August Abraham Johannes Abrahamsson

Who was August Abraham Johannes Abrahamsson?

August Abraham Johannes Abrahamsson was a Finnish-born Titanic survivor who later became a naturalized American citizen. Born on July 15, 1892, in Dragsfjärd, Finland, Abrahamsson was just 19 (nineteen) years old when he embarked on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. His survival of the disaster and subsequent life in America make him a notable figure in Titanic history.

Early Life and Family

Finnish Roots

August Abrahamsson was born into a Finnish family, the son of Anton Abrahamsson (1849-1913) and Klara Vilhelmina Vendenberg (1852-1904). He had two known siblings:

Anton (1885-1967)
Aina Aliina (1887-1969, later Mrs. Odor Trepanus Karlsson)

Growing up in Finland, August likely developed the skills that would later serve him in his career as a ship’s carpenter.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

August boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

Ticket number: 3101284
Cost: £7, 18s, 6d (equivalent to £7.93 in decimal currency)

August was traveling to Hoboken, New Jersey, where his brother Anton lived. He was accompanied by fellow Finnish passengers Eino Lindqvist and the sisters Helga and Hildur Hirvonen.

Accommodations and the Night of the Disaster

On board the Titanic, August shared a cabin with five other Finnish men. On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, August was asleep in his cabin. Initially, he had no intention of investigating the cause of the collision. However, when one of his cabin mates left to check and never returned, August became anxious and decided to head to the open decks.

Survival and Rescue

Realizing the ship was in danger, August attempted to warn his friend Eino Lindqvist, who was in a different cabin. He then tried to return to his own cabin to retrieve a lifebelt but found that seawater had already flooded that section of the ship.

Despite being without a lifebelt, August managed to reach the upper decks and board one of the last lifeboats, most likely lifeboat 15. As the Titanic sank, he reported hearing muffled explosions and noted that the ship’s lights remained bright until moments before its final plunge.

Life After the Titanic

Immediate Aftermath and Return to Finland

After arriving in New York, August was quartered at St. Vincent Hospital. He initially returned to Finland, but his stay there was short-lived.

Marriage and Return to America

In 1914, August married Martha (born December 30, 1890), a fellow Finn who had also lived in America, having arrived there in 1913. The couple then returned to the United States to build their life together.

Life in Brooklyn

August and Martha settled in Brooklyn, New York. Some key points about their life:

They had no children
August worked as a ship’s carpenter
During World War I, he was employed by Cranes Co on Erie Basin Road
He was described as being of medium height and build with brown hair and blue eyes
August became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1919

Career and Residences

August’s career evolved over time:

Initially worked as a ship’s carpenter
Later became a building contractor

The couple’s residences in Brooklyn:

1920: 807, 41st Street
1930-1940: 101 44th Street

Legacy and Final Years

August Abrahamsson died on August 16, 1961, at the age of 69 (sixty-nine). His wife Martha passed away on August 15, 1978. They are both buried in Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn.

August’s survival story and subsequent life in America serve as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the immigrant experience in early 20th century America. His journey from a young Finnish passenger to a naturalized American citizen and skilled tradesman exemplifies the opportunities and challenges faced by many immigrants of his era.