Mr Thor Anderson Olsvigen

Who was Thor Anderson Olsvigen?

Thor Anderson Olsvigen was a 20 (twenty) year-old Norwegian salesman who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on February 7, 1892, in Olsvigen farm, Ådal, Norway, Olsvigen was one of the many third-class passengers who embarked on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, hoping to start a new life in America.

Early Life and Background

A Norwegian Family Man

Thor Anderson Olsvigen came from a large Norwegian family:

Born to Anders Eriksen Olsvigen and Rønnang Torsen Olsvigen
Second child among 11 siblings
Hailed from Vikersund, Norway

Career Aspirations

As a young man of 20, Olsvigen had already established himself as a salesman. His decision to travel to America suggests a spirit of adventure and ambition, common among many Titanic passengers seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Journey

How did Thor Anderson Olsvigen come to be on the Titanic?

Olsvigen’s journey to the Titanic began in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway. He booked his passage through Ferdinand Elster, the White Star Line’s agent, on April 2, 1912. His travel itinerary was as follows:

Departed from Oslo on April 3, 1912, aboard the ship Oslo
Traveled to Hull, England
Boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912

Ticket and Accommodation Details

Detail	Information
Ticket Number	6563
Passenger Class	3rd Class
Fare	£9 4s 6d
Destination	Cameron, Wisconsin

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Thor Anderson Olsvigen on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Like many third-class passengers, Thor Anderson Olsvigen did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, recorded as body number 89. The description of his remains provides a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

NO. 89. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 25. - HAIR LIGHT. CLOTHING - Dark suit; black boots and socks. EFFECTS - Gold watch and chain; pocket book with $20.00 in notes and papers; bundle of photos; knife; comb; purse and chain, with $4.50; pocket knife. NO MARKS THIRD CLASS TICKET NO. 6563 NAME - THOS. ANDERSON

Olsvigen’s body was buried at sea, a common practice for many Titanic victims due to the limited capacity for preserving remains.

Legacy and Family Impact

How did the Olsvigen family cope with Thor’s loss?

The loss of Thor Anderson Olsvigen had a profound impact on his family:

His parents received £60 (1090.20 NKr) from the Mansion House Fund on January 19, 1913.
The family pursued compensation from the White Star Line:
- First payment: £72 (minus £18 for attorney fees) in February 1916
- Second payment: £19 (minus £5 for attorney fees) in November 1916
- Final payment: £2,3 in early 1928
Thor’s father attempted to claim an additional $25 for a trunk his son had on board, but this was refused by White Star Line.

Tragically, Thor’s mother died of cancer in November 1913, just over a year after losing her son. His father lived until 1943. In a bittersweet twist of fate, Thor’s oldest sister successfully emigrated to Wisconsin a few years after his death, fulfilling the journey he had hoped to make.

A Lasting Memory

Thor Anderson Olsvigen’s story is a poignant reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His personal effects, returned to his family, serve as tangible connections to a life full of potential and dreams of a new beginning in America. Though his journey ended tragically, Olsvigen’s memory lives on as part of the enduring legacy of the Titanic and its passengers.