Mr Olaus Jørgensen Abelseth

Who was Olaus Jørgensen Abelseth?

Olaus Jørgensen Abelseth was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old Norwegian farmer and Titanic survivor who embarked on a remarkable journey from his homeland to America. His story of survival and resilience during the Titanic disaster is a testament to human endurance and the will to live.

Early Life and Background

Born on June 10, 1886, in Øvste Kleivane farm, Ørskog, Romsdal County, Ålesund, Norway, Olaus came from a family of farmers. His parents, Jörgen Andreas Laurits Anderssen and Hanna Petrine Kristine Abelseth, had several children, with Olaus being one of the younger siblings.

What was Olaus’ early career like?

Before his fateful journey on the Titanic, Olaus had already experienced life as a:

• Sailor
• Casual laborer
• Farmer

His diverse work experience would later prove crucial in his survival during the Titanic disaster.

Journey to America

In 1902 or 1903, Olaus and his brother Hans embarked on their first trip to America. They settled in Hatton, North Dakota, where Olaus worked on various farms in the Red River Valley. By 1908, he had established his own livestock farm in Perkins County, South Dakota.

Why did Olaus return to Norway?

After facing difficulties on his farm, Olaus decided to visit his relatives in Norway. He departed from New York to Glasgow in late autumn of 1911, continuing his journey to Scandinavia from there.

The Titanic Journey

In April 1912, Olaus began his return journey to America aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. He was traveling as a third-class passenger, embarking at Southampton with ticket number 348122.

“I was standing there, and I asked my brother-in-law if he could swim and he said no. I asked my cousin if he could swim and he said no. So we could see the water coming up, the bow of the ship was going down, and there was kind of an explosion.”

Who were Olaus’ travel companions?

Olaus was not traveling alone. His companions included:

• Adolf Mathias Nicolai Olsen Humblen
• Anna Kristine Salkjelsvik
• Peter Andreas Lauritz Andersen Søholt (a cousin)
• Sigurd Hansen Moen (married to Olaus’ sister Inge)
• Kalle (Karen) Marie Kristiane Abelseth (a 16-year-old neighbor’s daughter)

The Night of the Disaster

How did Olaus survive the sinking?

On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, Olaus’ survival instincts and experience as a sailor came into play:

1. He made his way from his cabin (G-63) to find Karen Abelseth.
2. Olaus and his group waited on the poop deck for instructions.
3. At about 1:30 AM, third-class women were allowed onto the Boat Deck, followed by men at 2:00 AM.
4. Olaus helped place Karen into a lifeboat.
5. As the ship sank, Olaus and his relatives clung to a lifeboat davit near the fourth funnel.
6. When the water was only five feet away, they plunged into the icy Atlantic.
7. After swimming for twenty minutes, Olaus reached Collapsible A.

Rescue and Aftermath

Olaus was one of the few survivors who endured the frigid waters and made it onto Collapsible A. He was rescued by the Carpathia at around 7:00 AM on April 15, 1912.

What happened to Olaus after the rescue?

• He received medical attention at St. Vincent Hospital in New York.
• Testified before the US Senate Inquiry about the disaster.
• Traveled through Canada, Indianapolis, and Montana before returning to his farm in South Dakota.

Life After Titanic

Olaus’ life took a positive turn after the Titanic disaster:

• On July 1915, he married Anna Grinde in South Dakota.
• The couple had four children (George, Helen, Mae, and a son who died at 3½ years old).
• Olaus continued farming for 30 more years.

Where did Olaus settle in his later years?

After retiring in 1946, Olaus and his family moved several times:

Legacy and Long Life

Olaus Jørgensen Abelseth lived a remarkably long life, passing away on December 4, 1980, at the age of 94 (ninety-four). His wife Anna celebrated her 100th birthday in 1977 before passing away in August 1978.

The Abelseth family’s legacy continues through their children:

• Mae (Mrs. Harlan Omodt) lived in Sandpoint, Idaho
• George settled in Prairie City, South Dakota

Olaus Jørgensen Abelseth’s story of survival and his long, fulfilling life afterward serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience of Titanic survivors and the profound impact the disaster had on their lives.