Johan Charles Asplund

Who was Johan Charles Asplund?

Johan Charles Asplund was a Swedish sailor and Titanic survivor whose life was marked by both adventure and tragedy. Born on January 31, 1889, in Oskarshamn, Sweden, Asplund’s journey took him from the icy waters of the North Atlantic to the battlefields of World War I, ultimately leading to a sad decline in his later years.

Early Life and Family

Johan Charles Asplund was born into a family with maritime connections. His father, Johan August Asplund (1860-1922), was a sailor, though he was reportedly known for his troublesome behavior and heavy drinking. His mother, Emilia Augusta Jonsdotter (1865-1939), divorced Johan’s father when he was still young, likely due to these issues.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

Johan had at least two siblings:

Karl Alfred (born 1885)
Arvid Oskar (born 1890)

The family’s maritime tradition continued through the generations, with Johan and his brother Oskar following in their father’s footsteps to become sailors.

Maritime Career and Journey to America

Early Seafaring Experience

Like many young men from coastal towns, Johan embraced the seafaring life. By 1909, at the age of 20, he was already working aboard a vessel named Frida, honing his skills as a sailor.

The Call of America

Johan’s older brother, Karl (known as Fred), had emigrated to the United States in 1907 and settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This family connection sparked Johan’s own desire to seek opportunities across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Voyage

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

In April 1912, Johan Charles Asplund, now 23 years old, embarked on what he hoped would be a journey to a new life. He boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger, accompanied by his friend Einar Karlsson. His ticket, number 350054, cost £7, 15s, 11d - a significant sum for a working-class traveler.

Destination Confusion

Interestingly, there was some confusion about Asplund’s final destination:

One passenger list indicated he was traveling to visit a Mrs. A. Engström at 212 53rd Street, New York.
However, it’s more likely he intended to join his brother in Minneapolis.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Asplund and Karlsson experienced the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg firsthand. Their survival story is nothing short of remarkable:

They felt the impact while awake in their cabin.
Investigating, they saw ice chunks on the forward well-deck.
Returning to their cabin for belongings, they found knee-deep water.
They managed to reach the aft-starboard boat deck.
In a daring move, they jumped onto the falls of Lifeboat 13 as it was being lowered.

Life After the Titanic

Arrival in New York

Upon reaching New York, Johan was:

Photographed with other surviving Swedish male passengers
Given $25 and a ticket to Minneapolis by the Salvation Army

Post-Titanic Years in America

Despite initial plans, Asplund did not settle in Minnesota. His life in the following years included:

Returning to New York
Working as a painter in Brooklyn by 1917
Serving in World War I (though details are unclear)
Continuing to work at sea after the war

The Tragic Decline

Mental Health Struggles

Asplund’s life took a dark turn in the 1920s:

In 1923, he was repatriated to Göteborg, Sweden, following a violent episode in Antwerp.
His mental health continued to deteriorate upon returning to Oskarshamn.
Unable to control his violent outbursts, his family had him committed to Västervik Hospital.

Final Years

Johan Charles Asplund spent nearly two decades in Västervik Hospital, often in isolation. This once adventurous sailor, who had survived one of history’s greatest maritime disasters, lived out his days in a state of misery and confinement.

He passed away on August 14, 1943, at the age of 54 (fifty-four) and was laid to rest in his hometown of Oskarshamn.

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

Johan Charles Asplund’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the varied fates of Titanic survivors. While some went on to lead long, prosperous lives, others, like Asplund, faced significant challenges. His story underscores the long-lasting impact of the Titanic disaster on its survivors, both in terms of the immediate trauma and the potential long-term psychological effects.