Maximilian Josef Frölicher-Stehli: A Titanic Survivor’s Tale

Who was Maximilian Josef Frölicher-Stehli?

Maximilian Josef Frölicher-Stehli was a 60 (sixty) year-old Swiss businessman and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on September 24, 1851, Frölicher-Stehli was a prominent figure in the silk industry who survived the tragic sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Career

From Clerk to Partner: Frölicher-Stehli’s Rise in the Silk Industry

Maximilian Frölicher-Stehli began his career at R. Stehli-Hausheer & Sohn, making regular business trips to New York. His dedication and hard work paid off when:

In 1884, he was promoted to managing clerk
On September 5, 1885, he married Margaretha (“Gritli”) Emerentia Stehli, his employer’s daughter
By 1892, he had become a partner in the silk factory

Family Life in Switzerland

The Frölicher-Stehlis made their home at “Villa Riesmatt” on 6 Mittelstrasse in Zürich, Switzerland. Between 1886 and 1894, the couple welcomed five children into their family, establishing themselves as prominent members of Swiss society.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Frölicher-Stehli book passage on the Titanic?

In early 1912, Maximilian Frölicher-Stehli planned a business trip to visit company dependencies in the USA and Canada, as well as reconnect with old friends. He booked passage on the Titanic for himself, his wife Margaretha Emerentia Frölicher-Stehli, and their daughter Hedwig Margaritha Frölicher.

Titanic Ticket Details

Detail	Information
Ticket Number	13567
Class	First Class
Cabin	B-41
Port of Embarkation	Cherbourg
Fare	£79 4s

Frölicher-Stehli purchased the tickets through his agent, Im Obersteg & Co, Basel, for 2100 Swiss francs.

The Night of the Disaster

What was Frölicher-Stehli doing when the Titanic struck the iceberg?

On the evening of April 14, 1912, Maximilian Frölicher-Stehli was enjoying a card game in the first-class smoking room with Alfons Simonius and Max Staehelin. They played until shortly after 11 pm, retiring to their staterooms around 11:30 pm.

Frölicher-Stehli’s Account of the Collision

“While we were rowing away from the steamer, her lights still burning brightly, with the iceberg as a background, the scene was remarkable and fascinating. The steamer slowly sank, bow first. The water was covered with small boats and rafts.”

Frölicher-Stehli and his wife were in bed but not asleep when they felt the collision. Alarmed, they dressed quickly and went to A-Deck with their daughter to see the iceberg. After returning to their cabin, a steward helped them don life preservers, and they made their way to the Boat-Deck.

Survival and Rescue

How did Frölicher-Stehli and his family survive?

The Frölicher-Stehli family was fortunate to secure places on Lifeboat 5. Maximilian was one of the few men allowed to board, joining his wife and daughter just before the boat was lowered.

After the Titanic sank, the survivors in the lifeboats faced new challenges:

No food was available in the lifeboats
Fresh water was scarce
Some passengers had brought stimulants, which were shared with the women

Aftermath and Return to Europe

What happened to Frölicher-Stehli after the rescue?

Once aboard the Carpathia, Maximilian Frölicher-Stehli sent telegrams to family members, confirming their safety. Upon arriving in New York, he was met by his son Max Frolicher and brother-in-law Emil Stehli.

Frölicher-Stehli’s post-Titanic activities included:

Attending to business matters in New York
Traveling to Toronto and Montreal with his son on May 6, 1912
Visiting the Stehli & Co. company in New York
Returning to Europe on May 21, 1912, aboard the Kronprinz Wilhelm

Legacy and Final Years

Maximilian Josef Frölicher-Stehli’s life was cut short when he suddenly died from heart failure on November 22, 1913, at the age of 62 (sixty-two). He was laid to rest in the family grave at Enzenbühl cemetery in Zürich, leaving behind a legacy as a successful businessman and Titanic survivor.

His story serves as a poignant reminder of the Titanic’s tragic voyage and the lives forever changed by that fateful night in April 1912. Today, Frölicher-Stehli’s account provides valuable insight into the experiences of first-class passengers who survived the Titanic disaster.