Swedish American Genealogist
Volume 29 | Number 3 Article 1
9-1-2009 Full Issue Vol. 29 No. 3
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Recommended Citation (2009) "Full Issue Vol. 29 No. 3," Swedish American Genealogist: Vol. 29 : No. 3 , Article 1. Available at: https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/swensonsag/vol29/iss3/1
This Full Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Swedish American Genealogist by an authorized editor of Augustana Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. (ISSN 0275-9314)
A journal devoted to Swedish American biography, genealogy, and personal history
Volume XXIXSeptember 2009 No. 3 CONTENTS
Interview with the widow ...... 1 by Norm Sandin
Copyright © 2009 (ISSN 0275-9314) Korsbaneret – an interesting publication ...... 4 by Elisabeth Thorsell Swedish American Genealogist News from the Swenson Center...... 7 Publisher: By Jill Seaholm and Christina Johansson Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center Augustana College, Rock Island, IL 61201-2296 Peter Stebbins Craig – In Memoriam ...... 8 Telephone: 309-794-7204. Fax: 309-794-7443 By Ellen Rye E-mail: [email protected] Web address: http://www.augustana.edu/swenson/ The search for Swedish ancestry ...... 10 By Paul D. Sward Editor: Elisabeth Thorsell Hästskovägen 45, 177 39 Järfälla, Sweden Those mysterious words, part 3 ...... 13 E-mail: [email protected] By Elisabeth Thorsell
Editorial Committee: The Influence of Swedish Settlers...... 14 H. Arnold Barton, Carbondale, IL By Marianne B. Lenner Dag Blanck, Uppsala, Sweden (Hand)writing Example XXII ...... 18 Dennis L. Johnson, Pottstown, PA Ronald J. Johnson, Madison, WI Bits & Pieces ...... 19 Christopher Olsson, Stockton Springs, ME Priscilla Jönsson Sorknes, Minneapolis, MN Put your “Genealogy Stuff” in book form ...... 20 By P. Robert Willey Swedish American Genealogist, its publisher, editors, and editorial committee assume neither responsibility The Old Picture ...... 21 nor liability for statements of opinion or fact made by contributors. The solution to the (Hand)writing example ... 22
Correspondence. Please direct editorial correspon- Swedish Genealogical Society of Minnesota ... 23 dence such as manuscripts, queries, book reviews, by Elisabeth Thorsell announcements, and ahnentafeln to the editor in Sweden. Book Reviews ...... 24 Correspondence regarding change of address, back issues (price and availability), and advertising should Interesting Web Sites ...... 30 be directed to the publisher in Rock lsland. Genealogical Queries ...... 31
Subscriptions. Subscriptions to the journal are $28.00 The Last Page ...... 32 per annum and run for the calendar year. Single copies are $8.00 each. Swenson Center Associates are entitled to a special discounted subscription price of $15.00. Direct all subscription inquiries to the publisher in Rock Island. In Sweden the subscription price is 250.00 Swedish Cover picture: kronor per year for surface delivery and 275.00 kronor The Battle of Bornhˆft, in Schleswig-Holstein in 1813. Picture per year for air mail. This subscription fee may be by Carl Johan Ljunggren, a Swedish officer. deposited in our plusgiro account: 260 10-9, Swedish See article on page 10. American Genealogist, c/o Thorsell, Hästskovägen 45, S-177 39 Järfälla, Sweden. Interview with the widow
– a journalist explores the world of bouppteckningar. Part 1.
BY NORM SANDIN
It is October 21, 1795, here in Hälle- and Göran Andersson are his they are represented by their ap- fors parish, Västmanland, and we are sons-in-law, and the other Nils pointed guardian Nils Nilsson privileged to have with us Christina Nilsson has been named guardian from Hällefors. Pehrsdotter. Christina lost her hus- to the minor children. band, the late Sven Larsson, four Me: So you had ten children – how weeks ago and we are on the estate Me: I understand Petter and Sven are long were you and Sven married? today with some of her family who both millers just as your husband CP: Let’s see, we married in 1768 and have assembled a team to perform was. Are the sons-in-law also it is now 1795, so it was 27 years. the estate inventory and evaluation. millers? Sven was 18 years older than me. Christina has agreed to let us inter- CP: No, Nils is Maria’s husband - a view her during the process in an tailor who lives in Kullberget, Me: So Sven was pretty old when the unusual way. As I question her, I’ve Södra Torp rote. Göran is Anna’s minor children were born? asked her to pretend that she is husband - a tenant farmer in CP: Yes, my goodness, he was almost answering someone who will be read- Damshöjden. Both of those places 65 when Catharina was born! I’ve ing the interview in a different lan- are here in Hällefors parish. always said, as long as butter will guage and two centuries or more melt in their mouths, men will hence. The reader will know little of Me: There seem to be two other men continue to try for more children! the dialect of this time and place, here. Who are they? little of the objects and equipment CP: Swen Siggesson and Mats Pers- that are in the estate, and little of son are the “good men” who will the customs and practices that conduct the inventory and assign prevail. the valuations. They have done estate inventories many times Me: Why are we here today? before. Christina Pehrsdotter: We are here to perform the bouppteckning for my Me: Besides Petter and Sven, I be- late husband Sven Larsson. lieve you have had several other children. How many, who are they, Me: Now remember who we are and how are they represented? addressing – what is the boupp- CP: My husband was married earlier teckning? to Brita Hindersdotter. They had CP: Everyone knows that – it is the eight children but only Maria, inventory and evaluation of all Lars, and Sven survive. Maria is items in the estate and the deter- represented by her husband Nils mination of the distribution of Nilsson Zander. Lars is a bit slow everything to the heirs. This is in the head and is represented by required by the court after a his brother and guardian Sven. death. Sven the elder and I had ten child- ren, of which six survive. Petter Me: Good – now who are all these is here today and Anna is repres- people? ented by her husband Göran An- CP: Petter and Sven are my hus- dersson. Brita, Christina, Nils, band’s sons, Nils Nilsson Zander and Catharina are minors and A Swedish pewter goblet from ca 1800. Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 1 I see that you have several rath- er expensive pieces of silver Chris- tina – how did that happen? CP: As you said, Sven was a miller. Usually, he was paid by keeping a portion of the grain submitted by the customer, which we used for the family and sold any excess. In the last few years, the weather has been quite good and Sven accumulated quite a bit of cash. A copper still from the 1800s. The still in He didn’t like to keep loose money operation was attached to a kylfat around so he bought silver items. (cooling vessel). Silver retains its value well and it is easy to sell if cash is needed. product also contributed to Sven’s Me: Do you recall how you lost the Besides, silver is beautiful and income. four children who died? makes a nice display! CP: Of course! Stina died of whooping Although it is generally frowned Me: The cast iron stove (Bergslagska- cough when she was about 17 upon, some of the items in the min) is another expensive item, months old. I don’t think anyone estate were acquired by what I right? knows for sure what causes in- think you would call barter. Some CP: Yes, but it was worth every bit of fants to die, but the first Nils had customers had skills but were it – we all had many happy winter severe stomach pains and the very poor, so Sven did their evenings huddled around the second Nils and Johan both had milling for goods instead of grain. warm stove, enjoying the heat and diarrhea. the light of the flickering fire, Me: The copper still with all its parts telling stories, reading from the Me: And how did Sven die? is a very expensive item. Was Bible, and feeling like a family! I CP: I think it was pneumonia. Sven a heavy drinker? will truly miss those nights! CP: Sven was a steady drinker, but probably no more so than his Me: I’m sorry for your loss Christina. The list of estate items many friends. He was a hard Would you like to take a break Me: We are looking at the list of estate worker and the drink never got from the questioning? items. The items are grouped by various attributes. The first of the groups we will look at are Silver, Pewter, Copper, Brass, Bronze, Porcelain, Glass, Iron, and Pewter.
