Cornelia Theodosia Andrews

Who was Miss Cornelia Theodosia Andrews?

Miss Cornelia Theodosia Andrews was a 62-year-old (sixty-two) American first-class passenger and survivor of the Titanic disaster. Born on August 12, 1849, in Hudson, New York, she was a prominent figure in her community, known for her charitable work and social leadership. Andrews played a crucial role in the survival of her family members during the Titanic’s sinking and provided valuable eyewitness accounts of the tragedy.

Early Life and Family

A Legacy of Law and Community Service

Cornelia was born into a respected family in Hudson, New York. Her father, Robert Emmett E. Andrews, was a prominent lawyer born on May 25, 1819, in New Lebanon, New York. Her mother, Matilda Scudder Andrews (née Fonda), was born around 1822 in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, New York. The couple married on July 13, 1846, at Linlithgo Dutch Reformed Church in Livingston, New York.

A Large and Influential Family

Cornelia was one of ten children, though only five were alive by 1910. Her known siblings included:

Emmet Fonda (b. July 4, 1847)
Mary Deare (b. January 7, 1850)
Louisa Fonda (b. January 26, 1851, d. 1854)
Robert Emmet (b. July 26, 1852)
Matilda (b. September 26, 1853)
Roberta Ella (b. January 19, 1859)
Anna Louisa (b. May 5, 1860)

This large family would play a significant role in Cornelia’s life and her experiences during the Titanic disaster.

Possible Oberlin College Connection

While not definitively confirmed, there are indications that Cornelia may have been a student at Oberlin College in Ohio. This prestigious institution was known for its progressive stance on women’s education, which aligns with Cornelia’s later involvement in charitable works and community leadership.

A Leader in Hudson Society

Miss Andrews was a prominent figure in Hudson, New York, for many years. Her involvement in social and charitable works made her a respected member of the community. Notably, she held a significant position as one of the Managers of the Hudson City Hospital since its founding and served as its Vice-President in 1912.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Fateful Voyage

In April 1912, Cornelia Andrews embarked on the Titanic’s maiden voyage, accompanied by her sister, Anna Hogeboom, and their twenty-one-year-old niece, Gretchen Fiske Longley. The three ladies boarded the ship in Southampton, traveling first-class under ticket number 13502, which cost £77 19s 2d. Miss Andrews was assigned to cabin D-7.

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, Cornelia was awake and reading in her cabin. Her quick thinking and intuition played a crucial role in the survival of her family:

She immediately suspected the ship had hit an iceberg.
She instructed her niece to inquire about the danger.
When reassured by stewards, Cornelia remained skeptical and sought out their day-steward for accurate information.
Upon learning of the danger, she ensured her family dressed warmly and headed to the Boat Deck.

Escape and Survival

The Andrews party faced several challenges in their escape:

They were turned away from the first three lifeboats they approached.
They finally secured places on lifeboat 10.
Cornelia later recounted her annoyance with some crew members who claimed rowing skills they didn’t possess.
Her niece, Gretchen, had to take an oar to help row the lifeboat.

Eyewitness to History

Cornelia Andrews provided a vivid account of the Titanic’s final moments:

“We were a mile away from the Titanic when there was a great explosion. It appeared to me as if the boilers had blown up and the Titanic had been lifted up amidships and broken in half. This is the way it appeared to me.”

This eyewitness testimony offers valuable insight into the ship’s dramatic end and has contributed to our understanding of the disaster.

Life After the Titanic

Return and Legal Action

After their rescue by the Carpathia, Cornelia and her family returned to their home in Hudson, New York. Miss Andrews filed a claim of $480.50 against the White Star Line for lost possessions, including:

Fur coats
Numerous dresses
3 brass antique lamps
“One velvet hat with ostrich plumes”

This claim provides a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of first-class passengers and the material losses they suffered.

A Life Cut Short

Tragically, Cornelia Andrews did not live long after her Titanic experience. She passed away on December 4, 1913, less than two years after the sinking. At the age of 64 (sixty-four), she died from lobar pneumonia at her home in Hudson.

Legacy and Remembrance

Cornelia Theodosia Andrews is remembered not only for her Titanic survival but also for her contributions to her community. Her final resting place is in the City of Hudson (New York) Cemetery, now Cedar Park cemetery, where she lies alongside her sister Anna Louisa Hogeboom.

The story of Cornelia Andrews serves as a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of many Titanic survivors, as well as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of the disaster on families and communities across America.