Jeso Čulumović
Who was Mr Jeso Čulumović?
Mr Jeso Čulumović was a 17 (seventeen) year-old Croatian farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. As a third-class passenger, he embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise, leaving behind a grieving family and unfulfilled dreams of a new life in America.
Early Life and Background
Croatian Roots
Born in 1895, Jeso Čulumović hailed from the picturesque village of Lipova Glavica, Croatia. The rolling hills and fertile lands of his homeland likely shaped his early years and influenced his choice of profession as a farmer.
A Young Man’s Ambition
At the tender age of 17 (seventeen), Čulumović made the bold decision to leave his homeland in search of new opportunities. His destination was Hammond, Indiana, a bustling industrial city that promised employment and a chance for a better life.
The Fateful Journey
Embarking on the Titanic
Mr Čulumović boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912. As a third-class passenger, he would have been situated in the lower decks of the ship, sharing accommodations with other hopeful immigrants from various parts of Europe.
Ticket Details
- Ticket Number: 315090
- Fare: £8 13s 3d (equivalent to 170 Swiss francs)
- Class: Third Class
Interestingly, Čulumović purchased his ticket from Johann Isidor Büchel, an agent based in Buchs, Switzerland. This detail provides insight into the complex network of travel agencies and middlemen involved in facilitating transatlantic journeys for European emigrants.
The Tragic Night of April 14-15, 1912
Facing Insurmountable Odds
As the Titanic struck the iceberg on that fateful night, Čulumović, like many other third-class passengers, faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats. The ship’s design and the chaos of the evacuation likely contributed to his inability to secure a spot on a lifeboat.
A Life Cut Short
Mr Jeso Čulumović perished in the sinking of the Titanic. At just 17 (seventeen) years old, his dreams of a new life in America were tragically extinguished in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic.
Aftermath and Remembrance
Recovery Efforts
“Mr Čulumović died in the sinking, his body if recovered, was never identified.”
This poignant fact underscores the immense scale of the tragedy and the difficulties faced by recovery teams in the aftermath of the disaster.
Support for the Bereaved
In the wake of the disaster, the Titanic Relief Fund provided some measure of financial support to the families of victims. Čulumović’s parents, Ivan Čulumović and his mother in Prvansela, received £50 from the fund. While no amount could compensate for the loss of their son, this gesture offered a small consolation during their time of grief.
Legacy
Jeso Čulumović’s story, though brief, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His youth, ambition, and tragic fate encapsulate the dreams and sorrows of many third-class passengers who saw the Titanic as a vessel of hope for a better future.
Today, Čulumović is remembered alongside the 1,500 other souls lost in the sinking, his name etched in the annals of maritime history. His story continues to resonate, reminding us of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.