Mr Konrad Mathias Reiersen Hagland

Who was Konrad Mathias Reiersen Hagland?

Konrad Mathias Reiersen Hagland was a 19 (nineteen) year-old Norwegian passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on June 17, 1892, in Hagland, Skåre, Stavanger County, Norway, Konrad was a third-class passenger who embarked on the Titanic’s maiden voyage from Southampton, England. Tragically, he did not survive the disaster that unfolded on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

Family Roots in Norway

Konrad was born into a large Norwegian family:

• Parents: Reier Mathias Hansen Grönhiller (father, born June 6, 1864) and Bertha Karina Hagland (mother, born September 14, 1869)
• Occupation of Father: Farmer, fisherman, and seaman

Siblings of Konrad Hagland

Konrad came from a family of ten children:

1. Laurits (born September 24, 1889) - Seaman and fisherman
2. Hans (born April 18, 1890) - Seaman and fisherman
3. Berta Kristine (born October 7, 1894)
4. Henrik (born September 13, 1896)
5. Agnes (born October 18, 1898)
6. Alfred (born February 17, 1901)
7. Milla (born May 11, 1903)
8. Reidar (born October 6, 1906)
9. Arnt (born January 17, 1909)

What was Konrad’s occupation before boarding the Titanic?

Prior to his fateful journey, Konrad worked as a farm hand in Skåre, Haugesund. This occupation likely prepared him for the physical demands of his planned new life in America.

The Titanic Journey

Destination and Travel Companions

Konrad was bound for Belmer, New Jersey, embarking on a journey that promised new opportunities in America. He wasn’t traveling alone:

• Accompanied by his brother-in-law, Ingvald Olai Olsen Hagland
• Ingvald was married to Konrad’s sister, Berta

Titanic Boarding Details

Who did Konrad share his cabin with?

In their third-class accommodations, Konrad and Ingvald shared a cabin with two other passengers:

• Bernt Johannes Johannesen, who survived the disaster
• Daniel Danielsen Grønnestad, who, like Konrad, did not survive

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Konrad Hagland on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

As the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, the fate of many third-class passengers was sealed due to their location deep within the ship and limited access to lifeboats. Konrad Mathias Reiersen Hagland, at the young age of 19 (nineteen), lost his life in the early hours of April 15, 1912.

“Mr Hagland died in the disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This stark statement encapsulates the tragic end to a young life full of promise and the dreams of a new beginning in America.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Konrad Hagland remembered today?

While Konrad’s life was cut short, his story lives on as part of the larger narrative of the Titanic disaster. He represents the many young immigrants who sought better opportunities across the Atlantic, only to have their dreams tragically cut short.

• Konrad’s name is listed among the victims of the Titanic disaster, ensuring he is not forgotten.
• His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy, particularly among third-class passengers.

What can we learn from Konrad’s story?

Konrad Hagland’s journey on the Titanic highlights the aspirations of many young Europeans in the early 20th century. His tale underscores the risks and sacrifices made by immigrants in pursuit of a better life, and the indiscriminate nature of tragedy that befell passengers of all classes aboard the Titanic.

As we remember Konrad Mathias Reiersen Hagland, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the stories of all those affected by historical events, ensuring that even those whose lives were cut short are remembered and honored.