Mr William Albert Thomas Hebb was born in Southampton, Hampshire, England on 9 November 1889.
He was the son of William Hebb (1866-1934) and Mary Jane Jones (1868-1921). His father was from Winchester and his mother from St Laurence, Southampton and they had married in Southampton in early 1890 and had four children: Elizabeth Ellen (b. 1890), Frank Henry (b. 1900), Rose (b. 1906) and William.
Hebb first appears on the 1891 census living with his family at Oriental Terrace in Holy Rood, Southampton and his father is described as shipyard labourer.
The family have moved to 12 Cross Court by the time of the 1901 census. Sometime around 1908 Hebb joined the Royal Naval Reserves but he is not thought to have seen any service. On the 1911 census he is listed as living with his family at 5 Brewhouse Court, French Street, Southampton and described as being 22-year-old and unmarried, although no profession is stated.
When Hebb signed on to the Titanic he gave his age as 20, his address as 5 Bells Court, Southampton and his previous ship as the Olympic. Also serving on the Titanic was his brother-in-law Albert Sylvanus Hunt who was married to his sister Elizabeth, and Albert's brother Thomas Hunt, a fireman.
Albert Hunt and William Hebb (back row)
William Hebb survived the Titanic disaster, being one of around 20 men to have found refuge atop the overturned collapsible lifeboat B. He was not required to give evidence at either of the American or British Inquiries into the sinking and he returned to England and resumed a career at sea. He served in the merchant service throughout WWI and was still working at sea as of late 1924 when serving as a fireman aboard Ohio; he was then described as standing at 5' 9" and weighing 144lbs.
Hebb was married in 1916 in Southampton to Beatrice Larkin (b. 1892) and had two children, twin daughters Beatrice Ruby and Dorothea "Doris" Constance, born on 18 July 1922. His daughters would go on to marry brothers: Beatrice to Victor Stonier and Dorothea to John Stonier.
William Hebb reportedly battled with alcoholism in years after the Titanic disaster and this apparently contributed to his early death in Southampton on 16 June 1932. He is buried in Hollybrook Cemetery in Shirley, Southampton.
Southern Echo June 16, 1933 (Memoriam)
HEBB--In Loving Memory of a devoted husband and father, Albert William, who passed away June 16th 1932. "Tis not the tears the moment shed That tell of the hearts that are torn, But the lonely grief of the after years, Remembrance silently borne." -- His loving Wife and Children (Beatrice and Doris).
HEBB--In loving memory of our dear brother, William, called to rest June 16th, 1932--From Dad, Nin, Frank and Rose, and brothers-in-law Albert and Will. "Still to Memory Dear."
HEBB--In loving memory of William Hebb, the dear uncle of Arthur and Rose, who fell asleep 16th June, 1932. Ever in our Thoughts.
I am very fortunate to have such history in my family. I have Albert and Thomas Hunt and as far as my grandad is oncerned someone in his mothers side worked on the titanic as well someone Hebb, does anyone know of him, he was either a fireman or a trimmer?
Kelly! The same applies for Hebb like I've confirmed earlier with Albert Hunt. Best wishes Andrew W.
Kelly, A. Herb was a trimmer. On the Signing-on Sheets his age is listed as 20 and his address is given as 5 Bells Court, Southampton. His monthly wage is given as 5 pounds 10s. He survived the sinking. I hope that helps, Lester
Hi Kelly As I am a new member I have only just read your message regarding my grandfather Albert William Hebb, He was a Trimmer on the Titanic, He survived the sinking on top of the upturned collapsible B lifeboat, I believe he may have been Albert and Thomas Hunts brother in law.Please reply
Hello, Anthony--- Please note that Kelly's message was posted nearly four years ago and that she's no longer a registered member of this board. You may well not get a response from her.
Dear Mark Thankyou for the reply to my father's message Anthony Morris. Any suggestions as to where we go from here. We would love to talk to anyone with any information regarding Albert William Hebb.
Dear Lester I am Albert William Hebb's great grandaughter, I have some personal documentation that records his address at the time of boarding the Titanic as Princes Street, Southampton. I am very new to this research, do you know where I could find further information, or speak to those who do appear to have posted messages that relate to Hebb.
Hello Paula, I can only repeat that when Herb signed on his address was recorded as 5 Bells Court. That information is contained in document BT 100/259 which is generally referred to as the Signing-on sheets. On the opening page of this web-site under People, go to Other Groups and then the the Signing-on sheets. Under Engine Dept Book 1 go down to line 83. Prior to serving on the Titanic he had served on the Olympic. When I can locate a copy of the pages containing the final pay received by the surviving Crew I will look to see if it also contains addresses and if so what address is...
Hello Paula, The final pay and discharge signature are in document BT 100
Does anyone have any info on A. Hebb. I believe he is relation but need a name?? Or any info, pics or etc.
This may help a bit. Cheers Brian HEBB, A. Saved in Lifeboat number B. Lived at 5 Bell's Court,, Southampton. Occupation - Trimmer. 20 years old. (Born in Hampshire). Ship before the RMS Titanic was the RMS Olympic. Was paid £7 16 6d in expenses to attend the British Titanic Enquiry in London. A. Hebb, called William Albert Hebb, born 1889 died 16th June 1932. He turned to drink after the disaster and died of liver cirrhosis as a result. He was 42 when he passed away. His sister Elizabeth married fellow Titanic Crewman Arthur Hunt and between them they had 12 children. Hebb William...
Albert and Tom hunt were my 2nd Cousins. (my nans nephews) We always thought there were three brothers on the titanic, but have not been able to find the 3rd. I have since found out that Albert Hebb was a brother in law. I remember visiting family in Southampton as a child but we have lost touch now. I would love to talk to anyone who could help me. The names Sylvester and Silvanus were always mentioned by my Mum. Can anyone help?
Elizabeth Hebb (sister of Albert Hebb) married Sylvanus Albert Hunt. Sylvanus went by the name Albert. I have 7 children in the Hunt family: Gertrude Elizabeth, Beatrice Fanny, Thomas, Sylvester, Sylvanus Albert, Emily Rose and James Isaac. The parents were Isaac Hunt and Ellen Wellstead. Thomas and Sylvanus Albert were on the Titanic along with Albert Hebb.
Hi David, Thank you so much for your post. Are you a relative? Our family have always thought that Sylvester and Sylvanus were on the titanic alongside Tom. They were my second cousins on my Mums side. Do you have any other information about the Hunt family? Or have you ways I can continue to search. I also would like to know any information I can find out about Rose Hunt.....Emily Rose?