Mr William Morley

Who was William Morley?

William Morley was a 34 (thirty-four) year-old English carpenter who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on January 8, 1878, in Stoughton, Sussex, England, Morley had established a successful career in Hawaii before embarking on his ill-fated journey back to the United States aboard the Titanic.

Early Life and Family Background

A Sussex Upbringing

William Morley was born into a large family in rural Sussex. His parents, James Morley (born 1852) and Mary Mills (born 1853), were both natives of Fernhurst, Sussex, and had married in 1875. Shortly after William’s birth, the family relocated to Warblington in Hampshire.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

William was one of nine children in the Morley family:

• Ada (born 1876)
• Kate (born 1879)
• Albert (born 1880)
• Arthur (born 1882)
• Frederick (born 1883)
• Clement (1885-1959)
• Thomas (born 1886)
• Frances “Florence” Alice (born 1891)

Family Relocations and Occupations

The Morley family’s residences and occupations evolved over the years:

1. 1881: Living at Rowlands Castle in Warblington, Hampshire
2. 1891: Residing at Finchdeen Road Cottages
3. 1901: Family operated the George & Dragon Inn in Halfway Bridge, Lodsworth, Sussex
4. 1911: Settled at Lodsbridge Mill, Lodsworth

James Morley, William’s father, worked various jobs including woodman, coal merchant, and corn miller.

Career and Life in Hawaii

When did William Morley move to Hawaii?

William Morley emigrated to Hawaii in 1906, seeking new opportunities and adventures. By 1910, he had established himself in Hilo, where he became a well-respected carpenter in the community.

Notable Projects

Morley’s carpentry skills were highly valued, and he contributed to several significant buildings in Hilo:

• The community’s Masonic Hall
• The Hackfield Building

These projects helped cement his reputation as a skilled craftsman in the Hawaiian Islands.

The Titanic Journey

Why was William Morley returning to the United States?

After saving enough money, William Morley decided to return to England to visit his family in Lodsworth. Following this reunion, he planned to return to Hawaii via Sacramento, California, where his brother Arthur resided.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Date of Embarkation: April 10, 1912
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton
• Passenger Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 364506
• Ticket Cost: £8 1s (8 pounds, 1 shilling)

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, William Morley did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class.

William Morley was lost in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified.

What happened to William Morley’s estate?

Following his death, William Morley’s estate, valued at £92, was administered to his father on November 15, 1912.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is William Morley remembered?

1. Family Memorial: A grave in Petworth, Sussex, serves as a memorial to William Morley.
2. Namesake: His brother Arthur named his son, born in 1915, William in honor of his lost sibling.
3. Enduring Family Connections: Morley’s descendants continue to live on both sides of the Atlantic, preserving his memory.

Morley Family After the Tragedy

• William’s parents continued to live at Lodsbridge Mill in Sussex.
• His father, James Morley, passed away on February 17, 1933.
• The fate of his mother, Mary, remains unclear in the historical record.

William Morley’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster, leaving behind grieving families and unfulfilled dreams on both sides of the Atlantic.