Mr William John Turpin

Who was William John Turpin?

William John Turpin was a 29 (twenty-nine) year-old English carpenter and joiner who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on August 1, 1882, in Plymouth, Devon, Turpin was a second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling with his wife Dorothy Ann from Southampton.

Early Life and Background

Family Roots in Devon

William John Turpin was born into a working-class family in Plymouth, Devon. His parents were:

Father: Jacob John Striker Turpin (1855-1925), a police constable turned builder
Mother: Mary Anne Halse “Annie” (1855-1942)

William was one of four children:

Louisa Kate (1880-1948)
William John (1882-1912)
Leonard George Richard (1890-1948)
Rodney Ben (1892-1930)

Childhood and Early Career

The Turpin family moved around Devon during William’s early years:

1891: Resided at 19 Sussex Road, Stoke Damerel, Devon
1901: Returned to Plymouth, living at 24 Beechwood Avenue

By 1901, the census records show that William had followed in his father’s footsteps, working as a carpenter while his father had transitioned to the building trade.

Masonic Connections

William Turpin was a freemason and a member of the Masonic brethren of the Lodge of St. George, No. 2025, Plymouth.

This connection to the Masonic community suggests that Turpin was well-regarded in his local society and had established professional networks.

Marriage and Life in America

Wedding Bells and New Horizons

On March 23, 1908, William married Dorothy Ann Wonnacott at the Eldad Presbyterian Church in Plymouth. The newlyweds initially settled at 59 Chaddlewood Avenue, Lipson, Plymouth.

American Adventure

Later in 1908, William secured work in the United States, prompting the couple to embark on a transatlantic adventure. They settled in Garfield, Salt Lake City, Utah, where they were recorded in the 1910 census. Despite their new life in America, the Turpins remained childless.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Return to England and Titanic Booking

In August 1911, William and Dorothy returned to England to visit their families. Their stay lasted several months, with William’s parents now residing at 36 Beaumont Road, Plymouth.

Boarding the Titanic

Original Plan: The Turpins had initially booked passage on the SS New York.
Change of Plans: Due to a coal strike, they were transferred to the RMS Titanic.
Embarkation: Boarded at Southampton
Class: Second Class
Ticket Number: 11668
Fare: £21

What Happened on the Night of the Sinking?

On the tragic night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic was sinking, Second Officer Lightoller encountered a couple from the West Country during the late stages of the evacuation. When advised that lifeboats were still available, the woman reportedly replied, “Not on your life.” It’s believed this brave couple may have been William and Dorothy Turpin.

The Turpins’ Fate

Sadly, both William and Dorothy perished in the disaster. Their bodies were never recovered from the icy Atlantic waters. William was just 29 (twenty-nine) years old at the time of his death.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

The loss of William and Dorothy Turpin in the Titanic disaster deeply affected their families back in England. Here’s how the tragedy impacted the Turpin family:

Family Member	Relation	Date of Death	Age at Death
Jacob John Striker Turpin	Father	1925	70
Mary Anne Halse “Annie”	Mother	1942	86
Leonard George Richard	Brother	June 22, 1948	58
Louisa Kate	Sister	November 3, 1948	68
Rodney Ben	Brother	June 30, 1930	38

William’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic tragedy, leaving behind grieving families and unfulfilled dreams. His brief but eventful life, from his roots in Plymouth to his adventures in America and his final journey on the Titanic, encapsulates the spirit of ambition and exploration that characterized many passengers aboard the ill-fated ship.