Mrs Nella Carlynne Goldenberg

Who was Nella Carlynne Goldenberg?

Nella Carlynne Goldenberg was a first-class passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on February 2, 1866, in Florence, Italy, she led a fascinating life that spanned continents, survived one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters, and left behind a legacy that continues to intrigue Titanic enthusiasts to this day.

Early Life and Background

An International Upbringing

Nella was born to an American father, Alexander Mather Wiggins (1826-1913) from New Jersey, and an Italian mother, Nella Carlynne DeSilva. Tragically, her mother passed away when Nella was very young. Despite her Italian birth, Nella didn’t come to America until 1885, at the age of 19 (nineteen).

First Marriage and Children

In America, Nella began a relationship with Samuel Sondheim, a married New York cotton broker. Their union produced two children:

Viola Marie (born May 25, 1886)
Albert Cecil (born November 27, 1887)

The couple officially married on June 19, 1895, after Sondheim declared himself a divorcee. However, their marriage was short-lived, as Sondheim passed away from a heart ailment on August 28, 1900.

Second Marriage and Life in France

On September 3, 1901, Nella remarried to Samuel Levi Goldenberg, a lace merchant and realtor. The couple initially settled in Manhattan but relocated to France in 1907 for the sake of Samuel’s health. They became well-known dog fanciers, often judging shows and breeding English Toy Spaniels and French Bulldogs under the kennel name “Nellcote”.

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Goldenbergs on the Titanic?

The Goldenbergs boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg on April 10, 1912, as first-class passengers. They were en route to attend the French Bull Dog of America show scheduled for April 20 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.

Ticket and Accommodation Details

Ticket Number: 17453
Fare: £89 2s 1d
Cabin: C92

Fate During the Disaster

A Dramatic Rescue

The Goldenbergs were among the fortunate survivors of the Titanic disaster. They were rescued in lifeboat 5. The New York Herald (April 21, 1912) reported a dramatic account of their rescue:

Mrs. Goldenberg ran out on deck. Mrs. Goldenberg, who had not waited to dress, but had only pulled a skirt over her nightdress, was helped into one of the first boats by Mr. Goldenberg, Mr. Ismay and one of the Titanic’s officers. She begged her husband to follow her, but he refused. The boat was unfilled when the crew started to lower it, according to Mrs. Goldenberg, and she urged her husband to take a place, as other men had done. “When I saw that he was not coming,” said Mrs. Goldenberg, “I called, ‘For God’s sake say goodbye to me then,’ and suddenly Mr. Ismay and one of the crew seized Mr. Goldenberg and threw him over the side. He managed to catch the boat ropes and I and others pulled him in…”

After the Rescue

Upon arrival in New York aboard the Carpathia, the Goldenbergs refused to discuss their ordeal with newspaper reporters. Despite their harrowing experience, they proceeded to participate in the French Bull Dog show as planned.

Life After the Titanic

Travels and Residences

Following the disaster, the couple returned to France and spent time recuperating in Switzerland. By 1917, they were living in Villefranche-sur-Mer near Nice, France, and also spent time in Monaco. In 1921, they resettled permanently in the USA, living at 109 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, though they continued to travel extensively.

Divorce and Later Years

Nella and Samuel eventually divorced, possibly due to Samuel’s infidelity. While Samuel remarried and moved back to France, Nella remained unmarried and adopted her mother’s maiden name, DeSilva. She continued to live in New York and travel frequently.

Final Years and Death

Nella spent her last days in Berkeley, California, close to her daughter Viola. She passed away on October 9, 1947, at the age of 81 (eighty-one).

Legacy and Family

Children’s Lives

Viola Marie Goldenberg
- Married George W. Crossman in 1913
- Had a daughter, Viola Mary (born April 27, 1915)
- Passed away in Alameda, California on May 22, 1961
Albert Cecil Goldenberg
- Served in WWI (American Field Service and American Army Sanitary Corps)
- Worked for a Paris-based bank from 1920
- Lived in Paris for many years
- Passed away in November 1986 at the age of 99 (ninety-nine)

What made Nella Carlynne Goldenberg unique?

Nella Carlynne Goldenberg’s life was a tapestry of international experiences, from her birth in Italy to her life in America and France. Her survival of the Titanic disaster, her passion for dog breeding, and her ability to rebuild her life after multiple personal tragedies showcase a resilient and adaptable woman who lived through one of the most transformative periods in modern history.