Mr Juho Niskanen

Who was Juho Niskanen?

Mr Juho Niskanen was a 42 (forty-two) year-old Finnish third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1870, he was a survivor of the tragic maritime disaster that occurred on April 15, 1912. His journey from Finland to America and his subsequent life after the Titanic sinking is a tale of survival, struggle, and ultimately, tragedy.

Early Life and Background

Where did Juho Niskanen come from?

Juho Niskanen was born in Finland, possibly in Kannonkosken, Kuhaniemessä, Räihän, around 1870. While details about his early life and family remain uncertain, we do know that he married Anna Leena Ruuskan (born circa 1873) around 1890. The couple had several children together.

What was Niskanen’s connection to America?

Prior to his fateful journey on the Titanic, Niskanen had already spent about three years living in the United States. He had returned to Finland with the intention of bringing his family back with him to start a new life in America.

The Titanic Journey

How did Juho Niskanen come to be on the Titanic?

Niskanen boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket number was STON/O 2. 3101289, which cost him £7 18s 6d. He was traveling from Kivijärvi, Finland, with Boston, Massachusetts as his final destination.

Who were Niskanen’s companions on the Titanic?

During his journey, Niskanen was apparently traveling with Juho Niilosson Strandén, with whom he shared a cabin. They had sequential ticket numbers, suggesting they may have purchased their tickets together. Niskanen was also acquainted with another passenger, Eiriik Jussila.

The Night of the Disaster

What happened to Niskanen when the Titanic struck the iceberg?

On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic collided with an iceberg, Strandén woke Niskanen. In turn, Niskanen went to warn his acquaintance, Eiriik Jussila, about the situation. Together with Strandén, Niskanen made his way to the boat deck.

How did Juho Niskanen survive the sinking?

According to their account, Niskanen and Strandén assisted with the loading of one of the lifeboats. They were both rescued, likely aboard either lifeboat 9 or 15. This quick action and possible assistance in loading lifeboats may have contributed to their survival.

Life After the Titanic

What challenges did Niskanen face after surviving the disaster?

After reaching New York, Niskanen made a claim of £50 for his lost luggage. However, his life in America after the Titanic disaster was far from easy. Now known as John in America, Niskanen encountered significant hardships:

• Unable to find stable employment
• Could not finance his family’s journey to join him in America
• Lived alone and in poverty
• Suffered from deteriorating mental health

Where did Niskanen settle after the Titanic?

Niskanen eventually settled in Cazadero, California, where he worked as a rancher in the McCune Mill District. He lived a solitary and reclusive life in a redwood cabin eight miles up the Fort Ross Road. Nearby residents only recalled seeing him when he traveled to town for supplies.

Legal Troubles and Tragic End

Did Niskanen have any encounters with the law?

In August 1924, Niskanen had a brush with the law when he was charged with threatening to kill his neighbor, Mrs. Emily Jenner. The allegations included:

• Starting several fires
• Shots heard the night before the incident
• Drawing a knife on Mrs. Jenner when she attempted to confiscate his rifle

The case was ultimately dismissed, and charges were dropped in early September 1924. Niskanen was released from jail and returned to his home in Cazadero.

How did Juho Niskanen’s life come to an end?

Tragically, Juho Niskanen’s life ended in a deeply disturbing manner:

• On August 13, 1927, reportedly despondent over his failure to strike gold and in a fragile mental state, Niskanen set fire to his cabin.
• Neighbors attempted to extinguish the flames but were too late.
• Niskanen’s charred body was discovered among the ashes, along with a rifle and an exploded shell in the chamber.
• A later inquest determined that he had shot himself before or during the fire.

Described as being 60 (sixty) years old at the time of his death (though records indicate he was 57), Juho Niskanen was buried in an unmarked grave at the IOOF (Oddfellows) Cemetery in Guerneville, California (now known as Redwood Memorial Gardens).

Legacy

The story of Juho Niskanen serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse fates that befell Titanic survivors. While he escaped the immediate tragedy of the sinking, the long-term impact of the disaster and the challenges of immigrant life in early 20th century America ultimately led to a tragic end. His tale underscores the complex and often overlooked aftermath experienced by many Titanic survivors, particularly those from the third-class who faced additional societal and economic hurdles.