in the way of his work. I admit CP: No, I’m all right. that I have also had an occasional nip – after all, I was usually the Me: Judging by the large number of one who ran the still! plates, bowls, goblets, kettles, pots, Since it was the nature of the milling casseroles, candlesticks, and bot- business to have grain around, tles of various materials, I’d guess one of the ways to use the excess you must entertain a lot. Is that was to make alcohol. Sale of this the case? A Bergslagskamin (cast iron stove). 2 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 CP: Well, if you call the serving of ing up, and the cheese and butter tomed rowboat north on the meals entertaining, the answer is were “women’s work” (which Svartälven (Black River), one yes! We always had tables full of included boys until they were down the river and one at the people for meals – even when it about 15). He wouldn’t be caught small pond by Saxhyttan. The was just family. Remember all the dead dealing with a cow! Sven had fourth boat was kept here and children, the families of the all the tools necessary to conduct hauled along on other excursions. married ones, not to mention the his business. maids and hands! Lots and lots of Me: Linenware is next. You have food has gone through my kitch- Me: Yes, I see many grain bins, scoops, some very elegant dräll table lin- en! grain sieves, measuring devices, ens with an interesting block shovels, and carts that were pattern. Did you get these for a Me: I see broken iron casseroles and probably a part of his business. I special occasion? broken stoneware plates on the also see a few drills, saws, chisels, CP: Yes, they were purchased for the list. Why have you been keeping and axes, probably for main- marriage of Maria, Sven’s eldest these? tenance of equipment and build- daughter. Sven always felt bad for CP: The iron was saved for the black- ings. Maria because she was without a smith. He can make it into other Next in the list come Vehicles and mother for more than a year and things. The stoneware plates can Farm Equipment. I see quite a few a half between Brita’s death and probably be repaired, but we carts and sleighs as well as riding our marriage. Not only was she never found anyone to do it. Even saddles, but no horses – how is motherless, but she had three if things are damaged, we use that? younger brothers and the baby them as long as we can. You know, CP: We haven’t had horses for some Jonas to help out with. Brita died we have to pay tax on the total time. The saddles and other horse while giving birth to Jonas and value of the estate, so it is im- tack are very old. The carts and then Jonas died when he was only portant to identify all the deficien- sleighs were pulled by the ox that 19 weeks old. I guess after all that, cies so the valuation stays low. Sven the younger took prior to the Sven tended to spoil Maria. inventory. Me: It seems that Sven didn’t have Me: This section is a list of all of many hand tools – I guess he Sven’s clothing. There are several wasn’t very handy? items of clothing made of “wall- CP: Sven could do many things, but marns.” Could you tell me what besides his milling work and ten- this material is? ding the horses, he really pre- CP: Huh, I may not be able to write ferred spending time with the as well as these guys, but I think children and fishing! We always I can spell better! The word is had a small garden, but the child- actually “vadmal,” a rough woolen ren and I did most of the work. cloth, sometimes called home- He would help with planting and spun. I wove the cloth for some of the harvest of potatoes and ruta- Kärra (cart). these things and Anna became baga because that was heavy pretty adept and made other work but other vegetables were Me: There is a separate section for items. up to me. The cows, of course, Fishing Equipment – Sven had 22 including milking, feeding, clean- fish nets and four boats. Looks To be continued! like he was serious about fishing. CP: It was more than a hobby with him. Whenever he could get away from milling activities, Sven made The author is pretty good money fishing. He Norm “Pono” Sandin would usually take one or more www.sandinfamily.com of the older boys or a son-in-law Click on Genealogy Resources with him. He had one flat-bot- and find his Pictorial Dictionary!
Some sickles for harvest. A wooden spade with iron reinforcements. Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 3 Korsbaneret – an interesting publication
During my recent stay in Minnesota, the early immigrants, and there can I found many interesting things. be some very personal views on the One of those was a volume of Kors- deceased that can be hard to find now. baneret (The Banner of the Cross), There are photos of most of them. which until now I had not seen. This Next comes a few stories, among small bound book is a yearly calender which perhaps the Paxton-minne for the Augustana Synod, and was (memories from Paxton), by M.J. published by the Augustana Book Englund, is the one with great inter- Concern from 1880 to 1950, in Swe- est, as it tells about the early days of dish. Its first editors were: Olof Ols- Augustana College. son and C. A. Swensson, E. Norelius, The book ends with photos of all O. Siljestrom, J. G. Dahlberg, O. H. the new pastors that were ordained Ardahl. Swenson Center seems to in 1914, and of churches and pastors’ have the full collection from 1880 to houses around the country. 1950. As can be seen this series of books The volume I have been studying has a lot of information that can be is for 1915, and starts with several useful for family historians, but there prayers and sermons. The next does not seem to be an index online, section is called From the church’s and it was not possible to find a field of work, and here are reports on comprehensive article about the the Synod’s Immigrant’ and Sailors’ series either. Home in Boston, and on the retire- ment home in Chicago, with pictures. Also there are reports from the mis- sion fields in the U.S. Next comes a numberof obituaries on deceased pastors and their help- mates: Johan Edvin Morton, Martin J. Englund, Anders Hult, Nils Gibson, Georg Reinhold PetersonVictor Nel- son Thorén, A. J. Elmer, Gustaf Nelsenius, Erik Rehner, Anders Jo- han Enstam, Brynolf Westerlund, Per Erik Fredlund, Viktor Setterdahl, Johan Peter Neander, Carl Otto Swenson, C.M. Ryden, Widow (änke- fru) Christina Lindeblad, Widow (än- kefru) Ida Josefina Sannquist, Sigrid Amalia Blomgren, Gustaf Hultquist, Anna Katrina Peterson, Magnus Larsson, Sven August Svenson,and the Henrickson Family. These obituaries, in most cases, have enough information, to trace the deceased person back to Swedish sources. Some of them were among The Swedish Lutheran Bethlehem church in Gary, Indiana.
4 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Four new pastors, ordained in Sycamore, Ill. in 1914
2) Johan Leonard Benson was born 1884 Jan. 4 in Breared, Halland, Sweden (not found in Emibas), im- migrated in 1900, died 1973 Mar. 4 in St. Paul, MN. He first graduated from Upsala College with a B.A. in 1909, then continued his studies at the University of Chicago and grad- uated there in 1913 with an M.A., and then spent the next year at Augustana Seminary. He served at Hsüchow, Honan, Taiwan, China, from 1914–56, and was the president of Augustana China Mission. He got a D.D. from Upsala College in 1942. He was married in 1914 July 29 to Lillie Starbranch, who died in 1959. 1) 2) 3) Nels Benson was born 1885 May 15 in Hastings, MN, son of John Pe- ter Benson and Brita Lena Nelson. He died 1979 Apr. 3 in Hector, MN. He went first to Gustavus Adolphus college and graduated from there in 1910 with a B.A. He studied in 1914 at Augustana Seminary and recieved a B.D. Then he served at Honan, China, 1913-31, and again 1946–49. 1932–34 he served at Winter, Ojib- way, and Draper, WI, and at Hinckley and Dell Grove in MN 1935–46, and at Strandburg, SD, 1952–54. He was also Secretary of the Lutheran Church in China. Married 1st in 1914 to Wilhelmina Nelson, R.N., who died in 1946, and had three children with her. Married 2nd in 1951 to Alice Holm, who died 3) 4) in 1976. Who were they? 4) Kenneth Anton Bescher born With the help of Conrad Bergendoff’s B.D. in 1914. After his ordination he 1878 Mar. 25 in Ålesund, Norway, and The Augustana Ministerium. A Sudy served in Strandburg, SD, 1914–18, came in 1900 to the U.S. He studied of the Careers of 2,504 Pastors of the and Marshfield, OR, 1918–20. Next at the Augustana Seminary 1912–14. Augustana Evangelical Lutheran he went to Mount Vernon in Van- Then served at Kearney, NE, 1914– Synod/Church 1950–1962, we can couver, B.C., Canada, for a short time, 16, and at Fort Dodge, IA, 1916–17, find out more about these solemn returned to the U.S. in 1920, and ser- and dropped from the roll in 1922. men. ved in La Conner, WA, 1920-29, Gres- In 1920 he was a “Minister of the ham, OR, 1929–39, then he had Gospel” in Minneapolis. In 1930 he 1) Andrew Gustaf Anderson born secular work until 1946, when he was a travelling salesman. 1884 Mar. 4 in Antrim, PA, died 1973 served at Idaho Falls, ID, until 1953. He was married to Ellen C., born Apr. 22 in Gresham, OR. He went to He was married 1914 Oct. 7 to around 1888 in Sweden. He died in Washington State University and got Hildegard Miller, and they had 3 Minneapolis in 1940 May 6, as Ber- a B.A. in 1909, graduated in 1914 children. cher. from Augustana Seminary with a
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 5 Your link to your history!
We have many new, exciting resources for The researchers. 1880 Swedish Here we mention Census just a few – there is now covers most of much more on our the län. Missing is web site! only Blekinge. 1897–1938 Scanned extracts from the Swedish Two of the released prisoners in the SVAR Civil Registration. prison records. Births, Marriages New and Deaths, and scans of the Census original Mormon 1930. microfilms for more than half the län in Sweden. Try Ervalla parish in Örebro län for free! www.svar.ra.se
Contact us at [email protected] SVAR, Box 160, S-880 40 Ramsele, Sweden. Phone + 46-10-476 77 50. Fax + 46-10-476 77 20.
