Dear Nathan,
The mystery of Edwiga and Nella Goldenberg have lingered with us for some time. Thanks to the joint efforts of my friend and fellow researcher, Bob Bracken, it can be said that Edwiga Goldenberg was Sam Goldenberg's second wife, and added to the confusion when Sam died in 1936. Obituaries for Sam Goldenberg claimed that Edwiga Grabowska (his second wife) died in 1935 and was on the Titanic with him. Over the years, every researcher believed that Nella Goldenberg was Edwiga and that the first names were simply garbled. Nella had been married before to a man named Wiggens, and Sam Goldenberg was her second husband. When Sam died in 1936, his only surviving relative was his sister (and her family) in California who inherited his estate.
Nella Goldenberg has her own story but out of respect to Phil Gowan who I know has invested much time and money in uncovering the data on her as well, I will refrain from saying anything further until a future time. If you would like additional information on the Goldenbergs, please contact me privately.
I am just surprised that the mystery of Nella and Edwiga Goldenerg lingered for so long. I'm glad that Phil Hind at least changed her biography since many Titanic researchers continued to perpetuate the same incorrect information - including the recent Soldner passenger booklet.
Aside from Nella Goldenberg, the info about Anna Abselson Bolton in second-class is not correct either. All of us were led to believe that Mrs. Michael Bolton, who died in 1963, was Anna Abelson. Well, she wasn't and is not a survivor. More to follow in that regard as well.
Many of the Titanic's surviving passengers and crew have spun a web around their later lives. Some will never be found (like the Chinese sailors) but it makes the pursuit very exciting. Some went to live in different countries which have added to the mystery for years (like Miss Francatelli in Switzerland and Mr. Woolner in Hungary). Fascinating stuff!
Regards,
Mike Findlay
