Jacob Oesterman was born in St. George of the East, London, England, on the 1st February 1881, the son of Levy Joel and Hannah Abraham Oesterman (née Marsman), and one of eleven children. His parents had emigrated from Holland, and his father was a cigar maker. In 1915, he lived at 19, Ainsworth Street, Liverpool, Lancashire.
He was a professional seaman in the mercantile marine and engaged as a waiter in the Stewards' Department on board the Lusitania at New York, on 30th April 1915, just in time for her final trans-Atlantic crossing. His monthly rate of pay, as a waiter, was £4.05s.00d, (£4.25).
He was lucky enough to survive the sinking, and although nothing more is known about him, he continued to serve as a steward on board trans-Atlantic liners for many years after his ordeal on board the Lusitania.
Register of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1891 Census of England, 1901 Census of England, London England School Admissions and Discharges 1840 – 1911, Cunard Records, UniLiv. D92/6/1, PRO BT 348, Graham Maddocks, Geoff Whitfield, Michael Poirier, Jim Kalafus, Cliff Barry, Paul Latimer, Norman Gray.
Copyright © Peter Kelly.
Revised & Updated – 4th February 2025.