Ervin G. Lewy

Who was Ervin G. Lewy?

Ervin G. Lewy was a 30-year-old American jeweller from Chicago who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born into a family of Prussian Jewish immigrants, Lewy was a successful businessman who had been on a diamond purchasing trip to Amsterdam before boarding the ill-fated ship for his return journey to the United States.

Early Life and Family Background

A Jewish Immigrant Family in America

Ervin G. Lewy was born on November 28, 1881, in Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas. He was the son of Benno Lewy, a jeweller born in 1842, and Bertha Marcus, born in 1844. Both of his parents were Prussian Jewish immigrants, with his father having arrived in the United States around 1860. Ervin was one of seven siblings, growing up in a large family that would later play a significant role in shaping his career path.

Relocation to Chicago

The Lewy family eventually settled in Chicago, Illinois, where Ervin would spend most of his adult life. By the time of the 1900 census, Ervin was already living in Chicago, though his mother had passed away by this point. This move to the bustling city would prove instrumental in shaping Ervin’s future in the jewellery business.

Career in the Jewellery Business

Following in His Father’s Footsteps

From a young age, Ervin showed an aptitude for the family business. At just 16 years old, he began working as a jewellery salesman under the guidance of his father and elder brothers. The family business, known as “Lewy, The Jeweller,” was located on West Van Buren Street in Chicago.

The Birth of Lewy Brothers Jewellers

Tragedy struck the family on December 19, 1900, when Ervin’s father, Benno Lewy, passed away. He was laid to rest in the Jewish Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. Following their father’s death, Ervin and his brothers took over the family business, transforming it into Lewy Brothers Jewellers. The new company was situated at the intersection of State and Adams Streets in Chicago.

Ervin’s Role in the Family Business

Within the family enterprise, Ervin held the position of treasurer, while his brother Marks served as the secretary. The company’s mission was ambitious and comprehensive:

“For the purpose of buying and selling diamonds, watches, and jewelry, and all other goods pertaining to the jewelry business, at wholesale or retail, to carry on and conduct an optical business, as well as to do a general manufacturing business, and to do all things and matters pertaining to the conducting of a general mercantile business or a general jewelry business.”

This broad scope allowed the Lewy brothers to establish themselves as prominent figures in Chicago’s jewellery trade.

Personal Life and Titanic Journey

A Bachelor’s Life in Chicago

As of the 1910 census, Ervin was living with his sister Frieda Oppenheimer. His last known address in Chicago was 5628 South Park Avenue. At the age of 30 (thirty), Ervin remained unmarried, dedicating much of his time to the family business.

The Fateful Diamond Purchasing Trip

On January 15, 1912, Ervin embarked on a significant business journey to Amsterdam, likely to purchase diamonds for the family’s jewellery business. This trip would ultimately lead him to book passage on the RMS Titanic for his return to Chicago.

Boarding the Titanic

Ervin boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, as a first-class passenger. His ticket, number 17612, cost £27, 14s, 5d, a considerable sum at the time, reflecting his status as a successful businessman.

The Final Journey

Last Communication

While aboard the Titanic, Ervin sent a telegram to his brother Jay, informing him that he was en route home on the grand ship. Tragically, this would be the last communication his family would receive from him.

The Sinking and Ervin’s Fate

Ervin G. Lewy perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure and adding his name to the long list of those lost in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Niece Named in His Honor

In a touching tribute to her brother, Ervin’s sister Frieda Oppenheimer named her daughter, born on December 26, 1913, Ervine. This gesture ensured that Ervin’s memory would live on within the family.

The Last of the Siblings

Frieda Oppenheimer, who named her daughter after Ervin, became the last surviving sibling of the Lewy family. She lived a long life, spending many years in Chicago before eventually settling in Los Angeles. Frieda passed away on January 6, 1977, at the age of 98, carrying with her the memories of her brother and the family’s history.

Ervin G. Lewy’s story is a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that made up the larger disaster of the Titanic. A successful jeweller at the peak of his career, his life was cut short at the age of 30, leaving behind a grieving family and a legacy in the Chicago jewellery trade. Today, he is remembered not only as a victim of the Titanic but as a symbol of the American dream pursued by many immigrant families in the early 20th century.