Leo Peter Van Den Steen
Mr Leo Peter Van den Steen
Who was Leo Peter Van den Steen?
Leo Peter Van den Steen was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Belgian farmer who became one of the many victims of the tragic Titanic disaster. Born on July 6, 1883, in Heldergem, Belgium, Van den Steen was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely death on April 15, 1912.
Early Life and Background
A Family of Bakers
Leo Peter Van den Steen grew up in a family of local bakers in Heldergem, Belgium. He was one of six children in the Van den Steen family. The family’s bakery business was facing difficulties due to the increasing poverty in Belgium, which led many people to bake their own bread rather than purchasing it.
Decision to Emigrate
Faced with the failing family business, Leo and his brother Henri made the bold decision to emigrate to America. Their plan was to open a bakery in the United States, hoping for better opportunities and a fresh start.
The Titanic Journey
Departure and Companions
Leo Van den Steen embarked on his fateful journey from Southampton, England. He was accompanied by friends Alphonse De Pelsmaeker and René Lievens, who were also from his hometown. The group had high hopes for their new life in America.
A Twist of Fate
In a cruel twist of fate, Henri Van den Steen was refused permission to board the Titanic by the White Star Line doctor due to an apparent case of trachoma. This sudden change of plans forced the brothers to part ways on the pier. Henri told Leo to take his baggage, promising to follow on a later ship.
Ticket and Accommodation Details
- Class: 3rd Class
- Ticket Number: 345783
- Fare: £9 10s (9 pounds, 10 shillings)
The Titanic Disaster
What happened to Leo Peter Van den Steen during the sinking?
Leo Peter Van den Steen, like many third-class passengers, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He perished along with his friends when the ship went down in the early hours of April 15, 1912.
“His body, if recovered, was never identified.”
This tragic end came just days after he had mailed a postcard to his family from Southampton, likely filled with hope and excitement for his new adventure.
Legacy and Family Impact
Henri’s Changed Plans
The news of the Titanic disaster reached Henri Van den Steen just as he had arrived back home in Belgium. Devastated by the loss of his brother, Henri abandoned his plans to open a bakery in the United States.
A New Life in France
Instead of pursuing their American dream, Henri:
- Relocated to France
- Set up a bakery near Paris
- Married a French woman (they had no children)
Lasting Memory
Throughout his life, Henri often reflected on the fate he might have shared had he been able to accompany his brother aboard the Titanic. The tragedy not only claimed Leo’s life but also dramatically altered the course of Henri’s future.
Remembering Leo Peter Van den Steen
Leo Peter Van den Steen’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey from a small Belgian town to the decks of the world’s most famous ship encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants seeking a better life, only to have those hopes dashed by an unforeseeable tragedy.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.