Ernst Axel Algot Aronsson

Who was Mr Ernst Axel Algot Aronsson?

Mr Ernst Axel Algot Aronsson was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old Swedish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on January 21, 1887, in Tannåker, Jönköpings County, Sweden, Aronsson was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, embarking at Southampton with hopes of starting a new life in America.

Early Life and Family

Swedish Roots

Ernst Axel Algot Aronsson was born into a modest family in rural Sweden. His parents were:

Father: Aron Bengtsson (born March 1, 1865, in Tannåker)
Mother: Ida Charlotta Bengtsson (née Nilsdotter, born November 25, 1864, in Jälluntofta, Hylte, Halland County)

The couple married on June 11, 1886, in Skällandsö Norregård, Vittaryd, Ljungby, Sweden, less than a year before Ernst’s birth.

Siblings and Family Life

Ernst grew up in a large family, being the eldest of eight children:

Ernst Axel Algot (b. January 21, 1887)
Klas Noak (b. June 12, 1889)
Ådna Ingeborg (b. August 25, 1897)
Edit Adina (b. December 6, 1899)
Filip Verner (b. August 16, 1902)
Simon Ragnar (b. June 26, 1905 - d. July 17, 1905)
Ragnar Sigfrid (b. June 8, 1907)
Erik Gustaf (b. March 4, 1910)

The Aronsson family moved from Tannåker to Hörset, Berga parish, Jönköpings County before the turn of the century, seeking better opportunities.

Work and Aspirations

Life as a Labourer

In Hörset, Ernst worked as a general labourer, contributing to the family’s modest income. Despite being 25 years old, he remained unmarried and continued to live with his parents, a common practice for young adults in rural Sweden during that era.

The American Dream

Ernst’s decision to emigrate was likely influenced by his older brother Klas, who had left for America around 1911. Klas had settled in Joliet, Illinois, at 200 Ridgewood Avenue, adopting the name Claus Benson. This family connection in the United States presented an opportunity for Ernst to seek a better life across the Atlantic.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Embarking on a New Life

In April 1912, Ernst Aronsson made the momentous decision to join his brother in America. He purchased a third-class ticket for the Titanic’s maiden voyage, with the following details:

Ticket Number: 349911
Cost: £7, 15s, 6d (equivalent to about £890 in 2023)
Embarkation Point: Southampton

Ernst wasn’t traveling alone; he was accompanied by his cousin, Gustaf Hjalmar Edvardsson, adding a touch of familiarity to the daunting journey ahead.

The Tragic Sinking

Tragically, Ernst Aronsson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the young age of 25, his dreams of a new life in America were cut short. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Aftermath and Family Impact

Financial Compensation

The sinking of the Titanic left many families in dire straits, and the Aronssons were no exception. In the aftermath:

The Mansion House Fund paid 875.52 Kr (£48) to Ernst’s parents
Additional damage claims of 2217.60 Kr (£75) were paid on October 9, 1914

A Father’s Plea

Ernst’s father, struggling to support his large family, wrote a poignant letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 30, 1912:

“I myself am of small means and have 6 children to support, 5 of them younger than 14 years old. I should therefore be very thankful if your Excellency could do anything about it.”

This heartfelt appeal underscores the devastating impact of Ernst’s loss on his family’s already precarious financial situation.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

Brother’s Return to America

Interestingly, Ernst’s brother Klas, who had initially inspired his journey, returned to Sweden at some point. However, the pull of America remained strong, and Klas once again set sail for the United States, arriving on October 15, 1930. He was still unmarried at this time and intended to settle in Chicago. Unfortunately, his subsequent fate remains unknown.

Parents’ Later Years

Ernst’s parents lived on for several decades after the loss of their eldest son:

Ida Charlotta Aronsson (mother) died in 1936
Aron Bengtsson (father) passed away in 1939

They carried the weight of their son’s tragic fate for the rest of their lives, a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of the Titanic disaster on families across the world.

Ernst Axel Algot Aronsson’s story, while brief, serves as a touching testament to the dreams and aspirations of the many third-class passengers aboard the Titanic. His journey, cut short by tragedy, reflects the broader narrative of immigration and the pursuit of a better life that defined the early 20th century.