Rev. William LAHTINEN

Who was Rev. William LAHTINEN?

Rev. William LAHTINEN was a 35 (thirty-five) year-old Finnish priest and second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on April 23, 1876, in Viitasaari, Finland, Lahtinen had emigrated to the United States and become a naturalized citizen before his tragic death on April 15, 1912, during the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Background

Finnish Roots and Military Service

Rev. William LAHTINEN was born to Heikki Peura and Fredrika Karlsdotter Peura in Viitasaari, Finland. While details about his early life are scarce, it is believed that he may have served in the military as a young man.

Immigration to America

In June 1903, Lahtinen embarked on a new chapter in his life by emigrating to the United States. He sailed aboard the Campania, setting the stage for his future in America. Upon arrival, he settled in Minnesota and pursued a diverse set of occupations:

• Farmer in Cokato, Wright County, Minnesota
• Pastor of the Apostolic Lutheran Church
• Spent time in Lead, South Dakota and Michigan

Family Life

On October 15, 1904, William married Anna Amelia Lahtinen in Lawrence County, South Dakota. Although the couple did not have biological children, they adopted a daughter named Martha Agnes, born on September 29, 1907, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Titanic Journey

Why were the Lahtinens returning to America?

Rev. William LAHTINEN and his wife had traveled to Finland to visit his widowed mother. Tragically, during their stay, their adopted daughter Martha fell ill, possibly with meningitis, and passed away on March 10, 1912. This heartbreaking loss prompted the couple to plan their return to the United States.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Class: Second Class
• Ticket Number: 250651
• Fare: £26
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

The Lahtinens boarded the Titanic at Southampton, accompanied by Lyyli Karoliina Silvén, a relative of Anna Lahtinen.

The Fateful Night

On the evening of April 14, 1912, Lyyli Karoliina Silvén enjoyed a dance in the second-class area before retiring to her cabin. She was asleep when the Titanic struck the iceberg but was awakened by the impact. Immediately, she sought out the Lahtinens.

The Lahtinens’ Final Moments

During the evacuation, Lyyli Silvén remained with the Lahtinens. She later reported that Anna Lahtinen appeared very nervous but steadfastly refused to be separated from her husband. This devotion ultimately led to both of their deaths in the sinking.

Anna Lahtinen, despite appearing to be very nervous, refused to be parted from her husband.

Legacy

Rev. William LAHTINEN and his wife Anna Amelia Lahtinen both perished in the Titanic disaster. Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the tragedy and the bonds of love that persisted even in the face of certain doom.

Unfinished Plans

Before their ill-fated journey, the Lahtinens had arranged with contractor Nels Hill of Cokato to have a new residence built in Minneapolis. The completion was expected soon after their return, a future they would never see realized.

Interesting Facts About Rev. William LAHTINEN

• Height: 5’ 8"
• Appearance: Light hair and moustache, blue eyes, and a fair complexion
• Naturalization: Became a US citizen on December 5, 1910, in Buffalo, Minnesota
• Passport Application: Applied in September 1911 for his trip to Finland
• Connection to Titanic Victims: As second-class passengers who did not survive, the Lahtinens are part of the second-class victims of the Titanic disaster

Rev. William LAHTINEN’s life, cut short at 35 (thirty-five) years old, was one of service, faith, and devotion—to his church, his adopted country, and ultimately, to his wife in their final moments aboard the Titanic.