Hans Linus Eklund

Who was Mr Hans Linus Eklund?

Mr Hans Linus Eklund was a 16 (sixteen) year-old Swedish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on October 30, 1895, in Snäflunda, Örebro, Sweden, Hans was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Challenging Childhood

Hans Linus Eklund’s early years were marked by hardship and uncertainty. Born to Augusta Amalia Albertina Eklund, an unmarried domestic maid, Hans never knew his father, whose name was not recorded in the birth records. This unfortunate circumstance set the stage for a childhood fraught with challenges.

Family Dynamics

Despite the absence of his father, Hans was not without family:

• He lived with his mother in his grandparents’ household
• Grandfather: Anders August Eklund (born 1838), a mechanical shop worker
• Grandmother: Klara Sofia Eklund (née Berggren, born 1848)
• Brother: Anders Emanuel (born April 8, 1903)
• Sister: Karin (born November 26, 1908)

Notably, both of Hans’ siblings were also born out of wedlock, reflecting the difficult circumstances the family faced.

A Troubled Youth

Evidence suggests that Hans experienced a dysfunctional childhood. It’s believed he may have spent time in foster care or children’s homes, indicating a turbulent upbringing that likely shaped his early years and character.

Life Before the Titanic

Work and Residence

By 1912, at the tender age of 16 (sixteen), Hans had already entered the workforce. He found employment as a factory worker, residing in Kårberg, Skyllbergs, Snavlunda. This early entry into the labour force speaks volumes about the economic pressures facing young men of his social class in early 20th century Sweden.

The Fateful Journey

Why was Hans travelling on the Titanic?

Hans Linus Eklund was embarking on a journey of hope and opportunity. He was travelling from Kårberg to Jerome Junction, Arizona, to join his uncle, Johan Bernhard Eklund (born 1870). This trans-Atlantic voyage represented a chance for a fresh start and perhaps better prospects in the New World.

Titanic Voyage Details

• Embarked: Southampton
• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 347074
• Ticket Cost: £7, 15s, 6d (equivalent to £915 in 2023)
• Travelling: Alone

The Tragedy Unfolds

A Life Cut Short

Tragically, Hans Eklund did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At just 16 (sixteen) years old, his life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Aftermath and Legacy

Financial Compensation

In the wake of the disaster, the Mansion House Fund provided some financial relief to Hans’ bereaved mother:

A Family’s Continued Tragedy

The sinking of the Titanic was just the beginning of a series of tragedies for Augusta Eklund:

• 1912: Lost her son Hans in the Titanic disaster
• 1916: Lost her daughter Karin
• 1920: Lost her son Anders

Despite these heartbreaking losses, Augusta persevered. She later married, becoming Mrs August Wilhelm Jansson, and lived until November 21, 1959, passing away at the age of 85 (eighty-five).

Hans Linus Eklund’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. His journey, cut short at such a tender age, exemplifies the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants who sought a better life across the Atlantic, only to meet with tragedy on the frigid waters of the North Atlantic.