Benjamin Guggenheim

Who was Mr Benjamin Guggenheim?

Mr Benjamin Guggenheim was a prominent American businessman and a member of the wealthy Guggenheim family. Born on October 26, 1865, in New York, he became known for his tragic demise aboard the RMS Titanic in 1912 at the age of 46 (forty-six). Guggenheim’s legacy is marked by his successful career in mining and smelting, as well as his chivalrous behavior during the Titanic’s sinking.

Early Life and Family

A Privileged Upbringing

Benjamin Guggenheim was born into one of America’s most affluent families. His parents were:

• Father: Meyer Guggenheim
• Mother: Barbara Guggenheim (née Myers)

As part of the illustrious Guggenheim clan, Benjamin was exposed to the world of business and industry from a young age, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

Marriage and Children

On October 24, 1894, Benjamin Guggenheim married Florette J. Seligman. The couple had three daughters:

1. Benita Rosalind (1895-1927)
2. Marguerite “Peggy” (1898-1979)
3. Barbara Hazel (1903-1995)

Their family life, while outwardly prosperous, was not without its complexities, as evidenced by later events in Guggenheim’s life.

Business Career

Mining and Smelting Tycoon

Benjamin Guggenheim followed in his family’s footsteps, becoming a successful businessman in the mining and smelting industries. His expertise in these fields contributed significantly to the Guggenheim family’s vast wealth and influence in the early 20th century.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Benjamin Guggenheim on the Titanic?

Guggenheim boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on its maiden voyage. He was accompanied by:

• His valet, Victor Giglio
• His mistress, Mrs. Léontine Pauline Aubart
• His chauffeur, René Pernot (who traveled in second class)

This arrangement hints at the complex personal life Guggenheim led, balancing his public image with private indulgences.

Titanic Ticket Details

• Ticket Number: 17593
• Cabin: B-82
• Ticket Cost: £79 4s (equivalent to approximately £9,000 in 2023)
• Class: First Class

The Night of the Sinking

Initial Response to the Collision

After the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14, 1912, Bedroom Steward Henry Samuel Etches assisted Mr. Guggenheim:

1. Helped him don a lifebelt, despite Guggenheim’s protests
2. Made him wear a thick sweater
3. Sent him to the Boat Deck for evacuation

A Fateful Decision

In a display of remarkable courage and dignity, Guggenheim soon returned to his cabin and made a decision that would cement his place in history. He:

1. Changed into his finest evening wear
2. Instructed his valet, Mr. Giglio, to do the same
3. Was heard remarking, “We’ve dressed up in our best and are prepared to go down like gentlemen.”

This act of bravery and acceptance in the face of certain death has become one of the most iconic stories of the Titanic disaster.

Guggenheim’s Last Words

In a poignant moment, Guggenheim said to Steward Etches:

“If anything should happen to me, tell my wife in New York that I’ve done my best in doing my duty.”

This statement reflects Guggenheim’s sense of honor and his awareness of the gravity of the situation.

The Aftermath

Casualties and Survivors

The sinking of the Titanic claimed the lives of:

• Benjamin Guggenheim
• Victor Giglio (his valet)
• René Pernot (his chauffeur)

However, Guggenheim’s mistress, Mme Aubart, and her maid survived the disaster.

Legacy

Family After the Tragedy

• Guggenheim’s widow, Florette, became increasingly eccentric in later life and passed away in 1937.
• His middle daughter, Peggy Guggenheim, became a noted art collector and founded a world-famous art gallery in Venice, carrying on the family’s legacy of cultural influence.

Benjamin Guggenheim’s story remains one of the most compelling narratives from the Titanic disaster. His final acts of bravery and dignity in the face of death continue to captivate historians and the public alike, serving as a testament to the complex nature of human character in times of crisis.