Who was Aaron Willer?

Mr Aaron “Abe” Willer was a 37 (thirty-seven) year old Ukrainian-Russian tailor who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born around 1875 in the Russian Empire, likely in Ukraine, Willer was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Family

Aaron Willer was born to Mendil Willer and Gertrude Sussman in the Russian Empire. While the exact details of his early life remain somewhat obscure, we know that he eventually made his way to Britain, possibly in the late 1890s or early 1900s.

Marriage and Children

In Britain, Aaron met and married Bessie Suskin, a Ukrainian-born woman from Odessa. Together, they built a family that would grow to include four sons:

1. Gabriel George (1902-1979)
2. Goodman Howard (1905-1990)
3. Davis “David” (1906-1982)
4. Maurice R. (1908-1974)

Bessie also had a daughter from a previous relationship, Annette (1890-1971), who became part of their blended family.

A Journey Across the Atlantic

Why did the Willer family move to America?

The Willer family, seeking new opportunities, embarked on a life-changing journey to America. On March 6, 1907, they boarded the Friesland, bound for Philadelphia. This move marked the beginning of their American dream, as they settled first in Philadelphia before eventually making their way to Chicago, Illinois.

Life in Chicago

The Willers established their home at 1332 North Leavitt Street in Chicago. It was here that their youngest son, Maurice, was born in 1908. The family seemed to be putting down roots in their new American home.

Aaron’s Fateful Journey

Why did Aaron Willer return to Europe?

In a bid to secure a better future for his family, Aaron Willer made the difficult decision to return to Europe. He worked as a tailor in Paris, saving money with the goal of establishing his own business back in Chicago upon his return.

The Titanic Voyage

Aaron’s return journey to America took a tragic turn when he boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg. Here are the details of his passage:

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 3410
• Ticket Cost: £8, 14s, 3d (equivalent to about £1,000 in 2023)
• Embarked: Cherbourg

Interestingly, family reports suggest that Aaron was not traveling alone. He was reportedly chaperoning a 16-year-old friend across the Atlantic, possibly a young man named Usher Pulner.

The Tragic Sinking and Its Aftermath

Aaron Willer did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

How did the Titanic disaster affect the Willer family?

The loss of Aaron had devastating consequences for his family:

1. They were left destitute and on the verge of eviction.
2. The Red Cross intervened to save them from homelessness.
3. Bessie, now a widow, launched a lawsuit against the Oceanic Steamship Company:
   • £10,000 for loss of property
   • $50,000 for loss of life

While it’s unclear if these claims were settled, Bessie did receive over $5,000 from various relief funds, providing some financial support during this difficult time.

Legacy and Family’s Future

Despite the tragedy, the Willer family persevered:

• Bessie continued to live in Chicago, appearing in the 1920 census with her four sons.
• By 1930, she was living on West Division Street, Chicago, with some of her children.
• Bessie passed away on February 5, 1949, having lived through immense tragedy and change.

Where did Aaron Willer’s children settle?

The Willer children went on to lead diverse lives:

• The three eldest sons (Gabriel, Goodman, and Davis) resettled in California, raising their own families.
• Goodman was the last surviving California-based son, passing away on April 11, 1990.
• Maurice, the youngest, remained in Chicago until his death on December 24, 1974.

Aaron Willer’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His journey, cut tragically short, represents the dreams and aspirations of many immigrants seeking a better life in America. Though he never reached his destination, his legacy lives on through his descendants and in the annals of Titanic history.