Mrs Madeleine Talmage Astor

Who was Madeleine Talmage Astor?

Madeleine Talmage Astor was an 18 (eighteen) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. She was the young wife of millionaire John Jacob Astor and a survivor of the tragic sinking. Her story is one of wealth, survival, and resilience in the face of disaster.

Early Life and Background

Born on June 19, 1893, Madeleine Force came from a privileged background. She married John Jacob Astor, one of the wealthiest men in America, in September 1911. At the time of the Titanic’s voyage, she was just 18 (eighteen) years old and pregnant with her first child.

The Astor’s Titanic Journey

Why were the Astors on the Titanic?

The Astors boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as part of their return journey to America after an extended honeymoon in Egypt and Paris. They were accompanied by an entourage that included:

Colonel Astor’s manservant, Victor Robins
Mrs. Astor’s maid, Rosalie Bidois
Mrs. Astor’s private nurse, Caroline Louise Endres
Their pet Airedale, Kitty

Their ticket number was 17757, and they paid a fare of £247 10s 6d for their first-class accommodations.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg. The Astors’ experience during the sinking was marked by several notable events:

Colonel Astor initially investigated the damage and reassured Madeleine it wasn’t serious.
The couple waited on the boat deck, where Mrs. Astor lent her shawl to another passenger, Leah Aks, to keep her son warm.
They briefly retreated to the gymnasium, where Colonel Astor demonstrated the contents of the lifejackets.
Mrs. Astor boarded Lifeboat 4 from A-Deck, assisted by her husband and Second Officer Charles Lightoller.

“Colonel Astor had found another [lifejacket] and cut the lining with a pen knife to show his wife what it was made of.”

Survival and Aftermath

Madeleine Astor survived the sinking of the Titanic, rescued by Lifeboat 4. Tragically, her husband John Jacob Astor did not survive the disaster. As a first-class survivor, Mrs. Astor’s story became part of the broader narrative of the Titanic’s legacy.

What happened to Madeleine after the Titanic?

Following the disaster, Madeleine’s life took several turns:

On August 14, 1912, she gave birth to John Jacob Astor VI, the son she was pregnant with during the Titanic voyage.
She inherited a significant fortune from her late husband, including a $5 million trust fund and the use of his properties.
During World War I, she married William K. Dick, relinquishing her claim to the Astor fortune.
She had two more sons with William K. Dick before their divorce in 1933.
In 1933, she married boxer Enzo Fiermonte, but this marriage also ended in divorce in 1938.

Legacy and Final Years

Madeleine Astor’s life was marked by both tragedy and resilience. Her experience on the Titanic remained a defining moment in her life. Despite her young age at the time of the disaster, she faced the challenges that followed with remarkable strength.

Table: Key Dates in Madeleine Astor’s Life

Date	Event
June 19, 1893	Born
April 15, 1912	Survived Titanic sinking
August 14, 1912	Gave birth to John Jacob Astor VI
1933	Divorced William K. Dick
1938	Divorced Enzo Fiermonte
March 27, 1940	Died in Palm Beach, Florida

Madeleine Astor Dick passed away on March 27, 1940, in Palm Beach, Florida. She was 46 (forty-six) years old at the time of her death. While the official cause was listed as heart disease, there has been speculation about a possible overdose of prescription drugs.

Her life, from her marriage into one of America’s wealthiest families to her survival of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters, continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts alike. Madeleine Astor’s story remains a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the Titanic tragedy and the lasting impact it had on the lives of its survivors.