The True Story of the Sage family

John George Sage, 44, was born in London in 1867. When he was young,he worked at a number of jobs which included corn grinder, theater usher, bartender and baker. He Married Annie Elizabeth Cazaly aged 44, of the same age, on November 2nd, 1890. 

The couple went on to have 9 vhildren Stella Anne Sage aged 20, born 1891, George John Sage aged 19, born 1892, Douglas Bullen Sage aged 18, born 1894, Frederick Sage aged 16, born 1895, Dorothy Florence Sage aged 14, born 1897, Anthony William Sage aged 12, born 1899, Elizabeth Ada Sage aged 10,  born 1901, Constance Gladys Sage aged 7, born 1904 and Thomas Henry Sage aged 4, born 1907. two otherchildren died as babies. 

The family lived in the Norfolk area, where John was landlord os several public houses. Some years later, the family purchased a bakery on Gladstone Street Peterborough. The shop is still there but is now a store, address was 237 Gladstone Street, there home was 246 Gladstone Street also still there today. They decided to relocate the entire family to Jacksonville, Florida, John put 2 deposits on 2 farms there, wherehe intended to grow pecans. He returned to England in 1911, to prepare for the move to Jacksonville. George stayed in Florida and was Engaged to a local girl there. In 1912 he too returned to England to settle some business. John's enthusiasm was not shared by Annie, having a fear of water since her daughter Dorothy had fallen into a well and almost drowned. 

John sent the family piano and other furniture ahead with over £1,000 to pay off the balance on the farm.

The entire family boarded the Titanic at Southampton on ticket number CA.2343 on April 10th, 1912. There are reports that place the family on the boat deck shortly before the Titanic went down. Apparently Stella had gotten into a lifboat, but got back out when she realized that her other family members were not going to be able to join her. Sadly the entire Sage family died in the sinking. Of the 11 family members, only the body of will aged 12 was recovered. The body of Will Sage was recovered by the MacKay Bennett, as #67 and was buried at seaon April 22, 1912. Recovery notes stated No 67- MALE-ESTIMATED AGE 14-HAIR MEDIUM, CLOTHING-GREY SUIT (KINCKERS) STRIPED SHIRT, BLACK BOOTS AND STOCKINGS, NO MARKS ON BODY OR CLOTHING. THIRD CLASS TICKT. WILL SAGE ON TICKET, LIST NO. 20, BERTH 126. It is not known what became of their farm in Florida. When John's estate went through probate in Peterborough on May 25th, 1912 his effects came to £347 which went to his sister, Mary Ann Perrin. I do not know of any memorial to the family at all after 107 years very sad.

       

       

Trevor Baxter; 

Titanic researcher.