Eliezer Gilinski

Who was Mr Eliezer Gilinski?

Mr Eliezer Gilinski was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old Lithuanian locksmith who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1889 in Ignalina, Lithuania, Gilinski was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely death on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Lithuanian Heritage

Eliezer Gilinski was born in 1889 in the town of Ignalina, Lithuania. He came from a modest family and was one of six children, with one sister and four brothers. This close-knit family structure was typical of many Eastern European families of the time, providing a strong support system and cultural identity.

Sibling Connections

One of Eliezer’s brothers, David, had already established himself in Wales, providing a connection to the United Kingdom that would later influence Eliezer’s travels. David’s residence at 36 Glancynon Terrace, Abercynon, South Wales, became Eliezer’s last reported address before his fateful journey.

The Journey to a New Life

From Wales to Southampton

Eliezer’s presence in Wales may have been tied to a significant family event. It’s believed that he might have traveled to the UK to attend his brother David’s wedding in 1911. This family celebration possibly served as a prelude to Eliezer’s own plans for a new life across the Atlantic.

Titanic Boarding and Ticket Details

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Ticket Number: 14973
• Ticket Price: £8 1s (equivalent to about £1,000 in 2023)
• Passenger Class: Third Class
• Destination: Chicago, USA

Eliezer boarded the Titanic at Southampton, carrying with him hopes and dreams of a new life in America. His choice of Chicago as a destination suggests he may have had connections or job prospects in the growing industrial city.

The Fateful Journey

Life Aboard the Titanic

As a third-class passenger, Eliezer would have experienced the Titanic differently from those in first and second class. While not as luxurious, the third-class accommodations on the Titanic were still considered superior to those on many other ships of the time.

The Tragic Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Eliezer, like many other third-class passengers, faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats. Sadly, he did not survive the sinking.

Recovery and Identification

Body Recovery

Eliezer’s body was among those recovered by the Mackay Bennett, a cable ship chartered to retrieve victims from the disaster site. He was designated as body No. 47.

Identification Details

The recovery report provided a poignant snapshot of Eliezer’s final moments:

• Estimated Age: 30 (actual age was 23)
• Hair Color: Dark
• Clothing: Grey coat, vest, and pants; green shirt
• Personal Effects:
  • Photographs
  • Tickets
  • $5 bill
  • Baggage insurance (No. 73941, B. Ins. Ass., Ltd.)
  • £12 in gold
  • 60 cents
  • 4 pence
  • Keys
  • Purse
  • Primer on English language

The presence of an English language primer among his effects suggests Eliezer was preparing for his new life in America, studying the language of his intended home.

A Final Resting Place

Eliezer Gilinski was buried at sea on April 21, 1912, a common practice for many Titanic victims due to the limitations of body preservation and transportation at the time.

Legacy and Remembrance

Family Compensation

The Mansion House Relief Fund, established to aid Titanic victims and their families, awarded Eliezer’s parents £130 in compensation. While no amount could truly compensate for their loss, this gesture provided some financial support during their time of grief.

Local Memory

The Aberdare Leader, a local Welsh newspaper, published a touching tribute on May 4, 1912:

“Amongst the bodies of the ‘Titanic’ victims that have been recovered is that of a young Hebrew youth from Abercynon, named W Galinsky, who had only recently come over from the Continent to see his brother. He was a most amiable young man, and his death has caused his brother and family deep grief.”

This newspaper clipping, despite the misspelling of his name, provides a glimpse into how Eliezer was remembered by those who knew him, describing him as amiable and highlighting the profound impact of his loss on his family.

Eliezer Gilinski’s story, while tragically cut short, serves as a poignant reminder of the many individual lives affected by the Titanic disaster. His journey from Lithuania to Wales and his aspirations for a new life in America encapsulate the dreams of countless immigrants of his era, making his tale a touching microcosm of the broader historical narrative surrounding the Titanic’s ill-fated voyage.