Johan Henrik Johannesson Kvillner

Who was Mr Johan Henrik Johannesson Kvillner?

Mr Johan Henrik Johannesson Kvillner was a 31-year-old (thirty-one) Swedish mechanical engineer and second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on April 11, 1881, in Kville parish, Sweden, Kvillner was embarking on a journey to the United States to study iron construction, supported by a state grant, when he met his untimely demise in the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Family

A Shoemaker’s Son

Johan Henrik was born into a modest family in Svenneby, Göteborgs and Bohus County, Sweden. His father, Johannes Olausson, was a shoemaker and grocer, while his mother was Elisabeth (née Eliasdotter). The Kvillner surname, which Johan Henrik adopted, was derived from his home parish of Kville.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

Johan Henrik was one of four known children in the Olausson family:

Olivia (born November 27, 1865)
Oscar (March 21, 1867 – November 21, 1883)
Hilma (July 6, 1873 – August 30, 1960)
Johan Henrik (April 11, 1881 – April 15, 1912)

All the children were born in Svenneby, creating a close-knit family unit rooted in their local community.

Education and Career

From Odd Jobs to Engineering

Johan Henrik’s path to becoming an engineer was not without its challenges. To support his studies, he worked various jobs, including:

Waiter
Other miscellaneous odd jobs

His perseverance paid off when he received his engineer’s degree from Chalmers Technological High School (now Chalmers University of Technology) in 1907.

Professional Achievement

By 1912, Kvillner had established himself as an engineer at the Trollhättan Canal Works in Sweden, a significant hydro-electric power station. This position showcased his expertise and set the stage for his planned study trip to the United States.

The Fateful Journey

Why was Kvillner traveling to America?

Kvillner’s journey to the United States was twofold:

To study iron construction
To fulfill a state-sponsored grant for his research

This opportunity represented both professional advancement and a chance to contribute to his field on an international scale.

A Bittersweet Departure

As Kvillner prepared for his transatlantic voyage, he left behind his fiancée, Signe Kjellberg of Gothenburg. The couple had plans to marry upon his return from the United States, adding a poignant layer to his departure.

The Titanic Experience

Kvillner boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger, holding ticket number 18723. His last communication with his family came in the form of a postcard dated April 9, 1912, just days before the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

“Am here now, left Gothenburg on Good Friday and arrived Hull Sunday after a very heavy storm on the North Sea. The boat that was supposed to have left the 6th from here was cancelled and I have to travel on another boat, which leaves the 10th and this is a completely new boat. It is its first trip so it will be interesting to cross the Atlantic in 5 days.”

His excitement about traveling on a new ship and the prospect of a quick Atlantic crossing is palpable in his words, making the subsequent tragedy all the more heart-wrenching.

The Night of the Sinking

A Heroic Stand

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic was sinking, Kvillner was seen on deck with fellow passengers Ingvar Enander and Kurt Bryhl. Eyewitness accounts place them watching Kurt’s sister Dagmar escape in lifeboat 12, having been refused entry themselves. This scene paints a picture of Kvillner’s bravery and acceptance of his fate in the face of certain doom.

Aftermath and Recovery

Body Recovery and Burial

Kvillner’s body was recovered by search vessels in the days following the disaster, identified as body No. 165. He was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, on May 10, 1912.

Personal Effects

The items found on Kvillner’s person provide a touching insight into his life:

Blue suit and waterproof clothing
Knife, comb, and gold watch with chain
Cigarette case (gun metal)
Silver name plate
Gold ring engraved “Sigme” 19 11-04-09
Letters and passport
Various currencies (10 kronor and $89.00 in notes)

Financial Compensation

In the wake of the tragedy, the Mansion House Fund provided financial compensation to Kvillner’s loved ones:

1420:38 Kr (£78) to his fiancée on January 23, 1913
874:08 Kr (£48) to his mother, Elizabeth Olsson
An additional 2918:40 Kr in damages to his mother

Legacy

Johan Henrik Johannesson Kvillner’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey from a shoemaker’s son to a promising engineer, and his tragic end on his way to further his education, encapsulates the human cost of the Titanic’s sinking. Today, his grave in Halifax stands as a silent testament to a life of potential, cut tragically short on that fateful April night in 1912.