Hans Kristensen Givard

Who was Mr Hans Kristensen Givard?

Mr Hans Kristensen Givard was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Danish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on November 29, 1884, in Kölsen, Vorde parish, Viborg, Denmark, Givard was a well-travelled bachelor who met a tragic end during the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912. He was a second-class passenger who embarked on the ship’s maiden voyage from Southampton, carrying with him dreams of a new life in North America.

Early Life and Family

Danish Roots

Hans Kristensen Givard was born into a farming family in the Danish countryside. His parents were:

• Father: Laust Christensen (Givard), a farm owner born on February 11, 1846, in Kölsen
• Mother: Bodil (née Sorensen) Givard, born on April 14, 1859, also from Kölsen

The couple married on August 4, 1876, in Vorde and Fiskbaek, Viborg, Denmark. Hans grew up in a large family, with several siblings:

• Jens (born March 12, 1880)
• Ane Marie Margaretha (born October 20, 1882)
• Martin (born December 13 or 18, 1888)
• Dorthea (born March 31, 1891)
• Niels Kristian (born June 29, 1893)
• Laura Boline (born August 16, 1895)

The Givard family belonged to the Church of Denmark, reflecting their strong Danish heritage and cultural ties.

A Traveler’s Spirit

What adventures did Hans Givard embark on before the Titanic?

Hans Kristensen Givard’s adventurous spirit led him to explore opportunities far beyond his Danish homeland. His travels included:

1. New York, USA (January 24, 1907): At the age of 22, Givard arrived in New York, listed as a farmhand bound for Tulare, California.
2. California, USA: He likely spent some time working in California, possibly with a friend named Mr. G. Christensen.
3. Denmark: Givard returned to his home country at some point after his American sojourn.
4. Argentina: Following his time in Denmark, he ventured to South America, though details of his stay there are limited.
5. Denmark again: In 1912, Givard made a visit to his hometown of Vorde.

This pattern of movement showcases Givard’s willingness to seize opportunities and his adaptability to new environments, traits that were common among many Titanic passengers seeking a better life abroad.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why did Hans Givard board the Titanic?

In 1912, after visiting his family in Vorde, Hans Givard decided to return to North America. He booked passage on the Titanic, traveling second class with ticket number 250646. The fare for his journey was £13.

Givard was not alone in his voyage; he was accompanied by two fellow Danes:

• Einer Windeløv (traveling third class)
• Martin Ponesell (a blacksmith, also traveling second class)

A Poignant Departure

In a heart-wrenching twist, Givard’s family was unaware of his presence on the Titanic. Unable to bear the emotional weight of another farewell, particularly with his mother, Hans left without saying goodbye. This decision, while sparing immediate pain, would later compound the family’s grief when news of the disaster reached them.

The Titanic Disaster and Aftermath

What happened to Hans Givard during the Titanic sinking?

Like many passengers, Hans Kristensen Givard did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was 27 (twenty-seven) years old at the time of his death. His body was later recovered by search crews and assigned the number 305.

Recovery and Identification

The description of Givard’s recovered body provides a poignant snapshot of the young man:

• Estimated age: 36 (though he was actually 27)
• Hair: Very fair, with a mustache
• Clothing: Dark brown striped suit, black overcoat, white shirt marked “D. M.”, no socks, one white shoe, pink drawers
• Personal effects:
  • $55.00 in bills in a pocketbook
  • Keys
  • Silver watch and compass
  • £8 3s. 6d. and foreign coins in a purse

Final Resting Place

Hans Kristensen Givard was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 10, 1912. His grave stands as a somber reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic tragedy.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Hans Givard remembered today?

The story of Hans Kristensen Givard is a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies behind the Titanic disaster. His life, cut short at 27, represents the dreams and aspirations of many immigrants who sought new opportunities across the Atlantic.

A touching anecdote about Givard’s recovered possessions adds a personal dimension to his story. A relative, upon receiving Givard’s silver watch, attempted to make it work by shaking it. When these efforts proved futile, the watch was discarded as worthless. This small act encapsulates the futility felt by many in the wake of such an overwhelming tragedy.

Today, Hans Kristensen Givard is remembered through historical records, genealogical research, and memorials dedicated to Titanic victims. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the disaster and the individual lives behind the statistics.

Hans Givard’s journey from a Danish farm to his final rest in a Canadian cemetery epitomizes the spirit of adventure and hope that characterized many Titanic passengers. His tale, with its mixture of wanderlust and tragedy, continues to resonate with those who study and remember the Titanic’s legacy.