Joseph Jago

Joseph Jago was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England in 1853 and his birth was registered in last quarter of that year. He was the son of Joseph Jago (1822-1900) and Matilda Jane White (1828-1912). His father hailed from Cornwall and his mother from Portsmouth and they had married in 1846 in Portsmouth.

Joseph first appears on the 1861 census living at 6 Kings Street, Portsea, Hampshire with his parents and siblings: Caroline (b. 1847), Matilda (b. 1849), Helen (b. 1852), Thomas (b. 1856) and William (b. 1859).  His father was described as a shipwright. Joseph isn't present with his family on the 1871 census, who are still at the same address and have welcomed three more children: Philadelphia (b. 1871), Alfred (b. 1864) and Charles (b. 1868).

On the 1881 census Joseph is listed as a stoker in the Royal Navy aboard the Hector, positioned at that time in Valletta Harbour, Malta. He was listed as unmarried.

Joseph was married in Southampton in 1885 to Mary Ann Jane Hallam (b. 1859 in Portsmouth) but they would have no children.

On the 1891 census he and his wife Annie are living at 19 Elm Street, St Mary, Southampton. Joseph is listed as a steamship fireman and his wife as a stay maker. Husband and wife don't seem to appear on the 1901 census. By the time of the 1911 census Joseph and his wife are living at 47 Millbank Street, Northam, Southampton. Joseph is listed as a seaman and appears to be taking in lodgers as means of extra income.

When Joseph signed on to the Titanic, on 6 April 1912, he gave his address as 47 Millbank Street, Northam, Southampton and his previous ship as the Olympic. As a greaser he could expect to earn monthly wages of £6 10s.

Joseph Jago died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified. He is remembered in the St Augustine Church Memorial, Southampton.

Joseph's mother died a few months after his own death. Joseph's widow Annie never remarried and remained in Hampshire for the rest of her life before she died in Romsey in 1930 aged 70.