Ignjac Hendeković
Who was Mr Ignjac Hendekovic?
Mr Ignjac Hendekovic was a 30 (thirty) year-old Croatian laborer who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, he was traveling to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in search of new opportunities, leaving behind a young family in his homeland.
Early Life and Family
A Croatian Background
Born around 1882 in Vagovina, Cazme, Croatia, Ignjac Hendekovic grew up in a time of significant social and economic change in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Little is known about his early years, but his later occupation as a general laborer suggests a working-class upbringing.
Family Ties
Hendekovic was a family man, married to Jalša (née Koscevic). Together, they had two young daughters:
- Mara (born 1905)
- Kata (born 1910)
His decision to travel to America would have been a difficult one, leaving behind his wife and children aged just 7 (seven) and 2 (two) years old respectively.
The Journey to a New Life
Why Did Hendekovic Choose to Leave Croatia?
Like many European emigrants of the time, Hendekovic likely saw America as a land of opportunity. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, his intended destination, was a growing industrial city that offered prospects for hard-working immigrants.
Preparations for the Voyage
Hendekovic’s journey began long before he set foot on the Titanic. He purchased his ticket from Viktor Klaus-Wildi, an agent in Buchs, Switzerland, for 299 Swiss francs. This was equivalent to £7, 17s, 11d, a considerable sum for a laborer at the time.
| Ticket Details | |
|---|---|
| Number | 349243 |
| Class | Third |
| Price | £7, 17s, 11d |
| Embarkation | Southampton |
A Mysterious Travel Companion
Intriguingly, Hendekovic was not traveling alone. He was accompanied by Mathilda Peteranec Kramaric, another Croatian passenger. The nature of their relationship remains a mystery, adding an element of intrigue to Hendekovic’s story.
The Fateful Voyage
What Was Life Like for Third-Class Passengers?
Third-class accommodations on the Titanic, while basic, were considered superior to those on many other ships of the era. Hendekovic would have shared a cabin with other male passengers, enjoying amenities such as electric lights and running water – luxuries many immigrants had never experienced before.
The Tragic Night
On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, Hendekovic’s chances of survival were slim. Third-class passengers faced numerous obstacles in reaching the lifeboats, including confusing passageways and language barriers.
Discovery and Identification
How Was Hendekovic’s Body Recovered?
In the aftermath of the disaster, several ships were dispatched to recover bodies from the frigid North Atlantic. Hendekovic’s body was among those found by the Mackay Bennett, designated as Body No. 306.
What Did the Recovery Report Reveal?
The report on Hendekovic’s body provides a poignant glimpse into his final moments:
NO. 306. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 30. - HAIR FAIR: LIGHT MUSTACHE.
CLOTHING - Blue coat; blue striped pants; no vest; white shirt with embroidered front; leather sandals; brown belt.
EFFECTS - One knife; purse with $12 in notes; small purse with 72 cents; two third class tickets; one, No. 349245 for Matilda Petram; the other No. 349243 for Toznai Hendokovic.
These personal effects paint a picture of a man prepared for a new life, carrying all his worldly possessions with him.
Legacy and Remembrance
How Was Hendekovic’s Family Supported?
In the wake of the tragedy, the Titanic Relief Fund provided support to the families of victims. Hendekovic’s widow and two children, along with his father-in-law Jozef Koscevic in Vagovina, received £120 from the fund – a sum that, while unable to replace their loss, would have provided some financial security.
Final Resting Place
Ignjac Hendekovic was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery on May 10, 1912, far from his Croatian homeland but forever remembered as part of the Titanic’s tragic history.
Ignjac Hendekovic’s story, though brief, encapsulates the dreams and tragedies of many immigrants who sought a better life aboard the Titanic. His journey from a small Croatian village to the ill-fated liner serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the disaster and the unfulfilled aspirations of those who perished.
Related People
- Knows
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.