6 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 News from the Swenson Center The Swenson Center now has a page on www.facebook.com. Facebook is a social networking website for individuals and groups. Jill Seaholm thought it would be a fast and modern way to spread the word about the Swenson Center. She learned about it through a course about how libraries can use the Internet, and now its popularity has spread like wildfire. Through her own personal page she had also seen what a tremendous outlet it can be for spreading Swenson Center news about Swenson Center events and other items of interest. The way it works is that an indi- vidual becomes a ”Fan” of an organ- ization. Individuals receive messages on their own pages from individuals they befriend and organizations of which they are fans. If you are a fan Swenson Center Facebook page. of the Swenson Center, whenever we see what organizations and friends If you have a Facebook page, please post news, photos, or information you have attached yourself to as you look for the Swenson Swedish Immi- from the Swenson Center, it will do it, and they can in turn become gration Research Center and “be- appear on your page immediately. friends or fans. That is how fan come a fan” and ask all of your Swe- Your friends will also automatically numbers increase rapidly. dish American friends to do the same! The 2009 O. Fritiof Ander lecture This year’s O. Fritiof Ander Lecture Swedish stereo type. Harvey also in Immigration History was pre- noted that despite the negative sented by Professor Emerita Anne- description of being slow, Yon was Charlotte Harvey of San Diego State portrayed as a positive character University on the campus of August- which also represented promise. ana College in October 2009. Harvey Members of the audience nodded has enjoyed a distinguished career along as Harvey spoke and after- and been active in the field of Swe- wards one man testified that this dish-American popular culture since stereotype certainly fit his own the 1960s. She has also received grandparents even though, as Har- numerous awards, including the re- vey claims, it was created by a Ger- cent recognition as the 2009 Swe- man-American to attract an audience dish-American of the Year. for the 1890s theatre in America. The In her talk entitled Yon Yonson — lecture provided for a most stimula- The Original Dumb Swede But Not ting evening and the Swenson Cen- So Dumb: Swedish-American Comic ter staff was pleased to have at- Stereotypes in American Popular tracted both Anne-Charlotte Harvey Culture, Harvey illustrated how the the portrayal of the Swede as a as this year’s presenter and with the character of Yon Yonson was created thoroughly honest but sometimes positive feed-back generated by the by a German-American playwright slow character laid the foundation for audience. in 1889. Her research suggests that the American characterization of the Christina Johansson
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 7 Peter Stebbins Craig
In Memoriam – a remarkable scholar has left us
BY ELLEN RYE
The world of Swedish-American tation and for the Southern Railway. genealogy lost one of its leading After discovering that doing gene- researchers when Peter Stebbins alogy only as a sideline when you are Craig, 81, slipped away peacefully at employed full-time really doesn't his Washington, D.C., home on work well, Peter retired in 1987 at Thanksgiving Day. age 59 and immersed himself in Peter as a child listened to his researching the Swedish roots his great-grandmother Martha Yocum great-grandmother had talked about, talk about how their family’s roots bringing to the task his strong sense went back to Nya Sverige, the Swe- of right vs. wrong – fact vs. supposi- dish colony established in the Dela- tion, his remarkable ability to retain ware River Valley in 1638. (The detail, and a legal background which colony was overtaken by the Dutch gave him an advantage in reading in 1655, but almost all the colonists and interpreting birth/marriage/ stayed, and that is what makes the death, probate, land, and court colony’s history so interesting.) records. The quest led him to study Peter tucked the stories away, first-hand the sources available in never forgot them. He went on to Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Oberlin College and to Yale Law Maryland, and in Sweden. Not Peter Stebbins Craig (1928–2009). School, earning a J.D. degree, and surprisingly – at least not to any then moved to Washington D.C., genealogist, he found himself re- Peter established a cut-off date, limi- where he worked for many years in searching all the colonial Swedes and ting his research to the 1638-late such positions as legal counsel for the Finns he kept stumbling across. To 1700’s period. federal Department of Transpor- keep things reasonably manageable, Before long, Peter was in touch
SAG 1996:1 SAG 1999:2/3 8 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 with other scholars in the U.S. and that should be on the bookshelf of which creek they lived by, how much Sweden who had been researching anyone interested in the Swedish land they had, who their neighbors Nya Sverige, and with various organ- colony. were, what legal disputes they got izations and individuals concerned Not to be forgotten is the Gloria into, whether they could read and with colonial history, including Dei Records Project. For more than write, how much they gave to the especially the Swedish Colonial So- a decade Peter has led the team in church repair fund, even the occa- ciety of Pennsylvania, of which he the U.S. and Sweden which has been sional scandal, things like that.” became a permanent council member translating and compiling the lo- Peter leaves his wife Sally, his four and official society historian and catable records of Gloria Dei (Old children Steve, Cary, Jenny, and genealogist until his death. Swedes’) Church in Philadelphia, Katie, four grandchildren with an- Among those who came to know starting with the early 1640’s. Five other on the way, and, among others, Peter are all the many individuals volumes have been published; there his older brother John and family. We who enlisted his help in establishing are three more to come. The team send them our heartfelt condolences. their own family connections to the cannot imagine what it will be like Swedish colony. to continue without him. The writer is Ellen Rye of Silver Among Peter’s colleagues and Peter was a Fellow of the Ameri- Spring, Maryland. friends was Nils William Olsson, the can Society of Genealogists (F.A.S.G.) E-mail:
Digitized old Swedish newspapers Recently the Swedish National Li- program), did not have any marked There are 28 available newspapers brary (Kungliga Biblioteket) finally success, and was also difficult to online now. The search is not yet gave the public access to parts of search. The new effort seems to be perfect, but it is still useful, as you their huge collection of old news- using the same programs as the can search on a place name or a fam- papers. successful Finnish National Library ily name. I recently found an old wed- They have been working on this for has used, and is easy to navigate. ding announcement from 1823 for a a long time, starting with the world’s As this is just a beta-version, the relative in a rural parish, where I oldest newspaper Ordinari Post number of newspapers is limited, but would never have looked otherwise. Tijdender, that started publishing in still very useful. You need to be able It is estimated that in due time the 1640s, and still comes out every to read Swedish to get the benefit of more than 110 million pages will be week as Post och Inrikes Tidningar, it. The newspapers from the 1700s digitized and made public. And then the official gazette of Sweden. and early 1800s are printed in frak- we are just waiting for the Swedish- This effort, which also read the tur type face, which might not be so American newspapers... newspapers by computer (an OCR easy to read. Link on page 30!
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 9 The search for Swedish ancestry leads to the carnage of a Napoleonic War battlefield
PAUL D. SWARD
The Dragon Pehr Pehrsson Svärd A Military Tradition was born, as Pehr Pehrsson, in Köp- Dragon Pehr Pehrsson Svärd was my inge #37, Köpinge parish, Kristian- paternal great-grandfather and was stad län on October 15, 1860, to Hus- the starting point for my genealogical man Pär Pärsson and Bengta Tufves- research on this family line. Robert dotter. Nelson, an acknowledged expert on On November 12, 1880, Pehr the Swedish-American genealogy of Pehrsson was enrolled as Pehr Pehrs- the Bishop Hill Colony, was my men- son Svärd (Svärd being a soldier’s tor and provided guidance on re- name meaning sword) into the Liv- searching Swedish parish records. As kompaniet (Life Company) of the an interesting side note, it was found Skånska Dragonregementet (Scanian that Peter Sward’s son married a Dragoon Regiment) under Rusthåll descendant of an original Bishop Hill – Köpinge #37. He served until his colonist, but that is another story. discharge on December 9, 1886. Armed with Peter Sward’s basic Köpinge parish records indicate information it was relatively easy to that he emigrated on March 4, 1887. trace his path through the Köpinge The Emigranten Populär reveals that parish records and gain additional he departed Malmö on March 17, information about his father, Pär 1887, destined for New York, New Pärsson. Pär Pärsson had been born York. in nearby Everöd parish. Quickly I Pehr Persson Svärd. After arrival in the United States, discovered that Pär Pärsson’s father Pehr settled in Kewanee, Illinois, and had also been in the military, but was records for Everöd parish also revea- went by the name of Peter Sward. He an infantry soldier rather than a led that his father Pehr Pehrsson married Karna Nilsdotter, also from dragoon. He was Pär Pärsson Pyk Hurtig was in the military and that Köpinge parish, on March 14, 1888. (Pik), under Rotehåll - Everöd #23. his death occurred in 1813. Could his Peter’s father, stepmother, and his An examination of his military death be related to the Napoleonic only two siblings also immigrated