Albert Wirz: A Young Swiss Farmer’s Tragic Journey on the Titanic

Albert Wirz was a 17-year-old Swiss farmer whose life was cut short by the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on May 19, 1894, in Buchholz near Uster, Switzerland, Albert was embarking on a journey to start a new life in America when he boarded the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Family

Albert was born to Albert Wirz and Anna Bertha Wirz-Gull. Tragically, his mother passed away in 1889 when Albert was just five years old. His father later remarried a woman named Lina Maag. Albert had family connections in America through his step-aunt, Maria, who had emigrated to Beloit, Wisconsin, with her son Adolf Maag.

The Decision to Emigrate

In 1912, at the age of 17 (seventeen), Albert made the life-changing decision to emigrate to America. He reached out to his aunt in Beloit, Wisconsin, asking her to help him find employment. This decision set in motion the events that would lead him to book passage on the Titanic.

Titanic Journey

Boarding and Accommodation

Albert boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. He purchased his ticket (number 315154) from the agent Kaiser & Cie. in Basel for 344 Swiss francs, equivalent to £8 13s 3d.

On the ship, Albert shared cabin E58 on F-Deck with several other passengers:

Josef Arnold
Leo Zimmermann
Vincenz Kink
Anton Kink
Wenzel Linhart (likely)

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14, 1912, Albert and his cabinmates were asleep when they were suddenly awakened by what felt like an “earthquake.” This was the moment the Titanic struck the iceberg. Tragically, Albert never had the opportunity to reach a lifeboat and perished in the sinking.

Recovery and Identification

Albert’s body was recovered by the Mackay-Bennett on April 24, 1912. He was body number 131. The description of his remains provides a poignant snapshot of the young man:

NO. 131. - MALE. - HAIR DARK. MUSTACHE, FAIR CLOTHING - Dark suit; woolen socks; buckle shoes. EFFECTS - Two watches; brass chain; one ink pot; match box; knife; memo book; insurance book; passport; keys; empty purse; purse containing 36c. THIRD CLASS TICKET No. 315154 NAME - ALBERT WIRZ.

Burial and Aftermath

Albert’s body was transferred to Beloit, Wisconsin, arriving on May 11, 1912. He was laid to rest in the local cemetery on May 12. Interestingly, his grave remained unmarked until September 5, 1996.

The Daily Tribune of Wisconsin Rapids reported on May 22, 1912:

“The body of Albert Wirz, drowned in the wreck of the Titanic, has been brought to Beloit, consigned to his aunt, Mrs. T. M. Brown, with whom he was to reside.”

Impact on Family

The sinking of the Titanic had far-reaching consequences for Albert’s family:

His aunt, Maria Brown, lost her job shortly after the disaster and struggled to find new employment in New York.
The Red Cross provided assistance to the family, including $27 for Maria’s return ticket to Wisconsin.
Albert’s family in Switzerland received £60 from the Titanic Relief Fund.
His father received various compensations, totaling 1460.55 Swiss francs, including life insurance, luggage insurance, and refunds for prepaid expenses.
The White Star Line paid $440 in compensation (minus $115 for attorney and embassy fees).

Legacy

Today, Albert Wirz rests in Oakwood Cemetery, Beloit, Wisconsin (plot S-3-113). His story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives full of promise that were lost in the Titanic disaster. At just 17 years old, Albert represents the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants who sought a better life in America, only to have their journeys tragically cut short on that fateful April night in 1912.