Emil Franklin Brandeis was an American businessman and First Class passenger of the Titanic who died in the sinking.
Early life[]
Emil was born on March 15th, 1864 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was the son of Jonas Leopold Brandeis (1834-1903) and Francesca Teweles (1845-1905). His parents were Jewish immigrants from what was then part of Bohemia (now modern day Czech Republic). Both his parents had emigrated to the United States around 1856 and had married in Milwaukee around 1862. Emil's father was a successful dry goods merchant who was the founder of J. L. Brandeis & Sons. Emil was one of four children. His siblings were: Arthur Donoen (1862-1916), Sarah (1867-1936, later Mrs Herman Cohn) and Hugo (1868-1912).
Emil attended public schools in Manitowoc, graduating from the grammar classes at age twelve. He then spent two years at a commercial college course in Milwaukee, where he mastered the skills of business. After completing his education, Emil returned home to work at his father's dry goods store. Around 1881, the family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, where Jonas Brandeis founded the Brandeis Department Store. In 1885, at the age of 21, Emil became a member of the Brandeis firm. He played pivotal role in planning, building, and maintaining the Brandeis buildings, as well as overseeing the men's goods department of the store.
Emil was never married and lived independently at the Kennard Apartments on Dodge Street between Eighteenth and Nineteenth street, Omaha.
Titanic[]
Emil was an avid traveler, making trips to Europe every year. In 1912, he traveled to Italy to visit his niece, Mrs. Irving Stern (Ruth), daughter of his brother Arthur. From there they journeyed through Spain, Egypt, and Rome, before arriving in Vevey, Switzerland to visit his sister, Sarah Cohn, who had recently became a widow.
Although Emil was initially scheduled to return to the United States in May, he decided to alter his plans and sail earlier, boarding the RMS Titanic (ticket number PC 17591 which cost £50, 9s, 11d). Whilst aboard he occupied cabin B-10.
While aboard, he met with old two old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Harris. It is also possible that he knew another passenger, John D. Baumann.
Emil died in the sinking and his body was recovered by the CS Mackay-Bennett
|
NO. 208 - MALE - ESTIMATED AGE 50 - GREY HAIR & MOUSTACHE CLOTHING - Dark suit; brown shirt, blue striped; black shoes; silk socks. EFFECTS - Diamond cuff links; gold knife; platinum and diamond watch chain; gold pencil case; gold ring; gold cigarette case and match box with initials; pearl tie-pin; gold watch; 500 francs note; £15; $15.00; £2 10s 3d. NAME EMIL BRANDEIS |