Johan Cervin Svensson

Who was Mr Johan Cervin Svensson?

Mr Johan Cervin Svensson was a Swedish Titanic survivor who embarked on a remarkable journey from his homeland to America at the young age of 14 (fourteen). Born on March 5, 1898, in Knäred, Halland, Sweden, Svensson’s life was forever changed by his experience aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic in 1912. He later became known as John C. Johnson in the United States, where he built a new life and carried the weight of his Titanic experience for decades.

Early Life and Family

A Swedish Upbringing

Johan Cervin Svensson was born into a large family in rural Sweden. His parents were:

• Father: Sven Peter Johansson (born February 10, 1868)
• Mother: Elisabeth Jönsdotter (born February 19, 1864)

As the eldest of seven children, Johan grew up with six siblings:

1. Anna Emilia (born 1894)
2. Jenny Linnéa (born 1895)
3. John Rudolph (born 1900)
4. Leonard (born 1902)
5. Reinhold Villiam (born 1905)
6. Gösta Hilding (born 1908)

The Call of America

In 1911, a significant change came to the Svensson family when Johan’s father and sister Jenny emigrated to the United States, settling in Alcester, Beresford, South Dakota. This move set the stage for the rest of the family to follow, with Johan, being the eldest son, chosen to make the journey next.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Preparation and Departure

As Johan prepared for his transatlantic voyage, his mother took a touching precaution - she sewed 15 Kr into his jacket lining as emergency money. This small act of maternal care would prove to be a poignant detail in the young boy’s incredible story.

Titanic Ticket Details

• Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 7538
• Cost: £9, 4s, 6d
• Embarkation Point: Southampton

A Brush with Disaster

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on that fateful night of April 14, 1912, young Johan’s quick thinking and determination came into play. He later recounted how he managed to sneak onto the first-class boat deck. Despite being turned away twice, he persevered and finally secured a spot on a lifeboat.

Rescue and Arrival in America

Johan was rescued by the RMS Carpathia, where an interesting case of mistaken identity occurred. Initially thought to be a first-class passenger, his clothing quickly revealed his true status, and he was sent to join the other steerage survivors.

Upon arriving in New York, Johan was greeted by his uncle, Isak Johnson, marking the beginning of his new life in America.

Life After the Titanic

A New Identity

Once in South Dakota, Johan adopted the name John C. Johnson, aligning himself with his new American identity. He began working as a farmhand for his father on the family farm in Garfield, Clay County, South Dakota.

Physical Description and Military Service

During his 1917-1918 military draft, John C. Johnson was described as:

• Medium height and build
• Blue eyes
• Light hair

Family Transitions

While John settled into his new life, the rest of his siblings gradually made their way to America. Tragically, his mother never made the journey, passing away in Knäred on March 13, 1914.

Adult Life and Relationships

First Marriage

John’s life took him to Michigan, where he met Dorothy Lorena Christina Campbell, born in 1911. The couple married in Ohio in 1929, but the union ended in divorce without producing any children.

Career and Second Family

After spending time in Kentucky, John finally settled in Long Beach, California. There, he worked as a ship’s welder, perhaps influenced by his maritime experience. He married Hazel G. Lindley (born March 13, 1908) from Nebraska, and together they had a daughter named Joy.

The Long Shadow of the Titanic

Lasting Impact

John C. Johnson’s Titanic experience left an indelible mark on his psyche. He was reportedly plagued by nightmares about the disaster for the rest of his life, a common affliction among survivors of such traumatic events.

Return to Sweden

In 1961, at the age of 63 (sixty-three), Johnson made his only return visit to Sweden. This journey back to his homeland must have stirred complex emotions, bridging his past and present lives.

Final Years and Legacy

John C. Johnson passed away on July 4, 1981, in Long Beach, California, at the age of 83 (eighty-three). He was laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California, on July 8. His headstone serves as a lasting testament to his extraordinary life:

JOHN C. JOHNSON BELOVED HUSBAND AND FATHER 1898-1981 SURVIVOR OF THE TITANIC

His widow, Hazel, survived him by nearly a decade, passing away on December 25, 1990, in Long Beach.

Johan Cervin Svensson, known in America as John C. Johnson, lived a life that spanned continents and survived one of history’s most famous disasters. From a young Swedish boy to a Titanic survivor, and finally an American family man, his story embodies the immigrant experience and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges.