Isaac Gerry Frauenthal

Who was Mr Isaac Gerry Frauenthal?

Mr Isaac Gerry Frauenthal was an American lawyer and Titanic survivor who played a notable role in honoring the rescuers of the ill-fated ship. Born on October 7, 1868, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Frauenthal was 43 (forty-three) years old when he boarded the Titanic and survived its sinking, later contributing to maritime history through his actions aboard the rescue ship Carpathia.

Early Life and Family

A Child of Immigrants

Isaac Gerry Frauenthal was born into a family with strong immigrant roots. His parents, Samuel Frauenthal (1828-1922) and Yetta Lowenstein (b. 1831), were natives of Bavaria and Prussia respectively, who had immigrated to the United States around 1848. Samuel worked as a boot and shoe vendor, establishing the family in America.

Siblings and Childhood

Isaac was the youngest of nine known siblings:

Joseph (1850-1921)
Fannie (b. 1852)
Edward (1854-1922)
Isidor (b. 1855)
Rosa (b. 1858)
Henry William (1862-1927)
Caroline (b. 1864)
Herman Clay (1866-1942)

The Frauenthal family first appears in the 1870 census as residents of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where Isaac spent his early years.

Education and Career

Legal Studies and Practice

Isaac Frauenthal pursued a career in law, studying at the Law School of New York. After completing his education, he established a private practice in New York City, demonstrating his ambition and professional acumen.

Life in Manhattan

By the turn of the century, the Frauenthal family had relocated to Manhattan, New York. Census records from 1900 and 1910 show them residing at 783 Lexington Avenue. In the 1910 census, Isaac was described as an unmarried lawyer, indicating his commitment to his legal career.

The Titanic Journey

Preparations for Travel

On March 6, 1912, Isaac applied for a US passport alongside his elder brother Henry. Their stated intention was to travel abroad for two months, setting the stage for their fateful journey on the Titanic.

Physical Description

The passport application provides a vivid description of Isaac Frauenthal:

Height: 5’ 10¾"
Hair: Light brown
Eyes: Brown
Complexion: Florid
Distinguishing features: Prominent chin, Roman nose, high forehead
Appearance: Clean-shaven

Boarding the Titanic

Isaac’s journey on the Titanic began in Cherbourg on April 10, 1912. He traveled as a first-class passenger, holding ticket number 17765, which cost £27, 14s, 5d. During the voyage, he occupied cabin D40.

The Night of the Sinking

Rescue and Survival

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, Isaac Frauenthal faced the harrowing experience of the ship’s sinking. Fortunately, he, along with his brother Henry and sister-in-law Clara, were rescued in lifeboat 5, ensuring their survival of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Aftermath and Recognition

Honoring the Rescuers

While returning to New York aboard the Carpathia, Frauenthal took a leading role in recognizing the bravery of their rescuers. He joined a committee of survivors, including notable figures such as Margaret Brown and Frederick Seward, to honor Captain Rostron and his crew.

The committee’s efforts resulted in:

Presenting Captain Rostron with an inscribed silver cup
Awarding medals to each of the 320 crew members of the Carpathia

This act of gratitude showcased Frauenthal’s character and his appreciation for those who had saved the lives of the Titanic survivors.

Later Life and Legacy

Continuing Legal Career

After the Titanic disaster, Isaac Frauenthal returned to his life in New York and continued his legal practice. He remained a bachelor throughout his life, dedicating himself to his profession and family.

Family Ties

The 1920 census shows Isaac living in Manhattan with several of his siblings, including Joseph, Isidor, Edward, Rose, and Caroline, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Frauenthal family.

Financial Windfall

In 1927, Isaac benefited from the residue of his brother Henry’s estate following Henry’s tragic suicide. This inheritance likely provided additional financial security in his later years.

Final Years and Death

Isaac Gerry Frauenthal’s life came to an end on November 16, 1932, in Manhattan, New York. At the age of 64 (sixty-four), he succumbed to a heart ailment that had troubled him in his later years. In keeping with his wishes or family tradition, he was cremated at Fresh Pond Crematory.

Isaac Frauenthal’s life story, from his immigrant roots to his survival of the Titanic and his subsequent actions, paints a picture of a man who lived through extraordinary times and contributed to the historical narrative of one of the most famous maritime disasters. His role in honoring the Carpathia’s crew ensures that he is remembered not just as a survivor, but as someone who recognized and celebrated the heroism of others in the face of tragedy.