Mr Nils Johan Göransson Olsson

Who was Nils Johan Göransson Olsson?

Mr Nils Johan Göransson Olsson was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Swedish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on May 13, 1883, in Eslöv, Skåne, Sweden, Olsson was a third-class passenger who embarked on the Titanic’s maiden voyage from Southampton. Tragically, he did not survive the disaster that unfolded on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

A Swedish Smith’s Journey

Nils Johan Göransson Olsson was born to Olof Göransson and Sissa Nilsson in Eslöv, a town in the Skåne region of southern Sweden. Growing up in a working-class family, Olsson learned the trade of a smith, which became his profession.

Family Circumstances

Olsson’s family life was marked by hardship:

• His father worked at a brewery
• An injury left his father with a handicapped hand
• The family became partially dependent on Nils Johan’s income

This challenging situation likely influenced Olsson’s decision to seek opportunities abroad, leading him to book passage on the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Olsson board the Titanic?

While the exact reasons for Olsson’s journey remain unknown, many third-class passengers like him were seeking better economic opportunities in America. Olsson purchased his ticket in Malmö, Sweden, before making his way to Southampton to board the ship.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Passenger Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 347464
• Fare: £7 17s

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Nils Johan Göransson Olsson on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Nils Johan Göransson Olsson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class victim, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class due to factors such as:

• Limited access to lifeboats
• Greater distance from the boat deck
• Possible language barriers and unfamiliarity with the ship’s layout

Search and Recovery

Despite efforts to recover bodies after the disaster, Nils Johan Göransson Olsson’s remains were never found. This was not uncommon, as many victims of the Titanic disaster were lost to the sea.

Legacy and Compensation

How was Olsson’s family compensated for their loss?

In the aftermath of the Titanic disaster, two forms of financial compensation were provided to Olsson’s family:

1. Mansion House Fund: 875.52 Kr (£48) paid to his parents
2. Damage Claims: 2282.50 Kr (£125) paid to his parents on August 18, 1914

These payments, while unable to compensate for the loss of life, were part of the broader relief efforts for families affected by the Titanic tragedy.

Remembering Nils Johan Göransson Olsson

What can we learn from Olsson’s story?

Nils Johan Göransson Olsson’s life and tragic death aboard the Titanic serve as a poignant reminder of the thousands of individuals who sought a better life by crossing the Atlantic in the early 20th century. His story highlights the human cost of the disaster and the disproportionate impact it had on third-class passengers.

“According to church books, John Olsson’s real name was Nils Johan Göransson.”

This detail from the historical record underscores the importance of preserving accurate information about Titanic passengers, ensuring that their true identities and stories are remembered for generations to come.