Ingvald Olai Olsen Hagland

Who was Mr Ingvald Olai Olsen Hagland?

Mr Ingvald Olai Olsen Hagland was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Norwegian-American fisherman who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1884 in Stavanger County, Norway, Hagland had previously emigrated to America before returning to his homeland, only to embark on a fateful journey back to the United States aboard the ill-fated liner.

Early Life and Family

Norwegian Roots

Ingvald Olai Olsen Hagland was born on February 8, 1884, at Hagland farm in Skaare, Stavanger County, Norway. He was the son of Ole Andreas Olsen, a farmer and fisherman born on January 15, 1857, in Avaldsnes, Norway, and Anne Martha (née Sjursdatter) Hagland, born on August 16, 1856, also in Avaldsnes.

Siblings and Family Life

Ingvald grew up in a large family, with six known siblings:

• Severin Marselius (born December 2, 1886)
• Oskar Mandius (born February 25, 1887)
• Janna Ellida (born November 19, 1890)
• Knut Mathias (born April 3, 1893)
• Edvard Kornelius (born April 18, 1897)
• Lina Amalie (born May 6, 1899)

All of Ingvald’s siblings were born in Skaare, except for Severin Marselius, who was born in Avaldsnes.

First Journey to America

A Young Fisherman’s Adventure

Around the year 1900, at approximately 16 (sixteen) years of age, Ingvald embarked on his first journey to the United States. He settled in New York City and found work as a fisherman in New Jersey, showcasing his family’s maritime background and his own adventurous spirit.

Return to Norway and Marriage

Love Brings Him Home

In 1909, after nearly a decade in America, Ingvald returned to his hometown of Skaare. It was here that he met and fell in love with Bertha Kristine Hagland, who was born on October 7, 1894, in Skaare. Interestingly, Bertha was the sister of Konrad Mathias Reiersen Hagland, who lived nearby and would later play a significant role in Ingvald’s life.

A New Family

On April 20, 1910, Ingvald and Bertha were married, beginning their life together. The couple was blessed with two children, with their daughter Ingrid being the eldest, born on September 5, 1910.

The Fateful Journey on the Titanic

Decision to Return to America

In 1912, Ingvald made the decision to return to America, possibly seeking better opportunities for his young family. He planned to make the journey with his brother-in-law, Konrad Hagland, perhaps intending to establish a new life before bringing his wife and children over.

Boarding the Titanic

Ingvald and Konrad boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers. Ingvald’s ticket details were as follows:

Cabin Mates and Destination

During the voyage, Ingvald shared a cabin with three other passengers:

• Konrad Hagland (his brother-in-law)
• Bernt Johannessen
• Daniel Grønnestad

Ingvald’s final destination was to be Belmer, New Jersey, where he planned to stay with Lauritz Reiersen, likely a contact from his previous time in America.

The Tragic Sinking

A Life Cut Short

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. Tragically, Ingvald Olai Olsen Hagland did not survive the disaster. At just 28 (twenty-eight) years old, his life was cut short, leaving behind a young wife and two small children in Norway.

Unidentified Fate

Like many victims of the Titanic disaster, Ingvald’s body, if recovered, was never identified. This lack of closure must have been particularly difficult for his family back in Norway, who were left to wonder about his final moments.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Ingvald Olai Olsen Hagland’s life was tragically short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that made up the larger Titanic disaster. He represents the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants who sought a better life in America, only to have those dreams dashed by fate. Today, Ingvald’s story, along with those of his fellow passengers, continues to be told, ensuring that the memory of those lost on that fateful night lives on.