Mr Mubārik Sulaymān Abī Āsī ḤANNĀ

Who was Mubārik Sulaymān Abī Āsī ḤANNĀ?

Mr Mubārik Sulaymān Abī Āsī ḤANNĀ, also known as Hanna Moubarak or Bert Johns, was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Syrian-Lebanese passenger who survived the sinking of the Titanic. Born on April 10, 1885, in Hardīn, Syria (now Lebanon), ḤANNĀ embarked on a journey that would forever change his life and leave an indelible mark on history.

Early Life and Background

What was ḤANNĀ’s family like?

ḤANNĀ was born to John Simeon Āsī and Mary Anthony. He had four known siblings:

Simon (b. 1884)
Alex (b. 1888)
Rose (b. 1892)
Minnie (b. 1893)

Before his fateful journey, ḤANNĀ worked as a farmhand in his native Lebanon. His decision to leave his homeland was influenced by family members who had already made the transatlantic journey:

His brother Simon had been living in Michigan (reportedly Port Huron) since 1906
His sister Rose (Mrs. Peter Simon) had emigrated in 1911 and settled in Pennsylvania

Titanic Journey Details

How did ḤANNĀ come to be on the Titanic?

ḤANNĀ boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a third-class passenger. His ticket, number 2663, cost £7 4s 7d. He was part of a large group from Hardīn, which included several cousins and other fellow Lebanese travelers:

Mr. and Mrs. Antūn Yazbak
Mrs. Amīnah Mubārik and her sons
Thamīn Tannūs
Būlus Ḥannā-Dīb

What was ḤANNĀ’s destination?

ḤANNĀ’s ultimate destination was Port Huron, Michigan, where he planned to stay at the home of Hanna Āsī (Hassey) at 1119 11th Avenue.

Fate During the Disaster

How did ḤANNĀ survive the Titanic sinking?

Accounts of ḤANNĀ’s survival vary, adding an element of mystery to his story. One version states that he simply stepped into a lifeboat that was almost full, likely lifeboat 15. However, a more dramatic account from the Times Herald in 1938 paints a harrowing picture of his escape:

“I tried to get into the first lifeboat they lowered, but the crew and officers beat me and knocked me back. The same thing happened with the second boat. I saw a woman with a baby in her arms. She was screaming for help–for someone to save her baby. I took it and pushed my way to the rail and help the mother and baby get on the lifeboat…I was afraid, I didn’t know what to do. I prayed to the Lord and decided to take a chance. I jumped 30 feet in the direction of the lifeboat, which was filled with 30 women and children. Someone shot at me and the bullet grazed the back of my head…”

This account, if accurate, showcases ḤANNĀ’s bravery and determination to survive against overwhelming odds.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic experience shape ḤANNĀ’s future?

After arriving in New York, ḤANNĀ’s life took several interesting turns:

He received treatment at St. Vincent’s Hospital
Traveled to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania with fellow survivor Thamīn Tannūs and her son As’ad
Was interviewed by a local paper, sharing his harrowing experience
Finally made his way to Michigan to start his new life

Did ḤANNĀ settle down after his Titanic ordeal?

Yes, ḤANNĀ quickly put down roots in his adopted country:

Marriage: On September 9, 1912, he married Elizabeth Āsī (Hassey) in Croswell, Sanilac, Michigan
Religion: The couple became members of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church
Name Change: ḤANNĀ Anglicised his name to Bert Johns

What was ḤANNĀ’s professional life like in America?

ḤANNĀ showed remarkable entrepreneurial spirit:

Worked in industrial plants for several years
Operated a fruit store with his wife in Marlette, Michigan
Moved the business to Quay Street in Port Huron
For 15 years, ran Bert’s Tavern at 622 Walter Street, Port Huron

ḤANNĀ’s Later Years and Legacy

Where did ḤANNĀ spend his final years?

The 1930 census shows ḤANNĀ and his wife living at 333 Clairmont, Port Huron. By 1940, they had moved to 218 Broad Street, where ḤANNĀ would spend the rest of his life.

When and how did ḤANNĀ’s life come to an end?

Bert Johns, as he was known in his later years, died at his home on 216 Broad Street, Port Huron on February 2, 1952. He was 66 (sixty-six) years old. His widow, Lizzie, passed away in February 1970, and they are buried together in Mt Hope Cemetery in Port Huron.

ḤANNĀ’s journey from a Lebanese farmhand to a Titanic survivor and successful American businessman is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome unimaginable adversity and build a new life in the face of tragedy.