William Bertram Greenfield: Titanic Survivor and Furrier

William Bertram Greenfield was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old American businessman and Titanic survivor who played a unique role in the fur industry during the early 20th century. Born into a family of furriers, Greenfield’s life was shaped by both his business acumen and his harrowing experience aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Early Life and Family Background

What was William Greenfield’s upbringing like?

William Bertram Greenfield was born on May 11, 1888, in Newark, Essex, New Jersey. He was the only child of Leo David Greenfield (1863-1934) and Blanche Strouse (1867-1936), both New York natives of German heritage. Growing up in a family deeply involved in the fur trade, young William was exposed to the business from an early age.

Family Business: Leo D. Greenfield & Co Inc., manufacturers of fur garments for ladies
Residence: New York City
Early Career: Followed in his father’s footsteps as a furrier

Rise in the Fur Industry

By 1910, William had already established himself in the family business. He quickly climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the vice president of Leo D. Greenfield & Co Inc. His role in the company involved frequent travel to Europe, particularly Russia, where he would purchase fur pelts for the business.

What made Greenfield’s business trips unique?

Greenfield’s annual trips to Europe were not just business as usual. They were vital expeditions that fueled the family’s fur empire:

Primary destination: Russia
Purpose: Purchasing high-quality fur pelts
Frequency: Annual trips
Impact: Crucial for maintaining the company’s inventory and quality

The Titanic Journey

In April 1912, William Greenfield embarked on what would become his most memorable trip. He boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by his mother, Blanche Greenfield.

Titanic Voyage Details

Detail	Information
Class	1st Class
Ticket Number	PC 17759
Cabin	D-10/12
Fare	£63 7s 2d

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, William Greenfield found himself in an extraordinary situation. After the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg, he spent time in the first-class smoking room, playing cards with Alfred Nourney (Baron von Drachstedt) and Henry Blank.

How did Greenfield survive the Titanic disaster?

William and his mother were among the fortunate passengers to be rescued. They secured places on lifeboat 7, which was the first boat to leave the sinking ship. This early evacuation likely contributed to their survival.

Life After the Titanic

The Titanic disaster left an indelible mark on William Greenfield, though he rarely spoke about it publicly. His reticence was largely out of respect for his mother, who was deeply traumatized by the experience.

“It was not the sounds of humans perishing that haunted him most, but the dogs left behind who he heard barking and shrieking.”

How did the Titanic experience impact Greenfield’s life?

Despite the trauma, Greenfield continued his business travels, frequently visiting:

France
Britain
Belgium
Germany
The Netherlands

Personal Life and Legacy

On October 7, 1914, William married Flora Stern, a New York resident born in Poland. The couple settled in Far Rockaway, Queens, and had two daughters:

Anne (born 1915)
Nell (born 1919)

What was Greenfield’s life like after marriage?

Following his marriage, Greenfield’s life was marked by several significant events:

Military Service: He served during World War I
Residences:
- 1920s-1930s: Queens, New York
- 1940s: Relocated to Manhattan
Continued Business: Maintained his role in the fur industry

Final Years

William Bertram Greenfield passed away on November 12, 1949, at the age of 61 (sixty-one). He was laid to rest at the Salem Field Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, alongside his parents. His widow, Flora, survived him by 16 years, passing away in 1965.

What is Greenfield’s lasting legacy?

William Greenfield’s life story intertwines the glamour of early 20th-century high society with the tragedy of the Titanic. As a first-class passenger and survivor, his account provides a unique perspective on one of history’s most famous maritime disasters. His success in the fur industry, coupled with his Titanic experience, cements his place in the annals of both business and maritime history.