Mr Martin Rothschild

Who was Martin Rothschild?

Martin Rothschild was a 46 (forty-six) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on December 12, 1865, in Manhattan, New York, Rothschild was a successful clothing manufacturer who perished in the tragic sinking on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Martin Rothschild’s family history?

Martin Rothschild came from a family of Prussian-born Jewish immigrants. His parents were:

Father: Sampson Jacob Rothschild (1818-1899), a merchant
Mother: Mary Greissman (b. 1824)

Sampson Jacob Rothschild immigrated to the United States around 1846, initially settling in Monroe, Alabama. The family later moved to Manhattan, New York, circa 1858.

Who were Martin Rothschild’s siblings?

Martin was the youngest of five known children:

Jacob Henry (1851-1913)
Simon (1854-1908)
Samuel (b. 1857)
Hannah (1860-1911, later Mrs. William Henry Theobald)

Interestingly, Martin was the uncle of the renowned poet and satirist Dorothy Parker (née Rothschild, 1893-1967) through his brother Jacob.

Professional Life and Marriage

How did Martin Rothschild build his fortune?

Martin Rothschild’s career progression:

1880: Worked as a stock clerk
Later years: Operated his own clothing manufacturing company
Amassed considerable wealth through his business ventures

Who was Martin Rothschild’s wife?

On February 6, 1895, Martin married Elizabeth Jane Anne Barrett (b. 1858). Their union was considered unconventional for the time:

Martin: Wealthy Jewish businessman
Elizabeth: His employee, a slightly older seamstress of devout Irish Roman Catholic background

The childless couple resided at 753 West End Avenue, New York, but were known for their extensive travels, often being away for up to six months at a time.

Physical Description and Travel History

According to Rothschild’s 1900 passport, he was described as:

Height: 5’ 8"
Hair: Bald
Eyes: Brown
Forehead: High
Face: Round
Mouth: Small
Nose: Average
Complexion: Fair

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Rothschilds on the Titanic?

Following a trip to Europe, Mr. and Mrs. Rothschild boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg as first-class passengers. Their ticket details were:

Detail	Information
Ticket Number	PC 17603
Cost	£59 8s
Cabin	C-deck

The Fateful Night

What happened to Martin Rothschild during the sinking?

After the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg, steward Frederick Dent Ray encountered Mr. Rothschild on C deck. Their conversation was revealing:

“I spoke to him and asked him where his wife was. He said she had gone off in a boat. I said, ‘This is rather serious.’ He said, ‘I don’t think there’s any occasion for it.’”

This exchange highlights Rothschild’s calm demeanor in the face of danger. Following this conversation, the two men casually walked up to A deck, where Ray boarded a lifeboat.

Fate and Legacy

Martin Rothschild tragically perished in the disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified. In contrast, his wife Elizabeth and her pet dog were among the survivors.

How is Martin Rothschild remembered?

Rothschild is commemorated in the Barrett family mausoleum at St Mary’s Cemetery in Watkins Glen, New York. A memorial inside the mausoleum stands as a lasting tribute to his life and the tragic circumstances of his death.

Martin Rothschild’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost in the Titanic disaster, particularly among the first-class passengers who, despite their wealth and status, were not immune to the tragedy that unfolded on that fateful night.