Mr Isidor Straus
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Photo: Le Soir, May 5, 1912, p.7
Mr Isidor Straus, 67, was born in Rhenish Bavaria on 6th February, 1845. In 1854 he emigrated to the United States settling, with his family, in the town of Talbotton, Georgia. Straus' father (Lazarus Straus) established a dry-goods business called "L. Straus & Company." and Isidor is listed in the 1860 census as being a clerk at this store. Between 1656 and 1861 he was educated at the Collinsworth Institute in Talbotton. In 1862, the Straus family moved to Columbus and Lazarus Straus opened another dry-goods business. Isidor went to work for a company that engaged in blockade running for the Confederate States (it was the time of the American Civil War). After the war, Isidor moved to New York and with his brother Nathan, became involved in the firm of R.H. Macy & Co. Finaly acquiring ownership of the firm in 1896. In addition to his business enterprise he served as a Congressman for New York State between 1895 and 1897.
Early in April 1912 Isidor, his wife Ida and their daughter Beatrice had travelled to Europe on the HAPAG Liner Amerika, it was their custom to travel by German steamer wherever possible.
For their return (Beatrice was absent) they boarded the Titanic at Southampton, travelling with them were Isidor's manservant John Farthing and Ida's newly employed maid Ellen Bird. The Straus's occupied cabins C-55-57 (ticket number PC 17483, £221 15s 7d).
Isidor Straus and his wife both died in the disaster. The body of Mr Straus was later recovered by the Mackay-Bennett (#96).
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NO. 96 - MALE - ESTIMATED AGE, 65 - FRONT GOLD TOOTH (Partly) - GREY HAIR AND MOUSTACHE CLOTHING - Fur-lined overcoat; grey trousers, coat and vest; soft striped shirt; brown boots; black silk socks. EFFECTS - Pocketbook; gold watch; platinum and pearl chain; gold pencil case; silver flask; silver salts bottle; £40 in notes; £4 2s 3d in silver. FIRST CLASS - NAME - ISADOR STRAUSS |
Isidor Straus was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY.
Courtesy of Michael A. Findlay, USA
40,000 people gathered for the couple's memorial service which was held in New York City. Eulogies read included one by Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919). Two years later a second service was held to inaugurate Straus Square on Broadway and 107th Street.
Notes
Some sources indicate that Straus was initially buried at Beth-El Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. but later moved to Woodlawn Cemetery where a private mausoleum was constructed.
A Freshman Dormitory in Harvard Yard is named after them: Straus Hall.
References and Sources
U.S. Census 1860
The Straus Family Historical Society
William Davidson A Rockaway in Talbot: Travels in an Old Georgia County. Vol. I (1983) and IV (1990).
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, April 15, 1912 and April 16, 1912
Contract Ticket List, White Star Line 1912 (National Archives, New York; NRAN-21-SDNYCIVCAS-55[279]).
Credits
Peter Saal
Ryan B. Elswick
Michael A. Findlay, USA
William L. Phillips
Lewis O Powell IV
Summary
Born: Thursday 6th February 1845
Age: 67 years
Last Residence: in New York City New York United States
Occupation: Businessman
1st Class passenger
First Embarked: Southampton on Wednesday 10th April 1912
Ticket No. 17483 , £221 15s 7d
Cabin No. C55
Died in the sinking.
Body recovered by: Mackay-Bennett (No. 96)
Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery Bronx New York United States
Travelling Companions (on same ticket)
Miss Ellen Bird
Mr John Farthing
Mrs Rosalie Ida Straus
Related Articles and Documents
Other Information
Near tragedy on the seas for Straus Family
Radios from notable passengers
Useful Links
THE STRAUS FAMILY HISTORICAL WEBSITEBIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS: ISIDOR STRAUS
HISTORY OF FEDERATED DEPARTMENT STORES, CURRENT OWNER OF MACY'S
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