Mr Samuel Niklasson

Who was Samuel Niklasson?

Samuel Niklasson, known affectionately as “Sandel” to his family and friends, was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Swedish general labourer who embarked on the fateful journey of the RMS Titanic. Born on May 15, 1883, in Västra Bogane, Myckelby, Orust, Göteborgs and Bohus County, Sweden, Niklasson was one of the many third-class passengers who sought a new life in America aboard the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Background

A Swedish Upbringing

Samuel Niklasson was born into a farming family, the son of Niklas Peterson and Peggy Charlotta Rasmusdotter. He grew up in a large family, with nine siblings:

• Johan Robert (b. March 19, 1867)
• Oscar Pontus (b. June 16, 1873, d. July 10, 1910)
• Olof Albert (b. November 28, 1875)
• Katharina Elisabeth (b. June 13, 1878)
• Antoinetta Josefina (b. December 6, 1879)
• Erik Birger (b. November 20, 1886)
• Gerda Ottilia (b. August 17, 1889)
• Hjalmar Gottfrid (b. February 20, 1894)
• Magda Ulrika (b. April 3, 1870)

What influenced Samuel’s decision to emigrate?

Five of Samuel’s seven siblings had already emigrated to America, which likely played a significant role in his decision to follow suit. The prospect of new opportunities and reuniting with family members in the United States must have been a compelling factor for the young labourer.

The Titanic Journey

Preparations and Departure

Samuel Niklasson’s journey to the Titanic was marked by several notable events:

1. He traveled with two other men from Orust Island: Karl Johan Johansson and Oscar Wilhelm Johansson.
2. Niklasson purchased his ticket only upon arriving in England, which was unusual and may explain why he wasn’t listed as a Swedish subject in official records.
3. In Hull, he bought a postcard and mailed it to his parents from Southampton on April 8, 1912. This would be the last communication his family received from him.

Titanic Boarding Details

Fate During the Disaster

“When the ship was sinking Samuel got separated from Oscar Olsson, who survived. Samuel’s body was never found.”

The night of April 14-15, 1912, proved tragic for Samuel Niklasson. As the Titanic began to sink, he became separated from his traveling companion, Oscar Olsson, who managed to survive the disaster. Unfortunately, Samuel was not among the survivors, and his body was never recovered from the icy Atlantic waters.

How was Samuel’s death recorded?

In a poignant note, the vicar in Samuel’s home church recorded his date of death as April 15, 1912, without any additional comment. This simple entry in the church book serves as a stark reminder of the many lives lost in the Titanic disaster.

Legacy and Impact

Financial Compensation

The Niklasson family received financial compensation for their loss:

• The Mansion House Fund paid 875.52 Kr (£48) to Samuel’s parents.
• Additional damage claims of 1822 Kr (£100) were paid to his parents on May 29, 1914.

A Lasting Memory

Samuel Niklasson’s story, while tragically cut short, remains a part of the larger Titanic narrative. His journey represents the hopes and dreams of many third-class passengers who sought better opportunities across the Atlantic. Today, he is remembered as one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster, his life and aspirations forever intertwined with the ship’s ill-fated maiden voyage.

Samuel’s tale serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic tragedy, particularly among the third-class passengers who faced the highest mortality rates during the sinking.