After a bit of a hiatus I'm back to researching my ancestors and trying to pull some pieces together. So here goes...
Henry James Beauchamp is my Great Grandfather. I see there has been some discrepancy in his age (on most websites its listed as 28) he was in fact 42 years of age. Born in 1870 (although the census captured 1869) in London. He left behind his wife Harriot and two children, William and David and his siblings. His last known occupation (I'm aware of) was a Head Club Superintendant.
After his death, my Grt. Grandmother moved back nearer to her home birth place in the North of England until her death at the age of 80.
My grandfather (William) didn't speak much about the disaster, probably rather traumatized about the whole thing. He was 12 when his father perished and had to take on the role of "man of the house" at a young age. His brother, David, we lost touch with over the years and I'm in the process of locating relatives as I believe he's since deceased.
Again, I'm still doing research and have found out some interesting things on this website. Our family does hold an original Titanic postcard which my Grt. Grandfather sent to his two sons, although he ripped it in half (one half to each one) and must have sent it in a letter to his wife as there is no post mark on the card.
Also, we have a letter from Selena Cook (nee Rogers) she has it signed in her maiden name and as "Lena". This letter was sent to my Grt. Grandmother stating that Selena was the last living person to be in my Grt. Grandfather's company (hmmm, interesting huh?). It is a very eloquent letter and I don't know if my Grt. Grandmother ever responded.
As with many "true" descendants I'm interested to fill in some missing pieces. Obviously there's a lot we'll never truly know. Maybe I should post some of these separately under another thread so here goes:
1. Does anyone know who Percival Sharp was? I'm not sure what the connection (if any) there was with my Grt. Grandfather and him? Again, I haven't done much research on him yet.
2. There's mention of an "On Board Letter" which I was surprised at. I looked it up at Aldrige (?) auctions and it seems to be original. I would love to see a copy of this letter, does anyone have any ideas of how to do this? Again, its only for personal reasons and definately not for monetary. (It makes me sad about some of these "crooks" out there)! Agh!
3. There's mention of a "memorial" that Henry's brother posted - does anyone have a copy of this, I haven't come across it yet. I do have an original "memorial card" although its rather plain and only provides information about his death.
4. Records of the relief fund - I would be interested to pursue this. Any links someone can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Okay, I think that's it <phew>. I've managed to read some of the links here and looking forward to gaining more knowledge. When and if I come across anymore knowledge I will certainly post the information here.
Well, back to the living and my "little monsters" who are now shouting at me ...
Looking forward to hearing more!
