Erna Alexandra Andersson

Who was Miss Erna Alexandra Andersson?

Miss Erna Alexandra Andersson was a 16 (sixteen) year-old Finnish Titanic survivor who embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. Born on October 10, 1895, in Kulla village, Strömfors (now Lovisa), Finland, she was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Her survival story and subsequent life in America make her a noteworthy figure in the annals of Titanic history.

Early Life and Family

Erna Alexandra Andersson was born into a Swedish-speaking family in Finland. Her parents were:

Father: Anders Israelsson Aspelin (born July 18, 1861)
Mother: Fredrika (née Johansson)

Growing up in the Swedish-speaking part of Finland, Erna likely experienced a unique cultural upbringing that blended Finnish and Swedish influences.

Physical Appearance

Erna Alexandra Andersson had distinctive physical features:

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
Hair color: Brown
Eye color: Grey

These characteristics would have made her stand out among her peers and fellow passengers on the Titanic.

The Journey to Titanic

How did Erna Alexandra Andersson reach the Titanic?

Erna’s journey to the Titanic was a multi-step process:

She boarded the Polaris at Hangö, Finland
The Polaris took her to Hull, England
From Hull, she traveled to Southampton
In Southampton, she boarded the RMS Titanic as a third-class passenger

This complex itinerary highlights the determined nature of many immigrants seeking a new life in America during the early 20th century.

Who was Erna traveling with?

Although traveling alone, Erna seemed to have formed connections with other passengers:

Mr. and Mrs. Backström
Mrs. Backström’s brothers: Anders and Johan Gustafsson

These connections would prove crucial during the tragic events that followed.

Titanic Experience

What was Erna’s ticket information?

Ticket number: 3101281
Class: 3rd Class
Ticket cost: £7 18s (£7.9 in decimal currency)

What was Erna’s destination?

Erna was en route to New York City, specifically to join her brother Rudolf Andersson at 201 Brown Place. This detail provides insight into the network of family connections that often facilitated immigration during this era.

Survival and Rescue

Erna Alexandra Andersson was one of the fortunate survivors of the Titanic disaster. She was saved along with Mrs. Backström, though the exact lifeboat they escaped in remains unknown. This uncertainty adds an element of mystery to her survival story, leaving room for further historical investigation.

Life After Titanic

What was Erna’s early life in America like?

After surviving the Titanic disaster, Erna built a new life in America:

She worked as a maid
By 1923, she had become a housekeeper

Did Erna marry?

Erna’s marital status presents an interesting discrepancy:

On August 11, 1923, when applying for US citizenship, she stated she was unmarried
However, records show she had married Anders Alfred Johansson on January 29, 1921

This inconsistency raises questions about the reasons behind her declaration and the complexities of immigrant life in early 20th century America.

How did Erna’s life evolve over the years?

Erna’s life in America saw several changes:

1930: Living in the Bronx, New York City, with her husband (a carpenter). She went by the name Erma Johnson.
1940: Still in the Bronx, now using the name Anna Johnson. Her husband worked as a watchman in the construction business.

Legacy and Final Years

Erna Alexandra Andersson’s later life is somewhat shrouded in mystery:

She was known to be alive as of July 1944
Her husband passed away in August 1968 in the Bronx, at the age of 84

The last confirmed date of Erna being alive leaves us with an intriguing open-ended story, inviting further research into the final chapter of this Titanic survivor’s life.

Erna Alexandra Andersson’s journey from a small Finnish village to surviving one of history’s most famous maritime disasters and building a life in America encapsulates the immigrant experience of the early 20th century. Her story serves as a testament to human resilience and the complex tapestry of lives affected by the Titanic tragedy.