Ernest Moraweck - Titanic Universe

Who was Dr. Ernest Moraweck?

Dr. Ernest Moraweck was a renowned American physician, specializing in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine, who tragically lost his life aboard the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born on February 28, 1858, in Davenport, Iowa, Moraweck was 54 (fifty-four) years old at the time of the disaster. He was known for his medical expertise, frequent travels to Europe, and his involvement in a peculiar inheritance case that led to his final, fateful journey.

Early Life and Family Background

Immigrant Roots

Born to Bohemian immigrants Anton Moraweck and Claudina Kroboth, Ernest was part of a family that embodied the American dream. His father, Anton, had emigrated to the United States around 1854, initially settling in Chicago before moving to various locations including Tell City, Indiana.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

Ernest had two siblings:

Claudina (1866-1956)
Alvin Herman (born June 22, 1876)

The Moraweck family was of Roman Catholic background but not particularly religious. They aligned themselves with the Republican party in their political views.

Education and Early Career

From Brewing to Medicine

Ernest Moraweck’s career path took an interesting turn:

From 1889, he worked as a ‘collector’ for the Frank Fehr Brewing Company.
On New Year’s Day 1894, at the age of 35 (thirty-five), he made the decision to begin studying medicine.

This late start in medical studies showcases Moraweck’s determination and passion for the field he would eventually excel in.

Medical Career and Achievements

Specialization and Innovation

Dr. Moraweck became a highly respected physician, specializing in ENT (Ears, Nose, and Throat) medicine. His contributions to the field were significant:

He patented several surgical instruments, most notably a new style of ocular forceps.
On June 5, 1901, The Republic (Columbus, Indiana) reported that he had been to Philadelphia assisting in performing a surgical operation of the eyes.

Professional Recognition

Moraweck’s expertise was internationally recognized, leading him to frequently travel to Europe, particularly Vienna and Berlin, to showcase his medical knowledge and techniques.

Personal Life

Marriage and Loss

Married Emilie Basler on February 28, 1884, in Perry County, Indiana.
Emilie, born in January 1861, was also of Bohemian parentage.
The couple had no children.
Tragically, Emilie died in 1904 at the young age of 33 (thirty-three) due to heart failure.

Life as a Widower

After his wife’s death, Dr. Moraweck:

Settled in Frankfort, Brandenburg, Meade County, Kentucky
Owned a farm he had purchased a few years prior to 1912
Continued his medical practice and travels

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the Titanic

Dr. Moraweck boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger. His ticket, number 29011, cost £14.

The Mysterious Purpose of His Trip

The reason for Dr. Moraweck’s final European journey was both professional and personal, shrouded in intrigue:

In Autumn 1909, during an Atlantic crossing, he met Magdalena Hasse, a wealthy German widow.
Mrs. Hasse visited Moraweck’s Kentucky farm in Spring 1910, where she fell ill and died.
In her will, she left Moraweck her villa near Freiburg, valued at nearly $30,000.
Allegations suggest that Moraweck’s 1912 trip was partly to address contestations of his inheritance by Mrs. Hasse’s family.

Final Moments on the Titanic

During the voyage, Dr. Moraweck shared a dining saloon table with Kate Buss and others. After the collision with the iceberg, he met Kate and offered to investigate the reason for the engines stopping, showcasing his curiosity and willingness to help even in dire circumstances.

Legacy and Unresolved Questions

Dr. Ernest Moraweck died in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified. In his will, dated May 18, 1904, he left his estate, valued between $50,000 and $75,000, to his sister and brother.

The circumstances surrounding his final journey and alleged involvement with wealthy widows remain a mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to the life of this accomplished physician.

Dr. Ernest Moraweck’s story is a fascinating blend of medical achievement, personal tragedy, and historical significance, forever linked to the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic.