Mr Matti Rintamäki

Who was Matti Rintamäki?

Matti Rintamäki was a 35 (thirty-five) year-old Finnish farmer and general laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on February 4, 1877, in Kauhajoki, Finland, Rintamäki was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Matti Rintamäki’s family like?

Matti Rintamäki came from a large Finnish family. His parents were Matti Korpi-Kyyny (born June 19, 1844) and Kaisa Sofia Heikkisdotter (born February 3, 1841), who married on June 25, 1867, in Kauhajoki. Rintamäki grew up with several siblings:

Sanna Kaisa (born September 9, 1869)
Maria Elina (born December 15, 1870)
Juho Nestori (born April 20, 1874)
Herman (born June 25, 1879)
Adolfina (born December 1, 1884)

Where did Matti Rintamäki live and work?

Prior to his fateful journey, Matti Rintamäki worked as a farmer at Kyyng farm in Päntäne, Kauhajoki, Vasa County, Finland. His occupation as both a farmer and general laborer suggests a life of hard work and dedication to providing for his family.

Family Life

Matti Rintamäki was married to Maria Sofia (née Mäki), who was born on July 15, 1879, in Kauhajoki and passed away in 1947. Together, they had a large family with ten children born before Matti’s departure on the Titanic:

Auli Maria (born August 6, 1898)
Viljo Matias (born February 26, 1900, died 1901)
Martti Aleksi (born December 12, 1902)
Yrjö Nikolai (born January 20, 1904)
Toivo Aleksi (born June 16, 1905)
Valde Johannes (born October 4, 1906)
Taimi Lyydia (born November 8, 1907)
Helmi Lahja Katariina (born December 15, 1908, died 1910)
Vilho Sulo Matias (born April 16, 1910)
Lauri Onni Viljami (born July 29, 1911)

The Titanic Journey

Why was Matti Rintamäki traveling on the Titanic?

Matti Rintamäki boarded the Titanic at Southampton, embarking on a journey to Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He was traveling with three companions:

This group of Finnish men were likely seeking better economic opportunities in Canada, a common motivation for many third-class passengers on the Titanic.

What were the details of Rintamäki’s Titanic ticket?

Detail	Information
Ticket Number	3101273
Passenger Class	3rd Class
Fare	£7 6s 2d

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Matti Rintamäki did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was never recovered from the icy waters of the North Atlantic. All of his traveling companions also perished in the disaster, highlighting the devastating impact on this group of Finnish immigrants.

Legacy and Legal Aftermath

How did Matti Rintamäki’s family cope after his death?

The loss of Matti Rintamäki had a profound impact on his family. As the sole provider, his death left his wife and children in a precarious financial situation. According to his widow, Matti had earned 1500 Finnish Marks (equivalent to £59 3s or $287) per year.

What legal action was taken after Rintamäki’s death?

In a notable turn of events, Matti Rintamäki’s widow brought a civil suit against the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company (White Star Line) for manslaughter and grave neglect. The case was heard on January 24, 1913, in the High Court and resulted in a settlement of £375 in compensation to the family.

A Posthumous Addition to the Family

In a poignant twist of fate, Matti Rintamäki became a father once more after his death. His eleventh child, Eino Aatos, was born on November 12, 1912, nearly seven months after the Titanic disaster. This posthumous birth adds a bittersweet note to the Rintamäki family’s story, symbolizing both the loss they endured and the life that continued in Matti’s absence.

Matti Rintamäki’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster, and the far-reaching impact it had on families across the world. His journey from a Finnish farm to the decks of the Titanic, and the subsequent legal battle fought by his widow, illustrate the complex human stories behind the third-class passengers who made up a significant portion of those lost in this historic tragedy.