records revealed that he was enrolled War? during the same time period. Peter in 1812 in the Gärds Company of the eventually became a foreman for the Norra Skånska Infanterirregement Kewanee Boiler Company which was (North Scanian Infantry Regiment). Who was Per Hurtig? one of the largest producers of com- He served in this unit until he was I subsequently obtained Pehr Hur- mercial boilers in the U.S. at that granted a disability pension due to tig’s military record which revealed time. deafness on June 16, 1828. that he was enrolled in the Liv- Family legend has it that when Pe- kompaniet of the Skånska Kara- ter was serving in the Life Company In the Napoleonic War binjärregemente (Scanian Cara- of the Scanian Dragoons, he became bineer Regiment) on July 12, 1792, The record indicated that he had tak- part of a squadron that demonstrated under Rusthåll – Everöd #31. This en part in the Napoleonic War 1813 “trick horseback riding” and had per- regiment was eventually renamed – 1814 and in the war with Norway formed before the King of Sweden. the Scanian Dragoon Regiment in 1814. It also indicated that he had Whether this is accurate is unknown; which was the same regiment that a distinguished service record. This numerous family members did attest Peter Sward had served. To my in itself captured my imagination, to his acrobatic talent and excep- astonishment, the record indicated but the household examination tional personal strength. that Pehr Hurtig had served in the 10 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Napoleonic War and died of a gun- army, the Danes being allies of Na- War and the subsequent war with shot wound at Bornhöft, Tyskland poleon. On December 7, General Norway. (Germany), on December 7, 1813. Skjöldebrand, commanding the A father and son served their coun- Swedish cavalry vanguard, attacked try on the battlefields of Europe. The two brigades of Danish troops and father died in the carnage of a cavalry Father and son in the their Polish lancer escort at the vil- charge, but the son survived the hor- Napoleonic War lage of Bornhöft (also known as rors of war, for which I am thankful. Like most Americans, my knowledge Bornhöved) located in Schleswig- Otherwise, I would not have been of the Napoleonic Wars was limited. Holstein in modern day Germany. here to write this article. I was aware of Sweden’s struggle Although outnumbered five to one, with the Russians over Finland. I was Skjöldebrand launched a massive Editor’s Notes: also aware that subsequently Swe- cavalry charge which routed the 1) The French marshal Jean Baptiste den joined the alliance opposing Na- Danes and Poles. However, they Jules Bernadotte was elected poleon and that Crown Prince Carl regrouped and subsequently repuls- Crown Prince of Sweden in 1810. Johan1 led one of the armies against ed the Swedish troops. In a sub- His name was then changed to Napoleon’s forces. However, that was sequent charge by a squadron of Carl Johan, and in 1818 he became the limit of my knowledge and I had Scanian Carabineers on the Danish King of Sweden under the name never heard of Bornhöft, Tyskland. flank, the carabineers suffered signi- Carl XIV Johan. In private, the It became clear that I needed to ficant casualties. This was a bloody family kept the surname Berna- educate myself concerning Sweden’s affair in which neither side gained a dotte, which since has been used involvement in the Napoleonic Wars. clear victory. The battle resulted in by members of the family that I was soon to discover that is not an both sides retiring from the field. By have lost their royal status by easy task. Very little of the history Napoleonic War standards this was marrying commoners. of the Napoleonic Wars that is a relatively small battle. There is 2) The reason for the Crown Prince written in English deals with Swe- some confusion as to what the actual to save his troops is sometimes den’s involvement. Combined with losses were for the forces involved. explained by that he was already the fact that my comprehension of The highest estimates place the then thinking of war with Den- Swedish is minimal, it became a Danish and Polish losses at 66 dead mark, which ended in 1814 with struggle to gain this education. Nev- and 75 captured, and Swedish losses the Danes ceding Norway to Swe- ertheless by deciphering the Swed- at 80 dead with an untold number of den. ish sources and reviewing the limited wounded from both sides. English sources, I was able to gain Perhaps Pehr Hurtig died in the the understanding I needed to piece initial charge, or in the subsequent together this genealogical inquiry. flank charge by the Scanian Cara- The author is bineers. Regardless, he died at some Paul D. Sward Swedish troops to point during this battle. However, his E-mail:
Battle of Bornhöft In December the Army of the North was pursuing the retreating Danish The Storming of Leipzig 1813, by Carl Johan Ljunggren. Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 11 Find your Swedish roots! Genline’s Swedish Church Records archive contains over 35 million pages from the Swedish Church Books from the 1600’s to 1920. Record types include births, marriages, deaths, household examinations records (similar to yearly census records), registers of movement in and out of parishes and church accounts. All birth, marriage and death records for all of Sweden up to 1920 have been added to the archive. making genline even better New features and functions • Now adding births, marriage and death records between 1920 and 1937 • Indexing household examination records by place name - 40% of household examinations books now indexed by place • Capability to download and view a higher quality image on 60% of records • Users can transcribe records save nearly on a annual genline subscription! Register with Genline as a new member and enter GENCOM990 in the Special Coupon Box and redeem. If you are a current member, sign in and enter GENCOM990 in the Special Coupon SPECIAL Box and redeem. If you have a current subscription, your OFFER purchase will be added to your current subscription. Expiration date, April 30, 2010. 1005 SEK is approximately $146 based on currency exchange rate as of 11/15/2009./2009
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12 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Those mysterious words – what do they mean? Part 3
Illnesses
symptoms of malaria, which was right way with laxatives and more BY ELISABETH THORSELL quite common in Sweden about 200 fibers, etc. The ancestors died from various years ago. It was especially common causes, but as there were very few along the coasts and around the big Lungsot, tvinsot, tbc doctors or surgeons in the old days, lakes, Mälaren, Hjälmaren, and Vän- This is the same as tuberculosis,or the causes of death can be anybody’s ern, but not around Vättern, as the consumption, which was a big killer guess. water is much colder in that lake. in the 1800s and the early 1900s, The clergymen had to write down until it was realized how to treat it. what they thought in the death rec- Okänd barnasjuka The name tvinsot means “wasting ords, as they every year had to rep- This is one of the most common illness” as the sick person lost a lot ort back to the Central Bureau of Sta- causes of death for small children, of weight. Young people in their teens tistics, beginning in 1749 when this and can be translated as “unknown or early twenties were especially was founded. Some clergymen were children’s disease” or “I do not know.” vulnerable to this. interested enough to take a little course of a few weeks of medicine, Rödsot Svullnad, vattusot others got by with the help of a medi- This is one of the names for dysentery, This is translated as dropsy, and was cal dictionary. as a visible sign of the illness was a probably a heart condition, when the This means that the causes of bloody diarrhea. It comes from bad sick person had too much water in death are probably correct when hygienic conditions, where many the body. somebody died from an accident, people lived together closely and did drowned in the lake, or was hit by not have enough access to clean falling rocks in the mine, or hanged Ålderdomssvaghet water and clean latrines. It is also himself. For internal illnesses the di- This is translated as old age frailty, very contagious. There was an epi- agnosis is probably also true when which probably means old people demic in Sweden in 1772–74, when there were epidemics of, for instance, being easily tired, not able to work, hundreds of people died, mostly smallpox or the measles. and losing interest in life. children and old people. This can also With the help of a recent book, be called “durchlopp,” a German word Gamla sjukdomsnamn i gångna ti- that means diarrhea. Smittkoppor, koppor der (Names of illnesses in past times), This is smallpox, which was a big kil- by the pharmacist Gunnar Lager- Nervfeber, tyfus ler during the 1700s, until inocul- krans (latest printing in 2003), we ation became mandatory in 1816. will look at some of the illnesses you This is translated as typhoid fever, This is called “vaccination” in Swed- may see in the death records. and is also caused by bad health con- ish. There is a special column in the ditions, and is very contagious. In clerical surveys which shows if Håll och styng 1788-89 soldiers marched to Karls- people had been inoculated (v) or had krona and waited to be transported This is usually translated as pneu- had natural smallpox (n). to the war in Finland. During their monia, but literally means that the wait they had no tents, bad uniforms, sick person feels a stitch in his chest, and little food, so they died in the Mässling a sharp pain when breathing or thousands without firing a single This is translated as the measles, an moving. shot. acute, contagious viral disease, one certain sign is red spots on the skin, Frossa Förstoppning fever, and coughing. This was also an This is usually translated as the ague, epidemic, and killed mostly small This is called constipation in English. shivering and feeling first hot, and children, often all the children in a It can be deadly, if not treated in the then really cold. This can be the family.
