Miss Madeleine Newell

Who was Madeleine Newell?

Miss Madeleine Newell was a 31 (thirty-one) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on October 10, 1880, in Lexington, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Arthur Webster Newell and Mary E. Greeley. Madeleine’s journey on the Titanic would become a defining moment in her life, as she survived the tragic sinking while her father perished.

Early Life and Background

A Massachusetts Upbringing

Madeleine Newell grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts, in a family that was likely of some means, given their ability to travel first-class on the Titanic. While specific details about her early life are limited, her later experiences suggest she was well-educated and accustomed to international travel.

Family Ties

Madeleine’s family connections played a significant role in her Titanic experience:

• Father: Arthur Webster Newell
• Sister: Marjorie Anne Newell

Both Madeleine and her sister Marjorie survived the disaster, while their father tragically lost his life.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Madeleine on the Titanic?

Madeleine Newell boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. She was returning from an extensive trip to the Middle East with her father and sister. This journey highlights the Newell family’s penchant for exploration and their financial ability to undertake such travels.

Titanic Accommodations

The Newell family traveled in style aboard the Titanic:

Madeleine and her sister Marjorie shared cabin D-36, while their father occupied cabin D-48, showcasing the luxurious accommodations afforded to first-class passengers.

The Night of the Disaster

How did Madeleine survive the Titanic sinking?

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Madeleine’s father, Arthur Newell, demonstrated remarkable foresight and courage:

1. He came to his daughters’ room, urging them to dress and go on deck.
2. After ensuring one lifeboat was safely launched, he placed Madeleine and Marjorie in the next available boat.
3. Madeleine was rescued in Lifeboat 6, one of the first to be launched from the starboard side.

This quick action by their father undoubtedly saved the sisters’ lives, though it came at the cost of his own.

“After seeing one lifeboat safely launched, he placed them in the next.” - A testament to Arthur Newell’s selfless actions.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster impact Madeleine’s life?

The sinking of the Titanic left an indelible mark on Madeleine Newell’s life:

• She never married, perhaps influenced by the trauma of losing her father in such a tragic event.
• Madeleine returned to her hometown of Lexington, Massachusetts, where she lived for the remainder of her life.
• She passed away on April 25, 1969, at the age of 88 (eighty-eight), nearly 57 years after the Titanic disaster.

Final Resting Place

Madeleine Newell was laid to rest at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, joining many other notable figures from New England’s history.

Madeleine’s Legacy

While Madeleine Newell may not have sought the spotlight following her survival of the Titanic, her story remains a poignant example of both the tragedy and survival associated with the disaster. As one of the Titanic survivors, her experience offers a glimpse into the human impact of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.

Madeleine’s life, spanning from the late 19th century to the late 1960s, witnessed significant changes in society, technology, and women’s roles. Her decision to remain unmarried and her longevity provide intriguing insights into the life of a Titanic survivor in the decades following the disaster.