Elizabeth Jane Anne Rothschild

Who was Mrs Elizabeth Jane Anne Rothschild?

Mrs Elizabeth Jane Anne Rothschild was a prominent American socialite and Titanic survivor, known for her devout Catholic faith, philanthropic endeavors, and her dramatic rescue from the ill-fated ship along with her Pomeranian dog. Born on February 10, 1858, in Watkins Glen, New York, she became a notable figure in both high society and religious circles, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and resilience.

Early Life and Family

Elizabeth Jane Barrett was born into a family with diverse roots:

• Father: James William Barrett, an English-born innkeeper
• Mother: Mary, Irish-born (James’ second wife)
• Siblings: Elizabeth was the fifth daughter in the family
• Notable brother: Thomas Barrett, who became a Roman Catholic priest

Growing up in Watkins Glen, Elizabeth’s early years were shaped by her family’s background and the local community, setting the stage for her future as a woman of faith and compassion.

Marriage and Social Status

A Union of Different Faiths

On June 2, 1895, Elizabeth Barrett, a devout Catholic, married Martin Rothschild, a Jewish New York clothing manufacturer. This interfaith marriage, performed by Father Gallagher at Holy Name Church in New York City, was notable for its time. Some interesting facts about their union include:

• The couple remained childless throughout their marriage
• They resided at 753 West End Avenue, New York
• Martin Rothschild was the uncle of the famous writer and poet Dorothy Parker (née Rothschild)

Lifestyle and Travel

The Rothschilds enjoyed a life of luxury and frequent travel, befitting their status in New York’s high society. Their lifestyle was characterized by:

• Extensive travels across the world
• Maintaining multiple residences, including their New York home and a house in Watkins Glen
• Participation in elite social circles

The Titanic Journey

Boarding and Accommodation

• Embarkation Point: Cherbourg, France
• Class: First Class
• Ticket Number: PC 17603
• Ticket Price: £59 8s (equivalent to approximately £7,000 in 2023)

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Mrs. Rothschild experienced the tragic sinking of the Titanic. Her survival story is both dramatic and touching:

1. She was rescued in lifeboat 6, one of the first to leave the ship.
2. Remarkably, she managed to save her Pomeranian dog, one of only three canines to survive the disaster.
3. The dog’s presence went unnoticed during the initial evacuation but was discovered by morning.
4. When the lifeboat reached the Carpathia, crew members initially refused to take the dog aboard.
5. Mrs. Rothschild bravely refused to leave the lifeboat without her pet, insisting it be placed in her lap before she would be hoisted aboard.

Aftermath and Loss

The Titanic disaster marked a significant turning point in Elizabeth’s life:

• Her husband, Martin Rothschild, tragically perished in the sinking.
• The fate of her rescued Pomeranian remains a mystery, with conflicting accounts of its demise after reaching New York.
• This event likely contributed to her later habit of dressing in black, mourning her lost husband.

Life After the Titanic

Summer Retreats and Philanthropy

Following the Titanic disaster, Mrs. Rothschild established a pattern of spending her summers in Watkins Glen:

• She owned a house at the northeast corner of Porter and Eighth streets.
• Residents remembered her being driven around town in a large, black Packard with a chauffeur.
• Despite her comfortable lifestyle, she was known for her generosity and fondness for children.
• She often traveled with a female companion named Mary Walsh and a small dog.

Religious Devotion and Recognition

Elizabeth’s Catholic faith played a central role in her life:

• She maintained a private chapel in East Orange, New Jersey, with her brother Thomas Barrett, a priest.
• This chapel was reportedly the only such private chapel in the United States, maintained with Pope Pius XI’s permission.
• In 1941, she was awarded the Papal Distinguished Merit Cross, recognizing her active involvement in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark and New York.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Mrs. Rothschild’s generosity extended to various causes:

• In 1921, she contributed $1,000 to extend St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watkins Glen.
• She also funded the paving of the cemetery road.
• Her charitable works were remembered and commemorated by the local community.

Legacy and Final Resting Place

Elizabeth Jane Anne Rothschild passed away on October 29, 1943, in East Orange, New Jersey, at the age of 85 (eighty-five). Her final resting place reflects her life of faith and remembrance:

• She was buried in an impressive mausoleum in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Watkins Glen.
• The mausoleum, considered one of the finest in the region, features:
  • Gothic style with Grecian columns
  • Exterior of Barre granite from Vermont
  • Interior of Vermont marble
  • Bronze gates with a lattice design
  • A stained glass window above the altar
  • An antique oriental rug and a kneeling bench

A three-foot bronze plaque in the mausoleum tells the story of Martin Rothschild, commemorating his death in the Titanic disaster. The plaque bears the poignant inscription: “Be thou faithful unto Death, I will Give You a Crown of Life.”

Elizabeth Rothschild’s requiem mass was conducted by Archbishop Walsh of Newark, a close personal friend who had consecrated the cemetery on August 30, 1931. This final tribute underscores the deep connections she forged throughout her life, bridging the worlds of high society, religious devotion, and charitable works.