Mr Lazar Minkoff

Who was Lazar Minkoff?

Mr Lazar Minkoff was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old Bulgarian potter who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, Minkoff’s story is one of many that highlights the disproportionate impact the disaster had on those traveling in steerage.

Early Life and Background

A Potter from Bulgaria

Lazar Minkoff was born in 1891 in Gumostnik (Gumoshtnik), a village in the Lovec (Lovech) region of Bulgaria. His occupation as a potter suggests he was likely skilled in the craft of creating ceramic vessels and other objects. This traditional trade was common in rural Bulgaria during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Journey to a New Life

Why was Minkoff traveling on the Titanic?

Lazar Minkoff boarded the Titanic at Southampton with dreams of starting a new life in America. His final destination was Coon Rapids, Iowa, indicating he may have had connections or job prospects in the area. The early 1910s saw a wave of Eastern European immigration to the United States, with many seeking better economic opportunities.

Traveling Companions

Minkoff was not alone on this fateful journey. He was accompanied by several fellow villagers from Gumoshtnik, including:

• Petr Kolev
• Marin Markoff
• Stoytcho Mihoff
• Penko Naidenoff
• Nedialco Petroff
• Ilia Stoytcheff
• Lazar “Lalyo” Yonkov

This group of Bulgarian men likely provided each other with support and companionship during the challenging journey.

Titanic Ticket Details

Minkoff’s ticket price of 7 pounds, 17 shillings, and 11 pence was a significant sum for a third-class passenger, representing perhaps months of savings for the young potter.

The Fateful Night

What happened to Lazar Minkoff during the Titanic disaster?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Lazar Minkoff found himself in a perilous situation. As a third-class male passenger, his chances of survival were slim. The limited number of lifeboats and the priority given to women and children, especially those in first and second class, meant that many men in steerage never made it to the boat deck.

Tragically, Lazar Minkoff did not survive the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This was sadly common for many victims of the Titanic disaster, particularly those from third class.

Remembering Lazar Minkoff

A Memorial in Gumoshtnik

While Lazar Minkoff’s body never returned to his homeland, his memory lives on. In the cemetery of Gumoshtnik, a stone was erected to commemorate Minkoff and his fellow villagers who perished in the Titanic disaster. This memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the impact of the tragedy on small communities around the world.

The Legacy of Third-Class Passengers

Lazar Minkoff’s story is representative of many third-class passengers on the Titanic. These individuals, often immigrants seeking new opportunities, faced the highest mortality rates during the disaster. Their experiences highlight the class disparities that existed both on the ship and in society at large during the early 20th century.

Minkoff’s journey, cut tragically short at the age of 21 (twenty-one), serves as a reminder of the dreams and aspirations carried by those who embarked on the Titanic’s maiden voyage. His story, along with those of his fellow villagers, continues to be told over a century later, ensuring that the memory of these Bulgarian potters and laborers lives on in the annals of Titanic history.