titanic disaster:

World War I Loss: William’s brother Samuel, serving in the 8th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment, was killed in action on September 4, 1916.
Parents’ Later Years: John and Sarah Berriman continued to reside in St Ives. Sarah passed away in 1943, followed by John in 1944.
Sister’s Life: Lizzie, William’s older sister, remained unmarried and lived until 1965.

How did the Titanic disaster impact small communities like St Ives?

The loss of William John Berriman illustrates the far-reaching impact of the Titanic disaster on small communities across the world. For the tight-knit farming community of Hellesveor near St Ives, the loss of a young man with aspirations for a better life in America would have been deeply felt. This tragedy, followed by the loss of William’s brother in World War I, underscores the profound effects of early 20th-century global events on local families and communities.

William John Berriman’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations cut short by the Titanic disaster, representing countless others who sought new opportunities across the Atlantic but never reached their destination. His life, though brief, continues to be remembered as part of the enduring legacy of the Titanic’s victims.