Edward Parsons

Mr Edward Parsons (Chief storekeeper, 1st class) was born in Barnstaple, Devon, England on 11 November 1874.

He was the son of James Hill Parsons (1839-1892) and Rebecca Williams (1841-1922), both Devon-natives who had married in Barnstaple on 2 October 1862. The family appear to have moved around a lot, living in different villages in Devon and Bristol before settling in Barnstaple around 1874.

Edward had five known siblings: Edith Palmer (1864-1946), Richard (1866-1942), James (1872-1946), Henry (1878-1952) and Mary Ann (1880-1937).

Edward first appears on the 1881 census when he and his family were living at 2 St John's Cottages in Bishops Tawton, Devon and his father was described as a passengers' guard. His father would be described as a provision dealer by the time of the 1891 census where by now the family were living at 15 Anstis Street, St Andrew, Plymouth with Edward having already left school and working as a shop assistant to his father. His father died the following year on 17 February 1892 and his mother later moved to Torquay where she died on 29 November 1922.

Just prior to the loss of his father Edward, aged just 16 (although he convinced those in authority that he was three years older), joined the Royal Navy on 16 September 1891 and would serve four trips aboard Swifture until 2 September 1893 when he was sent ashore, his services no longer required. Of excellent conduct, he stood at 5' 5½" and had light brown hair, grey eyes and a fair complexion. It may be surmised that he then joined the merchant service.

Edward was married in Liverpool in 1897 to Clara Russell (b. 1874 in Liverpool). The couple went on to have five children: twins Elsie and Charles Edward (b. 1898), Norman Richard (1900-1962), Ethel (b. 1903) and Brenda (b. 1910). He his wife and first three children appear on the 1901 census living at 5 Eleanor Road, Klondyke, Lancashire and he is described as a steamship storekeeper. He appeared to work exclusively for the White Star Line, serving on liners such as Oceanic, Teutonic and Majestic, among other ships in the Line.

The family moved to Southampton, perhaps around 1907, and their youngest child Brenda was born there¹. They appear on the 1911 census living at "Laurel Bank," 35 Hanley Road, Southampton and he was described as a marine storekeeper for the White Star Line.

When he signed on to the Titanic, in Southampton on 4 April 1912, he gave his address as 26 Roberts Road, Southampton and his previous ship as the Celtic. As chief storekeeper he could expect to earn monthly wages of £6.

Edward Parsons was lost in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Edward's estate, worth £451, 1s, 4d was administered to his widow on 11 May 1912.

PARSONS Edward of 26 Roberts Road Hill Lane Southampton died 15 April 1912 at sea Probate London 11 May 1912 to Clara Parsons widow. Effects £451 1s 4d.

His widow Clara also benefitted from the Titanic Relief Fund.

14 August 1913
Case number 550. That a sum of £2 be paid in lieu of Apprenticeship grant in respect of Elsie Parsons.

22 December 1913.
Case number 550. Parsons Clara, Widow. Parsons, Chas. Edward, child. Parsons, Elsie, child.
Case number C550. That payments of Secondary School fees to Skerrys College for one year be paid - total £8 8s 0d.

29 January 1914
Case number C550. That £1 per week be paid from the Compassionate Fund for Mrs. Parsons illness.
Parsons, Norman Richard, child. Parsons, Ethel, child. Parsons, Brenda Marjory, child. Russell, Elizabeth, mother-in-law.
All class B dependants.
Class B payments, weekly - widow £1.12.6d. children 6/3d, Mother-in-law 5s.

23 April 1914
Case number C550. The Committee resolved to increase allowance to 8/- per week. Apprenticeship Grant of £15 was authorised in respect of boy Edward Parsons.

She never remarried, remaining in Southampton and later living at 94 Newlands Avenue in that city. She died on 2 April 1931.