Carl Oscar Vilhelm Gustafsson Asplund

Who was Carl Oscar Vilhelm Gustafsson Asplund?

Carl Oscar Vilhelm Gustafsson Asplund was a Swedish-American passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on May 7, 1871, in Repperda, Gustafsgård, Ädelfors, Jönköping, Sweden, Asplund was a 40 (forty) year-old general laborer and farmer who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

Swedish Roots

Carl Asplund was born to Kristina Adlene Samuelson, hailing from the Småland region of Sweden. He grew up in Alseda village, where he developed his skills as a farmer, a profession that would define much of his adult life.

Marriage and Children

Carl married Selma Augusta Emilia Johansson on May 9, 1896, in the United States, where the couple had initially resided. Their union blessed them with several children:

• Filip Oscar
• Clarence Gustaf Hugo
• Carl Edgar (twin)
• Lillian Gertrud (twin)
• Edvin Rojj Felix (born in 1909 in Alseda village, Sweden)

Transatlantic Journey and Return to Sweden

First Stay in America

The Asplunds had lived in the United States for some time before deciding to return to Sweden. This move back to their homeland was significant, as it allowed them to maintain connections with their Swedish heritage while also experiencing life in America.

Decision to Emigrate Again

After their return to Sweden and the birth of their youngest son, Edvin, the family faced a pivotal decision. Their son Filip was particularly eager to move back to the United States. Eventually, the entire family decided to emigrate once more, setting their sights on Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Titanic Voyage

Boarding and Accommodation

The Asplund family boarded the Titanic at Southampton, embarking on what they hoped would be a journey to a new life in America. They were traveling as third-class passengers, reflecting their modest means as a working-class family.

Tragedy Strikes

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on that fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Carl Asplund’s quick thinking in the face of disaster was evident. He gathered all the family’s important papers and cash, placing them in his pockets. In the chaos that ensued, Selma and the children Lillian and Felix were pushed into lifeboat 15, but tragically, Carl and the rest of the family were lost in the sinking.

Recovery and Aftermath

Body Discovery

Carl Asplund’s body was later recovered by the Mackay-Bennett, labeled as body No. 142. The report on his remains provided a poignant description:

NO. 142. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 35. - HAIR & MOUSTACHE, FAIR. CLOTHING - Brown coat and vest; striped trousers; black boots. EFFECTS - Gold watch; two memo books; gold chain and locket; brooch marked “F. of A.”; keys; knife; plain gold ring. NO MARKS ON BODY OR CLOTHING. THIRD CLASS (7 TICKETS). - NAME - CARL ASPLUND.

Final Resting Place

Carl Asplund was laid to rest in the Swedish cemetery in Worcester, Massachusetts, the very city he and his family had hoped to call home.

Financial Compensation

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Mansion House Fund provided financial assistance to the surviving family members:

• 2699.52 Kr (£148) was paid to Selma on March 8, 1913
• 875.52 Kr (£48) was given to Carl’s mother

Legacy

Carl Oscar Vilhelm Gustafsson Asplund’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His sacrifice in ensuring his wife and two of his children survived serves as a testament to his character and love for his family. Today, the Asplund family’s tale remains one of the many heart-wrenching narratives that continue to captivate those studying the Titanic’s history, embodying the dreams, hopes, and ultimately the tragedies of those who sailed on the ill-fated ship.