Bertha Chambers

Who was Mrs Bertha Chambers?

Mrs Bertha Chambers was a first-class passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on October 10, 1879, in Friendship, Allegany, New York, she was 32 (thirty-two) years old when she boarded the ill-fated ship with her husband, Norman Campbell Chambers. Bertha’s life was marked by extensive travel, a brush with one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters, and a long, eventful life that spanned eight decades.

Early Life and Family

A Unique Family Background

Bertha was born into a family with an intriguing professional dynamic:

Father: Ira D. Griggs (1855-1923), a printer from Michigan
Mother: Dr. Elma Call (1860-1922), a physician from New York

As the only surviving child of her parents, Bertha’s early years were likely influenced by her mother’s pioneering role as a female doctor in the late 19th century.

Childhood and Youth

Bertha’s childhood was marked by significant changes:

1880: First appears on the census as an infant in Lyndon, Cattaraugus, New York
Later years: Her parents separated, with her father remarrying and moving to Chautauqua, New York
1892: Bertha and her mother are found living in Ithaca, New York

It’s worth noting that after the separation, Bertha’s mother claimed to be a widow in subsequent records, a common practice in that era to avoid social stigma.

Marriage and Adult Life

A Union of Two Adventurers

On March 12, 1906, at the age of 26, Bertha married Norman Campbell Chambers in Ithaca, New York. Norman, born in 1884, was a mechanical engineer from Olean, New York. Their union would prove to be one of shared adventures and extensive travel.

Lifestyle and Residences

The Chambers led a dynamic life:

Divided time between Manhattan and Ithaca
Traveled extensively throughout their marriage
Maintained a close connection to Ithaca, where Bertha’s mother lived until her death in 1922

The Titanic Experience

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

On April 10, 1912, Bertha and Norman boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as first-class passengers. Their accommodations were:

Cabin: E8
Ticket number: 113806
Ticket cost: £53, 2s

The Night of the Sinking

Bertha’s experience on the night of April 14-15, 1912, was harrowing:

Initially in bed during the collision
Bertha prompted her husband to investigate
They noticed the ship listing to starboard
Witnessed mail clerks knee-deep in water
Initially told they could return to bed
Later instructed to don lifebelts and assemble on the boat deck
Given steamer rugs by a steward on their way to the deck
Bertha entered Lifeboat 5, calling for her husband to join her

Both Bertha and Norman survived the sinking and were rescued by the RMS Carpathia, which brought them to New York.

Life After the Titanic

Global Travels

The Chambers’ appetite for travel remained undiminished after their Titanic ordeal:

Lived in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), Russia from 1914 to 1917
Traveled on numerous ships including Siboney, Rotterdam, Albert Ballin, Mondel, and President Harding
Visited countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Cuba, Portugal, England, Sweden, Uruguay, and Brazil

Physical Description and Residences

Bertha’s 1914 passport application provides a vivid description:

Height: 5'9"
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Reddish-brown
Face: Oval with a high forehead

The couple’s residences over the years included:

1914: 109 East Lewis Street, Ithaca
1919: 111 Broadway, New York
1920: Both 109 East Seneca Street, Ithaca and West 70th Street, Manhattan
1925: 40 Rector Street, New York
Late 1920s to early 1940s: East 44th Street, New York

Legacy and Final Years

Bertha and Norman’s later years were marked by continued socializing, as evidenced by a photograph of them at The Stork Club in the 1950s. Bertha passed away on October 18, 1959, at the age of 80 (eighty). She was laid to rest in Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, Westchester, New York.

Her simple headstone reads:

BELOVED WIFE
BERTHA GRIGGS CHAMBERS
1882-1959

Bertha Chambers’ life story is a testament to resilience, adventure, and the enduring human spirit. From surviving one of history’s greatest maritime disasters to traversing the globe, her experiences offer a unique window into the early 20th century and the lives of those who lived through extraordinary times.