Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa'B

Who was Mr Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa’b?

Mr Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa’b, also known as Gerios Youseff Abi Saab, was a 45 (forty-five) year-old Syrian-Lebanese shoemaker who tragically lost his life aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in Tuḥūm, Lebanon around 1867, Abī Sa’b was a married father of six who had previously lived in America and was attempting to return there when he boarded the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Family

A Man of Mystery

Little is known about Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa’b’s early life or background. However, we do know that he was married to Martā Fāris Antūn Khalīfah and together they had a large family.

A Growing Family

The Abī Sa’b household was bustling with life:

6 children in total
4 sons
2 daughters
Ages ranged from 1 to 15 years old

The American Dream: First Attempt

What drew Abī Sa’b to America in the 1890s?

In the 1890s, like many of his compatriots, Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa’b set his sights on the promise of America. He spent several years in the United States, working diligently to save money. His efforts paid off, allowing him to return to Lebanon and reunite with his beloved family.

The Decision to Return

Why did Abī Sa’b choose to leave Lebanon again?

The decision to leave one’s homeland is never easy, but several factors may have influenced Abī Sa’b’s choice:

Economic opportunities in America
The return of his cousin, Shanīnah Shāhīn Abī S’ab Wihbah, to Tuḥūm in 1911
Shanīnah’s subsequent decision to go back to the USA

It’s possible that his cousin’s journey reignited Abī Sa’b’s desire to seek a better life for his family in America.

The Fateful Voyage

How did Abī Sa’b come to be on the Titanic?

Mr Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa’b boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. He was traveling as a third-class passenger, his ticket (number 2685) costing £7, 4s, 6d - a considerable sum for the time.

Who accompanied Abī Sa’b on his journey?

Abī Sa’b was not alone on this voyage. He was accompanied by several relatives:

Shanīnah Wihbah (cousin)
Ḥannā Ṭannūs Mu’awwad and his son Ṭannūs Ṭannūs
Ṭannūs Dāhir
Bannūrah Ayyūb-Dāhir

What were Abī Sa’b’s plans in America?

Abī Sa’b and his relative Ṭannūs Dāhir had their sights set on Youngstown, Ohio. Their goal was to find employment in the bustling steel mills of the region, hoping to build a better future for their families back home.

The Night of the Sinking

How did Abī Sa’b spend his final moments?

On the tragic night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa’b demonstrated remarkable bravery and selflessness. He escorted his two female relatives, Shanīnah and Bannūrah, to one of the last lifeboats being launched.

In a poignant display of chivalry, after ensuring their safety, Abī Sa’b stepped back into the crowd, knowing full well that his chances of survival were slim. This act of heroism would be his last.

Legacy and Remembrance

What happened to Abī Sa’b after the sinking?

Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa’b perished in the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered, identified as body #312, and laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 10, 1912.

How was his family supported after his death?

In the wake of this tragedy, Abī Sa’b’s widow and children received support from the Titanic Relief Fund, which provided financial assistance to the families of those lost in the disaster.

A Final Tribute

Today, visitors to Mount Olivet Cemetery can pay their respects at Jirjis Yūsuf Abī Sa’b’s grave, a somber reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His story, one of courage and sacrifice, continues to resonate over a century later, embodying the spirit of those who faced unimaginable circumstances on that fateful night in April 1912.