Mr Selman Francis Slocovski

Who was Selman Francis Slocovski?

Selman Francis Slocovski, also known as Zalman, was a 20 (twenty) year-old Russian merchant who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster. As a third-class passenger, Slocovski’s story is one of many that highlights the disproportionate impact the sinking had on those traveling in steerage.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1892, Selman Slocovski was a young man with aspirations in the world of commerce. His Russian nationality and occupation as a merchant suggest a life of trade and possibly international connections. At just 20 years old, Slocovski was embarking on a journey that would tragically become his last.

Titanic Journey: A Merchant’s Voyage

Why did Slocovski choose to sail on the Titanic?

While the exact reasons for Slocovski’s travel are unknown, his profession as a merchant likely played a role in his decision to cross the Atlantic. The Titanic, on its maiden voyage, represented an opportunity for many to start a new life or expand their business prospects in America.

Slocovski’s Titanic journey details include:

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Ticket Number: 392086
• Passenger Class: 3rd Class
• Fare: £8 1s

The fare of £8 1s (8 pounds and 1 shilling) was a significant sum for a third-class ticket, highlighting the premium nature of the Titanic even for its most economical accommodations.

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Selman Francis Slocovski did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a victim of the disaster, his story became one of the thousands that ended on that fateful night of April 15, 1912. The lack of information about a recovered body suggests that Slocovski may have been one of the many victims whose remains were never found.

What factors contributed to the high casualty rate among third-class passengers?

Several factors contributed to the high death toll among third-class passengers like Slocovski:

1. Location on the ship (further from lifeboats)
2. Language barriers
3. Lack of access to information during the emergency
4. Insufficient lifeboats for all passengers

Legacy and Remembrance

While Selman Francis Slocovski’s life was cut tragically short, his name lives on as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many young immigrants and travelers who boarded the Titanic with hopes for a brighter future.

“Every victim of the Titanic disaster, regardless of class or status, represents a unique story of loss and unfulfilled potential.” - Titanic historian

How do we commemorate passengers like Slocovski today?

Today, Slocovski is remembered through:

• Inclusion in Titanic passenger lists and databases
• Memorial sites dedicated to Titanic victims
• Historical research and documentation efforts
• Educational programs about the Titanic disaster

A Young Life Cut Short

Selman Francis Slocovski’s brief life ended at the same age it began on the Titanic. Born in 1892 and perishing in 1912, he lived exactly 20 years. This symmetry in his birth and death years serves as a stark reminder of the youth and potential lost in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic that April night.