Fridtjof Arne Madsen

Who was Fridtjof Arne Madsen?

Fridtjof Arne Madsen was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Norwegian sailor and Titanic survivor who later became a carpenter in Brooklyn, New York. Born on March 17, 1888, in Trondhjem, Norway, Madsen’s life was forever changed by his experience on the ill-fated RMS Titanic in 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Challenging Childhood

Fridtjof Arne Madsen was born into a large family in Trondhjem, Norway. His parents were:

Father: Fridthjof Christian Madsen (born June 14, 1866, in Trondhjem), a tram conductor
Mother: Anna Emilie Madsen (née Larsdatter, born October 14, 1866, in Trondhjem)

Madsen had seven siblings:

Karl (born January 16, 1890, a sailor)
Magnhild (born May 22, 1892)
Lilli (born December 17, 1894)
Aase (born September 6, 1900)
Torbjørn (born June 8, 1906)
Mildrid (born March 27, 1903)
Åsmund (born March 9, 1910)

Tragically, three of the Madsen children died of tuberculosis, highlighting the harsh living conditions of the time.

Separated from Family

Due to poor living conditions in Trondheim, the Madsen family was split up. From around 1898, Fridtjof lived with Karl Olsen’s parents and family in Trondhjem. This separation would have a lasting impact on young Fridtjof’s life and future decisions.

Education and Early Career

Fridtjof’s early years were marked by a passion for the sea. He attended navigation school and later obtained his ship officer’s certificate, setting the stage for his maritime career.

Life in Trondheim

In 1910, at the age of 22 (twenty-two), Fridtjof was living at 1 Bersvendtsveien in Trondheim. Interestingly, 8-year-old Arthur Olsen also lived at the same address, while Fridtjof’s family resided at Ny Aasvei 27a in Trondhjem.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Fridtjof Madsen on the Titanic?

Fridtjof Madsen Jr., a sailor from Trøndelag, Trondheim, was traveling from Trondheim to Brooklyn, New York, with two specific goals:

To sign on as a second mate on a Norwegian ship
To visit his half-brother, Louis Larsen, at 112 Summit Street, Brooklyn, New York

Titanic Boarding Details

Embarked: Southampton
Ticket Number: C 17369
Ticket Cost: £7 2s 10d
Class: 3rd Class
Traveling Companions: Karl Olsen and his son Arthur

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, Fridtjof’s actions were heroic:

He reached the boat deck with the Olsens
Helped place Arthur Olsen into a lifeboat
According to Arthur, Fridtjof was later picked up from the water by Lifeboat 13

Note: Historical records indicate that Lifeboat 13 did not pick up any swimmers, casting some doubt on this part of the account.

Life After the Titanic

A New Identity in America

After surviving the Titanic disaster, Fridtjof made significant changes to his life:

Changed his name to Fred Matson
Worked as a carpenter at Brooklyn harbor
Married Louise Stokke
Had one child, George, born in 1915

Reluctant to Discuss the Titanic

In 1952, Fred visited Trondheim for the first time since the Titanic disaster. The local newspaper, Adresseavisen, covered his visit, but Fred was reluctant to discuss his Titanic experience, maintaining this silence with both the press and his family.

Later Life and Legacy

Fred and Louise Matson settled into a life in Brooklyn, spending most summers in Florida. Their lives were a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the American immigrant experience.

Fred Matson (Fridtjof Arne Madsen) passed away on January 23, 1972, at the age of 83 (eighty-three). He was laid to rest three days later at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. His wife, Louise Stokke Matson, lived to the age of 91, passing away in December 1980 in Brooklyn.

Fridtjof Arne Madsen’s journey from a young Norwegian sailor to a Titanic survivor and eventually a Brooklyn carpenter encapsulates a remarkable life story of survival, adaptation, and the pursuit of the American dream in the shadow of one of history’s greatest maritime disasters.