Mr Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen

Who was Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen?

Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen was a 42 (forty-two) year-old Norwegian engineer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on January 28, 1870, in Trondheim, Norway, Olsen’s life was marked by transatlantic journeys, family tragedy, and ultimately, a heroic sacrifice during one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Background

Norwegian Roots

Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen was born to Sivert and Anna Caroline Marie Olsen (née Clemmetsen) in Holstveitveien, Trondheim. His parents had married on November 22, 1868, in Trondheim, and Karl was christened on April 10, 1870, in the same city.

Journey to America

In 1894, at the age of 24 (twenty-four), Olsen made the life-changing decision to move to the United States. Upon arrival, he anglicized his name to Charles, reflecting his desire to integrate into American society.

Family Life

Olsen’s personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy:

First marriage to Ragna Nilsen (date and location unknown, presumably in Norway)
Had a son named Artur with Ragna
Ragna passed away in 1906
Artur remained in Norway with his grandmother
Remarried to Esther, an American woman
Lived at 987 Hart Street, Brooklyn, New York with Esther

Titanic Journey

Why was Olsen returning to Norway?

Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen’s journey back to Norway was prompted by two significant events:

The death of his mother
The need to settle her estate
The desire to bring his son Artur back to America

Boarding the Titanic

Embarked at Southampton as a third-class passenger
Accompanied by his son Artur and friend Fridtjof Arne Madsen
Ticket number: 4579
Fare paid: £8 8s

The Fateful Night

A Father’s Sacrifice

On the night of April 14, 1912, as the Titanic struck the iceberg, Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen demonstrated incredible bravery and selflessness:

Carried his sleeping son Artur to Lifeboat 13
Told Artur to be a good boy and that he would return soon
Ensured his son’s safety but did not board the lifeboat himself
Last seen by Artur standing and watching as the lifeboat was lowered

The last Artur saw of his father was when he was standing looking on while the boat was lowered.

Aftermath

Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen did not survive the sinking
His body was never recovered
Fridtjof Arne Madsen took charge of young Artur on the Carpathia
Artur was delivered to his stepmother in New York, whom he had never met before

Legacy and Impact

Family Tragedy Continues

The Olsen family’s misfortune did not end with Karl’s death:

Esther Olsen was pregnant at the time of the disaster
She gave birth to a son, Charles Ernest, shortly before or after the sinking
Charles Ernest tragically died on May 16, 1912, just one month after his father’s death

Red Cross Assistance

The American Red Cross provided significant support to the Olsen family:

Covered funeral and immediate expenses
Paid a monthly pension until Karl’s insurance of $2,000 became available
$1,000 placed in trust for Artur, held by the local Charity Organization Society
Total aid provided: $2,175

Esther’s Resilience

Age 24 at the time of the disaster
Previously worked in a factory
Secured employment in her trade, earning $10 per week
Received $543.72 from other relief funds

Artur’s New Life

Attended school in America
Described as bright and industrious
Stepmother secured employment to support him

Esther’s New Beginning

Esther later remarried to William Reichart, and together they had a daughter named Alvira, who was born in Brooklyn.

What can we learn from Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen’s story?

Karl Siegwart Andreas Olsen’s life and death aboard the Titanic serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the disaster. His sacrifice ensured his son’s survival, exemplifying the depths of parental love in the face of unimaginable circumstances. The support provided by the Red Cross and the resilience shown by his family in the aftermath demonstrate the strength of the human spirit in overcoming tragedy.