Key facts about Nelle Snyder
- Nelle Stevenson was born in Wisconsin in 1889 and grew up in the Minneapolis area.
- She married John Pillsbury Snyder on January 22, 1912 and sailed on Titanic while returning from their European honeymoon.
- The couple occupied cabin B45 and shared ticket 21228.
- They survived together in Lifeboat 7, the first lifeboat lowered from Titanic.
- Nelle and John later had three children and lived for many years in Minneapolis and Wayzata, Minnesota.
- Nelle died in 1983 at age 94.
From Wisconsin to Minneapolis and a January 1912 wedding
Nelle Stevenson was born in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, on January 15, 1889. Her parents were Thomas William Stevenson, a merchant, and Cora Vincent Stevenson. The family moved to Minneapolis while Nelle was young, and she grew up there with a large group of brothers and sisters.
On January 22, 1912, Nelle married Minneapolis businessman John Pillsbury Snyder. Their honeymoon took them to Europe, including Gibraltar and Italy. John was also exploring a Fiat automobile dealership connected with his business interests.
A honeymoon return aboard Titanic
For the return voyage, Nelle and John boarded Titanic at Southampton as first-class passengers. They travelled on ticket 21228 and occupied cabin B45. Aboard ship they became acquainted with other Minnesota passengers, including the Douglas and Silvey couples and Constance Willard.
The Snyders had gone to bed before the collision. John later remembered the impact as slight, and the first crew response they heard suggested there was little reason for alarm. The couple nevertheless dressed, went up to investigate and then returned for lifebelts when instructed.
Nelle and John entered the first lifeboat lowered
On the Boat Deck, the Snyders reached Lifeboat 7. Many nearby passengers still hesitated to leave Titanic, and the boat was lowered before it was full. Nelle and John entered together, making them one of the married couples who both survived the disaster.
From the water they watched the ship settle lower. John’s later accounts described the realization of danger coming gradually as rows of portholes disappeared beneath the sea. Lifeboat 7 remained among other boats until Carpathia arrived after dawn.
A family life in Minnesota after Titanic
Nelle and John returned to Minneapolis and had three children: John Pillsbury Snyder Jr., Thomas Stevenson Snyder and Susan Snyder. John ran Snyder Garage Inc. and later served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, while Nelle became active in local charitable and civic organizations.
The couple continued travelling. In 1938 they were in Vienna during the Anschluss and left Europe aboard Queen Mary. After John retired, they settled in Wayzata. He died in 1959, leaving Nelle a widow after 47 years of marriage.
One of Titanic’s longest-lived survivors
Nelle remained involved in philanthropy and was a charter member of the Northwestern Hospital Board. Her life after Titanic lasted more than 71 years, far longer than anyone aboard could have imagined during the night in Lifeboat 7.
She died on December 9, 1983, aged 94, and was buried in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Her husband John is buried there as well.
Sources used for this biography
Specialist biographies of both Nelle and John Snyder provide the family history, honeymoon, cabin and Lifeboat 7 account, while passenger records confirm their shared voyage details.
- Encyclopedia Titanica: Nelle Snyder Birth, family background, marriage, Lifeboat 7, children, community work and later life.
- Encyclopedia Titanica: John Pillsbury Snyder Detailed account of the honeymoon, cabin B45, the collision, Lifeboat 7 and the couple’s life in Minnesota.
- Encyclopedia Titanica: Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis Confirms both Snyders among Titanic passengers buried in Lakewood Cemetery.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Nelle Snyder?
Nelle Stevenson Snyder was a 23-year-old American first-class passenger returning from a European honeymoon with her husband, John Pillsbury Snyder.
Which lifeboat did Nelle Snyder survive in?
Nelle and John Snyder survived together in Lifeboat 7, the first lifeboat lowered from Titanic.
Which cabin did Nelle Snyder occupy?
She and John occupied first-class cabin B45.
How long did Nelle Snyder live after Titanic?
She lived until December 9, 1983, more than 71 years after the disaster, and died at age 94.