Peter Andreas Lauritz Andersen Søholt was a 19 (nineteen) year-old Norwegian carpenter who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. As a third-class passenger, Søholt’s story is one of many that highlights the disproportionate impact the disaster had on those traveling in steerage.
Early Life and Background
Norwegian Roots
Born on July 12, 1892, in Sjöholt, Örskog, Möre and Romsdal County, Norway, Peter Søholt was christened on August 7 in the Church of Norway. He was the son of Anders Kristian Andersen, a smith, and Johanna Martha (née Petersdotter), who had married on May 28, 1883, in Örskog, Möre og Romsdal.
Family and Siblings
Peter was not an only child. His known siblings included:
Nils Andreas Herman (born September 21, 1894)
Amalie Sofie (born October 25, 1896)
Andreas Sverre (born March 17, 1899)
A Carpenter’s Journey
What was Peter Søholt’s profession?
Peter Søholt was a skilled carpenter and joiner, residing in Örskog, Ålesund, Norway before his fateful journey. His craftsmanship would have been in high demand in both his home country and his intended destination in America.
The Titanic Voyage
Embarking on a New Life
Søholt’s journey began in Ålesund, Norway, where he and a group of companions set sail for Newcastle via Bergen. From there, they made their way to Southampton, England, where they boarded the RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage.
Who were Peter’s travel companions?
Peter Søholt was not traveling alone. His fellow passengers included:
This group of Norwegians likely provided comfort and familiarity for Søholt during the early stages of his journey to a new life in America.
Titanic Ticket Details
Detail
Information
Class
3rd Class
Ticket Number
348124
Cabin
F G73
Fare
£7 13s
What was Peter Søholt’s final destination?
Søholt’s ultimate destination was to be the home of a Mrs. Johnson at 1519 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. This suggests he may have had connections or employment arranged in the area, possibly within the carpentry trade.
Fate During the Disaster
A Life Cut Short
Tragically, Peter Andreas Lauritz Andersen Søholt did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At just 19 years old, his promising future was cut short on April 15, 1912, when the ship struck an iceberg and sank in the early hours of the morning.
Were any of Peter’s belongings recovered?
There is no record of Peter Søholt’s body being recovered, nor any mention of personal effects being found. Like many victims of the Titanic disaster, his final resting place remains the cold depths of the North Atlantic.
Legacy and Remembrance
How is Peter Søholt remembered today?
While Peter Søholt’s life was brief, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. His name is memorialized on various Titanic passenger lists and in Norwegian historical records.
“Peter Søholt’s journey, from a small town in Norway to the decks of the Titanic, represents the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants seeking a better life across the Atlantic.”
What can we learn from Peter Søholt’s story?
Peter Søholt’s tale is a stark reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, particularly among third-class passengers. It underscores the importance of maritime safety regulations and the need to value all lives equally, regardless of social status or ticket class.
As we reflect on the life of Peter Andreas Lauritz Andersen Søholt, we are reminded of the countless stories of courage, hope, and tragedy that make up the tapestry of the Titanic’s history. His memory, along with those of his fellow passengers, continues to captivate and educate new generations about this pivotal moment in maritime history.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.