Simon Sivertsen Sæther
Mr Simon Sivertsen Sæther
Simon Sivertsen Sæther was a 43 (forty-three) year-old Norwegian miner who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on July 14, 1868, in Skaun, Søndre Trondhjem County, Norway, Sæther’s journey from South Africa to America ended in disaster on April 15, 1912.
Early Life and Family Background
A Norwegian Upbringing
Simon Sæther was one of ten children born to Sivert Sivertsen Rian and Guru Iversdatter Melum. Growing up in a large family in late 19th century Norway likely shaped his character and work ethic.
Marriage and Move to South Africa
On July 9, 1909, Simon married Marta Estendatter Snefgul. Shortly after their wedding, the couple made a significant life change:
- Emigrated to Johannesburg, South Africa
- Joined Simon’s brother Anders, who had a prosperous homestead
This move showcased Sæther’s adventurous spirit and willingness to seek opportunities abroad.
The Fateful Titanic Journey
Why Was Simon Sæther on the Titanic?
In 1912, Simon decided to visit his siblings in America, planning to return and settle in Norway afterward. This decision led him to book passage on the ill-fated Titanic.
Titanic Boarding Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Class | 3rd Class |
| Ticket Number | SOTON/O.Q. 3101262 |
| Fare | £7 5s |
| Port of Embarkation | Southampton |
Interestingly, despite being Norwegian and traveling from South Africa, Sæther was listed as a British subject on the Titanic’s manifest.
Fate During the Disaster
Simon Sæther did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, designated as body number 32.
Recovery Details
NO. 32. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 30. SYNES, AMPUTATION OF RIGHT FOOT. CLOTHING - Green coat and trousers; black socks and boots. EFFECTS - Watch and chain; watch case; pipe and papers; $55 in notes; $4.62 in coins; pocketbook; keys; photo. THIRD CLASS. NAME - SIMON SATHER.
This detailed description provides a poignant glimpse into Sæther’s final moments and possessions.
Legacy and Remembrance
Final Resting Place
Simon Sæther was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 10, 1912. His grave serves as a somber reminder of the Titanic tragedy.
A Life Cut Short
At the time of his death, Simon was 43 (forty-three) years old, with potentially many years ahead of him. His story is one of the many tragic tales from the Titanic’s third-class passengers, highlighting the disproportionate loss of life among those in steerage.
What Can We Learn from Simon Sæther’s Story?
Simon Sæther’s life and death on the Titanic offer several insights:
- The global nature of early 20th-century migration
- The dreams and aspirations of those seeking new opportunities
- The indiscriminate nature of maritime disasters
His journey from Norway to South Africa, and then his fateful trip on the Titanic, illustrate the interconnected world of the early 1900s and the risks people were willing to take for a better life or to maintain family connections.
Simon Sæther’s story, while brief, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster and the countless lives forever changed by that fateful night in April 1912.
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.