Johan Julian Sundman

Who was Mr Johan Julian Sundman?

Mr Johan Julian Sundman was a Finnish survivor of the Titanic disaster who provided a vivid first-hand account of his experiences during the sinking. Born on March 20, 1867, in Munsala, Finland, Sundman was 45 (forty-five) years old when he boarded the ill-fated ship as a third-class passenger, bound for Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Early Life and Family

Johan Julian Sundman was born to Abraham Abrahamsson Klemetsö and Brita Johansdotter. He married Sanna Maria Jakobsdotter Präst, who was born on August 31, 1866. The couple had four known children:

• Jacob Edvard (born 1895)
• Emil Arvid (born 1898)
• Ida Maria (born 1905, later Mrs. Nils Karl John Algot Nystedt)
• Andy (born 1909)

Interestingly, Johan’s eldest son, Jacob, was born in New York, indicating that Sundman had previously visited the United States.

The Titanic Journey

Ticket and Destination

Johan Sundman boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

He was traveling to visit a friend, William Henry Putcamp, who resided at 252 Main Street in Cheyenne.

The Night of the Sinking

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Sundman’s experience was nothing short of harrowing. In his own words:

“When the vessel struck the iceberg I was asleep in my berth. I was awakened by a crunching noise along the side of the ship. It was followed by another.”

Sundman’s account provides a chilling narrative of the chaos that ensued:

• He dressed quickly as alarm spread through the steerage.
• Ship officers ordered everyone aft, leading to a mass struggle towards the first-class deck.
• Families became separated in the confusion.
• Upon reaching the upper deck, Sundman found several lifeboats had already been launched.

How did Johan Sundman survive the Titanic disaster?

Johan Sundman’s survival story is both dramatic and fortunate. As he approached a lifeboat being lowered, someone yelled at him to jump. He did so, landing on his head in the middle of the boat and knocking over several occupants. This quick thinking and bold action saved his life.

Lifeboat 15

Sundman found himself in Lifeboat 15, which he described as follows:

• Estimated 40-60 occupants
• 8 women, all in nightclothes
• About half of the occupants were ship’s crew (waiters or stokers)
• No sailors present

Sundman took an oar and helped row for five to six hours before being rescued by the Carpathia.

Life After the Titanic

Following his Titanic ordeal, Johan Sundman’s life took several turns:

1. He spent a few years in the USA.
2. Eventually, he returned to Finland, where he continued working on his farm, Oppegårn.
3. Sundman passed away on February 1, 1920, at the age of 52 (fifty-two).

Family’s Fate

After Johan’s death, his family’s story continued:

• His widow, Sanna Maria, moved to Canada to be closer to their children.
• She died in Vancouver on August 25, 1949, and was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby, British Columbia.
• Their sons remained in British Columbia:
  • Jacob died on June 21, 1940, aged 45
  • Emil passed away on May 12, 1936
  • Andy died on October 14, 1955
• Daughter Ida married Nils Karl John Algot Nystedt in British Columbia in 1925 and was known to be alive as of 1950.

Johan Sundman’s Legacy

Johan Julian Sundman’s survival story provides a unique perspective on the Titanic disaster. His detailed account, published in The Salt Lake Tribune on April 28, 1912, offers invaluable insights into the experiences of third-class passengers during the sinking. His quick thinking in jumping into Lifeboat 15 not only saved his own life but also contributed to our understanding of the chaotic evacuation process.

Sundman’s narrative stands as a testament to the human will to survive and the often arbitrary nature of fate in such disasters. His story, passed down through generations, ensures that the memory of that tragic night continues to educate and inspire more than a century later.