August Sigfrid Carlsson
Who was Mr August Sigfrid Carlsson?
Mr August Sigfrid Carlsson was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Swedish farmer and Titanic passenger who tragically lost his life in the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912. Born in Dagsås, Sweden, Carlsson was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey to join his brother in Tower, Minnesota, leaving behind a pregnant wife and two young sons.
Early Life and Family
August Sigfrid Carlsson was born on February 12, 1884, in Dagsås, near Varberg, Halland, Sweden. He came from a large family, with his parents Karl Magnus Johansson, a shoemaker, and Johanna Beata Andreasdotter having married in 1874.
Siblings
August was one of eleven children, showcasing the typical large family size of the era:
- Emma Charlotta (b. November 29, 1875)
- Johan Albin (b. April 23, 1878)
- Selma Elisabeth (b. March 29, 1880 - d. December 26, 1880)
- Josefina Elisabet (b. November 1, 1881)
- Gustaf Daniel (b. November 11, 1886)
- Carl Ragnar (b. February 11, 1889 - d. April 14, 1889)
- Anna Sofia (b. May 21, 1890)
- Karl Julius (b. January 3, 1893)
- Hulda Viktoria (b. March 21, 1895)
- Estrid Ingeborg (b. August 12, 1896)
Marriage and Children
On December 27, 1907, at the age of 23, August married Julia Stenström, who was born on October 2, 1887. The couple made their home in a croft near Öströö castle in Dagsås, where they started their family. They had two sons:
- Karl Johan (b. July 12, 1908)
- Gunnar David (b. July 13, 1910)
At the time of August’s ill-fated journey, Julia was pregnant with their third child.
The Titanic Journey
Why was August traveling?
August embarked on his journey with the intention of establishing a new life for his family in America. His destination was Tower, Minnesota, where his brother resided, likely offering a support system for the planned relocation.
The Journey Begins
August’s journey commenced on April 1, 1912, when he left his home in Dagsås. His route to England was as follows:
- Traveled from Copenhagen to Esbjerg on April 6
- Took a ship from Esbjerg to England
- Boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger
Titanic Ticket Details
- Ticket Number: 350042
- Cost: £7 15s 11d (equivalent to about £890 in 2023)
The Tragedy and Its Aftermath
What happened to August?
August Sigfrid Carlsson perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body was never recovered from the icy Atlantic waters, leaving his family without closure.
Financial Support for the Family
In the wake of the disaster, the Carlsson family received financial assistance:
| Source | Amount | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Mansion House Fund | 2699.52 Kr (£148) | Widow (Julia) |
| Mansion House Fund | 875.52 Kr (£48) | Parents |
| Damage Claims | 5466 Kr (£300) | Widow, children, and parents |
The substantial sums awarded reflect the family’s dependence on August’s income as the primary breadwinner.
Julia’s Life After August
A New Beginning
Following August’s death, Julia moved back to her parents’ home in Rör. On September 19, 1912, she gave birth to their third son, Karl August, named after his late father. Tragically, it was reported that Julia had lost her eldest son just days before Karl August’s birth.
Second Marriage
In 1916, Julia met Karl Gustaf Karlsson, who would become her second husband. Their relationship timeline was as follows:
- 1917: Birth of their son Helge
- September 11, 1919: Birth of Asta Johanna Elemina (August initially listed as the father)
- March 8, 1920: August officially declared dead (incorrectly listed as April 14, 1912)
- December 27, 1920: Julia and Gustav married (coincidentally on the same date as her marriage to August)
Julia and Gustav went on to have six more children together, creating a large blended family of 12 children, including those from their previous marriages.
Legacy
August Sigfrid Carlsson’s life, though cut tragically short, left a lasting impact. His story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many immigrants who sought a better life in America, only to have their journeys end in the Titanic disaster. The financial support provided to his family underscores the global impact of the tragedy and the efforts made to assist those left behind.
Julia Carlsson, who passed away on December 18, 1950, carried on August’s legacy through their children and the large family she created with her second husband. The Carlsson family story exemplifies the resilience of those who faced unimaginable loss in the wake of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.
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.