Johan Vilhelm Henrik Törnqvist

Who was Johan Vilhelm Henrik Törnqvist?

Johan Vilhelm Henrik Törnqvist, also known as William Henry Turnquist, was a Swedish-American seaman and Titanic survivor who went on to have a distinguished naval career. Born in 1886, he immigrated to the United States in 1904, became a naturalized citizen in 1909, and pursued his childhood dream of going to sea. Törnqvist survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, served in both World Wars, and rose to the rank of Captain, commanding several ships throughout his career.

Early Life and Immigration

Swedish Roots

Born on March 25, 1886, Johan Vilhelm Henrik Törnqvist came from a family with ties to both Stockholm and Örebro, Sweden. He was the son of Karl Johan Gabrielsson, a landowner and bricklayer, and Vilhelmina Larsson Björklund. Törnqvist had several half-siblings and one full brother who died in infancy.

Journey to America

In 1904, at the age of 18 (eighteen), Törnqvist embarked on a life-changing journey:

Emigrated from Sweden to the United States
Settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts
Lived at 152 Spencer Street in 1912
Attended navigation school to pursue his seafaring ambitions

This move would set the stage for his future maritime career and ultimately lead to his fateful encounter with the Titanic.

The Titanic Experience

Unexpected Passenger

Törnqvist’s presence on the Titanic was a matter of circumstance:

Employed by the American Line
Originally slated to sail as quartermaster on the Philadelphia
Coal strikes in Britain led to cancellation of Philadelphia’s voyage
Booked as a third-class passenger on Titanic (ticket number 370160)

Survival and Rescue

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Törnqvist faced the harrowing experience of the Titanic’s sinking:

Initially claimed to have swum in the water for 30 minutes
Later accounts suggest he was rescued in lifeboat 15
Helped fellow crew member William Johnson into the lifeboat

In his own words, Törnqvist recounted:

“When the ship struck Billy was sleeping, but arose with the rest of us and went on deck. When the lifeboats were being lowered one of the officers recognized Billy and told him to do duty on that boat, I and another steward were detailed to row in that lifeboat…”

Post-Titanic Career

Naval Service in World War I

After surviving the Titanic disaster, Törnqvist quickly returned to his maritime career:

Re-naturalized as a U.S. citizen on May 6, 1912
Served in the U.S. Navy during World War I
Attained the rank of Lieutenant

Rise to Captain

Törnqvist’s career continued to flourish in the interwar years:

Became a well-known figure in ports worldwide
First visited Hawaii in 1926 as chief officer on the City of Honolulu
Rose to the rank of Captain in 1931
Commanded several ships, including the Calawai, Diamond Head, and Makawao

World War II Service

During World War II, Törnqvist once again answered the call to duty:

Accepted a naval commission in 1942
Navigated dangerous waters during wartime
Transported ammunition and explosives

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Törnqvist’s personal life was marked by two marriages to Australian sisters:

Lottie Almira Freeman (1919-1939)
- Son: William Harvey (born August 28, 1925)
Henrietta “Novelle” Fidelia Freeman DuPen (married after 1940)
- Stepson: Everett George DuPen (1912-2005)

Physical Description

A 1942 draft registration provides insight into Törnqvist’s appearance:

Height: 5'9"
Weight: 185 lbs
Blue eyes
Grey hair
Light complexion
Tattoos on both arms

Legacy and Final Years

Johan Vilhelm Henrik Törnqvist’s life was a testament to resilience and maritime dedication. He survived the Titanic disaster, served in two World Wars, and had a long, distinguished career at sea. His final command was of the White Squall, a Matson-chartered freighter.

Törnqvist passed away on September 13, 1946, at the age of 60 (sixty), at the Seaside Memorial hospital in Long Beach, California. The cause of death was coronary thrombosis. He was laid to rest in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Mateo, California, leaving behind a legacy of survival, service, and seamanship that spanned nearly half a century.