Alfred James Echevarri was born in Stone, Staffordshire in 1866. His parents were Juan Barlow Wood Echevarri and Frances Echevarri. Alfred was one of six children. In 1871,
Alfred and his family were living in Margate, Kent. By 1881, Alfred was living with his Uncle Marmaduke Loup in Haggerston, east London, and working as a biscuit manufacturer.
In 1887, Alfred married Sarah Emily Turpin and the couple moved to 102 Coventry Road, Ilford. In 1888, Alfred and Sarah had their first child Gertrude, and the following year they had twins, Alfred Mascall and Alice Maud. In 1899, Sarah gave birth to their fourth child, Harold Frances. At this time, Alfred was working as a commercial traveller specialising in metal.
In 1907, the Echevarris suffered their first tragedy when Harold died aged seven. Three years later, their oldest son, Alfred, also died. When war broke out, Alfred Sr. was in the Merchant Navy as a Saloon Steward.
Alfred was drowned in the Aegean Sea on 13th August 1915 whilst serving on the SS Royal Edward. His body was never recovered but his name is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial in London, which commemorates those in the Merchant Navy or fishing fleet who have no known grave.
Research by Redbridge Museum
Sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Ancestry.com