Emil Taussig

Who was Mr Emil Taussig?

Mr Emil Taussig was a prominent Austrian-American businessman and manufacturer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on June 20, 1857, in Eisenbrod, Bohemia, Taussig rose to become the President of the West Disinfecting Company in Buffalo, New York. His life story is a testament to the American dream, from immigrant roots to business success, ultimately ending in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Family

A Jewish Heritage

Emil Taussig was born into a Jewish family, the son of Solomon Joseph Taussig (1829-1896) and Rosie Pick. His father was a manufacturer of children’s clothing, setting the stage for Emil’s future in business. Growing up, Emil had two siblings:

• Annie (born 1859, later Mrs. Sigmund Cahn)
• Jennie (1861-1938, later Mrs. Abraham Klein)

Family Expansion and Immigration

Tragedy struck early in Emil’s life when his mother passed away at a young age. His father remarried around 1863 to Charlotte Bundig (1844-1906), expanding the family significantly. From this union, Emil gained six half-siblings:

1. Rosa (1863-1931, later Mrs. Moses Herman Mann, latterly Cohen)
2. Olga (1868-1946, later Mrs. Siegfried Lewisohn)
3. Otto (born 1870)
4. Maximillian (1872-1878)
5. Jacob (born 1873)
6. Flora (born 1875, later Mrs. Emil Goodkind)

In a pivotal moment for the Taussig family, they embarked on a journey that would shape their future. On January 14, 1866, the family left Hamburg aboard the Germania, setting sail for America. They settled in Manhattan, marking the beginning of their American story.

Education and Early Career

From Store Clerk to Business Leader

While specific details about Emil’s education are not provided, we know that by 1880, at the age of 23 (twenty-three), he was working as a store clerk in Manhattan. This early experience in retail would prove valuable as he climbed the ladder of success in the business world.

Emil’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he became the President of the West Disinfecting Company in Buffalo, New York. This position showcased his business acumen and leadership skills, establishing him as a respected figure in the manufacturing industry.

Personal Life and Family

Marriage and Fatherhood

On January 18, 1893, at the age of 35 (thirty-five), Emil Taussig married Tillie Mandelbaum, who was born in 1872. Tillie came from a notable family herself, being the daughter of a New York tobacco merchant. The couple’s union was blessed with the birth of their only child, a daughter named Ruth, towards the end of 1893.

Residences and Social Status

The Taussig family’s addresses over the years reflect their rising social and economic status:

• 1900: Resided at 1335 Madison Avenue, Manhattan
• 1910: Still on Madison Avenue
• 1912: Moved to 777 West End Avenue

These prestigious Manhattan addresses underscore the family’s prosperity and social standing in New York society.

Physical Description

According to Emil’s 1912 passport, he was described as:

• Height: 5’ 7½" (approximately 171 cm)
• Hair color: Brown
• Complexion: Fair
• Face shape: Oval

This description paints a picture of a man of average height for his time, with features typical of his Central European heritage.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

First-Class Passengers

In 1912, following a visit to Vienna, Emil Taussig, along with his wife and daughter, boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton. They traveled as first-class passengers, reflecting their wealthy status. Their journey details include:

• Ticket number: 110413
• Ticket cost: £79, 13s (equivalent to approximately £9,500 in 2023)
• Cabin: E67 (occupied by Emil and his wife)

The Night of the Sinking

On the tragic night of April 14-15, 1912, the Taussig family’s life changed forever. They were alerted to the danger by German steward Alfred Theissinger, who urgently advised them:

“You better put on your lifebelts and rush out on deck.”

Emil, showing concern, asked, “Is it as serious as all that?” To which Theissinger replied emphatically, “Yes, hurry.”

In a final act of heroism and love, Mr. Taussig escorted his wife and daughter to lifeboat number 8. However, adhering to the “women and children first” protocol, he stepped back, allowing others to board the limited lifeboats. This selfless action would cost him his life.

Legacy

Emil Taussig, at the age of 54 (fifty-four), perished in the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. His story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, showcasing both the success of immigrant families in America and the tragedy that befell so many on that fateful night.

The tale of Emil Taussig, from his birth in Bohemia to his rise in American business and his final moments of bravery on the Titanic, continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike. It serves as a testament to the diverse stories of those aboard the ill-fated ship and the enduring impact of the Titanic disaster on families and history.