Mr Pål Edvin Andreasson

Who was Pål Edvin Andreasson?

Pål Edvin Andreasson was a 20 (twenty) year-old Swedish laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on March 21, 1892, in Hallaryd, Kronoberg, Sweden, Andreasson was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey to start a new life in America when disaster struck.

Early Life and Background

A Swedish Family’s Story

Pål Edvin Andreasson came from a large Swedish family:

• Parents: Andreas Nilsson (b. 1856) and Emma Pålsdotter (b. 1864)
• Siblings:
  1. Ernst Ivar (b. 1885)
  2. Alma Charlotta (b. 1886)
  3. Annie Teresia (b. 1889)
  4. Nils Valter (b. 1903)
  5. Agda Valborg (b. 1904)
  6. Nils Seved (b. 1906)

Pursuing a Trade

Pål had dedicated seven years to training as a smith in Kalfsnäs, Kalfshult, Hallaryd. This commitment to his craft showcased his determination and work ethic, qualities that would serve him well in his planned new life in America.

The Journey to Titanic

Why Did Andreasson Decide to Emigrate?

Pål’s decision to emigrate was influenced by his brother Ernest, who had already established himself in Chicago, Illinois. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Pål set his sights on joining him at 8109 Sherman Avenue, Chicago.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Ticket Number: 347466
• Ticket Cost: £7 17s 1d
• Class: Third Class

Andreasson’s journey began in Sweden, taking him through Denmark where he purchased his Titanic ticket in Copenhagen. He boarded the ill-fated ship in Southampton, carrying with him 500-600 Kr and dreams of a new life.

Travel Companions

Pål didn’t embark on this journey alone. He was accompanied by fellow travelers:

• Albert Augustsson
• Karl Jonsson
• Nils Johansson
• Olga Elida Lundin

The Fateful Night

What Happened to Pål Edvin Andreasson?

Tragically, Pål Edvin Andreasson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the young age of 20 (twenty), his life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

“Pål Andreasson died in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This stark statement encapsulates the tragedy that befell not just Andreasson, but many of the Titanic’s victims.

Legacy and Compensation

How Was Andreasson’s Family Compensated?

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

1. Mansion House Fund: 872.52 Kr (£48) paid to his parents
2. Damage Claims: An additional 924 Kr paid on October 5, 1914

While no amount could truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, these payments were part of the broader efforts to provide some form of restitution to the families of Titanic victims.

Remembering Pål Edvin Andreasson

Pål Edvin Andreasson’s story is a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. A young man with dreams of a new life in America, skilled in his trade and supported by family, Andreasson represents the hope and tragedy intertwined in the Titanic’s fateful voyage. His memory lives on as part of the enduring narrative of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.