Nils August Karlsson
Mr Nils August Karlsson
Who was Nils August Karlsson?
Nils August Karlsson was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Swedish farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on August 19, 1889, in Örebro, Sweden, Karlsson was one of the many third-class passengers aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.
Early Life and Background
Family and Upbringing
Nils August Karlsson was born into a farming family in Örebro, Sweden. His parents were:
- Karl Gustaf Karlsson (father, occupation: farmer)
- Leontina Charlotta Lund (mother, 1845-1910)
Karlsson had three siblings:
- Anna Charlotta (born 1877)
- Elin Maria (born 1880)
- Gustaf Ellis (born 1886)
The Karlsson family resided at Södermalm, Nyholm, Örebro, where Nils followed in his father’s footsteps and worked as a farmer. Tragically, Nils lost his mother in 1910, just two years before his fateful journey on the Titanic.
The Titanic Journey
Why was Nils August Karlsson traveling on the Titanic?
Nils August Karlsson boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. While his exact destination remains unknown, it is believed that he may have been traveling to Palmer, Massachusetts. This speculation arises from the fact that his sister Anna (Mrs. Johan Arvid Grahn) had emigrated there the previous summer.
Titanic Ticket Details
- Ticket Number: 350060
- Fare: £7 10s 5d (7 pounds, 10 shillings, and 5 pence)
- Class: Third Class
Karlsson’s journey began in Örebro, taking him through Copenhagen before he finally boarded the Titanic at Southampton.
Fate During the Disaster
Sadly, Nils August Karlsson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the young age of 22 (twenty-two), Karlsson became one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.
Legacy and Impact
Financial Compensation
Following the disaster, the Mansion House Fund provided financial compensation to Nils August Karlsson’s family:
| Recipient | Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Father | 875.52 Kr (£48) | N/A |
| Father | 1366.50 Kr (£75) | May 27, 1914 |
The substantial amounts paid out indicate that Nils’s father was dependent on his son’s income, highlighting the economic impact of the loss on the Karlsson family.
Family’s Fate
“His sister Anna continued to live in Massachusetts with her husband Johan and daughter Ellen, later moving to Worcester and still being alive at the time of the 1940 census. What became of them is not certain.”
This statement provides a glimpse into the life of Nils’s sister Anna after the Titanic disaster. While we know she remained in Massachusetts for several decades, the ultimate fate of Anna and her family remains a mystery, much like the final moments of her brother Nils August Karlsson on that fateful night in April 1912.
The story of Nils August Karlsson serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster, leaving behind grieving families and unanswered questions. His journey from the farms of Örebro to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean encapsulates the dreams and tragedies of many third-class passengers who sought new opportunities across the sea.
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.