Mr Wilhelm Johansson Skoog

Who was Wilhelm Johansson Skoog?

Wilhelm Johansson Skoog was a 40 (forty) year-old Swedish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on April 6, 1872, in Forshem, Skaraborg, Sweden, Skoog was a general laborer and mining fireman who had lived in both Sweden and the United States. He and his family were third-class passengers on the Titanic, embarking on a journey that would tragically end their lives.

Early Life and Background

Swedish Roots and Family

Born to Anders Johan (a crofter) and Kristina Johansson
Had two sisters: Anna Natalia and Maria Lovisa
Brother Karl Gustaf died in infancy

Wilhelm married Anna Bernhardina Karlsdotter on June 5, 1898, in Forshem. The couple’s life would soon take them across the Atlantic in search of new opportunities.

Journey to America and Life in Michigan

How did the Skoog family establish themselves in the United States?

The Skoogs first traveled to America in 1900, departing from Gothenburg to Hull, then to Liverpool, and finally sailing to Boston aboard the steamer Ultonia. They settled in Iron Mountain, Michigan, where Wilhelm worked as a mining fireman at the Pewabic mine.

Their family grew to include five children:

Johan Erik (born and died in 1899)
Karl Torsten (born July 13, 1900)
Mabel C. (born July 22, 1902)
Harald V. (born August 22, 1906)
Margit Elizabeth (born April 14, 1910)

“Mr. Skoog sold out his property at Iron Mountain last fall and went to Sweden for a visit. If he liked it there he intended to purchase property and settle in the old country but the ways of his native land seemed slow after having lived so long in America and he decided to return with his family and continue his residence in this country.” — The Diamond Drill, Crystal Falls, Michigan, April 27, 1912

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Skoogs returning to America?

After briefly resettling in Hällekis, Sweden in 1911, the Skoog family decided to return to Michigan. They left Gothenburg on April 5, 1912, aboard the steamer Calypso, arriving in Hull, England on April 7. From there, they made their way to Southampton to board the Titanic.

Titanic Boarding Details

Detail	Information
Class	3rd Class
Ticket Number	347088
Fare	£27 18s
Port of Embarkation	Southampton
Date of Boarding	April 10, 1912

Accompanying the Skoog family were Jenny Henriksson and Elin Natalia Pettersson, Wilhelm’s niece.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to the Skoog family on the night of the sinking?

The tragic fate of the Skoog family remains a mystery. With four young children, including Karl who required crutches due to a previous accident, the family faced immense challenges during the chaotic sinking. Sadly, the entire family perished in the disaster, with none of their bodies recovered.

Legacy and Aftermath

How did the Skoog family’s story impact others?

The loss of the Skoog family highlighted the disproportionate effect the disaster had on third-class passengers. Their story, particularly that of young Karl with his physical disabilities, underscores the human tragedy of the Titanic sinking.

Financial Aftermath

The Mansion House Fund paid 875.52 Kr (£48) to Wilhelm’s parents
Damage claims of 911 Kr (£50) were paid to his parents
An additional payment of 350 kr (about £20) was made on June 28, 1917

Wilhelm’s father, dissatisfied with the compensation from White Star Line, pursued a private lawsuit against the company with an American lawyer. This action demonstrates the long-lasting impact of the disaster on surviving family members and their quest for justice.

The story of Wilhelm Johansson Skoog and his family serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams, aspirations, and lives cut short by the Titanic tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on maritime history and the collective memory of those affected by the disaster.