Fredrick William Barrett was born on the 10th January 1879, in Buckland, Portsmouth. Fredrick Barrett was the eldest of two siblings, his sister Jessie was born in 1880 and Lucy May was born in 1885. His father, Thomas Barrett had originated from Poole and was a ship’s carpenter by trade. His mother, Ellen was from the West Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Fredrick’s first known address appears on the 1881 census at 17 Guildfort Street, St Marys, Southampton. Barrett’s first profession was not at sea. In fact, he had originally trained as a labourer but by 1897 Barrett joined the Royal Navy, throughout his career he served on ships such as the: Victory II, Victory III, Alexandra, Duke of Wellington and Fisgard. Fredrick also served on the White Star Line vessel, RMS Majestic.
In the spring of 1912, Fredrick Barrett had established himself as a working family man. In 1901 he had married his partner Agnes, who had already been previously married. Shortly after Fredrick and Agnes’ marriage, three children followed. The youngest; Fredrick William was born 3rd June 1910, and twins Thomas Samuel and Rosina Maud were born on March 23rd, 1912.
The Titanic Connection:
On April 6th, 1912, Fredrick William Barret signed onto Titanic, presumably at Southampton. He had been listed as a fireman and could expect a wage of £6. Prior to working on Titanic Fredrick listed his last ship as the Ausonia where had also served as a fireman. His last address is listed as 24 Bevois Street, St Marys, Southampton. Unfortunately, Fredrick William Barrett did not survive the sinking of the Titanic and his body was never recovered or identified. Fredrick died at the age of 33.
Double Vision
Records show that on board the ship, two crew members are found with the name 'Fredrick William Barrett.' It can be a bit difficult to separate the two identities as both were roughly the same age, both men had the exact same name and both worked as firemen. The only way to tell them apart are there addresses. Before joining Titanic at Southampton, one lived at 24 Bevois Street, St Marys, Southampton and other Barrett, who originated from Liverpool, resided at 24 King Street, St Marys, Southampton.
Above: The Ausonia was the last ship that William Barrett served on before joining the RMS Titanic as a fireman.
Life After Titanic:
Fredrick’s widow: Agnes did receive temporary support from the Titanic Relief Fund, that was established to help families who had lost a relative in the sinking. As Agnes’ deceased husband had worked as a fireman, she could a weekly payment of 12 shillings and 6d and Barrett’s three children were also supported with 2 shillings and 6d. In additions to this Agnes had two children from her previous marriage however, they were not entitled to the help of the Relief Fund as they were not identified as Fredrick Barrett’s legitimate offspring. Agnes was cut off from the support in 1917 as she re-married to Wilfred Evans and gave birth to his son. In 1962 Agnes passed away in Surrey.
As always, I’ll leave a few external links about the life of Fredrick William Barrett. Feel free to ask any questions and let me know what you think.
Have a ‘Titanic’ week,
Millie
The life of Fredrick William Barrett according to Encyclopaedia Titanica: https://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-victim/frederick-william-barrett.html
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