Isidor Straus

Isidor Straus, a.k.a. Isidore Strauss (February 6, 1845–April 15, 1912) was co-owner of the Macy's department store and served as a Congressional Representative. He and his wife Ida died on board the RMS Titanic.

History

Isidor Straus was born on February 6, 1845 in Otterberg, Rhenish Bavaria. In 1854, he and his family immigrated to the United States where they settled in Talbotton, Georgia. After the Civil War, the Straus family moved to New York City, where Isidor and his brother Nathan brought their family crockery and glassware business, selling their merchandise in the Macy's department store. By 1896, they had gained full ownership of R. H. Macy and Company.

Related Topics:
February 6 - 1845 - Otterberg - Bavaria - 1854 - United States - Talbotton - Georgia - Civil War - New York City - Nathan - 1896

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Isidor Straus served as a U.S. Congressman from January 30, 1894, to March 3, 1895 as a Democrat. In 1871 he married Rosalie Ida Blun (1849–1912). The couple was inseparable, writing to each other every day when they were apart.

Related Topics:
January 30 - 1894 - March 3 - 1895 - 1871 - 1849

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Isidor and his wife were traveling on the Titanic when on April 14, 1912, it hit an iceberg. Ida reportedly would not leave Isidor and refused to get in a lifeboat, telling him, "We have been together for many years. Where you go, I go." The officer filling up the boat told Isidor that he could get into the boat with his wife, but he refused to get in the boat before other men and instead sent his wife's maid into the boat. Ida refused to board the half-full boat, and Isador and Ida both died on April 15 when the ship sank.

Related Topics:
April 14 - 1912 - Iceberg - Lifeboat

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Isidor Straus's body was recovered by the Mackay-Bennett and was buried in Beth-El Cemetery, Brooklyn. (Ida's body was not recovered.) A memorial for Isidor and Ida Straus is located in the Bronx.

Related Topics:
Brooklyn - Bronx

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