John Edward “Jack” Inman, who was born in Great Britain, wanted an opportunity to be judged based upon his talent. He resented the confinements associated with a class-based society. For him, regardless of one’s social status, you were born in a cage and your life’s potential was thus determined – for better or for worse. His father, Jackson Inman, was born in a “laborers” cage. Therefore, irrespective of his natural abilities, he would toil under difficult circumstances with limited prospects for betterment. Such destiny was confirmed by his work at the Sedgewick Gunpowder Company of Kendal England.
Jack intended to break this bondage. His success, his measure as a person, should depend solely on him. He was confident in his intellectual, emotional, and physical capabilities. His limited schooling confirmed an aptitude for math and mechanical “functionality”. Jack simply needed a more level playing field upon which to showcase his talents. Then, as now, only one country offered such a promise. No matter the obstacles, he intended to immigrate to the land of opportunity, the land of freedom. Such were Jack’s musings from the windswept deck as the port of Liverpool faded into the horizon. His pursuit of the American Dream had begun.
In April 1913 Jack booked 3rd class passage on the Cunard Liner RMS Caronia. The ship would depart Liverpool at the end of the month bound for New York City (Ellis Island). Depending on the weather, the RMS Caronia would dock at Ellis Island on or about Sunday May 4, 1913. He would join millions of others seeking a better life for themselves. The family farewell events proved heart-wrenching. Jack assured his parents that he would return for a visit when circumstances allowed. But he was not looking back; He welcomed the opportunities and challenges that awaited – whatever they proved to be.
Credit: Park City Historical Society & Museum, Kendall Webb Collection
Ellis Island immigration records note that John Edward Inman was admitted to the United States of America on May 4, 1913. He was 24 years old and single. His last place of residence: Leece, England. What the records can’t convey was the fact that for the first time in his life Jack was free from the stifling class oppressions of Great Britain.
Soon after arriving in New York City he traveled to “the greatest silver/lead mining camp in Utah,” Park City. Jack’s sponsorship was arranged by a Mr. Simpson, a friend of his. Jack secured employment at the Silver King Coalition Mine Company. At this time, the Silver King dominated the Park City mining district. For example, in 1915 from February to April, 46% of all ore produced came from the Silver King – 11.5 tons. The next closest mine, the Daly West, extracted 4.5 tons. The company employed 400 men working three shifts seven days a week. Flush with cash, they invested in the latest technology – most notably the famed Silver King Aerial Tramway. After twelve years of operation, the gravity-operated conveyance remained one of the industry’s most advanced.
Jack distinguished himself as “one of” the Silver King’s well-known” miners. His American Dream was becoming a reality. As the winter of 1914 -1915 began its inevitable but lingering transition to spring Jack decided it was time to visit his parents, as he missed them dearly.
Jack’s journey to visit home will be covered in part two of “The American Dream Torpedoed”.
Acknowledgements: For this four-part series the authors wish to thank Robert Hunt, Gary Kimball, Erik Larson (and his best selling book “Dead Wake”), Steve Leatham, and Mark Schmitt for their invaluable contributions to this series.
The Park City Museum will host a lecture titled “The Lusitania Disaster Touches Park City” given by David Nicholas and Stuart Stanek on Wednesday, May 8 from 5 to 6 p.m. at their Education and Collections Center located at 2079 Sidewinder Drive.