Jan Viktor Bengtsson

Who was Mr Jan Viktor Bengtsson?

Mr Jan Viktor Bengtsson was a 26 (twenty-six) year-old Swedish general labourer and third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on July 7, 1885, in Fagered, Halland, Sweden, Bengtsson was embarking on a journey to join his brothers in America when he tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Family

Swedish Roots

Jan Viktor Bengtsson was born into a working-class Swedish family. His parents were:

• Father: Bengt Karl Kaspersson (1846-1926)
• Mother: Anna Brita Johansdotter (1853-1890)

Jan was one of four known siblings:

1. Karl Algott (1877-1944)
2. Johan Emil (1879-1966)
3. Per Alfrid (1881-1964)
4. Jan Viktor (1885-1912)

What was Bengtsson’s early career?

For four years, Jan worked at the Lia sawmill, located just 4 kilometers from his home. This experience in manual labor would serve as a foundation for his later pursuits. In 1909 or 1910, Bengtsson expanded his horizons by participating in railway construction in Denmark, demonstrating his willingness to travel for work opportunities.

The Fateful Journey

Titanic Boarding and Ticket Details

Jan Viktor Bengtsson boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket number: 347068
• Cost: £7, 15s, 6d (£7.78 in decimal currency)

What was Bengtsson’s destination?

Bengtsson was travelling to join his brothers, Karl Algott and Johan Emil, who had emigrated around the turn of the century and settled in Moline, Illinois. His final intended address was 607 5th Avenue, Moline, highlighting the close-knit nature of immigrant families seeking to reunite in the New World.

The Titanic Disaster and Its Aftermath

Tragic Fate

Jan Bengtsson perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This lack of closure would have been particularly difficult for his family, who initially held onto hope for his survival.

Family’s Response

The Bengtsson family’s experience reflects the agonizing wait many families endured after the disaster:

1. Initial belief in Jan’s survival
2. Weeks of uncertainty
3. Final confirmation of his death from the White Star Line

Financial Compensation

In the wake of the tragedy, the Bengtsson family received financial compensation:

Legacy and Family in America

Brothers’ Lives in the United States

Both of Jan’s brothers who had emigrated to America remained there for the rest of their lives, adopting the surname “Benson.”

Karl Algott Benson

• Married to Bertha Sophia Bengtsson (1877-1938)
• Had a daughter named Mabel (born 1905)
• Died in Moline on December 9, 1944
• Buried in Riverside cemetery Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois, USA (section 12, lot 636CG, grave 15)

Johan Emil Benson

• Married Emily Andersson (born 1889) in 1910
• Had three children:
  1. John Eric (1912-2004)
  2. Ruth (born 1915)
  3. Anna Dorothy (born 1916)
• Died in Hobart, Indiana in 1966
• Buried with his wife in Riverside cemetery Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois, USA

How did the Titanic disaster impact immigrant families?

The story of Jan Viktor Bengtsson serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many immigrants seeking a better life in America. His journey, cut tragically short, exemplifies the risks and sacrifices made by countless individuals and families during the era of transatlantic migration. The Titanic disaster not only claimed lives but also shattered the hopes of families looking to reunite and build new futures together.

Jan Viktor Bengtsson’s legacy lives on through the descendants of his brothers, who successfully established themselves in America. His story, though ending in tragedy, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of immigrants and the enduring bonds of family that stretched across oceans and generations.