A Change of Identity?
Written by Mark Wills
Several researchers have found evidence that someone in their family traveled to the United States under an assumed identity, often that of a family member.
One such story involves Henry Schreiner, who came to America at 14 with his Uncle Karl Arndt (both from Norka). Henry's parents feared that he would be conscripted into the Russian Army. They encouraged Henry to leave for America, where he could lose himself in a new environment, free from the Russian officials who might want to bring him back.
I believe that Henry and Karl traveled under assumed names, as the ship records show no indication of them. Ironically, their ship was crossing the Atlantic the night the Titanic sank.
Karl found he did not care for life in the United States, so he returned to Russia after several years. Without other family members nearby, Henry surely felt alone and lost.
One such story involves Henry Schreiner, who came to America at 14 with his Uncle Karl Arndt (both from Norka). Henry's parents feared that he would be conscripted into the Russian Army. They encouraged Henry to leave for America, where he could lose himself in a new environment, free from the Russian officials who might want to bring him back.
I believe that Henry and Karl traveled under assumed names, as the ship records show no indication of them. Ironically, their ship was crossing the Atlantic the night the Titanic sank.
Karl found he did not care for life in the United States, so he returned to Russia after several years. Without other family members nearby, Henry surely felt alone and lost.
The ill-fated steamship "Titanic."
Source
Story submitted by Mark Wills and used with his permission.
Last updated March 21, 2025