Mr Olof Svensson

Who was Olof Svensson?

Olof Svensson was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Swedish farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on May 11, 1887, in Osby, Kristianstad County, Sweden, Svensson was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Family Background

A Swedish Upbringing

Olof Svensson was born into a farming family in Osby, Sweden. His parents were:

Father: Sven Persson (born October 4, 1856)
Mother: Hanna Persdotter (born January 8, 1856)

Svensson grew up in a large family, with several siblings:

Sigrid (born October 4, 1878)
Thilda (born March 14, 1882)
Nils Johan (born May 2, 1884)
Twins Harald and Kristian (born October 11, 1889)
Carl Ossian (born January 28, 1891)
Ellen (born June 16, 1893)
Annie (born November 24, 1894)
Arthur Wilhelm (born November 30, 1897)

Tragically, Harald, one of the twins, passed away on June 3, 1890, at less than a year old.

Family Hardship

In 1902, Olof’s father Sven Persson passed away, leaving the family in a difficult financial situation. As a result, Olof took on the responsibility of supporting his mother, Hanna, who became dependent on her son’s income.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Olof Svensson board the Titanic?

Olof Svensson, along with his traveling companion Eberhard Fischer, embarked on a journey from Björkeberga, Osby, with an unknown final destination. They obtained their emigration certificates on March 29, 1912, just weeks before boarding the ill-fated Titanic.

Titanic Boarding Details

Class: Third Class
Port of Embarkation: Southampton
Ticket Number: 350035
Fare: £7 15s 11d

A Fateful Letter

The last known communication from Olof and Eberhard was a letter sent from Southampton on April 9, 1912. This letter, mentioned in a song about the two men, provides a poignant final glimpse into their lives before the disaster.

The Titanic Disaster and Olof’s Fate

What happened to Olof Svensson during the sinking?

Olof Svensson, like many third-class passengers, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was never recovered from the icy Atlantic waters. The local church book in his hometown recorded his fate as “died on Atlantic with S/S Titanick” (sic).

Legacy and Compensation

Financial Support for the Family

Following the disaster, Olof’s mother Hanna received financial compensation:

The Mansion House Fund paid 874.08 Kr (£48) on January 23, 1913.
Additional damage claims totaling 1822 Kr (£100) were also paid to her.

These payments, while unable to replace the loss of a son, provided some financial relief to the grieving mother who had been dependent on Olof’s income.

A Song of Remembrance

An intriguing aspect of Olof Svensson’s story is the existence of a song about him and his traveling companion, Eberhard Fischer. This song provides additional details about their lives:

They were working “at Skeinge” before their journey
It mentions the letter sent from Southampton on April 9, their last known communication

This musical tribute serves as a unique memorial, preserving the memory of these two young men and their tragic fate aboard the Titanic.

Olof Svensson’s Place in Titanic History

Olof Svensson’s story is one of many that make up the tragic tapestry of the Titanic disaster. As a third-class passenger, his experience highlights the disproportionate impact the sinking had on those traveling in steerage. His journey from a Swedish farm to the decks of the world’s most famous ocean liner encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of many immigrants of his time, tragically cut short by one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.