Claus Peter Hansen

Who was Mr Claus Peter Hansen?

Mr Claus Peter Hansen was a 41 (forty-one) year-old Danish-American barber who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Denmark, he immigrated to the United States in the 1890s and settled in Racine, Wisconsin, where he established himself as a successful barber before embarking on a fateful journey back to his homeland.

Early Life and Immigration

Danish Roots

Claus Peter Hansen was born on January 13, 1871, in Denmark, to parents Christen and Karen Marie Hansen. Growing up in a close-knit family, Hansen spent his formative years in his native country before setting his sights on new opportunities across the Atlantic.

The American Dream

In the 1890s, like many Europeans of his time, Hansen made the bold decision to immigrate to the United States. This move was driven by the promise of a better life and greater economic opportunities. He chose to settle in Racine, Wisconsin, a bustling city known for its diverse immigrant population and growing industries.

Life in America

Establishing a Career

Upon arriving in Racine, Claus Peter Hansen wasted no time in pursuing his trade. He quickly established himself as a skilled barber, a profession that allowed him to interact with a wide range of community members and build a solid reputation. His dedication and craftsmanship led him to open his own barbershop at 1104 Villa Street, Racine.

Marriage and Family Life

On July 25, 1900, Claus Peter Hansen married Jennie Louise Howard in Racine. This union marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, blending his Danish heritage with his American dreams. The couple settled into life in Racine, with Hansen’s barbershop serving as their primary source of income and a focal point of their community involvement.

The Fateful Journey

A Long-Awaited Return

In 1912, after more than two decades in America, Claus Peter Hansen made a significant decision. He sold his barbershop to finance a trip back to Denmark with his wife Jennie. The purpose of this journey was deeply personal: to visit his parents and three brothers in Holeby on the island of Lolland, whom he had not seen for 21 years.

Departure and European Sojourn

The Hansens embarked on their European adventure on February 14, 1912, sailing aboard the Cunard liner Campania. This transatlantic crossing marked the beginning of what was meant to be a joyous reunion with family and a chance to reconnect with his roots.

The Return Voyage

As their European visit came to an end, the Hansens prepared for their return to America. In a twist of fate, Claus Peter’s 26-year-old brother, Henrik Juul Hansen, decided to seize the opportunity and accompany them to the New World. Little did they know that this decision would lead to a tragic outcome for both brothers.

The Titanic Disaster

Boarding the ‘Unsinkable’ Ship

Claus Peter Hansen purchased tickets for himself, his wife Jennie, and his brother Henrik from the White Star Line agent C. Hansen in Maribo, Lolland. The trio boarded the RMS Titanic in Southampton as third-class passengers, their ticket number 350026, costing £14 2s 2d.

A Fateful Night

On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg, Claus Peter Hansen demonstrated remarkable bravery and selflessness. As the ship began to sink, he ensured his wife’s safety by helping her into a lifeboat. His last words to her were poignant and heartbreaking: “Jennie, you had better go so that there will be one of us to tell the story back home.”

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Tragically, both Claus Peter and his brother Henrik perished in the sinking. Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified. This heroic act of ensuring his wife’s survival at the cost of his own life epitomizes the selflessness displayed by many during that tragic night.

Legacy and Remembrance

Financial Support

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Daily Telegraph Fund provided £20 to Claus’ and Henrik’s parents as compensation for the loss of both sons. This gesture, while unable to mitigate the profound loss, offered some financial support to the grieving family.

A Lasting Memorial

Today, Claus Peter Hansen is remembered on his wife’s grave in Racine, Wisconsin. The monument stands as a touching tribute to his life and sacrifice:

In memory of Peter C. Hanson Titanic Disaster January 13, 1871 - April 15, 1912 Nearer My God To Thee

This epitaph, featuring the hymn famously associated with the Titanic’s sinking, serves as a poignant reminder of Hansen’s faith and the circumstances of his untimely death.

Claus Peter Hansen’s story is a testament to the immigrant experience, the pursuit of the American dream, and the unpredictable nature of fate. His final act of heroism aboard the Titanic ensures that his memory lives on, a stark reminder of the human cost of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.