Mr Morris Sirota

Who was Morris Sirota?

Morris Sirota was a 19 (nineteen) year-old Russian tailor who tragically lost his life as a third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on August 10, 1892, in the Russian Empire, Sirota’s journey to America was cut short when the ill-fated ship sank on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

A Jewish Family in London

Morris Sirota was born into a Jewish family, the eldest of four children. His parents were:

• Solomon Sirota (born March 25, 1870): A tailor by profession
• Eva Grabova (born 1870): Morris’s mother

The Sirota family had settled in London, where Morris and his siblings were raised:

• Rachel (born April 2, 1896)
• Neiman (born October 7, 1899)
• An unnamed sibling who passed away in infancy

Education and Early Career

Morris’s education began at the Berner Street School in Tower Hamlets, London, on August 31, 1896. The family resided at 46 Samuel Street during this time. On February 10, 1902, he transferred to the Stepney Jewish School, with the family address listed as 38 Albert Square.

The Sirota family was part of a large Russian and Jewish community in St George in the East, London.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Morris became a tailor. The 1911 census listed him as an assistant in his father’s tailoring business, which employed several people. At this time, the family lived at 25 Hackney Grove, Hackney, London.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding and Ticket Details

Morris Sirota boarded the Titanic in Southampton on April 10, 1912, as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

Destination Confusion

While it was often reported that Morris was bound for Manhattan, contemporary media provides a different account:

“SEROTA, Maurice, nephew of Mrs Harry Rosenthal, 3622 Scovillavenue, who was coming from London in the steerage” - Cleveland Leader, April 19, 1912

This suggests that Morris’s actual destination was Cleveland, Ohio, where he planned to stay with his aunt.

What Happened to Morris Sirota During the Disaster?

Tragically, Morris Sirota did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

How Did the Sirota Family Cope After the Tragedy?

The loss of Morris had a profound impact on his family:

• Eva Sirota, Morris’s mother, passed away on July 8, 1914, just two years after losing her son.
• Solomon Sirota, Morris’s father, remarried in 1919 to Annie Graboff (née Gorovitch, 1881-1954).
• The family relocated to Basingstoke, where Solomon continued his tailoring business.
• Solomon Sirota lived until 1949, passing away in London.

What Languages Did the Sirota Family Speak?

The 1911 census record stated that the family spoke Hebrew. However, given their background and residence in London, it’s likely they were multilingual:

• Hebrew: As recorded in the census
• English: Essential for their life in London
• Yiddish: Common among Eastern European Jewish families

This linguistic diversity reflects the rich cultural heritage of many Jewish immigrant families in early 20th century London.

Morris Sirota’s Place in Titanic History

Morris Sirota’s story, while tragically short, provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of young immigrants seeking new opportunities aboard the Titanic. His experience as a third-class passenger and his family’s subsequent history offer valuable insights into the broader social and cultural impacts of the Titanic disaster on immigrant communities in early 20th century Britain.