Benjamin Laventall Foreman

Who was Benjamin Laventall Foreman?

Benjamin Laventall Foreman was a 30-year-old American businessman and first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic who perished in the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912. Born to a Jewish family in Albany, New York, Foreman had established himself as an embroideries salesman and merchant, conducting business between Europe and the United States. His life and tragic death on the Titanic offer a poignant glimpse into the world of early 20th-century international commerce and the fateful voyage that claimed so many lives.

Early Life and Family

Benjamin Laventall Foreman was born on November 7, 1881, in Albany, New York. He came from a Jewish background and was the eldest of six children born to Henry W. Foreman (1855-1925) and Rose Laventall (1860-1939). His father was a wholesale hop dealer from Illinois, while his mother hailed from New York.

Benjamin’s siblings included:

• Elliott Schwartz (b. July 8, 1883; d. 1971)
• Robert Nathan (b. April 12, 1885; d. 1968)
• Edwin Henry (b. June 9, 1888; d. 1957)
• Jules (b. January 26, 1892; d. 1968)
• Frank Lawrence (b. April 6, 1894; d. 1970)

The Foreman family initially resided in Albany, New York. A census from February 16, 1892, shows Benjamin living with his parents, brothers, and a servant named Kate Quinn. In the summer of 1895, Benjamin graduated from Albany Grammar School, laying the foundation for his future business career.

Early Career and European Ventures

How did Benjamin Foreman begin his professional life?

According to the Knickerbocker Press (April 16, 1912), Benjamin’s professional journey began at the age of 18 when he left Albany for New York City. There, he started working with a Manhattan-based banking firm, marking his entry into the world of finance and commerce.

On May 3, 1900, at the age of 19, Benjamin embarked on a significant career move. He left New York City for St. Gallen (also called St. Gall), Switzerland, where he would work as a merchant for two years. This decision would shape his future in the textile and embroidery trade.

What was Benjamin’s physical appearance?

A passport application from February 13, 1901, provides a detailed description of Benjamin Foreman:

• Height: 6 feet
• Forehead: Low
• Eyes: Brown
• Nose: Medium
• Mouth: Medium
• Chin: Pointed
• Hair: Dark brown
• Complexion: Fair
• Face shape: Oblong

This portrait of a tall, brown-eyed young man gives us a rare glimpse into Benjamin’s physical appearance, helping to humanize this historical figure.

Business Ventures and Travels

Benjamin Foreman’s career was marked by frequent travel between Europe and the United States, reflecting the increasingly global nature of commerce in the early 20th century.

What were Benjamin’s business activities in Europe?

St. Gallen, where Benjamin lived and worked, was a hub of the textile industry. With a population of about 54,000 in 1900, it was described as “the largest and most important export area for embroidery.” Today, the city boasts a textile museum, testament to its historical significance in the industry.

Despite his residence in Europe, the 1900 U.S. census (June 11) listed Benjamin as living with his family at 278 Hamilton Street in Albany, described as a “lace buyer.” This discrepancy highlights the transient nature of his work and the challenges of accurate record-keeping in an era of increasing international travel.

Benjamin’s business activities required him to spend extended periods in Europe. On February 17, 1903, he applied for another passport, having left the United States on January 10, 1903, with plans to stay in St. Gallen for another two years.

Return to New York and Titanic Voyage

When did Benjamin return to the United States?

Benjamin sailed from Liverpool on December 26, 1908, aboard the Lusitania, arriving in New York on January 2, 1909. The passenger list described him as a merchant, indicating his continued involvement in international trade.

By the time of the 1910 census (April 19), Benjamin was living with his parents and brothers in an apartment building at 306 West 99th Street in Manhattan, New York. At this time, he and his brother Edwin were both described as embroideries salesmen, while their father continued his work as a hops dealer.

What were the details of Benjamin’s Titanic journey?

Benjamin boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as a first-class passenger. His ticket (number 113051) cost £27 15s, equivalent to about $3,700 in today’s currency, reflecting his status as a successful businessman. While aboard, he occupied cabin C-111.

The Fateful Night

What is known about Benjamin’s last hours on the Titanic?

Two survivor accounts provide brief glimpses into Benjamin Foreman’s final hours:

1. Edith Rosenbaum stated that she had seen Foreman in the ship’s library about two hours before the Titanic struck the iceberg on the night of April 15, 1912.

2. Abraham L. Salomon reported that after the collision, he saw Foreman on deck wearing a life belt and carrying a steamer rug. Salomon asked him to come to an upper deck to enter a lifeboat, but Foreman remained on the lower deck.

Tragically, Benjamin Foreman did not survive the sinking, and his body, if recovered, was never identified.

Aftermath and Legacy

The loss of Benjamin Foreman on the Titanic left a significant impact on his family and business associates. His younger brother Edwin filed letters of administration for his estate, initially valued at $10,000 but later reassessed at $32,801.

Interestingly, there was some initial doubt about whether Benjamin was actually aboard the Titanic. To prove his presence, Edwin had to secure affidavits from survivors Edith Rosenbaum, Abraham Salomon, and Samuel Goldenberg.

An article in The Evening World (January 14, 1913) reported:

“Benjamin L, Forman