August Viktor Larsson

Who was August Viktor Larsson?

August Viktor Larsson was a 29-year-old Swedish locksmith who perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was a third-class passenger traveling from Southampton, England, to return to his job in Stamford, Connecticut, after visiting his family in Sweden.

Early Life and Family

August Viktor Larsson was born on February 25, 1883, in Eskilstuna Fors, Södermanland County, Sweden. His parents were Per August Larson (born March 3, 1859) and Sofia Wilhelmina Larson (née Olsson, born April 22, 1859). August was one of eight children in the Larsson family:

• Elin Olivia (born October 21, 1887)
• Sven Adolf (born December 27, 1889)
• Ester Wilhelmina (born December 25, 1891)
• Helga Sofia (born December 19, 1893)
• Carl Julius (born August 7, 1896)
• Karin Viktoria (born June 17, 1899)
• John Teodor (born November 13, 1901)

Marriage and Family Life

On April 16, 1906, August married Ingrid Elisabeth Jonsson, who was born on January 15, 1885, in Adolf Fredrik’s parish, Stockholm. The couple had a daughter:

• Göta Augusta Fredrika Elisabeth (born December 8, 1905, in Eskilstuna Fors)

Immigration to the United States

August’s journey to America began on March 22, 1907, when he left Sweden. He departed from Liverpool, England, on April 10, 1907, as a third-class passenger on the steamship Oceanic, bound for Stamford, Connecticut. Upon arrival in the United States around April 18, 1907, his physical description was recorded:

• Height: Initially listed as 5'5" (later corrected to 5'10")
• Hair color: Blond
• Eye color: Blue
• Literacy: Able to read and write

Career and Life in America

August worked as a locksmith and was employed by the Yale and Towne Mfg. Company in Stamford, Connecticut. His life in America was marked by the following events:

• April 1910: Listed as “Victor” Larsson, living at 12 West Street, Stamford, Connecticut
• Occupation: Lock maker in the lock works business
• Living arrangement: Lodging with other Swedish immigrants, including Albert Bergquist and his wife Hannah

Application for U.S. Citizenship

On October 28, 1910, August applied for U.S. citizenship. At this time, he:

• Resided at 14 West Street, Stamford, Connecticut
• Described himself as a lock maker
• Had recently returned from a year’s leave of absence in Sweden

Family Separation and Health Issues

Due to his wife’s poor health, Ingrid Elisabeth and their daughter returned to Eskilstuna, Sweden. In 1910:

• Ingrid Elisabeth and Göta Augusta were living in the Kloster parish of Närjeholme, Eskilstuna
• They resided with Axel Fredrik Jonsson, a tinsmith who may have been a relative of Ingrid Elisabeth

The Titanic Journey

August boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His journey details include:

• Ticket number: 7545
• Fare paid: £9 8s
• Destination: Returning to Stamford, Connecticut, care of Olaf/Olof Blomquist, 25 Division Street

Tragically, August Viktor Larsson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Aftermath and Financial Impact

The loss of August had severe consequences for his family:

• A life insurance policy of $1,000 had lapsed weeks before his death, and payment was refused
• The English Committee awarded £150 to his widow and child
• Damage claims of 5010.50 Kr (£275) were paid to his wife and daughter on May 28, 1914

According to Red Cross reports, the family was left in a state of destitution and required substantial, long-term aid. Ingrid Elisabeth’s father, Axel Jonsson, became the guardian of his granddaughter Augusta, but was barely able to support his own family.

August Viktor Larsson’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies behind the Titanic disaster, highlighting the far-reaching impact on families and communities left behind.