Businessman and politician Isidor Straus (1845–1912) was best known as the co-owner of Macy’s department store; during 1894–95, he also served a brief term in Congress. In 1871, Straus married the former Rosalie Ida Blun (1849–1912), and the couple had seven children. On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, the Strauses were en route back to the United States from Germany aboard the RMS Titanic when the ship struck an iceberg and sank less than three hours later. As the ship was being evacuated, Ida gave up a seat in a lifeboat to her maid and gave the young woman her fur coat, observing that “I won’t need this anymore.” Ida later boarded the second-to-last lifeboat, but climbed out at the last minute to be with her husband; the two were last seen in an embrace. Both of the Strauses were among the more than 1,500 who perished in the tragedy. Isidor’s body was later recovered, while Ida’s was never found. DS, signed “Isidor Straus” and “Ida R. Straus,” three pages on two sheets, 8.5 x 14, October 9, 1909. A quitclaim deed wherein Isidor Straus and Nathan Straus (his business partner and brother; 1848–1931), and their wives (Ida R. Straus and Lina Straus, respectively) sell to the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company a parcel of land in the Bronx “in consideration of one dollar ... and other valuable considerations.” The document, which includes a hand-drawn color map of the plot in question, is also signed by Nathan and Lina Straus. In very good condition, with slight edge separations at folds (one fold just touching top of Ida’s “S”), and scattered soiling and document wear. R&R COA.
