Mr Nils Hilding Jönsson

Who was Nils Hilding Jönsson?

Mr Nils Hilding Jönsson was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Swedish general labourer and former farm leaseholder who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on February 5, 1885, in Vinberg, Halland, Sweden, Jönsson was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely death on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

A Swedish Upbringing

Nils Hilding Jönsson was born into a large family in rural Sweden. His parents were:

• Father: Jöns Nilsson (born August 10, 1838, died June 20, 1927)
• Mother: Olivia Christina Nilsson (née Carlsdotter; born August 20, 1850, died August 29, 1936)

The couple had married on March 28, 1873, and went on to have several children. Nils’ siblings included:

• Eleonora Sofia (born April 8, 1879)
• Carl (born June 20, 1883)
• Hilma Andrea (born June 26, 1888)
• Johan Oscar Napoleon (born November 18, 1890)
• Maria (born October 31, 1892)
• Helena Olga (born April 9, 1894)

Life in Falkenberg

Prior to his fateful journey, Nils worked as a farm hand and resided in Tågarp No. 6 in Falkenberg, Halland. Church records indicate that he had previously been a leaseholder of a farm, suggesting he had some experience in agricultural management.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Nils Jönsson decide to travel?

On March 22, 1912, Nils left his home in Sweden, embarking on a journey to an unknown destination. He was accompanied by Carl Robert Carlsson from Vessingebo, outside Falkenberg. Their ultimate goal may have been to join Nils’ brother, who had emigrated to Huntley, Illinois in 1907.

The Voyage Begins

The two men traveled via Copenhagen before boarding the RMS Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers. Jönsson’s ticket details were as follows:

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Nils Jönsson on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, both Nils Hilding Jönsson and his traveling companion, Carl Robert Carlsson, perished in the sinking of the Titanic. As third-class passengers, their chances of survival were significantly lower than those in the upper classes. Their bodies were never recovered from the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

Legacy and Aftermath

How did the Jönsson family cope with the loss?

In the wake of the disaster, Nils’ parents sought financial assistance from the relief funds established for the victims’ families. Initially, their request was met with resistance:

The “Halland County Sheriff” wrote that they weren’t in need of any aid.

However, it appears the family persisted in their claim, likely writing directly to the fund in London. Their efforts were eventually rewarded:

• On January 23, 1913, the Mansion House Fund paid 874.08 Kr (£48) to Nils’ father.
• On June 3, 1914, an additional 455.50 Kr (£25) in damage claims was paid to the father.

A Life Cut Short

Nils Hilding Jönsson’s life came to an abrupt end at the young age of 27 (twenty-seven). He never married and had no children, leaving behind grieving parents and siblings. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Remembering Nils Hilding Jönsson

Today, Nils Hilding Jönsson is remembered as one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster. His journey, cut tragically short, represents the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants who sought new opportunities across the Atlantic. While his life was brief, his story continues to be told, ensuring that the memory of this young Swedish laborer lives on more than a century after that fateful night in April 1912.