Hannā Mikā'Īl Māmā

Who was Hannā Mikā’īl Māmā?

Hannā Mikā’īl Māmā, later known as John Mami, was a Syrian-Lebanese Titanic survivor who embarked on a journey of love, survival, and entrepreneurship in America. Born on February 10, 1892, near Zghartā, Lebanon, Māmā’s life was shaped by his remarkable escape from the Titanic disaster and his subsequent adventures in the United States.

Early Life and Journey to America

Lebanese Roots and a Love Story

Hannā Mikā’īl Māmā grew up in Tripoli, Lebanon, where he worked as a farm laborer. His life took a romantic turn when he fell in love with Jasmine Butrus, the daughter of neighboring family. When Jasmine’s family emigrated to America around 1909, Hannā was left heartbroken.

A Fateful Decision

In 1912, at the age of 20 (twenty), Māmā made the life-changing decision to follow his love to America. He embarked on this journey with Jasmine’s brother, Tannūs Butrus-Kawi, hoping to seek Jasmine’s hand in marriage upon arrival.

The Monk’s Blessing

Before leaving Lebanon, Māmā received a sacred relic from an aged Maronite monk. This small locket, believed to contain a piece of the cross on which Christ was crucified, was given to Māmā with the assurance that it would protect him from peril if he remained in a state of grace.

The Titanic Experience

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

Māmā boarded the Titanic in Cherbourg on April 10, 1912, as a third-class passenger. His ticket, number 2677, cost £7 4s 7d. He was traveling with fellow Lebanese passengers, including Tannūs Butrus-Ka’wī and Sarkīs Lahhūd Ishaq Mu’awwad.

Survival and Rescue

When the Titanic struck the iceberg, Māmā managed to survive the sinking. He reportedly prayed at the feet of Father Byles before being rescued, possibly in lifeboat 15. While family lore suggests he was picked up from the water by Mrs. Astor’s boat, there is no evidence to support this claim.

Arrival in New York

Māmā arrived in New York aboard the Carpathia, where he was described as a 20-year-old unmarried farmer. His intended destination was 1001 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia, the home of Thomas Butrus, whom he described as a cousin.

Life in America

Marriage and Settlement

Contrary to initial plans to marry Jasmine Butrus, Māmā (now known as John Mami) married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Starr in New Jersey in 1914. The couple had no children and settled in Philadelphia.

Career and Businesses

Mami’s career in America was diverse:

• Initially worked as a grocer
• Operated the Titanic Cafe, a public house
• Ran an ice-cream parlor after legal troubles with the Titanic Cafe
• Moved to Washington, DC in the mid-1940s to operate a pool room

Legal Troubles

In 1939, Mami faced legal issues when his license for the Titanic Cafe was revoked due to the purchase of stolen alcohol. This led to a court case and a five-year probation period.

Legacy and Final Years

Hannā Mikā’īl Māmā, known in America as John Mami, died on April 18, 1952, in Washington, DC at the age of 60 (sixty). He was buried in Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, Maryland. His life journey from a Lebanese farm laborer to a Titanic survivor and American businessman exemplifies the immigrant experience of the early 20th century.

Māmā’s story is a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the challenges faced by immigrants in building a new life in America. His connection to the Titanic, symbolized by his “Titanic Cafe,” remained a significant part of his identity throughout his life.