Franz Karun

Who was Mr Franz Karun?

Mr Franz Karun was a 39-year-old (thirty-nine) Slovenian-Austrian hotelier and Titanic survivor who gained notoriety for his harrowing experience aboard the ill-fated ship. Born on December 2, 1872, near Milje, Austria-Hungary (modern Slovenia), Karun’s life would be forever changed by his journey on the Titanic in 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Slovenian Heritage

Franz Karun was born to Janez Karun and Marija Treljec. His father, Janez, was born in Milje in 1846 and passed away in 1895. His mother, Marija, was born on December 12, 1849, in Predoslje, Slovenia, and died in Milje in 1896.

Marriage and Children

Franz married Marianna Vombergar, and together they had five children:

• Frances
• Urban
• Manca
• Frank
• Mary

A family photograph taken in Milje, Slovenia in 1912 captures the Karun family:

Left to Right: Frances, Manca, Mary, Franz, Marianna, Frank, and Urban.

This image provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of the Karuns just before their fateful Titanic journey.

Life in America

How did Franz Karun establish himself in the United States?

After leaving his homeland, Franz Karun moved to Galesburg, Illinois, where he became an entrepreneur. He ran a boarding house that catered to railroad workers, showcasing his business acumen and adaptability in a new country. Despite their relocation to America, the Karun family maintained their Austro-Hungarian citizenship, a decision that would later impact their lives in unexpected ways.

The Titanic Journey

What brought Franz Karun to the Titanic?

In 1912, Franz Karun had returned to his homeland for a visit. On his journey back to Galesburg, he was accompanied by his young daughter Manca. They purchased their Titanic tickets from the agent Im Obersted & Cie in Basel, Switzerland, paying 138 Swiss francs for their passage.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Embarked: Cherbourg
• Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 349256
• Ticket Price: 13 pounds, 4 shillings, 8 pence

Franz and Manca boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as third-class passengers. They were not alone in their journey; Franz’s brother-in-law, likely Johann Markun, traveled with them.

Survival and Aftermath

How did Franz Karun survive the Titanic disaster?

The exact details of Franz and Manca’s rescue remain somewhat unclear. Initial reports in the Galesburg press on April 22 and 23, 1912, contained several inaccuracies. They mistakenly identified “Anna” (likely referring to Manca) as Franz’s niece and erroneously reported that the two had swum away from the wreck before being rescued by a passing collapsible boat.

In reality, it is more likely that Franz and Manca boarded a lifeboat that was lowered from the deck of the Titanic. This confusion in early reports highlights the chaos and misinformation that often surrounded survivor accounts in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Post-Titanic Financial Struggles

After their rescue, the Karuns faced significant financial hardship. The American Red Cross provided assistance:

No. 229. (Austrian). A labourer, 39 years of age, with his little daughter, 4 years old, returning to Illinois from a visit to relatives, Suffered from shock and exposure and lost baggage and $700 in cash. He received clothing and $125 from other American sources of relief. ($375)

Legal Action Against White Star Line

Franz Karun, like many survivors, sought compensation for his losses. As reported in The Quill on June 4, 1912:

Frank Karoun of Galesburg who was one of the fortunate ones who escaped with their lives when the Titanic went down, has brought suit against the White Star Company to recover for the loss of $700 in money and about $850 in personal effects.

Return to Slovenia

What prompted the Karun family to leave America?

Approximately a year after the Titanic disaster, the Karuns faced another setback when an outer wall of their hotel/boarding house collapsed. This incident, coupled with their traumatic experience on the Titanic, likely influenced their decision to return to Austria-Hungary (modern-day Slovenia).

While Manca remained in Slovenia, marrying Anton Juvan and living there until her death, her four siblings eventually returned to the United States.

Later Life and Legacy

After the death of his first wife Marianna in 1914, Franz Karun married Angela (1888-1924). They had one daughter, Angela Karun, born in 1918. Angela later married Joza Kovac (1913-1991) and was still living in Visoko, near Kranj, Slovenia, as of 1998.

Franz Karun’s life came full circle when he passed away in Milje, Slovenia, on July 7, 1934, at the age of 61 (sixty-one). His journey from Slovenia to America, his survival of the Titanic disaster, and his eventual return to his homeland encapsulate a life marked by adventure, tragedy, and resilience.

Franz Karun’s story serves as a testament to the diverse experiences of Titanic survivors and the long-lasting impact of the disaster on their lives and families. His legacy lives on through his descendants and in the annals of Titanic history.