Philipp Edmund Mock was a 30 (thirty) year-old American first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on August 16, 1881, in New York City to German immigrants, Mock was a survivor of the tragic sinking and went on to lead a life marked by artistic pursuits and business ventures.
Early Life and Background
A New Yorker with German Roots
Philipp Edmund Mock was born into a family of German immigrants in New York City. His parents, Richard and Emma Mock, had settled in the bustling metropolis, where Philipp would spend his formative years. Tragically, his father Richard passed away in 1905, when Philipp was in his early twenties.
Education and Military Service
Mock’s early life was characterized by a pursuit of knowledge and a sense of duty:
Studied art in Europe
Attended Suwanee University
Member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity
Served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Spanish-American War
This diverse background in art, academia, and military service would shape Mock’s future endeavors and experiences.
The Titanic Journey
Why was Philipp Mock on the Titanic?
Philipp Mock was returning home to the United States after his European sojourn. He boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by his sister, Emma Schabert. The siblings were among the privileged passengers in first-class, having purchased ticket number 13236 for a fare of £57 15s.
What were Mock’s experiences during the voyage?
While specific details of Mock’s day-to-day experiences on the Titanic are not recorded, as a first-class passenger, he would have enjoyed luxurious accommodations and exclusive amenities. The brief journey would have been filled with socializing, fine dining, and the excitement of traveling on the world’s most opulent ocean liner.
Fate During the Disaster
How did Philipp Mock survive the Titanic sinking?
When disaster struck on April 14, 1912, Philipp Mock and his sister Emma Schabert were among the fortunate survivors of the Titanic tragedy. They were rescued in lifeboat 11, which was one of the last boats to be launched from the starboard side of the ship.
The experience of surviving such a catastrophic event would undoubtedly have left a lasting impact on Mock and his sister.
Life After the Titanic
Marriage and Career
Following the Titanic disaster, Philipp Mock’s life took several significant turns:
Married Alvis Ehrman (born February 3, 1881; died August 1963)
The couple remained childless
Resided in New York
Engaged in banking and piano manufacturing
A New Chapter in Florida
In 1935, Mock and his wife made a significant life change:
Moved from New York to Florida
Began instructing art at The Casements in Ormond
Joined the Ormond Golf and Country Club
Maintained membership in the Alpine Mountain Club in Switzerland
This move showcased Mock’s continued passion for art and his embrace of a more leisurely lifestyle in his later years.
Legacy and Final Years
How is Philipp Mock remembered?
Philipp Mock’s legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his:
Survival of the Titanic disaster
Contributions to banking and piano manufacturing
Artistic pursuits and instruction
Involvement in exclusive social clubs
The Final Chapter
Philipp Mock’s life came to an end on June 16, 1951, at the age of 69 (sixty-nine). He passed away at the Halifax District Hospital in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida. Following his death, Mock’s body was sent to the Carey Hand Crematory.
His final resting place is at Oak Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama (Block 9, Lot 57), where his remains were interred.
Philipp Mock: A Life of Contrasts
Philipp Edmund Mock’s life was one of remarkable contrasts and experiences. From his early days as a student and soldier to his survival of one of history’s greatest maritime disasters, and his later years as an artist and instructor, Mock’s journey was truly extraordinary. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the Titanic’s enduring impact on the lives of its passengers and the diverse paths they followed in its wake.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.