Erik Johansson

Who was Mr Erik Johansson?

Mr Erik Johansson was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Swedish general labourer and third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on October 14, 1889, in Vissefjärda, Kalmar County, Sweden, Erik tragically lost his life in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

Swedish Roots

Erik Johansson was born into a family of minor landowners in rural Sweden. His parents were:

• Father: Peter Magnus Johansson (born July 13, 1850, at Långasjö, Kronoberg)
• Mother: Anna Maria Johansson (née Olausdotter, born April 12, 1850, in Vissefjärda)

The couple married on April 3, 1880, and Erik was one of their five known children.

Siblings

Erik’s siblings included:

• Hulda Serafia (born December 2, 1882, in Kronoberg County)
• Ernst Walfrid (born November 10, 1884, at Långasjö, Kronoberg County)
• Carl Uno (1887-1891)
• Enoch (Erik’s twin, born October 14, 1889)

Family Relocation

On September 26, 1885, the Johansson family made a significant move from Långasjö in Kronoberg County to Vissefjärda in Kalmar County. This relocation would shape the environment in which Erik and his siblings grew up.

Life Before the Titanic

Where did Erik Johansson live and work?

Erik Johansson likely resided with his parents at Frostensmåla, Vissefjärda. He worked as a general labourer, contributing to the family’s livelihood in rural Sweden.

The Fateful Journey

Embarking on the Titanic

Erik’s journey to the Titanic began in Copenhagen, where he purchased his ticket. He then boarded the ship at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket number: 350052
• Cost: £7, 15s, 11d

Interestingly, Erik did not announce his intentions to the authorities, which classified him as an illegal emigrant.

Destination Unknown

Erik’s final destination in the United States remains a mystery. However, there are two possibilities:

1. He may have been bound for St. Paul, Minnesota.
2. He might have planned to join his brother Anders, who had emigrated in 1907 and was living in Cherokee, Iowa.

The Tragedy Unfolds

Erik’s Fate

Tragically, Erik Johansson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, numbered 156, was later recovered by the crew of the MacKay Bennett.

Identification and Burial

Erik’s body was identified by the ticket number 350052 found in his pocket. He was wearing a grey suit but no shoes at the time of recovery. On April 24, 1912, Erik Johansson was buried at sea, joining many of his fellow passengers in their final resting place beneath the Atlantic waves.

Financial Aftermath

In the wake of the disaster, the Mansion House Fund provided financial support to Erik’s family:

• 875.52 Kr (£48) was paid to his parents
• An additional 1366.50 Kr (£75) in damage claims was paid on June 16, 1914

Legacy

Erik Johansson’s story, while brief, serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey, from a small Swedish town to the decks of the most famous ship in history, exemplifies the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants seeking a better life across the Atlantic. Today, Erik’s name lives on in Titanic memorials and historical records, ensuring that his story, and those of his fellow passengers, are never forgotten.