John David Baumann

Who was Mr John David Baumann?

Mr John David Baumann was a 48-year-old (forty-eight-year-old) American businessman and importer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in San Francisco, California, on February 9, 1864, Baumann was known for his involvement in the hemp trade and his connections to the theatrical world. His life was marked by both financial successes and setbacks, culminating in his fateful journey aboard the ill-fated Titanic.

Early Life and Family

A Multicultural Heritage

John David Baumann’s family background was a blend of European cultures:

• Father: John Baumann (born 1825), a German musician from Bavaria
• Mother: Verena (née Heitzelman?) (born 1833), of Swiss origin

Siblings and Childhood

Baumann grew up in a predominantly female household:

• Five sisters: Emma (b. 1854), Evelina (b. 1857), Verena (c. 1861-1864), Augusta (b. 1862), and Louisa (b. 1867)
• Resided in San Francisco during his childhood and teenage years

The 1870 and 1880 census records provide glimpses into young John’s life, showing him living with his parents and attending school in San Francisco at the age of 16.

Career and Business Ventures

The Rise of a Businessman

By 1905, Baumann had established himself as an importer with a residence at 118 Maiden Lane, Albany, New York. His passport application from this time offers a vivid description of his appearance:

• Height: 5’ 9½"
• Face: Oval
• Complexion: Dark
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Black

John D. Baumann & Co.

Baumann’s business ventures were diverse and international:

• Main office: 120 Maiden Lane, New York
• Trade focus: Hemp, jute, gum, and timber
• Described as “jute, gum and timber merchants”

A photograph from the time shows a figure, believed to be Baumann himself, standing outside his New York business premises.

Financial Turmoil and Legal Battles

The Tumultuous Year of 1909

1909 proved to be a challenging year for Baumann’s business:

1. February: Baumann & Co. sued for $266,249 by London merchants
2. August: Baumann sought damages in the Supreme Court against Salvador Comas, a Cuban, over a peanut business deal gone sour

These legal entanglements highlight the volatile nature of Baumann’s business affairs and foreshadow the financial difficulties he would face in the coming years.

The Titanic Connection

A Fateful Friendship

Baumann’s connection to the Titanic stems from his acquaintance with theatrical manager Henry Birkhardt Harris. Their relationship was one of mutual support:

• Years prior to 1912: Baumann had granted Harris a favor in a time of need
• 1912: Harris and his wife encountered Baumann in London, where his “affairs [were] going against him”
• Harris arranged for Baumann’s return to America aboard the Titanic, repaying the earlier favor

Titanic Journey Details

• Ticket Number: 17318
• Passenger Class: 1st Class
• Cabin: Unknown
• Embarked: Cherbourg

The Final Moments

While details of Baumann’s time on the Titanic are scarce, one poignant fact emerges:

Baumann remained with Mr Harris after he had placed his wife in the last lifeboat to successfully leave the ship.

This act of loyalty and perhaps resignation in the face of impending disaster speaks volumes about Baumann’s character.

Legacy and Estate

The Aftermath

Following the sinking, several details about Baumann’s estate came to light:

• Body: Never identified or recovered
• Will: Named Henry B. Harris (who also perished on the Titanic) as executor
• Estate Administration: Sought by John S. Fanning, a creditor from East Orange, New Jersey, in September 1912

Financial Instability

The attorneys handling Baumann’s estate revealed the unpredictable nature of his finances:

“At times he had been wealthy and at others very poor.”

Final Bequests

Baumann’s will provided insights into his personal relationships and possessions:

• Left his estate in trust to Harris for a sister, after a $10,000 claim to be paid to Harris
• Bequeathed to Harris: Masonic charm, watch and chain, studs, pins, and other personal items

An Enigmatic Figure

John David Baumann’s life and death encapsulate the complexities of early 20th-century American business and the tragic fate of many Titanic passengers. From his multicultural roots in San Francisco to his tumultuous business career in New York, Baumann’s story is one of ambition, friendship, and ultimately, sacrifice. His final act of remaining aboard the sinking Titanic alongside his friend Henry Harris serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the infamous maritime disaster.