On This Date in Minnesota History: June 10

June 10, 1912 – Nicola Lielich, a survivor of the Titanic disaster, recently employed in the mines of the Virginia district, left Duluth today on his way to New York, for the purpose of bringing an action for damages against the White Star Steamship Company. He claims to have lost $400 in money besides his baggage when the ship went down. His complaint alleges that his health was permanently injured by exposure in the water, so that he is no longer able to work, as he used to, in the mines. Under the marine laws it is doubtful if he can even recover for his personal belongings, but he intends to try.

Titanic¹

Lielich was picked up by one of the life-boats, as he was swimming around in the icy water. He held a two-year-old boy, whom he had found floating on the water, and that was why he was taken upon the boat. When Lielich was picked up, it was found that the lower part of his trousers had to be cut away.

After returning to the Range country, Lielich attempted to work again at mining, but he found this impossible, he says, on account of cramps. For a long time he was able to earn some money by lecturing on the Titanic wreck in moving picture houses.

On arriving at New York he was cared for in one of the hospitals of that city. As his money and baggage were lost, the sisters (nuns) presented him with $25. He left the child whom he had rescued in their care.

The Duluth Herald; “Titanic Survivor Unable to Work”; June 11, 1912; p. 4.

¹https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Titanic#/media/File:RMS_Titanic_3.jpg

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