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 13 The Influence of Swedish Settlers on a Community or Region A result of an essay contest in 1948
BY MARIANNE B. LENNER
Editor’s introduction: admiration for Andrew Olson and the and charcoal to a mill at Uddeholm In 1948 the Swedish American Line Olson family as a whole, it was natu- was the beginning of the industry in had an essay contest for youngsters ral that the name of Andrew should that section of Sweden. The sons of and received many entries from high be singled out in demonstrating the Johannes Olson and Katherine Ol- school seniors, as was then the pre- influence of the family of Johannes son were destined to follow their sent author, and others. Many of and Katherine Olson on the regions father’s footsteps and thus work on them were printed in Stories of Swed- known as the Marquette Iron Range the estate. ish pioneers in North America: a and the Gogebic Iron Range, in the selection of essays submitted in a con- Upper Peninsula of Michiqan. The first to leave test in 1948: sponsored by The Swe- This presentation was made possi- In 1880, the oldest of the Olson broth- dish American Line to commemorate ble because of my father’s several ers, John and Gustaf, at the ages of The Swedish Pioneer Centennial. interviews with Mr. Olson in making 21 and 19, respectively, had decided Editor: Lundbeck, G. Hilmer. 10 the biographical material an authen- to leave for the United States. As volumes. Available at the Library of tic document of an outstanding com- there were visa and other permits Congress and Swedish Emigrant In- munity-minded American citizen of from the crown, state, and church to stitute, Växjö. Swedish birth. be secured, it was not until early the One of the entries concentrated on following spring before they were a family from Nordmark parish in It begins in Sweden ready to leave Sweden. Even the the mining area of Värmland. As a matter of historical review, it is owner of the estate on which the well to remember that our story of family was employed seemed to make The story of Johannes the Olson family had its origins in it as difficult as he could for them; Sweden about the middle of the but finally leave was granted and the Olsson and his family: nineteenth century. Iron ore had Olson brothers were on their way. This is the true story of the family of been discovered in Michigan’s Upper When they reached America, they Johannes and Katherine Olson, born Peninsula, and miners were in great headed for the mines in Marquette in Nordmark in the province of demand. County, Michigan, where some of Värmland, Sweden. Johannes and Sweden seemed to have very little their friends from Sweden had pre- Katherine gave birth to eight child- possibilities for the Olson family ceded them. They easily acquired jobs ren, all of whom were born in Swe- because practically all or most of the at one of the mines known as Cam- den. Beginning with the oldest, they land was controlled by large estates bria. were the following according to the or else by the smaller landowners By late summer John and Gustaf year of birth: John, (1859); Gustaf, where land titles had run for gener- Olson had earned enough, at pro- (1861); Karl, (1867); Anna, (1870); ations. bably $1.50 per day, to send for their Andrew (1872); Hulda, (1874); Wil- Johannes Olson and his family father in Sweden. Tempting their liam, (1877); and Oscar, (1881). were neither farmers nor miners. father with a prepaid passage, the This story is centered around An- Father Olson had been a sort of Jack- boys encouraged him to join them at drew, the fifth member of the family, of-all-trades or handy man for one of Negaunee, Michigan. He sailed for who now in 1948, is a retired resident the large landowners. His duties the United States in October 1881, of the city of Wakefield, Michigan, in included that of overseer of forestry thus leaving Mother Olson with the the county of Gogebic. He has been a production, conservation, and the remaining six children in the old friend of our family for many years making of charcoal, which was find- country. However, by next spring, and has been associated with my ing important usage in the smelting Father Olson and the two brothers father in a number of community of iron ore. An iron ore mine had been had earned enough to send to Swe- projects in the interests of public wel- worked near the landowner’s estate den the prepaid steerage passage for fare. For this reason, as a result of for several years. The shipping of ore two full fares, four half-fares, and a
14 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 The Nordmark valley. Postcard from around 1900. baby, no charge. The latter child, Os- could not tie up. the bunk and relieve herself of what car, was only five months old when Passengers for America were little she had last eaten, and it went Mother sailed with her brood for the hoisted into a small boat and taken into one of the young fellow’s boots. land of promise. over to the ship, and by that time the He made a little fuss over it and had entire Olson family was so sick that to clean his boots someway, but did The rest follows no one cared what happened. It was not know who had done it. Fifteen Andrew Olson, although only ten thought the ship would never make years or so later Hulda married a years of age when he came to Amer- it, but as Andrew, said “Who cared.” minister. A few years after, when a ica, said he still has vivid memories In the morning, the passengers were group was together talking about of the trip coming here from Sweden. told the ship had gone through the happenings, it was discovered that In recalling the journey, Andrew worst storm on the North Sea in Hulda was the one who had vomited stated that Mother and the remain- twenty years. The ship was really not into the boots of the young man, now ing six children left home on a a luxury liner as it was an old cattle- a minister and her husband.” beautiful day in the middle of May, ship which had been converted into When the old cattle-ship Orion 1882. The landlord’s finest team of a passenger boat called the Orion. Its reached Hull, England, after three horses and best carriage brought destination was Hull, England. The days of what appeared a sure ship- them to the railroad station. By train “bedroom” was composed of what had wreck, the passengers traveled a- the family reached Filipstad for some been cattle stalls, each with enough cross country to Liverpool. At the lat- examination or interview. During the room for four bunks, two up and two ter port of embarkation, the White time the steamship passage was down, and was a little wider than the Star liner the Baltic continued with being prepared, the oldest sister had length of a bed. Each section would the journey to America. This was a passed her twelfth birthday, and only hold altogether about twenty-five luxury trip in comparison with the a half-fare ticket had been prepaid people. days on the Orion, according to An- for her. She was now scheduled for Andrew recalled that a strange drew. The Baltic reached the New full fare and as Mother Olson had no incident occurred during the storm: York harbor after nine days. The extra money, it was thought the “There were four or five young men Olsons were none the worse for their family would get no further. Brother in one of the bunks across the area ocean trip. Karl and Mother were resourceful way in the Olson section who were and they got through. By the time the from somewhere in Sweden. They Arrival in the U.S. family arrived at Gothenburg, the had all found it necessary to pile their It so happened that “Papa Olson” and pleasant weather had subsided and belongings between the bunks. The the two oldest sons had left Mar- a big storm came up. Since there were younger Olson sister, Hulda, had quette County, Michigan, and had no docks in those days, the large ship been the sickest, and she found it gone to Worthington, Minnesota, convenient to lean over the edge of Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 15 because there was a Swedish settle- ment there that seemed to offer pros- perity in farming. They arranged for prepaid transportation for the rest of the family from Sweden to the town of Worthington. However, after the entire Olson family had a reunion in Worthington, the newcomers found nothing but grass and more grass; the land of promise in Minnesota proving to be merely a mirage. After a few months of work on a railroad building project, the laborers in the Olson family decided to return to Marquette County, Michigan, in the fall of 1882, with the town of Negau- nee as their future home. Back in Negaunee The first thing the Olsons did was to The house in Negaunee, built in 1882 by Johannes Olsson. Picture from 1954 with build a house in Negaunee. There Mrs. Stark outside. (http://flickr.com/photos/81494713@N00/437812663). was lots of material as the woods primary studies, but his training was were full of virgin timber, but there On the move again so well-rounded that he had no dif- were not many sawmills. It was The Olson family, especially the men, ficulty in advancing scholastically in necessary for the older Olsons to again got the wanderlust, so plans the Negaunee schools. Finally, when work at a small sawmill on the lake were formulated to go westward a in the ninth grade, an attack of nearby to help cut the lumber for the little over one hundred miles to the rheumatic fever put an end to An- house. Most of the house was up new iron ore range, with the town of drew’s schooling. But anyway, a new before winter really set in. Mr. An- Ironwood as the destination. superintendent insisted that the drew Olson said: “The lumber was While in Negaunee, the Olson pupils should wear dress suits and green, the winter of 1882 cold, and children got two things of great low, well-shined shoes, while the Ol- Jack Frost had quite a time trying to importance — a family name and a son dress suits were mostly overalls pull out the wrought-iron cut nails little education. and hightop boots. Since the Olsons from the lumber and two-by-fours.” Taking Andrew Olson, the fifth could afford nothing different at that However, the house must have been oldest child, as our example, here is time, Andrew quit for good and went well-built because to this very day in what happened in Negaunee. At the to work in a confectionery. 1948 it is occupied where it stands age of ten he started his American It was in 1886 that the Olson in Negaunee. education. The father’s name being family moved to Ironwood, Michigan, After the house was built, Father Johannes, Andrew started to regis- the boom town that the Olson family Olson and the oldest boys went to ter as Johanneson or Johnson in decided would bring them prosper- work at the Cambria mine. The school, according to Swedish custom. ity on the new Gogebic Iron Range. brothers became miners, while the However as the surname was Olson, John, the oldest of the brothers, father cut and framed heavy timber Andrew soon convinced his family went to work in Ironwood’s well- sets for underground mining to keep their name should always be Olson. known “Norrie” mine. Brother Gus- the ground from caving. He contin- When the oldest brothers had come taf having had enough of mining ued at this kind of work for the rest to America, they had been told that started a small confectionery busi- of his life. As the main bodies of iron there were already so many Johnsons ness. It was a rather unsuccessful ore around Negaunee had not yet and Olsons in the United States and enterprise, as the rough and tumble been discovered at this time, the min- so much confusion on account of it miners were not candy-minded. How- ers believed the mines to be depleted. that they had already taken some ever, this experience and a meat It was actually the lull between de- other names, but they were soon market venture gave Gustaf the am- pression and boom. As large deposits convinced that Andrew had the pro- bition to become a whole-sale grocer. of iron ore were being uncovered on per slant on the name; and finally the So finally, when an opportunity the Gogebic Iron Range, and a pro- family agreed with Andrew to be- presented itself in 1890, the whole- cess was discovered for converting come all “Olsons.” sale grocery firm of Olson Brothers the new finds of Bessemer ores, there In Sweden, Andrew had received and Company, under the leadership was quite a rush for this new range. only two years of schooling in the of Gustaf, had its humble beginning.
