Mr Albert Augustsson: A Young Swedish Passenger’s Tragic Titanic Journey

Who was Albert Augustsson? Albert Augustsson was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old Swedish general labourer who tragically lost his life aboard the RMS Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. His story represents one of many young immigrants seeking new opportunities in America, only to have their dreams cut short by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Family

Albert Augustsson was born on February 10, 1889, in Hallaryd, Kronoberg, Sweden. He came from a humble background, with his father, August Petersson (born 1865), working as a crofter, and his mother, Johanna Andersdotter (born 1857), tending to their family.

Siblings

Albert grew up with three known siblings:

• Johan (born 1891)
• Håkan (born 1894)
• Axel (born 1900)

This close-knit family of six likely faced the economic challenges common to many rural Swedish families of the time.

Early Career and Aspirations

Life in Kråkeryd

Albert Augustsson lived in Kråkeryd, a small locality in Hallaryd. It was here that he began to forge his path in life, working as a smith’s assistant for approximately three years. This experience likely honed his skills and work ethic, preparing him for what he hoped would be greater opportunities across the Atlantic.

The Journey to America

Why did Albert Augustsson decide to emigrate?

Like many young Europeans of his time, Albert was drawn by the promise of a better life in America. The United States was seen as a land of opportunity, especially for skilled laborers like Albert.

Preparations for the Voyage

Albert’s journey to America began with careful planning:

1. He traveled from Sweden to Denmark.
2. In Copenhagen, he purchased his Titanic ticket (number 347468).
3. The ticket cost £7, 17s, 1d, a significant sum for a working-class individual.
4. He carried approximately 500 Kr in cash, demonstrating his preparation for starting a new life.

Boarding the Titanic

Albert boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. He wasn’t alone in his journey, traveling with a group of fellow Swedes:

• Pål Andreasson
• Nils Johansson
• Karl Jonsson
• Olga Lundin

This group likely provided comfort and companionship during what must have been an exciting but daunting journey.

Destination and Dreams

Albert’s ultimate destination was Bloomington, Illinois. This midwestern city, known for its manufacturing and agricultural industries, would have offered numerous opportunities for a skilled laborer like Albert.

The Tragic Sinking

What happened to Albert Augustsson on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Like many third-class passengers, Albert Augustsson faced significant challenges in escaping the sinking ship. The Titanic’s design and the chaos of the evacuation meant that many in steerage had little chance of survival.

Albert perished in the sinking, his body never identified if recovered. At just 23 (twenty-three) years old, his life and dreams were cut tragically short.

Aftermath and Financial Compensation

In the wake of the disaster, efforts were made to provide some financial relief to the families of victims:

• The Mansion House Fund paid 875:52 Kr (£48) to Albert’s parents.
• Additional damage claims of 1908 Kr (£100) were paid on December 2, 1914.

The high damage claims paid seem to indicate that the parents were poor.

This compensation, while unable to replace their lost son, may have provided some financial stability to Albert’s grieving family.

Legacy

Albert Augustsson’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. He represents the countless young immigrants whose hopes for a better life were dashed on that fateful night. Today, his name lives on in Titanic memorials and genealogical records, ensuring that his brief but meaningful life is not forgotten.

Albert’s journey, from a small Swedish town to the decks of the most famous ship in history, illustrates the spirit of adventure and hope that characterized many immigrants of his era. Though his life was cut short, his story continues to resonate, reminding us of the dreams and aspirations that drove so many to seek new horizons across the Atlantic.