© Bob Knuckle, Canada
Mr David Matherson 1 was born around 1879 in Thurso, Caithness, Scotland.
He was the son of John Mathison (b. 1853), a labourer, and his wife Christina (b. 1851), both natives of Thurso. He had five known siblings: Williamina (b. 1880), John (b. 1883), Dinah (b. 1886), James (b. 1885) and Margaret "Peggy" (b. 1887).
David appears on the 1881 and 1891 censuses living with his family at Duke Street in Thurso, his mother having passed away by the time of the latter record. He would be absent from the 1901 census, perhaps at sea, but his father and sisters Dinah and Margaret were shown living at a house on Wilson Street, Thurso.
When he signed-on to the Titanic on 6 April 1912 Mathison gave his address as 20 Everton Street, Southampton, his age as 30 and his previous ship as Adriatic. As an able seaman he could expect monthly wages of £5.
David Mathison died in the sinking. His body was recovered by the MacKay Bennett (#192) and was buried at Fairview Cemetary, Halifax Nova Scotia on 8 May 1912. He had been identified by his tattoos.
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NO. 192 - MALE - ESTIMATED AGE, 37 - FAIR HAIR AND MOUSTACHE CLOTHING - Blue serge suit; ship's jersey and black boots. TATTOO - On left arm: "D. Matherson" over cross; flag; coat of arms. Above right arm; clasped hands; anchor and "C. M.". EFFECTS - Pipe; knife |