16 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Now in 1948, after fifty-eight years of depressions and booms, the Olson Brothers firm is considered the largest independent wholesale gro- cery firm in this section of Michigan and Wisconsin. A family business At some time or another every mem- ber of the Olson family has been interested in the firm. Gustaf has been the most persistent, and has continued firmly through thick and thin, panic and depressions, prosper- ity and booms. His two sons had picked up enough experience in the business and after serving in the First World War came into the firm. One of the sons, Walter, is now, in 1948, the mayor of the City of Ironwood. His two sons are now also Wakefield City Hall in Wakefield, Michigan. being groomed to eventually carry on and raised three daughters. Son Anders Fredrik Olsson was born the traditions and business enter- Andrew has always been active in 1872 Nov. 15. prises of Olson Brothers and Com- the welfare of the Wakefield com- Daughter Hulda Maria Olsson was pany. munity. He served faithfully as sec- born 1874 Oct. 31. This essay being centered around retary of the Rotary Club and the Son Wilhelm Olsson was born 1877 Andrew, whose education and ex- Masonic Lodge; both groups have July 7. perience consisted of “hard knocks,” prospered as the result of his untiring Son Oskar Edvard Olsson was born it is now the intention to summarize efforts. In Wakefield, countless per- 1881 Dec. 29. the activities of Andrew on the Goge- formances of charity, goodwill, and The two oldest sons, Erik and Nils, bic Iron Range. His schooling being community and church services can emigrated from Göteborg on May terminated at Negaunee, it was be traced back to Andrew Olson. Now 15th with tickets for Negaunee. necessary for him to secure a job as in 1948 Andrew has retired. He has Their father followed on Sep. 23 soon as the family reached Ironwood. been an exemplary symbol of the with a ticket for New York, and For a year he worked in a bakery, and motto of the Rotary club “Service then Johanna and the rest of the then went into the Olson Brothers above Self” and “He Profits Most Who children left Göteborg on 1882 grocery firm. Being ambitious, An- Serves Best.” May 12. She was recorded there drew took up some office and book as a Johanson(!?). work, and spent a year in an Iron- Anders (Andrew) married in 1898 wood law office. He learned some Appendix: Dec.28 in Bessemer to Hulda shorthand and typewriting, and read The Olssons in Swedish Amalia Wandau, a fellow immi- a little Blackstone, as he could not grant from Sweden. She was born rid himself of the urge for law. records 1874 Apr. 18 in the parish of However, he never had the chance According to the Gåsborn and Nord- Naverstad (Bohu.), and immig- to continue an education. Andrew mark Church records: rated in 1890 to Ashland, Wisc., moved to the town of Wakefield, near Johannes Olsson was born 1838 Feb. and moved to Ironwood in 1891. Ironwood, and started a confection- 24 in Gåsborn. They had daughters Mildred ery store and ice cream parlor. As a Wife Johanna Catharina Olsdotter Wandau (born 1900 Jan. 21 in sideline, he was a justice of the peace was born 1837 Mar. 7 in Gåsborn. Bessemer), Hazel, Elma, and Mar- from 1908 to 1920 and associate re- Son Erik Johan Carlqvist was born garet (Margit) Elizabeth, born lief director of the poor in Gogebic 1859 Dec. 21 in Färnebo. 1906 Sep. 26 in Bessemer. County to the end of 1939. Wakefield Son Nils Gustaf Nordström was born (Dates from records of the Salem had no attorney until about 1928, 1861 Dec. 14 in Nordmark (as all Lutheran Church in Ironwood. and, so during all this time, Andrew the younger siblings) Thanks Jill!) was a sort of legal adviser for most Son Karl Olsson was born 1867 Mar. of the people of the town, thanks to 4. his year in the Ironwood law office. Daughter Anna Mathilda Olsson was In December 1898 Andrew married born 1870 Jan. 10. Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 17 (Hand)writing Example XXII
The above notices are taken from the The Inrikes Tidningar, also under that individuals wanted to make pu- digitized issues of the Inrikes Tid- different names, was the official ga- blic. During the later 1800s you can ningar 1799, as an example of what zette of Sweden, so this is were of- see many requests from pastors, who you can find in these old newspapers. ficers’ new commands were pub- ask if anybody knows if so and so had More was written about this project lished, other official announcements, married during their stay in the U.S. on page 9 in this issue of SAG. and also a number of private matters
18 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Bits & Pieces
The Carl Sandburg The world’s 2nd largest Swedish genealogists Medal to Ronald J. coin working on a new Death Johnson! Index At the annual meeting of the Swed- The latest Swedish Death Index ish-American Historical Society in (Sveriges dödbok) on CD covers the November 2009 at the Chicago Swed- period of 1947–2006, and was re- ish American Museum, the Society’s leased in 2007. Many researchers Carl Sandburg Medal was presented had wished for a similar index that to Ronald J. Johnson of Madison, would start earlier, as the 1900s are Wisc. Ronald was awarded the medal a difficult period to research, due to for his longtime efforts in Swedish the privacy rules (70 years), and that American genealogy, manifested in This piece of copper, which is actually the records were not digitized. many ways, as in his book Vista ’76. a coin, weighs about 28 pounds. It was However, it was decided by the 120 Years of a Scandinavian-Ameri- minted in Sweden from 1649 for a Federation of Swedish Genealogical can Community, which was printed time, but became soon regarded as Societies (Sveriges Släktforskar- already in 1976. Since then he has very impractical. Its value was 8 da- förbund) in 2007 to start a new pro- spent much time and research on ler kopparmynt, and it had a bigger ject, called Namn åt de döda (Names finding out more about the people in brother, the 10 daler coin, which for the deceased) 1901-1946. This is this community in Waseca County in weighed around 40 pounds. There is a volunteer project, as people and southern Minnesota. Ronald has now about 20 of these smaller ones genealogical societies accepted the been a frequent member of the SAG still existing. The above one was sold challenge to copy the handwritten Workshop, and all his friends from at auction in Stockholm in Novem- death records into a database. there send their congratulations! ber 2009 for 1.8 million SEK. For the years after 1938 the project (Svenska Dagbladet 2009 Nov. 27) has been having fine cooperation New name for the with the archives, who have per- mitted project managers to take di- Swedish National gital photos of most parts of the Archives death records. These photos have The Swedish National Archives since been used by the transcribers. (Riksarkivet) has for some years had Now the project is about to end, a web site together with the region- and some provinces have had 100% al archives under the name Statens of their old death records transcribed arkiv (State archives). From 2010 into the common database, others Jan. 1 the name will again be Riks- less, but it is still thought that at arkivet for all of the state archives, least 75-80% of all the deaths during due to a reorganization, and the the period will be available on the name of the web site will also change. new CD, when it will be ready in the Link on page 30! late summer of 2010. It will also include the deaths from 2006–2009. Arkiv Digital keeps More old documents at U.S. Census for 1940? growing Now it is only a little more than 800 The Arkiv Digital company are now SVAR days until 2012 April 1. What hap- more or less finished with Gävleborg The SVAR subscription site is now pens then? That is the big day when county, and are now working on adding scans of very old records. the National Archives releases the Stockholm county and city, and They are now working on the land- 1940 U.S. Federal Census for 1940 for Västernorrland, and adding to Mal- skapshandlingarna (provincial docu- all researchers, and hopefully some möhus and Kristianstad counties. ments), that start around 1535, and old problems will be solved then. go up to 1634.
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 19 Put Your “Genealogy Stuff” in Book Form!
Don’t hide your research results in the closet
BY P. R OBERT WILLEY
If you are like me there probably are Some * Submit “book drafts” for proof- boxes of family documents and reading to family members re ac- photographs stored in either your recommendations: curacy, appropriateness, as well as home or other family members’ * Realize the task will take some time seeing if it is interesting to a non- homes. They all may be long time for- – in my case over a year of con- genealogist reader. Realize peo- gotten. Nobody knows who many of centrated, almost daily work. ple’s feelings and perceptions of the individuals are. events and experiences may vary “What to do with this?” For thirty- * Consider researching the history of a great deal. Once they see it in eight years I have been collecting the area during the times your writing, family history takes on a such items about our Swedish an- ancestors lived there. more personal meaning. cestors with the goal of someday organizing everything. * Involve family members in the * Seek professional advice re costs, So about a year ago I made the sharing of documents and photo- editing, lay-out, and printing for- decision to do what I had been post- graphs that you are considering mat. With today’s technology it is poning – looking through the albums, using. amazing what can be done at rea- boxes, documents, old letters, etc. I sonable cost. began to organize the information * Set a “target date for completion.” into an interesting, readable book. Be selective – you can’t include * Consider donating copies to local When I began I knew this would be everything. Accept that new infor- genealogical or historical muse- a challenge. What I did not realize mation will always be found by you ums and societies, and send copies nor understand were the many de- or family members and will thus to family members. tails involved in such a seemingly enrich what already has been writ- tedious but rewarding project. ten. * Upon completion of your book, sub- mit an application to register your Unexpected * Have specific questions that are work at the United States Copy- focused and clearly stated when right Office to “protect authorship consequences: you seek information from family of original published or unpub- * Discovered previously unknown members or other sources. lished works.” living family members who were
20 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 The Old Picture
On this page we publish old pictures sent in by our SAG readers. If you have a picture you want to see on this page, either send a digital copy, scanned in at no less than 300 dpi and saved as a jpg or tif file, or send a good paper copy to the editor at the address shown on the inside cover. Do not send any originals, as we can not accept responsibility for them. Neither can we promise to publish all pictures.
