Mrs Karolina Byström

Who was Karolina Byström?

Karolina Byström, née Jonsdotter, was a Swedish second-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on February 11, 1872, in Högbo, Gävleborgs County, Sweden, she lived a long and eventful life that spanned two continents and witnessed significant historical events.

Early Life and Background

Karolina was born to Isak and Lisa Jonsson, a minor landowner and his wife. She had at least one sibling:

Anders Johan (born September 12, 1875), who became a butcher

As an adult, Karolina was described as:

5 feet 8 or 9 inches tall
Light complexion
Black hair
Brown eyes

First Journey to America

Karolina’s adventurous spirit led her to make multiple trips across the Atlantic:

1891: First arrived in the United States, living in New York City
1893: Returned to Sweden
1895: Apparently returned to the US (according to the 1920 census)

Marriage and Separation

On July 8, 1899, Karolina (listed as Carolina Johnson) married Louis Byström in Manhattan. Louis, born around 1872 in Sweden, had immigrated to the United States in 1890. Their marriage, however, was not destined to last.

“To Carolina Bystrom, Defendant: You are hereby notified that a duly verified petition has been presented to this court by your husband, Lewis Bystrom, stating that you have absented yourself for more than five years now last past (?), without being known to your husband to be living during that time, and that your husband believes you to be dead…” - The Morning Telegraph, July 5, 1922

This legal notice reveals the unusual circumstances of their separation, with Louis believing Karolina to be dead and seeking a dissolution of their marriage.

Titanic Journey

Why was Karolina on the Titanic?

Karolina boarded the Titanic as part of another journey from Sweden to the United States. Her trip details include:

Departed from Göteborg, Sweden
Arrived in Hull, England on April 5, 1912
Traveled to Southampton to board the Titanic
Purchased Ticket No. 236852 for £13
Traveled as a second-class passenger

Survival and Aftermath

Karolina survived the disaster, being listed on the Carpathia’s passenger list as “Mrs. Caroline Bystrom.” After her rescue, she:

Claimed $350 from the White Star Line for lost luggage
Continued her journey to New York City

Life After the Titanic

Karolina’s life after the Titanic disaster was marked by frequent travel and a new marriage:

1916: Returned to Sweden, then sailed back to New York on the S.S. Stockholm
1923: Visited her mother in Sweden, returning on the S.S. Albania
July 23, 1924: Married Per Berggren in Manhattan

Who was Per Berggren?

Per Berggren, Karolina’s second husband, was:

Born on March 20, 1890, in Växjö, Sweden
A watchmaker and jeweler
President of the Universal Drafting Pen Company in Bridgeport (1917-1921)
Naturalized as a U.S. citizen on June 18, 1923

Later Life and Legacy

Karolina and Per settled in Floral Park, Nassau County, New York. Their life together included:

Living at 69 Hawthorne Avenue
Per working as a watchmaker and later owning a retail grocery
Karolina managing the household

Per died in Floral Park in 1952, but Karolina lived on for another decade. She was still alive in 1957, listed as the sole heir of her brother Anders’s estate.

Final Years

Karolina Byström, a woman who survived one of history’s most famous maritime disasters, lived to the remarkable age of 92 (ninety-two). She passed away on June 3, 1964, in Floral Park, New York, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges.