Mr Anders Johan Andersson: A Swedish Farmer’s Tragic Titanic Journey

Who was Anders Johan Andersson? Anders Johan Andersson was a 39 (thirty-nine) year-old Swedish farmer and general laborer who perished aboard the RMS Titanic during its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. He was traveling with his family to start a new life in North America when tragedy struck.

Early Life and Family

Anders Johan Andersson was born on January 21, 1873, in Sweden. He was the son of Kristina Lovisa Andersson from Årtesmåla, Horn, Kisa, Sweden. As a young man, Anders established himself as a farmer, working diligently at Kättestorp farm in Kisa, Östergötland, Sweden.

Marriage and Children

Anders married Alfrida Konstantia Brogren, and together they built a loving family. The couple had five children:

Ebba Iris Alfrida
Ellis Anna Maria
Ingeborg Constanzia
Sigrid Elisabeth
Sigvard Harald Elias

Despite being relatively well-off in Sweden, the Andersson family decided to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic.

The Decision to Emigrate

What inspired the Anderssons to leave Sweden?

The Andersson family’s decision to emigrate was influenced by Ernst Danbom, who was married to Alfrida’s sister, Anna. Danbom’s tales of opportunity in America proved tempting, and the family decided to embark on a new adventure.

Destination and Travel Plans

The Anderssons planned to travel from their home in Kättestorp to North America. Their intended destination was somewhat unclear, with two possible locations mentioned:

The home of Mrs. Andrew Zakrisson (Anna’s sister) at Hartcourt St., Sturgeon Creek, Saint James, Winnipeg, Canada
Stanton, Iowa, where they might stay with the Danbom family for a period

This uncertainty suggests that the family may have planned to stay with relatives temporarily while establishing themselves in their new country.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Embarkation Point: Southampton
Ticket Number: 347082
Ticket Price: £31 5s (equivalent to £6 in Third Class)

Anders and his family boarded the Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers. They were accompanied by the Danbom family and Anna Nysten, a friend from Farsbo farm outside Kisa.

The Tragic Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, the Andersson family faced a terrifying situation. As third-class passengers, their chances of survival were significantly reduced due to their location deep within the ship and limited access to lifeboats.

Aftermath and Legacy

What happened to Anders Johan Andersson?

Tragically, Anders Johan Andersson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was never recovered from the icy waters of the North Atlantic. At the time of his death, Anders was 39 (thirty-nine) years old, leaving behind a grieving family and unfulfilled dreams of a new life in North America.

The Sole Survivor

Of the group traveling together from Kisa, only Anna Nysten survived the disaster. Her survival would have been a bittersweet reminder of the tragedy for those left behind in Sweden.

Financial Compensation

In the wake of the disaster, the Mansion House Fund provided financial assistance to Anders’ family:

875:52 Kr (£48) was paid to his mother
912 Kr (£50) was distributed among his seven siblings
456:50 Kr in damage claims was paid to his mother on August 25, 1914

These payments, while unable to compensate for the loss of life, provided some financial support to the bereaved family.

Remembering Anders Johan Andersson

Anders Johan Andersson’s story is a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. A hardworking farmer and family man, he represents the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants who sought a better life across the ocean. Though his journey ended tragically, his memory lives on as part of the enduring legacy of the Titanic and its passengers.