Jakob Alfred Wiklund

Who was Mr Jakob Alfred Wiklund?

Mr Jakob Alfred Wiklund was a 17-year-old (seventeen-year-old) Finnish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1894, he was a general labourer from Munsala parish, Vasa County, Finland, who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

Jakob Alfred Wiklund was born on September 15, 1894, in Munsala parish, Vasa County, Finland. He came from a large family with an interesting history:

• Father: Jakob Mattsson Wiklund (born Jakob Mattsson Hvit)

  • Born: December 24, 1847
  • Occupation: Farmer
  • Residence: Monå village, Munsala parish, near Nykarleby, Vasa, Finland

• Mother: Maria Sofia (née Nilsdotter)

  • Born: August 20, 1850
  • Birthplace: Munsala parish

Jakob’s parents married on June 26, 1872, in Munsala. He was one of twelve siblings, including:

• Anna Sanna
• Maria Sofia
• Jakob (died in infancy, born 1876)
• Nils Wilhelm (1884-1928)
• Karl Johan (who also traveled on the Titanic)

Religious Background

Jakob Alfred Wiklund became a confirmed member of the Lutheran Church in 1907, at the age of 13 (thirteen). This religious rite of passage was an important milestone in his young life.

Life Before the Titanic

Prior to his fateful journey, Jakob lived and worked on his parents’ farm in Nikolaistad (modern-day Vaasa), Vasa county, Finland. As a general labourer, he likely assisted with various tasks essential to the farm’s operation.

The Titanic Journey

Who accompanied Jakob on his Titanic voyage?

Jakob boarded the Titanic at Southampton with a small group of Finnish travelers:

• His brother, Karl Johan Wiklund
• Anna Sjöblom, an old school friend
• Jakob Alfred Johanson, a fellow Finn

Their destination was Montreal, Canada, suggesting they may have been seeking new opportunities in North America.

Titanic Ticket Details

• Ticket Number: 3101267
• Passenger Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Price: £11 6s 9d

The Tragic Sinking

Jakob Alfred Wiklund did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was just 17 (seventeen) years old when he lost his life in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic.

Recovery and Burial

• Body recovered by: The Minia (Body #314)
• Burial location: Fairview Cemetery, Halifax
• Burial date: May 11, 1912

Aftermath and Compensation

Following the tragedy, Jakob’s belongings were sent back to his parents in Finland. In an attempt to provide some form of restitution, his parents later received £50 in compensation for their loss.

Legacy

While Jakob Alfred Wiklund’s life was cut tragically short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. His journey, alongside his brother and friends, represents the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic. Today, his final resting place in Fairview Cemetery stands as a silent testament to the profound impact of that fateful night in April 1912.