Mr Simon Meisnere

Who was Simon Meisnere?

Mr Simon Meisnere was a 34 (thirty-four) year-old Ukrainian tailor who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Kiev, Ukraine (then part of the Russian Empire) in 1878, Meisnere was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely death.

Early Life and Background

A Tailor from Kiev

Simon Meisnere was born in Kiev, Ukraine, around 1878. While details about his early life remain scarce, we know that he pursued a career as a tailor, a profession that would shape his future aspirations.

Family Life

Meisnere was married to Sarah Jenahofsky, who was born on January 15, 1880. The couple had three sons, all born in Kiev:

• Ira “Morris” (born 1901)
• Raymond Bennett (1902-1977)
• Harry (1903-1972)

This growing family would play a significant role in Meisnere’s decision to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Simon Meisnere board the Titanic?

Mr Meisnere boarded the Titanic in Southampton, England, as a third-class passenger. His decision to embark on this journey was likely driven by the prospect of a better life in America. Meisnere’s ticket (number 2816) cost £8 1s, a significant investment for a third-class passenger.

“He was headed to New York City, perhaps with his wife and children to follow when he had established himself.”

This statement suggests that Meisnere’s plan was to establish a new life in New York before bringing his family over, a common practice among immigrants of the time.

Meisnere’s Last Known Residence

Before boarding the Titanic, Simon Meisnere’s last known residence was 29 Houndsditch in London. This information provides insight into his journey from Ukraine to England and ultimately to the Titanic.

Fate During the Disaster

As a third-class passenger, Simon Meisnere faced significant challenges during the Titanic’s sinking. Tragically, he did not survive the disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Legacy and Family’s Future

The Meisnere Family’s Journey to America

Despite the loss of Simon, his family persevered:

• Sarah and her sons made the crossing to America the following year
• They initially spent time in New York
• Sarah remarried on October 4, 1915, to Jacob Glaser, another tailor from the Russian Empire
• The family settled in Newport, Rhode Island

The Lives of Simon Meisnere’s Sons

1. Ira “Morris” Meisnere

   • Ran away from home and joined the Merchant Marines
   • Became a chief engineer for Texaco
   • His tanker was sunk in March 1943
   • Became a prisoner of war in Africa and later Japan

2. Raymond Bennett Meisnere

   • Graduated from law school
   • Had a private practice in Boston
   • Served in World War II
   • Retired to Newport, Rhode Island in 1961
   • Passed away on August 15, 1977

3. Harry Meisnere

   • Became an attorney
   • Married Lillian (1906-1985)
   • Had two children: Elaine (1935-2014) and Arthur Simon (born 1937)
   • Lived in Brooklyn, New York
   • Passed away in 1972

How did Simon Meisnere’s story impact the broader Titanic narrative?

Simon Meisnere’s story, while tragic, is representative of many third-class passengers on the Titanic. His journey from Ukraine to England and his aspirations for a better life in America reflect the dreams of countless immigrants during that era. The loss of Meisnere and many others like him in the disaster underscores the disproportionate impact the sinking had on third-class passengers, many of whom were seeking new opportunities in the New World.

Despite never reaching America himself, Simon Meisnere’s legacy lived on through his family. His wife and children’s subsequent journey to and life in America serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of immigrant families in the face of tragedy. The varied and accomplished lives of his sons - from a Merchant Marine to lawyers - showcase the opportunities that America offered to immigrant families, fulfilling the dream that Simon Meisnere had when he boarded the Titanic on that fateful day in April 1912.