Mahala Douglas

Who was Mahala Douglas?

Mahala Douglas was a 48 (forty-eight) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on January 26, 1864, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she was known for her vibrant personality, unconventional lifestyle, and her survival of the Titanic disaster. As the wife of wealthy businessman Walter Donald Douglas, Mahala’s life was one of privilege, adventure, and ultimately, resilience in the face of tragedy.

Early Life and Background

A Colorful Childhood

Mahala Dutton was born into a family with deep American roots, tracing her lineage back to Massachusetts Governor Bradford. Her early years were marked by:

• A reputation as a non-conformist
• Artistic pursuits, including singing and acting
• A confident personality despite physical insecurities

Growing up, Mahala was aware of her prominent nose, which became a source of both amusement and self-deprecating humor. In her memoirs, she wrote:

Beauty was never my portion… I had heard a man say once, “Too bad about Pet Dutton’s nose, I do hope she’ll grow into it.”

Education and Artistic Endeavors

Mahala’s education played a significant role in shaping her character:

• Attended LaSalle Seminary for Girls
• Graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids
• Developed a talent for singing and acting

Her artistic abilities were frequently noted in local media, with performances ranging from solo recitals to operatic roles. In 1890, she received acclaim for her portrayal of an Indian in the opera “Powhatan” in Sterling, Illinois.

Marriage and Social Life

First Marriage to Lewis Benedict

On December 10, 1891, Mahala married Lewis Benedict, a purchasing agent from Illinois. Their wedding was a significant social event in Cedar Rapids, described as:

For weeks past, Cedar Rapids society has looked forward to the marriage of Miss Mahala Dutton to Lewis Benedict as one of the principal social events of the winter.

However, the marriage was short-lived, and details about their divorce remain unclear.

Second Marriage to Walter Donald Douglas

Mahala’s life took a turn when she married Walter Donald Douglas on November 6, 1906, in New York. Walter was a successful businessman with connections to Quaker Oats and various other industries. This marriage brought Mahala into a world of wealth and social prominence.

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Douglases on the Titanic?

The Douglases boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg on April 10, 1912, as first-class passengers. They were returning from a three-month European tour, during which they had been acquiring furnishings for their newly built mansion, Waldon, near Minneapolis.

Titanic Experience

Their Titanic experience was characterized by luxury and socializing:

• Occupied cabin C86
• Ticket number: 17761
• Fare paid: £106 8s 6d
• Traveled with their French maid, Berthe Leroy
• Dined with notable passengers in the à la carte restaurant

The Night of the Disaster

What happened to Mahala during the sinking?

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14, 1912, Mahala’s survival instincts kicked in:

1. Put on warm clothing and a fur coat
2. Retrieved life preservers for herself, her husband, and their maid
3. Made her way to the boat deck with her husband

In a poignant moment, Walter Douglas refused to board a lifeboat, telling his wife, “No, I must be a gentleman.” Mahala was placed in Lifeboat 2, one of the first to reach the Carpathia.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster affect Mahala’s life?

The loss of her husband deeply impacted Mahala, but she showed remarkable resilience:

• Never remarried
• Traveled extensively, visiting countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Maintained her social status, hosting notable guests at her Waldon estate
• Continued her philanthropic work, particularly with the Hennepin County Red Cross

Mahala’s post-Titanic life was a blend of adventure and melancholy. Despite her extensive travels and social engagements, she reportedly felt unfulfilled, writing:

I could sing, act, write, lecture, influence people, be a great philanthropist… but unfortunately… my stars were in such conjunction at my birth that, in spite of all the gifts the gods had given me, I would never amount to anything.

Legacy and Final Years

Mahala Douglas passed away on April 21, 1945, at the age of 81 (eighty-one), in Pasadena, California. Her life, spanning from the Civil War era to the end of World War II, was a testament to the changing times and the resilience of the human spirit.

Her legacy is perhaps best summed up by the contrasting opinions she evoked:

People who knew Mahala Douglas fell into two camps—the men and the servants who adored her—and the women, who bit their lips and “reserved judgement” right up to her death.

As a first-class passenger and Titanic survivor, Mahala Douglas’s story continues to fascinate, offering a glimpse into the world of early 20th-century high society and the lasting impact of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.