Mrs Julia Florence Cavendish

Mrs Julia Florence Cavendish was a 25 (twenty-five) year old American first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born into wealth and privilege, she survived the tragic sinking but faced numerous challenges in the aftermath of the disaster.

Early Life and Background

Who were Julia’s parents?

Julia Florence Siegel was born on November 3, 1886, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the only child of Henry Siegel, a prominent German-born businessman, and Julia Rosenbaum. Tragically, her mother passed away just one month after Julia’s birth, on December 3, 1886, at the young age of 24 (twenty-four).

How did Julia’s father build his empire?

Henry Siegel’s rags-to-riches story is a testament to the American Dream:

• Arrived in the USA from Baden, Germany at age 14
• Began as a humble store merchandiser in Washington
• Worked as a traveling salesman
• Founded Siegel & Cooper, opening his first department store in Chicago
• Expanded to multiple stores in New York and Boston
• Earned the nickname “The Merchant Prince”
• Branched into finance, offering banking services to customers

At the height of his success, Henry Siegel owned homes in:

• Park Lane, London
• Mamaroneck, New York (country home)
• East 82nd Street, New York City

Julia’s Education and Social Life

Julia was privately educated in Europe and moved in elite social circles both in the United States and Britain. Her father’s remarriage in April 1898 to Marie Wilde, née Vaughan, brought two stepsisters into Julia’s life: Georgine and Dorothy.

How did Julia meet her husband?

During a trip to Britain in the summer of 1906, Julia caught the attention of Tyrell William Cavendish, a wealthy aristocrat from Crakemarsh Hall, Staffordshire, and a cousin of the Duke of Devonshire. Their whirlwind romance led to a swift engagement, despite initial reluctance from Julia’s father.

Marriage and Family Life

Julia and Tyrell were married on December 26, 1906, at her parents’ home in New York. The newlyweds settled in England, with Julia becoming Lady Cavendish. They had two sons:

1. Henry Siegel (born August 29, 1908)
2. Geoffrey Manners (born October 3, 1910)

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Cavendishes on the Titanic?

Mrs Cavendish boarded the Titanic at Southampton with her husband Tyrell William Cavendish and her maid Ellen Mary Barber. They were traveling first-class (ticket number 19877, £78 17s) and occupied cabin C-46. Their destination was Julia’s father’s country home, Orienta Point, in Mamaroneck, New York.

What happened on the night of the sinking?

Julia Cavendish and her maid Ellen were rescued in lifeboat 6, but tragically, Mr Cavendish did not survive. Julia later recalled the harrowing experience:

“I was in the second boat. My husband kissed me and bade me remain in the boat, declaring he was all right. There was no light, but the sky was clear. Bright skies illuminated the scene of the disaster. Just as the lifeboat was lowered I again kissed my husband. He assured me he would rather stay on the boat, thinking he would be safe…”

Life After the Titanic

What challenges did Julia face after the disaster?

The loss of her husband was only the beginning of Julia’s troubles:

1. She was left to raise two small children alone
2. A lawsuit threatened her possession of Crakemarsh Hall
3. Her father’s business empire crumbled, leading to his bankruptcy and imprisonment
4. She faced financial uncertainty as her family’s fortunes declined

Despite these challenges, Julia never remarried and maintained her position as the wealthy dowager of Crakemarsh Hall in Uttoxeter.

Julia’s Later Years

During World War II, US troops were billeted at Crakemarsh Hall. Julia continued to travel across the Atlantic frequently, though little is known about her later life.

What was Julia’s legacy?

Julia Florence Siegel Cavendish passed away on January 16, 1963, at the age of 76 (seventy-six). She left a personal estate valued at £5,266 8s to both her sons. Her final resting place is at Golders Green Crematorium in London.

Crakemarsh Hall, the family home, met a sad fate:

• Passed out of Cavendish hands in the late 1960s
• Abandoned in the 1970s after a devastating fire
• Demolished in 1980

Both of Julia’s sons married and raised families of their own. Henry died in 1995, and William passed away in 2007, marking the end of an era for this branch of the Cavendish family that began with a chance meeting on a fateful trip to Britain and was forever changed by the tragedy of the Titanic.