Lumbering in Wisconsin
This picture was sent in by Jörgen year over there he worked in a that have been quite interesting to Vessman, Lekevallsgatan 54, S-431 quarry in Illinois. After that he take part of. They belong to the pe- 39 Mölndal, Sweden. E-mail: moved to Price County in Wisconsin riod when the forests were harvested
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 21 The solution of the (Hand)writing Example XXII
Transcription N:o 61. Inrikes Tidningar Stockholm, Tisdagen den 28 Maji, år 1799
Som Garfwaren Budén rest ifrån Stockholm den 23 November 1797, och pantsatt en Kista med Kläder uti hos undertecknad, anmodas han at det med första igenlös, i annor händelse blifwer det lag- ligen sålt; som tredje gången kungöres. J. B. Creus
Då händelse jag skulle, under sjukdoms och ålder- doms swaghet, hafwa gjort någon Disposition, testa- mente, gåfwa eller annan författning; så förklarar jag altsammans, under hwad namn det wara må, för ogildt; som härmed tredje gången kungöres. Stock- holm den 21 Maji 1799. Maria Christina Lundman, Kakelugnsmakare-Enka
Döde i Stockholm
Lieutenanten Michael Roos, död den 19 Maji, i sit 61 års ålder. Handelsmannen och Deputeraden uti Slagtare-Ämbetet Adam Peter Hjelting, död den 15 maji i en ålder af 52 år. Deputeranden wid Lofl. Tractörs-Socei- teten Anders Ahlstedt, död den 21 Maji, uti en ålder af 53 år.
Translation
As the Tanner Budén has left Stockholm on 23 Nov. 1797, and pawned a chest of clothes with me the undersigned, [he] is called upon to at the first to redeem [his property], if not it will be sold according to the law. As is now made public for the third time. J. B. Creus
In case I should, during illness or old age weakness, have made some dispositions, by a will, gifts, or in some other way, I declare everything, of whatever name, to be void. As is now made public for the third time. Stockholm the 21st May 1799. Maria Christina Lundman Tiled oven maker’s widow
Deceased in Stockholm
The Lieutenant Michael Roos, deceased on 19 May, in his 61st year of age. The merchant and deputy in the Butcher’s Guild Adam Peter Hjelting, deceased 15 May, at an age of 52 years. The deputy in the Laud[able] Innkeepers’ Society Anders Ahlstedt, deceased 21 May, at an age of 53 years.
22 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Swedish Genealogical Society of Minnesota An active local society in one of the “Swedish” States!
The Swedish Genealogical Society of Minnesota (SGSM) started in 1983, and can thus in a few years celebrate its 30th anniversary. The society has a close connection to the American Swedish Institute, but moved last year for various reasons to the locali- ties of the Minnesota Genealogical Society in South St. Paul. SGSM has their library there, as well as the microfilms for the Swed- ish-American churches of Minnesota. SGSM has meetings four times a year, and also publishes a quarterly newsletter, Tidningen, which has many useful articles. A past presi- dent was the late Phyllis Pladsen, well know for her Genealogical Dic- tionary. The present president is Virginia Taylor, who has many dedicated volunteers, including Dee and Ray Kleinow, who work with the website A scene from the Fall Research Seminar, when the one-on-one sessions kept all the and the program planning. visiting Swedes busy. Photo: Dee and Ray Kleinow. Last October SGSM organized a well-attended research seminar with lectures and one-on-one help from no less than 7 visiting Swedish genea- logists on their premises.
October 2009 Research Seminar, from left: Dee Kleinow, Fran Hillier, Elisabeth Thorsell, Anna-Lena Hultman, Jan Eurenius, Charlotte Börjesson, Kathy Meade, Anneli Andersson, Virginia Taylor, and Olof Cronberg. Photo: Ray Kleinow. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mnsgsm/
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 23 Book Reviews Here you will find information about interesting books on the immigration experience, genealogical manuals, books on Swedish customs, and much more. We welcome contacts with SAG readers, suggestions on books to review perhaps. If you want to review a book yourself, please contact the Book Review Editor, Dennis L. Johnson, at <[email protected]> or Dennis Johnson, 174 Stauffer Road, Bucktown Crossing, Pottstown, PA 19465, so he knows what you are working on. and in the colonies. Sweden was in a As in previous volumes in this Old Swedes period of decline from its “Age of series, the authors have relied on Greatness” which ended with the assembling and recording the origi- defeat in 1709 of Karl XII by Peter nal documents to relate the events again the Great of Russia at Poltava and of this period, with a minimum of Karl’s subsequent death in Norway introduction and commentary. His- Colonial Records of the Swedish a few years later. During the first toric maps have been included to Churches in Pennsylvania, Vol- part of the 18th century the power of illustrate the city and the neigh- ume 5, The Parlin Years, by Peter the monarchy declined and became borhoods referred to, with assistance Stebbins Craig, Editor, and Kim-Eric concentrated in the hands of the in the introduction to help the read- Williams, Assistant Editor, Swedish Colonial Society, Philadelphia, 2009, nobility. Foreign trade with the Far er understand the many changes in hardcover, 286 pages, Swedish Co- East and elsewhere created some place names since the colonial period. lonial Society, 916 Swanson Street, large fortunes and the building of The documents are arranged in Philadelphia, PA, 19147. $25.00 several large manor houses, but the chronological order, and include let- ($20.00 for members of the Swedish lot of the common people was little ters between the clergy and their Colonial Society). improved. Not until reforms begun superiors in Sweden, letters between in 1772 by Gustav III was the power the clergy and other Lutheran clergy Volume 5 of this series of books about of the Crown restored and a new era in Philadelphia (mainly German), the New Sweden churches continues the of culture began among the aristoc- journal entries, minutes of parish massive work undertaken by the racy, called the “Gustavian Period.” meetings, and various other letters Swedish Colonial Society in 2006 to In North America, the thirteen and meeting records. Many are in the record in one place, in English, the colonies were becoming increasingly original English, the correspondence documentary history of the Old restive under their British rule. The with Sweden has been translated Swedes churches of Pennsylvania French and Indian War of 1754–63 from the original Swedish. during the Colonial period up to increased tensions and served to help Supplementing these documents, 1786. A total of eight volumes are unite the colonies in their common many vital records of the period are planned. This volume covers the pe- grievances. In Philadelphia, the included. These recorded marriages, riod from 1750 to 1759, in which the leading city of this period in the baptisms, burials, and deaths from newly assigned pastor Olof Parlin colonies, the population continued to the Wicaco church (Gloria Dei in Phil- (pronounced Par-leen) served until increase with mainly English and adelphia) and from Manatawney his death in December, 1757, and German settlers. Pennsylvania was (now St. Gabriel’s in Douglassville). includes the time that the Wicaco also a haven for many groups seeking An index of personal names is in- church was served by his assistant, religious freedom in the New World. cluded, as is an index of place names Eric Nordenlind, who served in 1758 The descendants of the New Sweden to assist readers who may want to and 1759 pending the arrival of Pas- settlement, now in the fourth and identify individual ancestors or per- tor Carl Magnus Wrangel in 1759. fifth generation, had been inter- sons and places referred to in the The decade covered by this book marrying with other groups and had documents. Other members of the was a time of turmoil both in Sweden mostly adopted the English lan- Swedish clergy assigned to the New guage. Church records were now Sweden churches referred to in the Correction being kept in English, although the years recorded in this book include In the review on page 26 in 2/09, archbishop in Sweden continued to Pastor Israel Acrelius, who was Lilly Setterdahl had the wrong rebuff efforts to conduct services in assigned the dean of the mission, and year of her marriage to her hus- English despite the fact that few assigned to invigorating the con- band Lennart. The Setterdahls Swedes remained who spoke the gregations at Wilmington, Raccoon were married in 1952. SAG apol- language. (Swedesboro), and Penn’s Neck ogizes! 24 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Book Reviews ed condition. One of Henry’s sons was Of particular interest to me were a general in George Washington’s the records of deaths and burials at army in the Revolution.) Their rela- Gloria Dei Church in Wicaco, which tions were most cordial with the also included some records from the Swedes, often exchanging pulpits Manatawney church. The 169 deaths and meeting together regularly. recorded between 1750 and 1759 are The correspondence and parish probably a reasonably representative meeting records reveal the diffi- sampling of the general colonial pop- following the deaths of their pastors. culties of all pastors serving in the ulation of the time. It was shocking Also assigned to the Swedish church- colonial Philadelphia area. Con- to see that of the 169, about a third es was Pastor John Abr. Lidenius and gregations were widely scattered due (33.7%) were infants or children un- Pastor Eric Unander, all by the to population growth and the many der 5 years. About half were 20 years archbishop and consistory in Swe- outlying farms, mills, iron furnaces, old or less. 75% were age 50 or less den. and villages. Travel was difficult with and only ten percent lived to reach These documents reveal that few if any bridges and primitive age 65. (One old-timer lived to be 91). during this period, the Swedish roads. Horses were needed by pastors Unlike today, early deaths in families pastors reached out to form an in- to reach outlying congregations and and among young people were usual formal ministerium with other Lu- members and much time was con- mostly due to the many diseases com- theran pastors in the area, mostly sumed in travel. The Swedish