Mr Karl Johan Johansson

Who was Karl Johan Johansson?

Karl Johan Johansson was a 31 (thirty-one) year-old Swedish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on September 9, 1880, in Gothenburg, Sweden, Johansson was a third-class passenger who embarked on the Titanic’s maiden voyage from Southampton. Tragically, he did not survive the disaster, becoming one of the many victims of the Titanic sinking.

Early Life and Background

Family Roots in Sweden

Karl Johan Johansson was born into a seafaring family in Gothenburg, Sweden. His parents were:

• Father: Johan Niklas Olsson (born September 28, 1852)
• Mother: Karolina Petersdotter Olsson (born January 24, 1859)

Interestingly, Karl’s parents married on October 5, 1880, just a month after his birth. He grew up in Iretorpet, Skörbo, Myckleby, Lunna, Orust, alongside his siblings:

• Davida Nicolina (1883-1890)
• Albin Reinhold (1885-1886)
• Paula Sabina (1888-1890)
• Axel Leonard (born March 16, 1891)
• Davida Serafia (born January 18, 1894)
• Fritz Torvald (born March 23, 1899)

What was Johansson’s profession?

In April 1903, at the age of 22 (twenty-two), Karl Johan Johansson emigrated to the United States, settling in Duluth, Minnesota. There, he established himself as a stucco worker, honing his skills in this specialized construction trade.

Titanic Journey: A Fateful Decision

Why did Johansson return to Sweden?

In 1911, after eight years in America, Johansson made the decision to return to his homeland of Sweden. During this visit, he rekindled a relationship with his childhood friend and sweetheart, Berta Elizabeth Olsson, from Hällebord in Myckleby parish. The couple became engaged, planning to travel back to America together in the autumn of 1912.

How did Johansson end up on the Titanic?

Johansson’s original plans were altered due to the persuasion of his friends, Oscar Wilhelm Johansson and Samuel Niklasson. They convinced him to make the journey earlier than intended. As a result, Karl Johan Johansson booked passage on the Titanic, while his fiancée Berta was to follow later on the Olympic.

“They were meant to travel in the autumn of 1912 but his friends Oscar Olsson and Samuel Niklasson persuaded him to make the trip earlier instead.”

Titanic Boarding Details

• Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 347063
• Fare: £7 15s 6d
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

Fate During the Disaster

Karl Johan Johansson, like many third-class passengers, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was 31 (thirty-one) years old at the time of his death. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

What was the impact on his loved ones?

The news of Johansson’s death had a profound impact on those he left behind:

1. Berta Elizabeth Olsson: His fiancée was devastated by the loss. She later married a widower and moved to her parents’ home in Hällebord, where she lived until her death in 1948.

2. Johan Niklas Olsson: Karl’s father kept two pictures of the Titanic and Olympic hanging over his bed, with a portrait of his son between them, as a poignant memorial.

Legacy and Compensation

Financial Aftermath

The tragedy of the Titanic led to various compensation efforts for the families of victims:

These payments, while unable to compensate for the loss of life, provided some financial relief to Johansson’s grieving parents.

A Life Cut Short: Reflecting on Karl Johan Johansson’s Story

Karl Johan Johansson’s life, though tragically brief, exemplifies the hopes and dreams of many European immigrants seeking a better life in America. His story, intertwined with the Titanic disaster, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies. From his roots in Sweden to his pursuit of opportunity in Minnesota, and his fateful decision to return home, Johansson’s journey reflects the complex tapestry of early 20th-century migration and the unforeseen circumstances that can alter the course of one’s life.