René Jacques Lévy

Who was René Jacques Lévy?

René Jacques Lévy was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old French chemist and inventor who perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on July 7, 1875, in Nancy, France, Lévy was a pioneering scientist who co-invented the liquid air process for extracting oxygen and nitrogen from the atmosphere. His tragic fate on the Titanic cut short a promising career and left behind a young family in Montreal, Canada.

Early Life and Scientific Achievements

Jewish Heritage and Education

René Jacques Lévy came from a Jewish family in France. He was one of at least six children born to Nephtali Georges Lévy (1842-1900) and Henriette Dreyfuss (1847-1905). His siblings included:

• Jeanne (b. 1871)
• Berthe (b. 1873)
• Henri (b. 1878)
• Pierre (b. 1882)
• Georges (b. 1885)

Lévy pursued his education in chemistry, graduating from Nancy-Université. His academic background laid the foundation for his future scientific breakthroughs.

Groundbreaking Invention

Lévy’s most significant contribution to science was his collaboration with Georges Claude (1870-1960) of Paris. Together, they invented the liquid air process for extracting oxygen and nitrogen from the atmosphere. This invention led to the founding of Air Liquide by Georges Claude in 1902, a company that remains operational to this day.

The liquid air process revolutionized industrial gas production, paving the way for numerous applications in various industries.

Life in England and Marriage

By 1901, at the age of 25 (twenty-five), Lévy had moved to Manchester, England, where he worked as a research chemist. His personal life took a significant turn when he married Jeanne Royer on July 23, 1903, in Paris. Jeanne, born on February 14, 1882, in Paris, was the daughter of Auguste Royer and Euphrasie Thiout.

The couple went on to have three children:

1. Simone (b. 1904)
2. Andrée (b. 1906)
3. Yvette (b. 1909)

Business Ventures in Canada

Expansion to Montreal

In March 1910, at the behest of Georges Claude, Lévy and his family emigrated to Montreal, Quebec, to expand their business operations in Canada. They departed from Southampton on March 23, 1910, as second-class passengers aboard the Adriatic. At the time, Lévy was described as a 34-year-old civil engineer, standing 5'4" with black hair and brown eyes.

Entrepreneurial Success

In Montreal, Lévy established a small business on St. Monique Street, focusing on the oxyacetylene welding and cutting process. Due to a shortage of canned oxygen in Canada, he had to import raw materials from the United States. This challenge led to a significant business decision:

1. Relocated the business to a larger site on Maisonneuve, First Avenue, and Ernest Street
2. Installed equipment sent from Paris to produce oxygen on an industrial scale
3. Began large-scale production in June 1911

The demand for Lévy’s products surged, necessitating a trip to Paris to consolidate the company into a solely Canadian entity with his co-inventor Georges Claude.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why did René Jacques Lévy board the Titanic?

Lévy had originally planned to return to Canada on the maiden voyage of the France, scheduled for April 20. However, he switched to the Titanic when he realized he could reach Montreal ten days earlier. This decision would ultimately cost him his life.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Class: Second Class
• Ticket Number: SC/PARIS 2163
• Fare: £12 17s 6d
• Cabin: D?
• Embarked: Cherbourg

Lévy boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a second-class passenger. He shared a cabin with Jean-Noël Malachard and an unidentified man.

Final Hours on the Titanic

On April 14, the day of the collision, Lévy was seen on deck with Marie Jerwan and Malachard. In a chilling premonition, he pointed at a lifeboat and said:

“I’m sure, if they lower these boats, the falls will be too short. Of course, I would prefer to go down with the ship rather than sitting in one of these boats.”

After the collision, Lévy encountered Marie Jerwan again. Despite her concerns about the danger, he merely smiled in response. In a final act of chivalry, Lévy, along with Malachard and their cabin-mate, helped Mrs. Jerwan into lifeboat 11, bidding her farewell as the boat was lowered.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

René Jacques Lévy did not survive the sinking of the Titanic, and his body, if recovered, was never identified. He left behind a widow and three young children under the age of eight.

Financial Situation

Despite the tragedy, Lévy’s family was not left destitute:

• Royalty income: $1,500 per year
• Life insurance: $5,000
• Additional savings in the bank

Family’s Future

• Jeanne Lévy took control of her late husband’s business dealings
• She remained in Montreal until her death in 1955
• Daughter Simonne married Stanley Brehaut Egerton Ryerson in 1934 and passed away on March 1, 1986, in Montreal at the age of 81
• Daughter Andrée married a Mr. Lorraine and was still alive as of 1986
• Daughter Yvette married René Ach and was living in Paris in 1986

René Jacques Lévy’s life, cut short at 36 (thirty-six) years old, was marked by scientific innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. His legacy lives on through his contributions to industrial gas production and the resilience of the family he left behind.