Mrs Anna Sigrid Maria Danbom was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Swedish-American passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on March 10, 1884, she was traveling with her family in third class when the ship met its tragic end on April 15, 1912. Anna’s story is a poignant reminder of the many lives lost during this historic disaster.
Early Life and Family
Anna Sigrid Maria Danbom was born into the Brogren family in Långebro, Horn, Kisa, Östergötland, Sweden. Her mother was Anna Lovisa Brogren, who would later face the heart-wrenching loss of two daughters in the Titanic tragedy.
Marriage and Relocation
Anna’s life took a significant turn when she married Ernst Gilbert Danbom. The couple had a son named Gilbert, and together they made their home in Stanton, Iowa, United States. This relocation likely contributed to her dual Swedish-American nationality.
The Fateful Titanic Journey
Boarding and Travel Companions
The Danbom family boarded the Titanic at Southampton, embarking on what they hoped would be a journey to a new life. They were not alone in this venture:
All were traveling as third-class passengers, reflecting the common practice of immigrant families seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.
Ticket and Accommodation Details
Ticket Number: 347080
Ticket Price: £14 8s (14 pounds, 8 shillings)
Class: Third Class
The Tragic Night of April 15, 1912
As the Titanic struck the iceberg and began its descent into the icy North Atlantic, the fate of the Danbom family was sealed. Despite the chaos and attempts at rescue, Anna, along with her husband and child, did not survive the sinking.
The Sole Survivor
In a cruel twist of fate, out of the entire group traveling together, only Anna Sofia Nysten survived the disaster. This stark reality underscores the arbitrary nature of survival that night and the profound loss experienced by so many families.
Aftermath and Legacy
Recovery Efforts
“Anna Danbom’s body, if recovered, was never identified.”
This somber note highlights the additional tragedy faced by many families who were denied even the closure of a proper burial for their loved ones.
Financial Compensation
In the wake of the disaster, various funds were established to assist the families of victims. However, the Danbom relatives were not considered in need of financial aid from the general relief fund. Instead, a specific damage claim was processed:
462 Kr (Swedish Kronor) was paid to Anna’s mother, Anna Lovisa Brogren
An additional 184.80 Kr was provided as compensation for the loss of both daughters, Anna and Alfrida
This financial settlement, while unable to compensate for the immense personal loss, was a recognition of the family’s suffering.
Remembering Anna Sigrid Maria Danbom
Anna’s story, though tragically cut short at the age of 28 (twenty-eight), serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. Her journey, from a small town in Sweden to the decks of the world’s most famous ship, encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of many immigrants of her time. Today, she is remembered not just as a statistic, but as a young woman, wife, and mother whose life and potential were tragically lost on that fateful night in April 1912.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.