Straus, Ida (1849–1912)

views updated

Straus, Ida (1849–1912)

American philanthropist. Born Rosalie Ida Blun, Feb 6, 1849, in Worms, Hessen, Germany; died April 15, 1912; m. Isidor Straus; children: 6, including Jesse Isidor Straus (b. 1872, an ambassador), Percy Selden Straus (b. 1876), and Nathan Straus.

With husband, owned Macy's department store and was well-known for philanthropy; was on the Titanic (April 15, 1912); as the ship foundered, urged her maid Ellen Bird to take her place in the lifeboat.

See also Women in World History.

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

Straus, Ida (1849–1912)

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article

You Might Also Like