Mr Malkolm Joackim Johnson

Who was Malkolm Joackim Johnson?

Malkolm Joackim Johnson was a 33 (thirty-three) year-old Swedish-American passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on March 20, 1879, Johnson was a general labourer who had spent many years in the United States before embarking on his final journey. His story is one of ambition, misfortune, and mystery that unfolded during the tragic events of April 1912.

Early Life and Background

Swedish Roots and American Dreams

Malkolm Johnson was born in Sweden to Anna Katrina Jonsson (née Svensson) and his stepfather Isak Leonard Jonsson. The family resided in Björkaryd, Jönköping, Sweden. However, Johnson’s ambitions led him across the Atlantic to the United States, where he established a life for himself in Minneapolis.

Career and Financial Status

In Minneapolis, Johnson lived at 814, 7th St. and worked as a general labourer, managing concrete laying on the city streets. He had achieved a measure of financial success, as evidenced by his ability to:

Put up 10,000 kronor ($2,680) for his brother Wilhelm Nilsson
Carry substantial amounts of money and valuables during his travels

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Johnson returning to America?

Johnson had returned to Sweden with the intention of buying a farm in Björkaryd. However, this plan fell through, leading him to decide to return to America. According to relatives, he was in a poor mood due to the failure of his plans to settle in Sweden.

Boarding the Titanic

Original Booking: Adriatic
Transfer: To Titanic (likely due to ongoing coal strike)
Embarkation: Southampton
Ticket: 347062
Class: Third Class
Fare: £6 7s

Johnson’s journey began with an unexpected change when he was transferred from his original booking on the Adriatic to the Titanic. He embarked at Southampton, sharing his third-class experience with fellow passengers Gustaf Joel Johansson and Oskar Arvid Hedman.

A Curious Detail: The Hidden Fortune

According to his brother, Johnson had sewn $2,150 in dollar bills into his socks before boarding the Titanic. This detail would later become a point of intrigue in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Tragedy Unfolds

What happened to Malkolm Johnson during the sinking?

Malkolm Johnson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, labeled as body number 37. The description of his remains provided a poignant snapshot of his final moments:

NO. 37. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 30. - HAIR, BROWN. CLOTHING- Striped trousers; blue coat and vest; striped shirt; black boots. EFFECTS- Gold watch and chain; gold tie pin, diamond set; purse; diamond solitaire ring; cheque for $1200; two $20 pieces; $1.50 silver; $165.00 in notes; 6 pence; half penny and odd coins. THIRD CLASS. NAME - MALCOLM JOHNSON.

The Mystery of the Missing Socks

A peculiar detail emerged when Johnson’s body was recovered: the absence of the socks allegedly containing his hidden fortune. This led to a series of events:

Johnson’s brother, Wilhelm Nilsson, wrote multiple times to the State Department.
The U.S. Embassy in New York was contacted.
Suspicions of foul play arose due to the body being otherwise correctly dressed.
Authorities denied any knowledge of wrongdoing.
The mystery of the missing socks and the $2,150 was never solved.

Legacy and Remembrance

Final Resting Place

Malkolm Johnson was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia. His grave stands as a somber reminder of the Titanic tragedy.

Financial Aftermath

The aftermath of Johnson’s death involved several financial transactions:

Fund/Claim	Amount	Recipient
Mansion House Fund	875.42 Kr (£48)	Parents
Mansion House Fund	456 Kr (£25)	Brother
Damage Claim	1908 Kr (£75)	Paid on December 22, 1914

Recovered Artifacts

One poignant reminder of Malkolm Johnson’s life and tragic end is his signet ring, which was recovered from his body and returned to his family. This personal effect serves as a tangible connection to a life cut short by one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

In the end, Malkolm Joackim Johnson’s story encapsulates the dreams, journeys, and unforeseen fates of many Titanic passengers. From his ambitious plans in America to his ill-fated return journey, Johnson’s life and death continue to intrigue historians and Titanic enthusiasts, leaving us with a mix of facts and mysteries that may never be fully resolved.