Caroline Bonnell

Who was Caroline Bonnell?

Caroline Bonnell was a remarkable American woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born on April 3, 1882, in Chicago, Illinois, she was 30 (thirty) years old when she embarked on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. A first-class passenger, Caroline’s resilience during the disaster and her subsequent dedication to humanitarian causes make her a notable figure in Titanic history.

Early Life and Family

Caroline Bonnell came from a prominent family with roots in both England and America. Her father, John Meek Bonnell, was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, while her mother, Emily Wick, hailed from Ohio. Caroline had two brothers:

• Joseph Fearnley (1876-1952)
• Hugh Wick (1880-1963)

Tragically, Caroline’s father passed away in 1884 when she was just two years old. Following his death, the family relocated to Youngstown, Ohio, her mother’s birthplace.

Education and Early Career

Caroline received her education at Miss Morris School in New Jersey, which laid the foundation for her future philanthropic endeavors. Her deep religious convictions led her to become an active member of the Youngstown First Presbyterian Church.

One of Caroline’s most significant early achievements was helping to establish the Christ Mission in Youngstown. This organization played a crucial role in assisting the influx of immigrants to the area, providing services such as:

• English language lessons
• Cultural adaptation assistance
• Support for integrating into American society

The Titanic Journey

Why was Caroline Bonnell on the Titanic?

In February 1912, Caroline embarked on a European vacation with her cousins, the Wick family. Their journey included stops in:

• Naples
• Venice
• Paris
• London

It was during their time in France that they met fellow Titanic passengers Washington Roebling and Stephen Weart Blackwell.

Titanic Boarding Details

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Caroline and her cousin Mary Natalie Wick were in bed when they felt the collision with the iceberg. Their initial reaction was one of excitement rather than fear, with Caroline remarking, “Well, thank goodness, Natalie, we are going to see our iceberg at last!”

As the situation became more serious, Caroline demonstrated remarkable composure:

1. She helped gather her family members on deck
2. Assisted in locating her aunt, Elizabeth Bonnell
3. Observed notable passengers like the Astors preparing for evacuation

Caroline and her female relatives were placed in Lifeboat 8. Once in the water, she took an oar to help row and keep warm in the frigid temperatures.

Survival and Rescue

Caroline’s account of the Titanic’s final moments is both poignant and vivid:

“The Titanic was fading in the distance, but her lights were quite visible. About twenty minutes after we were put in the boat we noticed that the giant ship was sinking low in the water. Then we realised for the first time that it was in danger, and our lark turned into a frightened party of women. Lower and lower sank the Titanic. The faint strains of a band came to us. Then all of a sudden the lower lights seemed to go out. Only the lights on the upper deck were visible. And then we saw the ship sink—this great unsinkable liner. It didn’t plunge, as far as we could see, but seemed to settle lower and lower into the water and went down gently, grandly, to its grave.”

The survivors in Lifeboat 8 were rescued by the Carpathia the following morning. Caroline noted seeing wreckage, including a baby’s bonnet and a man’s glove, floating in the water—stark reminders of the tragedy they had survived.

Life After the Titanic

World War I Contributions

During World War I, Caroline’s humanitarian spirit shone through:

• Completed one of the first home nursing and First Aid courses in Youngstown
• Served as executive secretary of the Mahoning Chapter of the Red Cross

European Travels

In the early 1920s, Caroline embarked on another European journey, visiting:

• Britain
• Belgium
• Switzerland
• France

Her 1923 passport described her as 5'3" tall with dark brown hair and eyes, an oval face, and a “brunette” complexion.

Marriage and Family Life

On July 5, 1924, Caroline married her childhood sweetheart, Paul Jones, a prominent federal judge. Their union produced two children:

• Paul (1925-2004)
• Mary (1926-2017)

The family settled in Shaker Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, where Caroline continued her charitable work with organizations like the YWCA and the Church of the Covenant Women’s Society.

Final Years and Legacy

For the last six years of her life, Caroline faced a significant health challenge in the form of an aggressive facial tumor. Despite this adversity, her husband’s devotion to her remained unwavering, embodying their marriage vows “in sickness and in health.”

Caroline Bonnell Jones passed away on March 13, 1950, at the age of 67 (sixty-seven) in her home in Shaker Heights. Her life, marked by survival, service, and love, serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of both historic tragedy and personal trials.

As we reflect on Caroline Bonnell’s extraordinary life, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have through acts of courage, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family and community.