Mr Anders Vilhelm Gustafsson: A Tragic Tale from the Titanic

Who was Anders Vilhelm Gustafsson? He was a 37 (thirty-seven) year-old Finnish general labourer who lost his life in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. His story is one of ambition, family ties, and ultimately, a heartbreaking end on that fateful night of April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

Anders Vilhelm Gustafsson was born on April 5, 1875, in Finland. He was the son of Maria Lovisa Gustafsson and grew up in Kejtala, Strömfors (Ruotsinpyhtää), near Lovisa in Southern Finland. Gustafsson had at least two siblings:

Johan Birger Gustafsson, his brother
Maria Mathilda Backström, his sister

Career and Aspirations

Gustafsson worked as a farmer in his hometown, but like many of his contemporaries, he harbored dreams of a better life across the Atlantic. He had previously visited the United States, though he had returned to Finland. This experience likely fueled his desire to seek opportunities abroad once again.

The Decision to Sail

What prompted Gustafsson to embark on his final journey? The answer lies in a family connection and the promise of work. Gustafsson and his brother Birger were offered construction work in the United States by their brother-in-law, Karl Alfred Backström. This opportunity was too good to pass up, and the brothers prepared for their transatlantic voyage.

The Titanic Journey

Gustafsson’s Titanic experience can be summarized as follows:

Embarkation Point: Southampton
Ticket Number: 3101276
Ticket Price: £7 6s (equivalent to £18 in total fare)
Class: Third Class
Cabin: Unknown

The journey began with a trip from Hangö to Hull aboard the Polaris. From there, Gustafsson, along with his brother Birger and brother-in-law Karl, boarded the Titanic at Southampton for what they hoped would be a new beginning in America.

The Fateful Night

Tragically, Anders Vilhelm Gustafsson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He, along with his brother Birger and brother-in-law Karl, were among the many lives lost on that terrible night.

Recovery and Identification

In the aftermath of the disaster, Gustafsson’s body was recovered. He was listed as body #98 and was described as follows:

NO. 98 - MALE - ESTIMATED AGE 35 - HAIR, BLACK
CLOTHING - Dark suit; grey socks; shirt; “A.W.C.” on pants.
EFFECTS - Watch and chain; knife; comb; silver chain; keys; purse containing $21.00 and coins; four bills.
THIRD CLASS TICKET No. 1275
NAME - ANVERS GUSTAFSO

It’s worth noting that there was a slight discrepancy in the spelling of his name and ticket number on the recovery report.

Burial and Compensation

What happened to Gustafsson’s remains? Despite the recovery of his body, he was buried at sea, a common practice due to the overwhelming number of casualties. In a small consolation to the family’s loss, Gustafsson’s relatives later received £75 in compensation.

Legacy

Anders Vilhelm Gustafsson’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many third-class passengers aboard the Titanic. His journey, cut tragically short, represents the hopes of countless immigrants seeking a better life in America, only to have their dreams dashed by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

While Gustafsson may not have lived to see the shores of America again, his story lives on as part of the enduring narrative of the Titanic, serving as a testament to the human cost of the tragedy and the lives forever changed by that fateful voyage.