Mr Johan Birger Gustafsson, 28, the son of Maria Lovisa Gustafsson, was born on June 15, 1883. He worked as a farmer in Kejtala, Strömfors (Ruotsinpyhtää), near Lovisa, Southern Finland and was married to Jenny Johansson with three children: Edvard, Ines and Anna Greta.

Birger had shortly before the trip finished building his new house, and a month before sailing, on March 12, his daughter Anna Greta was born. Birger's intention was either to take the family to USA later or settle down in Kejtala. Birger had found construction work with his brother and brother in law in the USA. Birger, his brother Vilhelm, his sister Mathilda and her husband Karl Alfred Backström travelled from Hangö to Hull on the Polaris and boarded the Titanic at Southampton.

Karl, Birger and Vilhelm were lost in the sinking, Birger's body was never found. His widow later received £250 in compensation.