Master Meier Moor

Master Meier Moor was a 7 (seven) year-old third-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on November 15, 1904, in the Russian Empire, Meier’s journey on the Titanic was part of a larger story of immigration and survival that would shape his entire life.

Early Life and Background

What was Meier Moor’s family history?

Meier Moor was born to Reuben and Beile (née Shapiro) Moor. His father, Reuben, is believed to have died in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, shortly after Meier’s birth. Family lore suggests that “Moor” was not their original surname but one adopted after Reuben’s death.

Why did the Moor family leave Russia?

The Moors, being Jewish, were reportedly forced to flee Russia due to several factors:

Ongoing pogroms against Jewish communities
The threat of Meier’s eventual conscription into the Russian Army
General persecution and lack of opportunities for Jewish families

The Journey to a New Life

What was the Moors’ first attempt at resettlement?

In 1911, Meier and his mother made their first attempt to resettle:

Departed from Antwerp on July 7, 1911
Boarded the SS Montezuma of the Canadian Pacific Line
Traveled as third-class passengers
Destination: Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, to live with Meier’s uncle

However, upon arriving in Québec, they were detained and sent back across the Atlantic for unknown reasons.

Where did the Moors go after their failed Canadian journey?

Instead of returning to Russia, Meier and his mother stopped in London, where they had relatives. They stayed with a cousin, Isaac Slater, a Russian-born tailor living at 95 Bedford Street, Whitechapel.

The Titanic Journey

How did Meier and his mother end up on the Titanic?

In a second bid to resettle across the Atlantic, Beile and Meier boarded the Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers. Their ticket (number 392096) cost £12 9s 6d.

What was Meier’s experience on the Titanic before the sinking?

Meier recalled passing his days by asking adult passengers to save their cigarette cards for him, most of which were illustrated with cowboys and Indians. This small detail provides a glimpse into the child’s interests and the era’s popular culture.

The Night of the Disaster

How did Meier and his mother survive the sinking?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Meier and his mother managed to navigate their way to the upper decks and survived the sinking. While the exact lifeboat is unknown, some historians believe they may have boarded lifeboat 14.

Meier’s recollection of that night paints a vivid picture:

Meier himself recalled in later years that his mother woke him from his deep sleep that night, she reportedly having been flung from her bunk by the impact. She left to investigate and returned to their cabin to fetch him, both of them leaving into chaotic passageways and managing to find their way to the upper decks.

A poignant moment occurred on the boat deck:

Whilst on the boat deck Meier recalled a distinguished-looking woman sitting in one of the lifeboats; she stood up, enquiring about her husband and when told where he was she vacated the lifeboat, leaving space for Meier and his mother to board.

Life After the Titanic

Where did Meier and his mother go after being rescued?

After being rescued by the Carpathia, Meier and his mother’s stated destination was the home of an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. H. Kaufman, at 943 Randolph Street, Chicago. However, before heading to Chicago, they spent time recuperating at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society on East Broadway, Manhattan.

How did the Titanic experience impact Meier’s life?

The Titanic experience led to Meier and his mother becoming subjects of several famous photographs of survivors, which were later printed in local newspapers. These images would become part of the historical record of the disaster.

A New Life in America

How did Meier adapt to life in America?

After initially spending two years in Canada, Meier and his mother crossed into the USA. In America:

Meier became known as Meyer Moore
He worked as a retail manager (later described in obituaries as a retired shoe store owner)
On December 6, 1937, he married Henrietta Wasserzug, the Chicago-born daughter of Polish migrants
They had three sons: Ralph (born 1939), Carl, and Ira

Where did Meier settle permanently?

Due to arthritis, Meier opted for a warmer climate and moved his family, including his mother, to El Paso, Texas. He remained there for the rest of his life.

Legacy and Final Years

How was Meier remembered by his family?

Despite his austere appearance, family members recall Meier as a genial and gregarious man. This description provides insight into his personality and how he was perceived by those closest to him.

When and where did Meier Moor pass away?

Meyer Moore died in El Paso on April 15, 1975, at the age of 70 (seventy). He was buried in the city’s B’nai Zion Cemetery. Interestingly, he passed away on the 63rd anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking.

Meier Moor’s life journey, from a young Russian Jewish immigrant to a Titanic survivor and eventually a successful American businessman, encapsulates a remarkable story of resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of a better life against overwhelming odds.