Johannes J. Van de Velde
 |
This article is an orphan, as few or no other articles link to it. Please introduce links to this page from related articles; suggestions are available. (February 2010) |
| Johannes Josef Van De Velde | |
|---|---|
| 280x220px | |
| Born |
August 4, 1876 Denderhoutem, Belgium |
| Died |
April 15, 1912 (aged 35) RMS Titanic (sunk), Atlantic Ocean |
| Other names | Josef Van De Velde |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Spouse(s) | Marie Baudar |
Johannes Josef Van de Velde was born on August 4, 1876. Van De Velde left his parents when he was 16, and moved to Denderhoutem, Belgium. He later became fascinated with the process of weaving. Unfortunately, he was put out of work and bought a 3rd Class Ticket on board the RMS Titanic.
Previous Life
Van De Velde was an artist in Belgium. He painted many abstract paintings and drawings and he sold them at the local market. In 1898, when his paintings began to go down in Value, he began a farming career. That same year he met Marie Bauder, and they got married. They later had four children. He lost his job in 1912, and was convinced by the White Star Line to Immigrate to America to start a new career as a farm hand. He bought a 3rd class ticket(ticket number 345780, £9 10s) on the RMS Titanic.
RMS Titanic
Johannes boarded the Titanic at Southampton. He was on his way to Gladstone, to become a Farm Hand. Once he boarded, he went to his stateroom and started drawing some sketches of the beautiful Scenes on the Titanic. Johannes usually spent most of his time chatting with other 3rd class passengers and drawing. On the night of April 15, 1912 when the Titanic sank, Johannes was chatting in his stateroom with another passenger named Theodoor de Mulder. Theodoor said that Johannes helped him up to the boat deck, since he had been up there many times to draw sketches. Johannes also gave Theodoor a note to hand to his wife, in case he didn't survive.
Johannes Josef Van De Velde went down with the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. Theodoor actually did give his note to Marie Bauder, who was devastated by the death of her husband. He visited her after the sinking of the Titanic, and comforted her in every way he could. He also gave her some of her husband's sketches as well.
