Mr Niels Rasmus Jensen

Who was Niels Rasmus Jensen?

Niels Rasmus Jensen was a 48 (forty-eight) year-old Danish-American farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on February 13, 1864, in Hårslev, Odense, Denmark, Jensen’s life journey took him from his homeland to America and back again, ultimately leading to his fateful voyage on the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Background

A Danish Upbringing

Niels Rasmus Jensen was born into a family with deep roots in Denmark:

Parents: Lars Peder Jensen (master butcher) and Ane Margrethe Jensen (née Pedersen)
Siblings: Seven known siblings, including Marie Katrine, Maren Birgitte, and Hans Kristian
Religious Affiliation: Confirmed in the Church of Denmark in 1878

Journey to America

In 1887, at the age of 23, Jensen’s life took a significant turn:

Fathered a daughter, Julie Margrethe Olsen, with Hansine Marie Olsen
Emigrated to Portland, Oregon, seeking better opportunities
Became a naturalized US citizen on May 29, 1894

What was Jensen’s life like in America?

In Portland, Jensen established himself as a carpenter, specializing in making ladders. His move to America was likely motivated by the promise of expanding industries and the large Scandinavian community in the area. Despite building a new life in the United States, Jensen maintained connections with his homeland.

Reuniting with Family

A Fateful Visit to Denmark

In 1908, Jensen returned to Denmark for a visit that would change the course of his life:

Stayed with his brother, Hans Christian Jensen, in Eskildstrup
Reunited with his daughter, Margrethe, after 21 years apart
Convinced Margrethe to return to Portland with him

“They left Denmark on 5 October 1908, and departed Liverpool, England, as a steerage (third class) passengers on the steamship Mauretania 10 October 1908 arriving in New York on 17 October 1908.”

The Titanic Journey

Why was Jensen on the Titanic?

Jensen’s presence on the Titanic was the result of a series of events following his daughter’s marriage:

Margrethe married Georg Vilhelm Gertsen in Denmark on December 23, 1911
Jensen returned to Denmark for the wedding but was reportedly prevented from attending
After failing to convince his son-in-law to start a coachbuilding firm, Jensen decided to return to America
He was accompanied by his nephew and niece, Svend Lauritz Jensen and Carla Christine Nielsine Andersen (Jensen), and her boyfriend Hans Peder Jensen

Titanic Boarding Details

Detail	Information
Class	3rd Class
Ticket Number	350048
Fare	£7 1s
Port of Embarkation	Southampton
Date of Boarding	April 10, 1912

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Niels Rasmus Jensen did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in higher classes. His body was never recovered from the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

What was Jensen’s legacy?

While Jensen’s life was cut short by the Titanic disaster, his story lives on:

The Daily Telegraph Fund provided £20 to his mother
The Mansion House Fund paid £60 in compensation
His daughter, Julie Margarethe, lived until 1979 in Denmark

Jensen’s journey from Denmark to America and back again represents the hopes and dreams of many immigrants of his time. His tragic end on the Titanic serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.