Mr Karl Gideon Gustafsson

Who was Karl Gideon Gustafsson?

Karl Gideon Gustafsson was a 19 (nineteen) year-old Swedish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on April 9, 1893, in Synnerby, Skaraborgs County, Sweden, Gustafsson was one of the many third-class passengers aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely death on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Karl Gideon Gustafsson’s family like?

Karl Gideon Gustafsson came from a modest Swedish family. His parents were:

• Father: Anders Gustaf Johansson (born August 4, 1840, in Fröjered, Skaraborg County; died February 28, 1895)
• Mother: Stina Greta Johansson (née Andersdotter; born May 28, 1856, in Skallmeja, Skaraborg County)

His parents married on September 24, 1882. Karl had three known siblings:

• Johan Alfred (born September 23, 1884)
• Evelina Charlotta (born February 27, 1888)
• Alfrida Josefina (born November 2, 1882)

Where did Karl Gideon Gustafsson grow up?

Karl Gideon Gustafsson lived in Myren, Synnerby, a small locality in Sweden. This rural upbringing likely influenced his career path as a general labourer.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Karl Gideon Gustafsson on the Titanic?

There are conflicting reports about Gustafsson’s intended destination:

1. According to the White Star Line, he was traveling to visit his sister Evelina Johnson at 16 East 64th Street, New York.
2. Information from the Gothenburg police suggests he was heading to Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Regardless of his final destination, Gustafsson boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger.

What were the details of Karl Gideon Gustafsson’s Titanic ticket?

Fate During the Disaster

Karl Gideon Gustafsson, like many other third-class victims, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This tragic event cut short the life of a young man who was likely seeking better opportunities abroad.

Legacy and Impact

How did Karl Gideon Gustafsson’s death affect his family?

The loss of Karl Gideon Gustafsson had a significant financial impact on his family, particularly his mother. This is evident from the compensation paid out after the disaster:

• The Mansion House Fund paid 1057.92 Kr (£58) to his mother
• His mother received an additional 1366.50 Kr (£75) in damage claims on June 6, 1914

The high relief payments show that the mother was dependent on his earnings.

This financial support underscores the economic hardship faced by many families who lost loved ones in the Titanic disaster, especially those from working-class backgrounds.

What does Karl Gideon Gustafsson’s story tell us about the Titanic disaster?

Karl Gideon Gustafsson’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many third-class passengers aboard the Titanic. At just 19 years old, he represented the countless young individuals seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic. His tragic fate highlights the disproportionate impact the disaster had on third-class passengers, many of whom, like Gustafsson, never had the chance to realize their ambitions in a new land.