Johan Samuel Andersson

Who was Johan Samuel Andersson?

Mr. Johan Samuel Andersson was a 26 (twenty-six) year-old Swedish carpenter who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on December 11, 1885, in Härja, Skaraborg (now part of Västra Götaland), Sweden, Andersson was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. His journey was a return trip to Hartford, Connecticut, where he had previously lived and worked as a carpenter.

Early Life and Family

Swedish Roots

Johan Samuel Andersson was born into a large Swedish family. His parents were:

• Father: Anders Gustaf Andersson (born 1839)
• Mother: Anna-Sofia Lindström (born 1857)

Johan was one of six siblings:

• Anna Katarina (born 1887)
• Karl Valfrid (born 1889)
• Ebba Louisa (born 1892)
• David Paul (born 1894)
• Eda Maria (born 1899)

Growing up in Stommen, Härja, Johan developed his skills as a carpenter, a trade that would shape his future and ultimately lead him to seek opportunities across the Atlantic.

Journey to America and Return to Sweden

First Emigration

In 1907, at the age of 22 (twenty-two), Johan Andersson embarked on his first journey to the United States. This bold move demonstrated his ambition and willingness to seek better opportunities abroad. His skills as a carpenter proved valuable in his new home, and he quickly established himself in Hartford, Connecticut.

Life in Hartford

The 1910 US census provides a glimpse into Johan’s life in America:

• Address: 60 Ford Street, Hartford, Connecticut
• Occupation: Carpenter
• Living Situation: Lodger with Simon and Selma Carlsson (fellow Swedes)
• Marital Status: Single

During his time in Hartford, Johan not only worked as a carpenter but also took steps to become a part of his new country, successfully obtaining US citizenship.

Return to Sweden

In late 1911 or early 1912, Johan made the decision to return to Sweden for a visit. This journey home allowed him to reconnect with his family and roots. Little did he know that this visit would set the stage for his fateful return journey on the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Booking and Departure

For his return to the USA, Johan booked passage on the RMS Titanic, departing from Southampton, England. His ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket Number: 347075
• Class: Third Class
• Cost: £7, 15s, 6d (equivalent to £7.78 in decimal currency)

Changed Plans

Originally, Johan had intended to chaperone his grandfather across the Atlantic. However, these plans changed when his father decided to build a new house and insisted that Johan’s grandfather remain in Sweden. This twist of fate would have profound consequences.

Destination

Johan’s intended destination was 1415 Broad Street, Hartford, Connecticut, where he likely planned to resume his life and work as a carpenter.

The Tragedy and Aftermath

The Sinking

Tragically, Johan Samuel Andersson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the young age of 26 (twenty-six), his promising life was cut short in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Recovery Efforts

Despite extensive efforts to recover and identify victims, Johan’s body was never identified, if it was recovered at all. This left his family without the closure of a proper burial.

Financial Compensation

In the wake of the tragedy, Johan’s family received financial compensation:

1. On January 23, 1913, the Mansion House Fund paid 874.08 Kr (£48) to Johan’s father.
2. On June 9, 1914, an additional 1822 Kr (£100) in damage claims was paid to his parents.

While no amount of money could replace their lost son, these payments were part of the efforts to provide some form of restitution to the families of Titanic victims.

Legacy and Family Connections

Brother’s Emigration

In a poignant twist of fate, Johan’s younger brother David emigrated to the United States later in 1912, the same year of the Titanic disaster. Like his brother before him, David made his home in Hartford, Connecticut. There, he married and raised a family, living out the kind of life that had been denied to Johan. David passed away on February 25, 1986, having carried on the family’s connection to Hartford for decades.

Remembering Johan

Today, Johan Samuel Andersson is remembered as one of the many souls lost in the Titanic tragedy. His story serves as a reminder of the human cost of the disaster and the dreams of a better life that were abruptly ended on that cold April night in 1912.

Johan’s legacy lives on through historical records, family memories, and the enduring fascination with the Titanic’s ill-fated journey. His photograph, preserved for posterity, allows us to see the face of a young man full of hope and potential, embarking on what he thought would be a journey to his future, but instead became his final voyage.