Mr Ernest Edward Samuel Freeman

(Daily Sketch 18 April 1912)

Mr Ernest Edward Samuel Freeman, 43, was born in London.

When he signed-on to the Titanic, on 4 April 1912, he gave his address as 5 Hanley Road, (Freemantle, Southampton). His last ship had been the Olympic. He was listed as Chief Deck Steward on the Titanic but he was actually a secretary to White Star chairman J Bruce Ismay. He received monthly wages of £3 15s.

Freeman lost his life in the disaster, his body was recovered by the Mackay-Bennett (#239).

He was buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia on 10 May 1912 . The inscription on his grave reads:

(Bill Fowler, Canada)

"In Memoriam Ernest Edward Samuel Freeman, last surviving son of Captain S. W. Kearney Freeman, R.N., husband of Laura May Jane Freeman. Lost in the ''Titanic'' disaster, April, 15, 1912. He remained at his post of duty, seeking to save others. Regardless of his own life and went down with the ship. 239. Erected by Mr J. Bruce Ismay. To commemorate a long and faithful service".

A grave in Walton Park Cemetery, Rice Lane, Walton, Liverpool also remembers Freeman. The inscription reads: "Also Ernest Edward Freeman lost in the Titanic disaster April 15th 1912 aged 50 years".

Freeman was listed in the Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund Booklet, March 1913 as Number 406. His dependant were listed as Maria Jane Freeman, Gladys Dorothy, Colombatti and Helena Josephine.

Bruce Ismay, Chairman of the White Star Line, also made arrangements for a personal pension to be paid to Ernest Freemans relatives.

References and Sources
Agreement and Account of Crew (PRO London, BT100/259)
Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund Booklets and Minute Books
White Star Line (1912.) Record of Bodies and Effects (Passengers and Crew S.S. "Titanic") Recovered by Cable Steamer "MacKay Bennett"

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