Jakob Alfred Johanson

Who was Mr Jakob Alfred Johanson?

Mr Jakob Alfred Johanson was a 34-year-old (thirty-four) Finnish third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic who tragically perished in the disaster. Born on June 11, 1877, in Bonäs, Nykarleby, Finland, Johanson was a general laborer who had previously found success as a gold prospector in the Klondike. His journey on the Titanic was part of a planned emigration to California or Washington with his family, marking a significant turning point in his life cut short by the ship’s sinking.

Early Life and Family

Jakob Alfred Johanson came from a large Finnish family. His parents, Johan Jakob Johansson Bonäs and Sanna Lisa (née Frilund), married on April 4, 1875, in Nykarleby. Jakob was one of nine children, though sadly, several of his siblings died in infancy or childhood.

Siblings of Jakob Alfred Johanson:

• Ida Sofia (b. January 12, 1876)
• Johannes Edvard (b. January 23, 1879)
• Susanna (b. November 11, 1880)
• Anders August (b. August 20, 1882)
• Johanna Katarina (b. April 13, 1885, d. 1935)
• Maria (b. November 10, 1886, d. 1887)
• Otto Alexander (b. July 1, 1888, d. 1888)
• Hulda Elisabet (b. July 11, 1890, d. 1891)

This large family background likely influenced Jakob’s strong work ethic and adventurous spirit, which would later lead him to seek opportunities abroad.

Adventures in America and Return to Finland

In 1896, at the age of 19, Jakob embarked on his first journey to America. His time in the United States was marked by hard work and adventure:

1. Worked as a woodman in Washington state
2. Traveled to Idaho and Alaska
3. Participated in the Klondike Gold Rush in 1902

Jakob’s gold-digging efforts in the Klondike proved fruitful, allowing him to amass enough wealth to return to Finland and repurchase his father’s farm. This success story exemplifies the “American Dream” that many immigrants of the time pursued.

Marriage and Family Life

While in America, Jakob met his future wife, Anna Lovisa (née Andersson), a widow. They married on December 2, 1901, in Olympia, Washington. The couple had four children:

1. Johan Viktor (b. September 10, 1905, in America)
2. Linnea Susanna (b. February 28, 1907, in America)
3. Anders Alfred (b. March 10, 1909, in Bonäs, Finland)
4. Agnes Maria (b. September 15, 1911, in Bonäs, Finland)

Tragically, their youngest daughter, Agnes Maria, died on April 3, 1912, just two weeks before Jakob’s own untimely death on the Titanic.

The Decision to Emigrate

By 1912, Jakob had become dissatisfied with the productivity of his farm in Sandås, Munsala, near Nykarleby. This dissatisfaction led to a momentous decision:

1. Sold the farm to his brother Hannes
2. Planned to emigrate to California or Olympia, Washington
3. Decided to travel ahead of his family to prepare for their arrival

The Fateful Journey

Jakob’s journey to America began on March 28, 1912, when he left Nykarleby. His travels took him through several European cities before boarding the Titanic:

1. March 30: Departed Hangö
2. April 1: Arrived in Copenhagen
3. April 3: Reached Hull, England
4. April 4: Traveled to London and Southampton

Titanic Voyage

Jakob boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912. His ticket number was 3101264, and he paid £6 9s for his third-class passage. During the voyage, he kept company with fellow Finnish passengers, including the Wiklund brothers (Jakob Alfred and Karl Johan) and Anna Sjöblom.

The Tragic End

Jakob Alfred Johanson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the cable ship Mackay-Bennett and was given the designation Body No. 143. The description of his remains and effects provides a poignant snapshot of the man:

NO. 143 - MALE - ESTIMATED AGE 35 - BROWN HAIR, LIGHT MOUSTACHE CLOTHING - Grey suit; grey socks; no boots. EFFECTS - Memo book; calendar; letter [?]; gold watch and chain; two seals; gold chain; locket; key; knife; comb; fountain pen; purse; two pins; coins; $264.00 in notes.

Jakob was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, on April 24, 1912.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

The loss of Jakob had a profound impact on his family:

• His wife received £250 in compensation for her loss.
• The family changed their surname to Nordström after his death.
• His widow was still alive in 1937, when she moved to Munsala after living in Nykarleby.

Jakob Alfred Johanson’s story is a testament to the dreams and aspirations of many Titanic passengers. From his humble beginnings in Finland to his gold-prospecting success in America, and his final journey on the Titanic, his life encapsulates the spirit of adventure and the tragic fate that befell so many aboard the ill-fated ship.