Joseph Charles Fillbrook (k/a as Charles) was born in Truro, Cornwall in 1894. He was the son of William Fillbrook, a mason by occupation and Kate (nee Vincent). He had five siblings, Edward John, William Arthur, George, Rose Hetta (k/a Rosetta) and John (k/a Jack).
The 1901 British census has Charles in Truro at home with his grandparents, Edward Fillbrook (b1837 London) and Mary Jane, nee Rose (b1838 Truro). Also at the house was his aunt Sarah and uncles, Edward and George.
On leaving school Charles had taken up an apprenticeship with a painter and decorator in Truro and this apprenticeship had been completed shortly before he travelled on Titanic.
Charles’ uncle George, the youngest son of Edward Fillbrook had emigrated to Michigan in the early 1900’s and it was he who sent Charles enough money to enable him to travel to America to meet up with him at his home in Hurontown, Michigan.