Mr Arthur H. Gee
Courtesy Martin Gee, UK
Mr Arthur H. Gee, 47, was born in the Height, Manchester, the son of Mr Giles Gee. At the age of 3 he and his parents went to live in Schlusselburg near St Petersberg, Russia. Arthur returned to England at the age of 14 to study at Manchester Grammer School. From Manchester, Arthur went on to the Alsace, Germany where he studied the chemistry of calico printing and learnt to speak German and French.
When his education was complete he returned to Schlusselburg and joined the Schlusselburg Calico Printing Works Company which was owned by Anglo Russian Cotton Factories Co. Ltd. Arthur's father had long worked for the same firm. Arthur eventually rose to be manager and did not return to England until late 1911 or early 1912. He settled, with his wife Edith, and four children (one daughter, three sons), at Morningside, Riley Avenue, St. Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire. During his time at St Annes Arthur enjoyed playing golf on the Old Links.
Arthur Gee's employment with Messrs. Whitehead, Summer, Harker, and Company, machinery exporters, of Deansgate, Manchester, led him to be appointed manager of a print works (?linen mill) at Atlixco near Mexico City. One article suggested he may have planned to retire after his return from Mexico.
Gee bought his ticket fromWhitehall, Summen, Hanber & Co. and boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a first class passenger (ticket number 111320, £38 10s), he occupied cabin E-63. He had intended to sail from Liverpool, but when it was suggested that he might transfer to the Titanic, he changed his mind.
| At St Annes, he kept a dog, which usually reserved its most affectionate demonstrations for Mr Gee's children. Mr Gee, in the course of his business, made frequent journeys from home, but his going and comings were apparently regarded with unconcern by the dog. On the occasion of his departure to embark at Southampton, however, the dog followed the cab to the railway station, and at the station jumped about Mr Gee in so demonstrative a fashion that he remarked on the strangeness of the incident to a friend who was seeing him off, and said how remarkable it was that the dog should appear to know that he was going on a long voyage. St. Annes on the Sea Express, April 19th 1912 |
Courtesy Martin Gee, UK
In a letter posted at Queenstown he wrote:
| On board the R.M.S. Titanic, April 10th 1912.
|
During the voyage Arthur kept a diary about the voyage, in the form of a letter. The letter continues for 8 pages right up to when the ship sinks, Arthur records the daily mileage of the ship, details about the food and people he meets. He records how, on April 13 he was moved to another cabin by a steward because he wanted a porthole. The cabin was arranged for 4 people, with two wardrobes, large sofa, chest of drawers, 3 electric lights, electric fan and heater. The porthole was 15 ft from the water line.
Courtesy Martin Gee, UK
On board the Titanic Arthur got to know his fellow passengers Charles C. Jones and Algernon Barkworth. He sat with them in the smoking room on the night of the sinking. They were deep in conversation about roadbuilding. Jones and Gee eventually retired but Barkworth decided to stay up for a while.
Although he was reported to be a strong swimmer Arthur Gee died in the sinking, a letter, survives from Algernon Barkworth, a survivor on Collapsible B, which records his last moments.
Arthur's body was later recovered by the MacKay Bennett (#275).
| NO. 275. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 60. DARK HAIR & MOUSTACHE. CLOTHING - Brown overcoat; dress pants; Tuxedo suit. EFFECTS - Silver watch; gold chain; silver cigarette case; knife; pen; pipe; glasses; case; pocketbook; two rings, one left on; cuff links; £15 in notes; initials on shirt "A. G." NAME - ARTHUR GEE. |
The body was sent to New York on 9 May 1912, and were transported to Liverpool aboard the Baltic. Arthur Gee was buried at The Church Cemetery, Irlam O'The Heights, Manchester next to his father's grave. The gravestone which stood for some time was later removed and the area grassed over.
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References and Sources
Record of Bodies and Effects: Passengers and Crew, S.S. Titanic (Public
Archives of Nova Scotia) (#275)
Probate
Report
Contract Ticket List, White Star Line 1912 (National Archives, New York;
NRAN-21-SDNYCIVCAS-55[279])
Brian Ticehurst (1996) Titanic''s Memorials World-wide: Where they are
Located. ISBN 1 871733 05 7
Credits
Martin Gee, UK
Brian Ticehurst, UK
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Summary
Age: 47 years
Last Residence: in St. Annes-on-Sea England
1st Class passenger
First Embarked: Southampton on Wednesday 10th April 1912
Ticket No. 111320 , £38 10s
Cabin No. E63
Died in the sinking.
Body recovered by: Mackay-Bennett (No. 275)
Buried: The Church Cemetery, Irlam O'The Heights, Salford Manchester England on Monday 20th May 1912.
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Other Information
Probate Report