Mr Nikolai Johannes Peltomäki

Who was Nikolai Johannes Peltomäki?

Mr Nikolai Johannes Peltomäki was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old Finnish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on December 26, 1886, in Lavia, Finland, Peltomäki was a general labourer who embarked on a journey to New York City, tragically losing his life in the disaster.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Peltomäki’s family like?

Nikolai Johannes Peltomäki came from a large Finnish family. His parents were:

• Father: Oskari Juhonpoika (Johansson) Peltomäki (born February 3, 1855, died 1924)
• Mother: Josefiina Taavetintytär (born October 19, 1851, died 1931)

Peltomäki was one of ten children, with his siblings including:

1. Hilma Aurora (born January 2, 1873)
2. Wilhelm Fredrik (born July 13, 1877)
3. Aina Sofia (born December 2, 1879)
4. Frans Oskar (born June 17, 1882)
5. Anshelm Ewert (born September 28, 1884)
6. Eino Otto Arvid (born January 30, 1889)
7. Fanny Matilda (born March 21, 1891, died November 6, 1891)
8. Martta Johanna (born November 1, 1892)
9. Laina Eliina (born January 21, 1898)

Interestingly, Peltomäki’s two eldest siblings were reportedly born out of wedlock, providing a glimpse into the family’s history and the social norms of late 19th-century Finland.

Professional Life and Travels

How did Peltomäki’s career evolve before his Titanic journey?

Nikolai Peltomäki’s professional life was marked by several moves and career changes:

• 1902: Began working or studying in Pori, western Finland
• Later: Worked in Tampere (date unspecified)
• 1906: Moved to Helsinki, where he worked as:
  1. A painter
  2. A shop assistant in a bookstore

This progression shows Peltomäki’s adaptability and willingness to explore different career paths and locations within Finland.

The Titanic Journey

What were the details of Peltomäki’s Titanic voyage?

Nikolai Peltomäki’s Titanic journey can be summarized as follows:

Peltomäki boarded the Titanic as a single man, described as a general labourer. The exact reason for his journey to New York remains a mystery, adding an element of intrigue to his story.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Nikolai Peltomäki on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Nikolai Johannes Peltomäki did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class.

• Date of Death: April 15, 1912
• Age at Death: 25 (twenty-five) years old
• Body Recovery: His body, if recovered, was never identified

The loss of Peltomäki at such a young age underscores the devastating impact of the Titanic disaster on individuals and families from various backgrounds and nationalities.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

How did the Titanic disaster affect Peltomäki’s family?

While we don’t have specific information about how Nikolai’s death impacted his family, we know that:

• His father, Oskari Juhonpoika Peltomäki, lived until 1924
• His mother, Josefiina Taavetintytär, survived until 1931

These dates suggest that Nikolai’s parents lived with the loss of their son for over a decade, a poignant reminder of the long-lasting effects of the Titanic tragedy on families around the world.

Remembering Nikolai Johannes Peltomäki

Nikolai Johannes Peltomäki’s story, while tragically cut short, provides a window into the lives of the many hopeful immigrants who boarded the Titanic in search of new opportunities. His journey from the small town of Lavia to the ill-fated deck of the world’s most famous ship serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations that were lost on that fateful night in April 1912.