In 1897 Margate was once again to witness the tragic loss of life of nine of its lifeboat crew.
One of the crew was John Benjamin Dike, descended from Henry Emptage and Ann Peal.
Albert John Emptage was coxswain of the lifebaot Quiver and was a witness at the inquest and the Board of Trade Inquiry.
Henry Thomas Emptage lied about his age when he enlisted at only 16. He had already lost both his parents and no doubt saw a life in the Army as a way out of poverty and an opportunity for travel and excitement and it may have helped him deal with an very tragic personal life. His career in the army saw him serve in two wars before being called up to serve again at the outbreak of WW1.
Descended from a long line of mariners, George William Emptage joined the Royal Navy on his 18th birthday. In civilian life he became a postman but when war was declared in 1814, he transferred from the Naval Reserves to active service.
George named his wife Eleanor, sons Robert, Thomas and John, daughter Helene, bequeathing livestock to all his children. He left his land and tenements first to his wife, then to son Robert.
Was this Thomas, the son of Christina and Michael Emptiach, whose wife was named as Alice by Christina?
The name John Emptiach appears as a witness in the wills of Christina Emptiache (widow of Michael) and George (son of Michael and Christina) but, as a witness, no relationship was given. Was this that John?
