Who was Antti Gustaf Leinonen?

Mr Antti Gustaf Leinonen was a 32 (thirty-two) year old Finnish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. He was a third-class passenger who embarked on the ship’s maiden voyage from Southampton, bound for New York. Tragically, Leinonen did not survive the disaster that unfolded on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

Antti Gustaf Leinonen was born in 1880 in Finland. At the time of his Titanic journey, he was living in Oulunkylä, which is now part of Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. Leinonen was married to Josefina, who would later become his widow following the tragic events of the Titanic sinking.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Mr. Leinonen boarded the Titanic at Southampton, the first leg of the ship’s maiden voyage. He traveled as a third-class passenger, reflecting the social stratification that was common on passenger ships of that era.

• Ticket Number: 3101292
• Ticket Price: £7 6s (equivalent to approximately £18 in total)
• Class: 3rd Class

Fate on the Titanic

Sadly, like many third-class passengers, Antti Gustaf Leinonen did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At the age of 32 (thirty-two), his life was cut short when the ship struck an iceberg and sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912.

Aftermath and Legacy

Recovery Efforts

Mr. Leinonen’s body was never found in the aftermath of the disaster. This was not uncommon, as many victims of the Titanic sinking were never recovered due to the vast expanse of the North Atlantic and the chaotic nature of the ship’s final moments.

Compensation

In the wake of the tragedy, efforts were made to provide some form of restitution to the families of those lost. Josefina Leinonen, Antti’s widow, received £50 in compensation for her loss. While no amount of money could truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, this payment was part of the broader efforts to address the immense tragedy.

Historical Context

Antti Gustaf Leinonen’s story is one of many that illustrate the human cost of the Titanic disaster. As a third-class passenger, his experience reflects the challenges and limited options faced by those traveling in steerage during the evacuation. The loss of lives like Leinonen’s led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations and practices in the years following the Titanic’s sinking.

Remembering Antti Gustaf Leinonen

While details about Antti Gustaf Leinonen’s personal life and character are limited in historical records, his story remains an important part of the Titanic’s legacy. Each passenger, regardless of their class or background, represents a unique human story within the larger narrative of this historic tragedy. Leinonen’s journey from Finland to Southampton and his attempt to reach New York symbolize the hopes and dreams of many immigrants seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic in the early 20th century.