Einar Gervasius Karlsson

Who was Mr Einar Gervasius Karlsson?

Mr Einar Gervasius Karlsson was a Swedish survivor of the Titanic disaster who later became a United States citizen and lived a life marked by adventure, military service, and resilience. Born on June 19, 1890, in Oskarshamn, Kalmar, Sweden, Karlsson was 21 (twenty-one) years old when he embarked on the ill-fated voyage that would shape his life and legacy.

Early Life and Journey to America

Swedish Roots and Military Service

Einar Karlsson was born into a large family, the son of Per Fredrik Karlsson (1856-1912) and Emilie Jonsdotter (b. 1860). He had seven siblings, growing up in a bustling household that likely instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Following his education, Einar pursued a military career in the Swedish Army, where he rose to the rank of corporal before his discharge around 1911.

The Decision to Emigrate

With limited opportunities in Sweden, Einar and his friend Johan Charles Asplund made the life-changing decision to seek their fortunes in America. Einar harbored aspirations of becoming a teacher in his new homeland, a dream that would lead him to board the RMS Titanic in Southampton.

The Titanic Voyage

Ticket and Accommodation Details

• Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 350053
• Ticket Cost: £7, 15s, 11d
• Destination: 449 Bergen Street, Brooklyn

Einar’s journey began as he boarded the Titanic as a third-class passenger, embarking on what he hoped would be the start of a new life in America.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14, 1912, Einar and Johan were awake in their cabin when they felt the impact of the Titanic striking the iceberg. Their quick thinking and resourcefulness would prove crucial in the hours that followed:

1. They investigated the forward well-deck, observing chunks of ice.
2. Returning to their cabin, they found knee-deep water rising rapidly.
3. Making their way to the aft-starboard boat deck, they awaited their chance for survival.
4. Spotting Lifeboat 13 being lowered, they took a daring leap onto the falls and slid down into the boat.

Survival and Immediate Aftermath

Rescue and Arrival in New York

From Lifeboat 13, Einar witnessed the horrifying final moments of the Titanic, a memory that would haunt him for the rest of his life. After being rescued by the Carpathia, he arrived in New York City, where he initially stayed with relatives and received $25 from the Salvation Army Fund.

Post-Titanic Travels

Einar’s adventurous spirit led him on a journey across America:

• Found initial employment in a New York factory
• Traveled westward, working various jobs in:
  • California
  • Utah
  • Colorado
  • Minnesota

Life in Nebraska and Military Service

Settling Down

In 1916, Einar settled in Saunders County, Nebraska, working as a farm hand for a Scandinavian family. The following year, he achieved U.S. citizenship, marking a significant milestone in his American journey.

World War I Service

Einar’s military background led him back to service, this time for his adopted country:

• Served in the U.S. Army during World War I
• Saw action in France and Germany
• Survived a gas attack, which left him with a permanent tremor
• Discharged on June 4, 1919

Family Life and Later Years

Marriage and Children

In 1922, Einar married Marjorie M. Mary (b. June 25, 1903) from Deer Creek, Iowa. Their family grew to include four children:

1. Eugene (1923-1996)
2. Margaret Marion (b. 1924)
3. Patrick (b. 1934, died in infancy)
4. Rose Ann (b. 1935)

Career and Relocations

The Karlsson family lived in various Nebraska locations:

• Ewing, Holt County
• Boone County (before 1940), where they worked a ranch
• Fremont, where Einar worked in a hotel after leaving farming

How did the Titanic affect Einar’s later life?

The Titanic disaster left an indelible mark on Einar Karlsson:

• He became restless every April, often spending nights in the family barn.
• Einar rarely spoke about the Titanic, indicating the deep emotional impact of the event.
• He preserved several Titanic-related items, including his dining room assignment card and inspection card.
• These artifacts were later donated to the Titanic Historical Society by his daughter.

Legacy and Final Years

Einar Karlsson passed away on April 12, 1958, at the age of 67 (sixty-seven) in Fremont, Nebraska, following a heart attack. He was laid to rest on April 15, 1958, in Fremont Memorial Cemetery, his headstone bearing a depiction of the Titanic.

Family members remember Einar as an active, adventurous, kind, and well-mannered individual, qualities that persisted throughout his life. His journey from Swedish immigrant to Titanic survivor, soldier, and American citizen exemplifies a life of resilience and adaptation in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

Einar Gervasius Karlsson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the Titanic’s far-reaching impact on individual lives and the indomitable spirit of those who survived to build new lives in America.