Erik Gustaf Lind

Who was Erik Gustaf Lind?

Erik Gustaf Lind was a Swedish-American businessman and first-class passenger on the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on June 18, 1869, in Gryt, Södermanland, Sweden, Lind’s life was marked by transatlantic journeys, business ventures, and ultimately, a tragic end aboard the Titanic at the age of 42 (forty-two).

Early Life and Family

Erik Gustaf Lind was born into a wealthy Swedish family. His parents were:

• Father: Per Erik Åkerlind (1832-1908), a landowner
• Mother: Eva Johanna Bernhardina Tigerschiöld (1838-1921)

Lind grew up with at least five brothers:

• Per Edvard (born January 11, 1872)
• Johan Bernhard (born November 21, 1873)
• Knut Hugo (born December 28, 1875)
• Ernst Wiktor (born March 20, 1878)
• Carl Uno (born June 1, 1881)

Journey to America and Citizenship

When did Erik Lind first come to the United States?

Erik Lind first arrived in the United States on July 7, 1887, at the young age of 18. This move would shape the course of his life and eventually lead to his American citizenship.

Naturalization and Residence

In 1892, at the age of 23, Lind became a naturalized citizen of the United States in Dorchester, Massachusetts. After obtaining his citizenship, he moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he established himself as a businessman.

Return to Sweden and Marriage

In 1909, at the age of 40, Lind made a significant decision to return to his homeland. His primary goal was to repurchase Jordanstorp Manor in Sörmland, Sweden – a property his father had previously lost.

On June 19, 1909, just a day after returning to Sweden, Lind married Elsa Teresia Dubois (née Karsten). Elsa, born on February 14, 1868, in Stockholm, already had a son named Åke Raoul from a previous relationship.

Life at Jordanstorp Manor

The newly married couple settled at Jordanstorp Manor, which became a hub of activity. Notable residents included:

• August Balthazar Carl Jakob Lagercrantz (a former Captain of the Royal Navy) and his wife Annie Elisabeth
• Erik Lind’s mother, Eva Johanna Bernhardina Åkerlind

The manor also employed seven servants:

1. Edith Eugenia Eklund (maid)
2. Ingeborg Maria Johansson (maid)
3. Anna Maria Kristina Olsson (maid)
4. Ester Emilia Sedvall (cook)
5. Elin Johanna Hörnström (servant)
6. Elin Elisabeth Myrberg (servant)
7. Elna Sofia Karlsson (servant)

Financial Troubles and Decision to Return to America

What led to Erik Lind’s financial downfall?

Erik Lind’s financial troubles stemmed from two main factors:

1. The costly rebuilding and repair of Jordanstorp Manor
2. Unsuccessful investments

These circumstances led Lind to fall into debt, specifically to a loan shark named Jean Jansson. To escape his financial woes and rebuild his fortune, Lind made the fateful decision to return to the United States.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Erik Lind use a pseudonym on the Titanic?

To avoid detection by his creditors, particularly the loan shark Jean Jansson, Erik Lind boarded the Titanic under the pseudonym “Edward Lingrey.” He embarked at Southampton as a first-class passenger, holding ticket number 17475.

Erik Lind’s Last Letter

While aboard the Titanic, Lind wrote a poignant letter to his wife Elsa. Here’s an excerpt:

“My darling little Elsa,

Before I leave this part of the Globe, I hereby send you my warm and loving regards. You have no idea how enormous this boat is, and you would never have guessed how luxurious it is! The first trip and believe it or not she can accommodate 5,000 passengers. - I hope the envelope does not tell which boat I am travelling on. Remember Elsa my darling that you are not supposed to tell anybody…”

The Sinking and Aftermath

What happened to Erik Lind during the Titanic’s sinking?

According to fellow passenger Mauritz Håkan Björnstrom-Steffanson, both he and Lind jumped from the ship as it was sinking. While Björnstrom-Steffanson managed to land in Collapsible Lifeboat D, Lind disappeared into the frigid Atlantic waters. His body was never recovered.

Legal Battle for Damages

The White Star Line initially refused to admit that Lind had been onboard, likely due to his use of a pseudonym. It took five years of legal proceedings before damage claims were finally paid to his family. This was achieved after Björnstrom-Steffanson provided assurances to the Notarius Publicus in New York that “Edward Lingrey” and Erik Lind were indeed the same person.

Erik Gustaf Lind’s story is a poignant reminder of the human lives behind the Titanic tragedy – a tale of ambition, misfortune, and ultimately, sacrifice in the pursuit of a better future.