Straus, Ida (1849–1912)

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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.

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Straus, Ida (1849–1912)

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