Who was Mr Albert Kaurin Andersen?

Mr Albert Kaurin Andersen was a 33-year-old (thirty-three) Norwegian engineer who perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was traveling as a third-class passenger, en route to New York to begin work as a second engineer on the s.s. Edda.

Early Life and Family

Albert Kaurin Andersen was born on April 25, 1878, in Alvøen, Laksevåg, Søndre Bergenhus, Norway. He was one of ten children born to Anders Andersen, a fisherman, and Larsine Berntine Sørhavn (née Paulsdatter). Albert’s childhood was spent in a large family, with nine siblings:

Andreas Berentin (b. 1864)
Anne Cecilia (b. 1866)
Peder Severin (b. 1868)
Larsine Iverine (b. May 4, 1870)
Larsine Iverine (b. 1872)
Anton Martinus (b. November 5, 1875)
Bernt Andreas (b. January 20, 1881)
Peter Andreas Berntin (b. November 12, 1883)
Berntin (b. 1886)

Marriage and Family Life

On March 23, 1905, Albert married Theodora Catharina Olsen, who was born on September 14, 1878, in Bergen. The couple had two sons:

Teodor Andreas (born January 15, 1906)
Leif (born March 25, 1908)

At the time of the Titanic disaster, Theodora was pregnant with their third child, a daughter named Albertha Theodora, who was born in December 1912.

Career and Titanic Journey

Albert Andersen had a varied career in the maritime industry. He worked his way up from:

Trimmer
Fireman
Donkeyman

Eventually, he studied to become a ship’s engineer. In 1912, he secured a position as the second engineer on the s.s. Edda, which led to his fateful journey on the Titanic.

Titanic Voyage Details

Ticket Number: 4001
Ticket Cost: £22 10s 6d
Class: Third Class
Point of Embarkation: Southampton

Albert boarded the Titanic at Southampton with two companions, Johan Holten and Henry Olsen, who were also planning to join the Edda crew. All three men were traveling on the same ticket.

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

Discovery of Albert’s Body

Albert Andersen did not survive the sinking. His body was recovered by the Mackay Bennett, designated as body No. 260. The description of his remains provides a poignant glimpse of the man:

NO. 260. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 33. HAIR, DARK; SLIGHT MOUSTACHE; SCAR ON LEFT CHEEK. CLOTHING- Dark suit, green and white striped shirt; singlet; black boots. EFFECTS- Gold ring; $2.00; silver watch; plated chain.

Albert’s body was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 10, 1912.

Impact on the Family

The loss of Albert had devastating consequences for his family:

Theodora, pregnant and now widowed, gave birth to their daughter Albertha Theodora in December 1912.
The family received financial assistance from various relief funds:
- The Daily Telegraph’s Titanic Relief Fund: £20
- Mansion House Fund: 2160 NKr (£120)
- Damage claims: 2446 NKr ($787.50) to the widow, 729 NKr ($202.50) to the children’s guardian

Despite these efforts, Theodora struggled to cope with the loss of her husband and her mother in quick succession. She developed issues with alcohol and child neglect, leading to her children being taken into care before her death on April 23, 1915.

Legacy

The Andersen children faced numerous challenges following their parents’ deaths:

Theodor, the eldest, died in 1922 at age 16 from meningitis.
Leif married and raised three children before his death in 1971 in Bergen.
Albertha (Mrs. Oscar Rafsol) raised four children with her husband and passed away in Bergen in 1988.

Albert Kaurin Andersen’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching and long-lasting impact of the Titanic disaster on individual families. His journey from a skilled maritime worker to a Titanic victim illustrates the dreams and aspirations of many who sought better opportunities aboard the ill-fated ship, only to have their lives and family’s futures irrevocably altered by the tragedy.