Jens Henrik Marius Juul Hansen

Who was Mr Jens Henrik Marius Juul Hansen?

Mr Jens Henrik Marius Juul Hansen was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old Danish farmer and former shopkeeper who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1886 in Nysted, Denmark, Hansen embarked on a fateful journey to America in 1912, seeking new opportunities in Racine, Wisconsin. His story is one of ambition, family ties, and the cruel twist of fate that befell many Titanic passengers.

Early Life and Family

A Danish Upbringing

Jens Henrik Marius Juul Hansen was born on September 3, 1886, in Nysted, Maribo, Denmark. He was the son of Christen Hansen (born May 16, 1842) and Maren Hansen (née Clausen, born August 27, 1843). The Hansen family had deep roots in the Maribo region of Denmark, with both parents likely hailing from nearby towns.

A Large Family

Henrik, as he was known, grew up in a sizeable family. His siblings included:

• Claus Peder (born January 13, 1871)
• Julius Martin (born November 21, 1873)
• Christian August (born August 21, 1876)
• Carl Ludvig (born March 26, 1879)
• Maren Johanne Marie (born November 14, 1881)
• Hans Vilhelm (born August 6, 1882)

All of Henrik’s siblings were born in Nysted, indicating the family’s strong ties to the area.

Family Occupation and Religion

The Hansen family was rooted in agriculture, with Henrik’s father described as a ‘husmand’ - a term that translates to ‘farmer’ or ‘agricultural labourer’. This background likely influenced Henrik’s own career path. The family belonged to the Lutheran Church of Denmark, which was and remains the predominant religion in the country.

Career and Aspirations

From Shopkeeper to Farmer

Before his fateful journey, Henrik had established himself as a shopkeeper in Holeby, Lolland. This experience in retail would have given him valuable skills in customer service and business management. However, by the time of his Titanic voyage, Henrik was listed as a farmer, suggesting a return to his family’s agricultural roots.

The American Dream

What prompted Henrik to leave his life in Denmark? The answer lies in a family visit that would change the course of his life. In 1912, Henrik’s brother Claus and his wife Jennie visited Denmark from America. Inspired by their stories and the promise of opportunity, Henrik made the life-altering decision to return with them to the United States.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a New Life

Henrik boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket, number 350025, cost £7 17s, a significant sum for a farmer of that time. This investment represented Henrik’s hope for a new beginning in Racine, Wisconsin, where he planned to settle.

A Family Affair

The journey was not just Henrik’s alone. He was accompanied by his brother Claus and sister-in-law Jennie, making it a family venture filled with excitement and anticipation for their new life in America.

The Tragic Outcome

Sadly, Henrik’s dreams were cut short on April 15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank into the frigid Atlantic waters. At just 25 years old, Henrik lost his life in the disaster. His brother Claus also perished, while Jennie was among the fortunate survivors.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Family’s Loss

The sinking of the Titanic left an indelible mark on the Hansen family. Henrik and Claus’s parents received £20 in compensation for their loss - a paltry sum that could never replace their sons.

Preserving the Memory

Today, Henrik Juul Hansen is remembered as one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy, representing the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants who sought a better life across the Atlantic.

Henrik’s journey from a shopkeeper in Holeby to a hopeful immigrant on the world’s most famous ocean liner encapsulates the spirit of the era - a time of great movement, ambition, and ultimately, unforeseen peril. His life, though cut short, continues to be a part of the enduring narrative of the Titanic and the lives it touched.