Mr Stjepan Turčin

Who was Stjepan Turčin?

Stjepan Turčin was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old Croatian laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, Turčin’s story is one of many that highlights the disproportionate impact of the disaster on those traveling in steerage.

Early Life and Background

Croatian Origins

Stjepan Turčin was born in 1876 in Croatia, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He hailed from the town of Bratina, a small village in central Croatia.

Occupation and Family

• Occupation: General Labourer
• Marital Status: Married
• Children: At least one child

Turčin worked as a general laborer, likely engaging in various manual jobs to support his family. His decision to travel to America was likely motivated by the prospect of better economic opportunities, a common aspiration for many European immigrants of the time.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

• Port of Embarkation: Southampton, England
• Ticket Number: 349247
• Ticket Price: £7 17s 11d (7 pounds, 17 shillings, and 11 pence)

Stjepan Turčin boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912. He purchased his ticket from Viktor Klaus-Wildi, an agent in Buchs, Switzerland, for 325 Swiss francs.

Destination and Hopes

“To reach his destination of Youngstown, Ohio, he bought his ticket from the agent: Viktor Klaus-Wildi, Buchs for 325 Swiss francs.”

Turčin’s ultimate destination was Youngstown, Ohio, a city known for its steel mills and industrial opportunities. Like many immigrants, he likely hoped to find work in the booming American industrial sector and eventually bring his family to join him.

Fate During the Disaster

The Tragic Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Stjepan Turčin found himself in a precarious situation. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in the upper classes.

Confirmed Victim

Mr. Turčin did not survive the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This tragic outcome was all too common for third-class victims of the Titanic disaster.

Legacy and Impact

Family Left Behind

Stjepan Turčin left behind a widow and at least one child in Kupinec (Bratina), Croatia. The loss of a husband and father would have had a profound impact on this family, both emotionally and financially.

Financial Compensation

The Titanic Relief Fund provided some financial assistance to Turčin’s family, but no amount could truly compensate for their loss.

Historical Context: Croatian Immigration

Stjepan Turčin’s journey was part of a larger wave of Croatian immigration to the United States in the early 20th century. Many Croatians, like Turčin, were seeking better economic opportunities and often found work in industrial cities like Youngstown, Ohio.

Why were so many Croatians immigrating to America?

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant economic and political changes in Croatia and surrounding regions. Factors driving immigration included:

• Limited economic opportunities in rural Croatia
• Political instability in the Austro-Hungarian Empire
• Stories of success from earlier immigrants
• The promise of industrial jobs in American cities

Stjepan Turčin’s tragic story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices many immigrants were willing to make in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.