August Johnson

Who was Mr August Johnson?

Mr August Johnson was a 49 (forty-nine) year-old American seaman who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in New York around 1863, Johnson was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, working for the American Line at the time of the disaster.

Early Life and Family

New York Origins

August Johnson was born in New York in 1863, though little is known about his early years. His American nationality, despite living in England later in life, suggests a connection to his birthplace that persisted throughout his life.

Family Life in Southampton

By 1912, August Johnson had established a life in Southampton, England. He resided there with his wife Elizabeth and their seven surviving children. This large family would have been a significant part of Johnson’s life, making his loss in the Titanic disaster all the more poignant.

Career and Professional Life

From Master at Arms to Seaman

Johnson’s professional life showed a dedication to maritime work:

In 1901, his occupation was listed as Master at Arms
By 1912, he was employed by the American Line as a seaman

This shift in roles demonstrates Johnson’s versatility and long-standing commitment to seafaring work.

Colleagues on the Titanic

August Johnson was not alone in representing the American Line on the Titanic. He was accompanied by several colleagues:

William Cahoone Johnson Jr.
Lionel Leonard
William Henry Tornquist
Alfred Carver
Thomas Storey

These men, like Johnson, were embarking on what they likely thought would be a routine transatlantic crossing as part of their employment.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding at Southampton

Mr August Johnson boarded the Titanic at Southampton, the ship’s first departure point on its maiden voyage. He held a third-class ticket, number 370160, reflecting his status as a working-class passenger despite his employment with the American Line.

The Tragic Sinking

On April 15, 1912, August Johnson, along with over 1,500 other souls, perished in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic when the Titanic sank. At 49 years old, Johnson’s life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Unidentified Remains

In the aftermath of the sinking, many bodies were recovered from the ocean. However, August Johnson’s body, if recovered, was never identified. This lack of closure would have added to the grief experienced by his wife Elizabeth and their seven children back in Southampton.

Legacy and Remembrance

Memorial in Southampton

Although August Johnson’s final resting place remains unknown, his memory lives on in his adopted hometown of Southampton. A brass plaque in Holy Trinity Church, Millbrook, Southampton, bears his name, ensuring that future generations will remember his sacrifice.

A Family Left Behind

Perhaps the most profound legacy of August Johnson is the family he left behind in Southampton. His wife Elizabeth faced the daunting task of raising seven children alone, their lives forever altered by the Titanic disaster.

August Johnson’s story, while tragic, serves as a reminder of the many ordinary lives affected by the Titanic’s sinking. From his New York birth to his life in Southampton and his final journey on the Titanic, Johnson’s experiences reflect the international nature of the disaster and the far-reaching impact it had on families and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.