A Titanic Loss
April 20, 2009
Last week marked the tragic sinking of the R.M.S Titanic on April 15, 1912. Over 1,500 souls were lost when the massive ocean liner struck an iceberg including such famous first-class passengers as John Jacob Astor IV, Benjamin Guggenheim and Isidor and Ida Straus. But, the most heart-wrenching loss may have come from the third class roster.
From the April 20, 1912 edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune (Click on for a larger, readable image):
Nils Palsson had come to Chicago in 1910, hoping to establish a better life for his family. He eagerly awaited their arrival. Lost were Mrs. Alma Cornelia Palsson (29), Gosta Palsson (2) Paul Palsson (6), Stina Palsson (3) and Torborg Danira Palsson (8).
The story of the doomed family is recounted in Titanic: Women and Children First by Judith B. Geller and is available for viewing in the book's preview here.
Photo credit: Encyclopedia Titanica. Nils, Alma and one of their young children, probably Stina.
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5 comments:
How horrible for the man. I can't imagine it. It should never have been like that.
I can't even imagine what it did to the poor guy; his whole family gone. Thanks for stopping!
I used to work in Southampton where the Titanic sailed from, and live nearby, so we are very aware of the Titanic disaster. It touched so many Southampton families. There are several memorials in the city, and a "Titanic trail" to visit various important sites.
This story really puts a human face on this famous tragedy. Thanks for sharing. www.satisfiedsole.com
Shelia and Pam,
Two things always come to mind when I think of the Titanic -
It was the losss of the people not the ship that was the tragedy and the sinking is a metaphor for human arrogance.
Shelia - I know Southhampton was very proud of the work they did on the ship and it was literally the whole town. I do not doubt that they have a wonderful memorial.
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