Mr Adolf Mathias Nicolai Olsen Humblen: A Norwegian Farmer’s Tragic Titanic Journey

Who was Adolf Mathias Nicolai Olsen Humblen?

Adolf Mathias Nicolai Olsen Humblen was a 42 (forty-two) year-old Norwegian farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in 1869, Humblen was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Family

Born on May 28, 1869, in Nilsgården farm, Borgund, Romsdal County, Norway, Adolf Humblen was the son of Ole Ananias, a farmer and fisherman, and Berte Oline Didriksdatter (née Myklebust?) Nilsen. His parents had married on October 17, 1858, at Borgund, and Adolf was christened on January 1, 1870, in the same town.

Siblings

Adolf Humblen grew up in a family with several siblings:

Niels Markus (born March 29, 1858)
Ole Peter (born October 25, 1860)
Severin Britannus (born March 22, 1863)
Karl Laurits (born February 9, 1872)

Marriage and Adult Life

On November 7, 1895, Adolf married Oliva Eliassen Hansdatter Fuglefjord Humblen at Borgund Church. His wife was a native of the Faroe Islands, adding an international element to their union. The couple made their home in Borgsund, Langevåg, Ålesund, where Adolf worked as a farmer and general laborer.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Humblen traveling on the Titanic?

Although the White Star Line listed his destination as 369 Madison Avenue, Milwaukee, it is believed that Humblen was actually heading to Duluth, Minnesota. This discrepancy highlights the sometimes confusing nature of passenger records from the time.

Titanic Ticket and Accommodation

Ticket Number: 348121
Cabin: F G63
Class: 3rd Class
Fare: £7 13s

Travel Companions

Humblen didn’t embark on this journey alone. He was traveling with a group of fellow Norwegians:

Olaus Abelseth (shared cabin G-63 on F-Deck)
Sigurd Moen (Abelseth’s brother-in-law)
Peter Søholt (Humblen’s cousin)
Karen Marie Abelseth
Anna Salkjelsvik

The Final Journey

The group’s journey began in Ålesund, Norway, where they set sail for Newcastle, England, via Bergen. From there, they made their way to Southampton, where they boarded the RMS Titanic for what would be its first and last voyage.

What happened to Adolf Humblen on the night of the disaster?

Tragically, Adolf Humblen did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first and second class. The exact circumstances of his final moments remain unknown, as was the case for many of the ship’s victims.

Legacy

Adolf Mathias Nicolai Olsen Humblen’s body was later recovered, identified as Body No. 120. This recovery provided some closure for his family, unlike many Titanic victims whose remains were never found.

Humblen’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey, from a small Norwegian farm to the decks of the world’s most famous ship, reflects the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.

Today, Adolf Humblen is remembered not only as a Titanic victim but as a representation of the ordinary people whose extraordinary circumstances placed them at the center of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.