Mr Karl Johan Salander

Who was Karl Johan Salander?

Karl Johan Salander was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Swedish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on July 25, 1887, in Eldsberga, Halland, Sweden, Salander was a gardening student who had pursued his studies in England and Germany. His journey on the Titanic was meant to reunite him with his brother in America, but tragically ended with the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

A Large Swedish Family

Karl Johan Salander came from a sizeable Swedish family:

• Parents: Magnus Salander (gardener) and Kerstin Persson
• Siblings: 8 in total, including:
  • Kristina (b. November 29, 1881)
  • Valfrid (b. October 12, 1883)
  • Mella (b. August 9, 1885)
  • Theodor (b. September 23, 1889)
  • Gustaf (b. October 19, 1891)
  • Gotthard (b. July 31, 1893)
  • Magnus (b. February 25, 1896)
  • Erik Rudolf (b. August 29, 1901)

The family initially lived in Eldsberga but later moved to Tjärby, residing at 3 Daggarp, Genevad. Karl’s father, Magnus, is believed to have passed away around 1902, leaving Kerstin to care for the large family.

What was Karl’s profession?

Karl Johan Salander was a gardening student who had expanded his horticultural knowledge through studies in both England and Germany. This international experience in his chosen field likely influenced his decision to seek opportunities abroad.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Karl traveling to America?

Karl’s brother Gustaf had emigrated to America in 1911, settling at 1906 West Main Street in Red Wing, Minnesota. Inspired by his brother’s move, Karl decided to join him, embarking on a journey that would take him across the Atlantic on the RMS Titanic.

What were the details of Karl’s Titanic ticket?

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 7266
• Fare: £9 6s 6d
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

Karl left Tjärby, traveled via Malmö, and boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket cost £9, 6 shillings, and 6 pence, a significant sum for a young laborer at the time.

Fate During the Disaster

Did Karl Johan Salander survive the Titanic sinking?

Tragically, Karl Johan Salander did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He was among the many third-class passengers who lost their lives in the disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Legacy and Aftermath

How did the Titanic disaster affect Karl’s family?

The sinking of the Titanic had significant repercussions for the Salander family:

1. Financial Compensation:

   • The Mansion House Fund paid 874.08 Kr (£48) to Karl’s mother.
   • Additional damage claims of 1366.50 Kr (£75) were paid to his mother on May 29, 1914.

2. Controversy over Aid:

   Despite Kerstin’s request for aid, the “Halland County Sheriff” wrote to the ministry for foreign affairs stating she wasn’t in need of help. Nevertheless, £48 was paid via the local vicar.

3. Family’s Fate:

   • Karl’s mother, Kerstin, is believed to have passed away around 1922.
   • His brother Gustaf, who had originally inspired Karl’s journey, went on to live a full life in America.

What became of Karl’s brother Gustaf?

Gustaf Salander, the brother Karl had hoped to join in America, went on to:

• Move from Minnesota to Wisconsin
• Work as a florist
• Marry Sophia Nelson (1889-1954)
• Have a son named Leon (b. 1930)
• Pass away in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1973

Karl Johan Salander’s Place in Titanic History

Karl Johan Salander’s story represents one of the many tragic tales of young immigrants whose dreams were cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey from Sweden to Southampton, and his ultimate fate, highlight the human cost of the tragedy and the lasting impact on families left behind. As we remember the victims of the Titanic, Karl’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the individual lives behind the statistics of that fateful night.