Mr Nathan Goldsmith

Who was Nathan Goldsmith?

Mr Nathan Goldsmith was a 41 (forty-one) year-old Russian-American shoemaker who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1871 in Kreidburg, Russia, Goldsmith was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling from Southampton to reunite with his family in Philadelphia after working in South Africa.

Early Life and Background

From Russia to America

Nathan Goldsmith, also known as Neshenye, was born in Kreidburg, Russia, around 1871. His early life was marked by significant milestones:

• Marriage: Goldsmith married Soreh Mett in Panevėžys, Kovno, Lithuania, circa 1897.
• First Child: Their son Michael was born on June 9, 1898, in Lonenes (or Ponevez), Lithuania.
• Immigration: In 1907, the Goldsmith family, including Nathan, Sorah, and Michael, embarked on a journey to America.

The family’s immigration route took them from Libau, Russia (now Liepāja, Latvia) to England, and finally to New York aboard the steamship Petersburg.

Life in America

Upon arriving in America, the Goldsmith family settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Notable events during this period include:

• Second Child: Irving, their second son, was born on December 24, 1907, in Philadelphia.
• Residence: The family initially lived at 126 Bainbridge Street, near Mrs. Goldsmith’s brother, Chr. Mett.
• Occupation: Nathan continued his work as a shoemaker in the United States.

The Journey to South Africa

Why did Nathan Goldsmith go to South Africa?

Nathan Goldsmith made the difficult decision to leave his family in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to pursue work opportunities in South Africa. This move was likely motivated by the desire to provide better financial support for his family.

• Regular Support: While in South Africa, Goldsmith faithfully sent money to his wife every Monday.
• Duration: The exact length of his stay in South Africa is unclear, but it was significant enough to warrant a separate journey back to America.

Titanic Journey Details

Boarding the Titanic

Mr Nathan Goldsmith boarded the Titanic as a third-class passenger at Southampton, England. His journey details include:

Purpose of Travel

Goldsmith was returning to his family after his work stint in South Africa. His destination was:

• Address: 2027 South 7th Street, Philadelphia

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Nathan Goldsmith on the Titanic?

Tragically, Nathan Goldsmith did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was 41 (forty-one) years old at the time of his death.

• Body Recovery: Despite efforts, Goldsmith’s body was never recovered from the Atlantic.
• Family’s Search: It was reported that his wife traveled to Halifax in the hope of finding his body, but to no avail.

Legacy and Impact

How did the Titanic disaster affect the Goldsmith family?

The loss of Nathan Goldsmith had a profound impact on his family:

1. Financial Aid: The Goldsmith family received financial assistance from the Red Cross following the disaster.
2. Lasting Memory: Nathan Goldsmith’s story became part of the larger narrative of the Titanic tragedy, preserving his memory for future generations.

Physical Description

While not directly related to his legacy, it’s worth noting Nathan Goldsmith’s physical appearance as recorded during his immigration:

• Height: 5'3" tall
• Hair Color: Brown
• Eye Color: Possibly blue (records are unclear)

This description helps to humanize Goldsmith and provides a tangible connection to his life and times.

As we remember Nathan Goldsmith, we are reminded of the many individual stories that make up the larger tragedy of the Titanic. His journey from Russia to America, his work in South Africa, and his fateful decision to return home on the Titanic all paint a picture of a man seeking to provide for his family in an era of global migration and opportunity.