Mr Oskar Arvid Hedman

Who was Oskar Arvid Hedman?

Mr Oskar Arvid Hedman was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Swedish-American passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on July 5, 1884, in Umeå, Sweden, Hedman worked as a settler recruiter and played a unique role in the Titanic’s fateful journey, leading a group of 17 migrants aboard the ship.

Early Life and Immigration

Swedish Roots and Family

Oskar Arvid Hedman was born to Gustav Hedman in Umeå, Sweden. He grew up in a large family, with:

Three brothers
Two sisters

Journey to America

In 1905, at the age of 21 (twenty-one), Hedman made a life-changing decision to emigrate to the United States. His journey led him to settle in Beach, North Dakota, marking the beginning of his American adventure.

Life in America Before Titanic

Hedman’s life in America was marked by various occupations and relocations:

1911: Lived in Bowman, North Dakota
- Employed at the Carter Hotel
- Operated automobiles for Western Land Securities company and others
- Owned land near the town
Sioux Falls: Resided at 414 West First St., Sioux Falls, South Dakota
1912: Employed by J.P. Rodgers & Co. in St. Paul, Minnesota
- Worked as a “settler recruiter” for the land firm

As a settler recruiter, Hedman’s job was to attract migrant workers to specific U.S. states, likely on behalf of the land firm.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding and Companions

Oskar Hedman boarded the Titanic as a third-class passenger at Southampton. He was not traveling alone, but rather:

Led a group of 17 migrants
Most in his group couldn’t speak English
Notable members of his group included:
- Berta Nilsson
- Hilda Hellström
- Oscar Leander Johansson

Cabin Arrangements

During the voyage, Hedman shared a cabin with Malkolm Joackim Johnson, whom he called “Sever.”

The Fateful Night

Escape from the Sinking Ship

As the Titanic began to sink, chaos ensued:

Hedman lost contact with Johnson in the crowd
In a desperate move, Hedman threw himself into a lifeboat at the last second
He later recalled thinking, “If they are going to shoot me I’ll just die faster”

Rescue and Survival

Hedman likely escaped on Lifeboat 15
He was one of the fortunate third-class passengers to survive the disaster
Contemporary newspaper reports gave conflicting accounts of his escape

Life After the Titanic

Immediate Aftermath

Upon arriving in New York:

Received $10 from the “Women’s Relief Committee”
Telegraphed his employer for money to travel to St. Paul
Helped fellow survivors Anna Sjöblom, Carl Olof Jansson, and Berta Nilsson with train fare

Marriage and New Beginnings

Married Julia Mathilda “Tillie” Anderson on November 7, 1912

Career as “Doc” Hedman

Oskar’s post-Titanic life took an interesting turn:

Trained as an osteopath or chiropractor in North Dakota
Practiced for many years without an official license
Known locally as “Doc”
Moved frequently to avoid citations for practicing without a license
Settled in Onida, South Dakota around 1925
Practiced in Onida for almost 40 years

What was Oskar Hedman’s Legacy?

Despite his eventful life, Oskar Hedman’s legacy remains relatively modest:

Survived one of the most famous maritime disasters in history
Led a group of immigrants to safety during the Titanic sinking
Provided unlicensed but apparently appreciated medical care for decades
Left no children to carry on his name

Oskar Arvid Hedman passed away on July 28, 1961, in Onida, South Dakota, at the age of 77 (seventy-seven). His wife, Julia Mathilda Hedman, followed him in death in 1965. While he may not be one of the most famous Titanic survivors, Hedman’s story offers a unique glimpse into the immigrant experience and the lasting impact of the disaster on those who lived through it.