Encyclopedia Titanica

Augustus Schmidt

Mr August Smith was born in Austria 1 around 1890 2 as Augustus Schmidt.

He was the son of Joseph Schmidt (b. 1843) and his wife Bertha (b. 1849) and he had three known siblings: sisters Edwarda (b. 1876) and Flora (b. 1879), and brother Oscar (b. 1882).

August and his family emigrated to England, possibly in the late 1890s and settled in Whitechapel, London. His father was a hosiery merchant and August and his brother followed in their father's footsteps. The 1901 census of England shows the family living at 20 Church Lane, Whitechapel.

August and his brother seemingly emigrated again in following years and settled in the USA. August lived at an address in Newark, New Jersey, 59 Halsey Street, the home of a Dr W. H. De Vere whilst his brother settled in the south where he was involved in the lumber trade. August returned to Europe in mid-1911 and visited a sister in Paris. With the intention of returning to the USA in March 1912, August reportedly postponed his voyage so he could travel on Titanic.

August boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second class passenger (ticket number 248659 which cost £13). He gave his address as 11 Berwick Street, Westminster, London, the home of Austrian-born Mr Krakower and his family who were also in the tailoring business and he was destined for Newark, New Jersey.

August Smith died in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified.

Notes

  1. The 1901 census declares his birthplace as Austria whilst a 1912 newspaper report claims that he and his brother Oscar were English-born.
  2. Age frequently given as 26.

References and Sources

Newark Evening News, 17 April 1912, Fear Another Newarker Gone
Contract Ticket List, White Star Line 1912 (National Archives, New York; NRAN-21-SDNYCIVCAS-55[279])
Marriages, births, deaths and injuries that have occurred on board during the voyage (PRO London, BT 100/259-260)
United States Senate (62nd Congress), Subcommittee Hearings of the Committee on Commerce, Titanic Disaster, Washington 1912

Newspaper Articles

Newark Evening News (17 April 1912) Fear Another Newarker Gone
Newark Star (18 April 1912) Mr. Stengel Sends Word He Is Safe

Images

Documents and Certificates

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Comment and discuss

  1. Karyn L. Ellis

    Karyn L. Ellis

    I am looking for any information on a passenger named August Schmidt (Augustus Smith) can any one help me out ?
  2. Bob Godfrey

    Karyn, in case you haven't spotted it yet there is a short entry in the biography section on this site: Be sure to read the newspaper account linked to that page.
  3. Jennifer Mueller

    karyn mr schmidt was a second class passenger who was 26 years old and was on his way to newark,new jersey he bought ticket no 248659 for about 13 english pounds he boarded in south hampton unfortunatly he died during the sinking and if his body was found it wasnt identified for more info on mr schmidt go to the passenger area of this website you will find him listed in the second class area it is located at the begining of this website and just click 2nd class and click a letter and it will take you there i hope this helped jennifer mueller
  4. Karyn L. Ellis

    Karyn L. Ellis

    Does anyone know anything about Augustus Smith (August Schmidt) other than what is listed on the passenger list
  5. Brian J. Ticehurst

    Karyn, From my database I have the following on Augustus Smith: Smith, Mr. Augustus. Second Class passenger - Missing. Address - 11, Berwick Street, London, N. UK. Insurance claim 38. Life: $30,000 filed by A.H.C. Claim 172. Life: $30,000. Claim filed by parents. (Schmidt). From: Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund Booklet, March 1913) Number P. 9. Smith, Agnes, niece 10s 0d. weekly.
  6. ian Hough

    Brain Nice to see you onboard Houghie
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  7. ian Hough

    My apologies 'Brian' I think my 'Brain' is not in gear yet - Can someone tell me how to retract posts so as to correct them. Houghie
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  8. Inger Sheil

    Hallo Houghie - You can delete or edit your post up to within 60 minutes of posting (after that, it's there to stay). In the upper right hand corner of the post, you will see several icons. The first on the left is to edit, the second on the left is to delete. When you click on one of these you will be asked to provide your user name and password, after which you can modify or remove your post (as long as it's within the time limit).
  9. ian Hough

    Inger Many thanx - you would think after all this time I may have noticed those little icons - neat little gadgets arn't they All the best Houghie PS It was nice to see what you looked like at last more photo's please
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  10. Mark Baber

    Hello, Karyn--- Last night I checked the articles I've copied but not yet transcribed from the Newark Star; that paper carried no stories about Mr. Schmidt comparable to the that's referred to on his ET biographical page.
  11. Karyn

    Karyn

    > Does anyone know anything about Augustus Smith ? other than=20 Mr August Schmidt=20 When the Titanic sank August Schmidt was aged 26 years=20 His last residence was in Newark New Jersey United States=20 He boarded the Titanic as a 2nd Class passenger at Southampton on = Wednesday 10th April 1912 , Ticket No. 248659 , =A313=20 Destination: Newark New Jersey United States=20 Schmidt died in the sinking. His body was never recovered .
  12. Brian J. Ticehurst

    Karyn - Hi, all I have is this: Smith, (Schmidt) Mr. Augustus. Missing. Home address - 11, Berwick Street, London, N. UK. Insurance claim 38. Life: $30,000 filed by A.H.C. Claim 172. Life: $30,000. Claim filed by parents. (Schmidt). (From: Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund Booklet, March 1913) Number P. 9. Smith, (Schmidt) Agnes, niece 10s 0d. weekly. I hope it helps? Cheers Brian
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Titanic Passenger Summary

Name: Mr Augustus Schmidt (August Smith)
Born: circa.1890
Age: 22 years (Male)
Nationality: Austrian English
Last Residence: at 11 Berwick Street London, England
Embarked: Southampton on Wednesday 10th April 1912
Ticket No. 248659, £13
Destination: 59 Halsey Street Newark, New Jersey, United States
Died in the Titanic disaster (15th April 1912)
Body Not Identified

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