pastors mon at the time, though some were serving the growing German popu- also complained of the large numbers due to accidents. Medical care was lation in Pennsylvania. The leader of of competing sects and often un- almost non-existent; a few midwives the German congregations was Pas- trained religious leaders, focusing and folk healers were present and the tor Henry Mühlenberg, who founded much of their antagonism toward the rare physicians could do little but the congregation and built the old Moravian sect from Germany and give comfort. The median age at Augustus Lutheran Church in Switzerland, but also less friendly to death was less than 30, contrasted Trappe, PA, on the old ridge road to the many Baptists, Methodists, and with 78 (80 for women) in the U.S. Pottstown and Reading. (This review- other faiths planting roots in the today. er is now a member of this church. Delaware Valley. Letters between the As part of the projected series of The old church was built in 1758 and pastors and Swedish authorities, rea- eight volumes, this book becomes a is maintained in its original unalter- ding between the lines of the elab- valuable historic resource about the orate honorific language of the day, conditions faced by the descendants seemed mainly to complain of diffi- of the New Sweden Colony during cult conditions, inadequate income, this time period. It is also of great services in Swedish to few who still value for researchers, descendants, spoke the language, and complaints and forefather members of the Colo- about one of their fellow pastors who nial Society. For general readers was uncooperative. interested in the history of the colo- It is also very clear that all the nial period, invaluable insights can pastors involved during this period be gained from the information saw themselves as being on tempo- included in this collection of docu- rary assignment to an overseas mis- ments as a whole. Sponsors of this sion, not as settlers. They were ex- project include the Swedish Colonial pected to serve seven years in the Society, several foundations, and Glo- Colony, and each was prompt to ria Dei Church, whose support has request relief when their assignment all made this project possible. The neared an end. (Pastor Parlin died of editors continue to make an invalu- pleurisy a year or so before his relief, able contribution to the history of this and is buried in Old Swedes Church). period. This contrasts sharply with current Dennis L. Johnson ELCA practice, where pastors may be proposed by the synod bishop, but are reviewed by the congregations before acceptance.
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 25 Book Reviews the cooks and helping tend the hor- broken leg late in the season during ses. His father works in the woods as the logging drive removes him from a logger. They both have to contend the lumberjack life and he again with learning English, and with finds shelter and work while his leg learning to work and live with others mends, with the Indiana family he of many nationalities and back- had met the previous summer. In a grounds. brief and abrupt epilogue, we learn An entire logging season from the that a few years later Sven has The Loggers’ autumn camp building to the spring married and is homesteading his own logging drive is described vividly as land near Brainerd, Minnesota. He life seen through the eyes and experi- also has found the means to send for ences of the young Sven Anderson. the remnants of his family in Swe- It is a rough existence where the den, his mother and an older sister. Pinch River, Growing Up Hard young grow up in a hurry, and the The author of Pinch River has and Fast on the Michigan Fron- customs of the loggers dictate the been a teacher of writing at Southern tier, by Helen Godfrey Pike, Pacific relationships between boys and men. Adventist University since 1987, Press Publishing Association, Accidents, injuries, and even deaths having previously been an elemen- Nampa, Idaho, 2008, softcover, are almost routine, and there are no tary and secondary school teacher. 144 pages, Amazon.com, $12.99 health care, sympathy, or unemploy- She is a native of northern Minne- plus shipping. ment benefits for those who fall sota, and a graduate of Walla Walla victim to the work. The work is hard, College. She began her writing career If you would like to sample life in a the days are long, meals are ample, in college and has been the author Michigan logging camp in the 1880’s and pleasures are very few. Most or co-author of several works of fic- for a young immigrant from Sweden squander their pay and have little to tion on various subjects and histori- and his father, this work of fiction show for a hard season’s work when cal periods. This story has the ring of may be just the thing for you or the the season ends. Sven’s father falls plausibility and historical accuracy teenager in your family. Sven Ander- victim to gambling and drink, along to it in describing the conditions of son, age 13, and his father have just with many others, and eventually logging work in the 1880’s. This is no embarked on an immigrant’s journey disappears from the story. doubt because she and her husband to America to find work, leaving the Sven, while disappointed, has both come from families historically rest of their family behind in Sweden larger dreams of life in America. A involved in logging, and two of her to fend for themselves. Their inten- sons are now loggers in Alabama. tion is to send for the rest of the Although a work of fiction, this family when it becomes possible to story is an engaging story which do so. The young boy and man travel entertains the reader while inform- by the usual route, arriving in Amer- ing about many of the details and ica where an Indiana family be- conditions in which Swedish and friends them for a time. They learn other immigrants found themselves, of work to be had in the logging as greenhorns arriving in the woods camps of Michigan, and sign on for of Michigan at the time, to find work the winter logging season at a camp in the logging camps. This kind of near Pinch River. rough but ready work allowed many The father is a fairly skilled car- new arrivals to get a start towards a penter and is put to work building better life in their new land. Teen- the camp bunkhouses, dining hall, agers in particular will enjoy this blacksmith shop, and store in the young man’s adventures while they woods near Pinch River. The son, still learn about the conditions which growing and passing for fifteen years their grandfathers or great-grand- old, goes to work as a camp helper fathers may have had to deal with. and “brusher,” trimming branches Lives which are in sharp contrast from trees after they have been tak- with the much less rigorous con- en down by the loggers. He soon ditions for young people today. becomes a shanty boy, working with Dennis L. Johnson
26 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Book Reviews 1907, now home of the Zuhrah Shrine prestigious neighborhoods are now organization. Other mansions and around the cities’ lakes and in the large homes line these blocks, mostly wealthier suburbs. dating from the same period. Ac- 2615 Park Avenue survived the cording to the author, Swan Turn- changes to this neighborhood, how- blad, his wife, and daughter lived in ever, and it remains a place of resi- their mansion for only a short time, dence for many who prefer apart- finding it too ostentatious for their ment living close to the center of the A tastes, and moved across the street city. Many apartments dating to the to 2615 Park. The Turnblad mansion same era have since fallen into dis- Minneapolis was later donated to become the repair or been demolished, perhaps home of the American Swedish In- due to less desirable locations, neigh- stitute. Most of the stately homes in borhood decline, or the encroachment Building the area have over the years been of nearby hospitals and institutions adopted by various non-profit organi- in need of land for expansion. Biography of a Building, The zations and private businesses, with 2615 was built to a high standard, Personalities of 2615 Park Av- the passing of their owners. The has underground parking, and other enue, by Mary Jo Thorsheim, PhD, Park Press Minneapolis, 2008, softcover, illustrated, 126 pages, American Swedish Institute, Minnea- polis, $16.00 plus shipping.
Visitors to the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis can hardly fail to notice the dignified, large apartment building directly across the street from the Turnblad Man- sion, home of the Institute in the 2600 block of Park Avenue. I know it was a matter of curiosity to me each time I made a visit, although I knew nothing of its Swedish connections The current dividend is Joy Lintelmanís until this book was published. ìI go to Americaî: Swedish American Women As an architect, I admired the and the Life of Mina Andersonî stately elegance of this six-story building designed in the Art Deco style of the 1920–1930’s, and the fact that even at the age of eighty years it appeared to be well maintained and in good condition, but I knew little more. In the early 20th century and until World War II, the Park Avenue area and nearby Portland Avenue, from Franklin Avenue to the railroad line at 28th street, was a neighborhood of the residences of many wealthy and important Minneapolis residents. The Turnblad Mansion, home of the wealthy Svenska Amerikanska Pos- ten publisher, Swan Turnblad, was completed in 1908. Nearby is the massive Harrington Mansion from
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 27 Book Reviews known to many as the “Swedish Mis- were in agreement with this plan, sion Tabernacle.” He had studied at however, and it took several months the University of Minnesota and had to conclude the deal. Management been in practice for about ten years was now in the hands of a new board in 1930. The building was laid out as of directors elected from among the a double ‘E’ with wings front and rear residents. A fiftieth anniversary gala to create light and views for the many occurred in 1997 to celebrate this features and amenities that continue apartments on each of six floors. A milestone in the life of 2615. to maintain its desirability for many garage for residents’ cars is below the Most of the remaining chapters in current residents. building with an entrance at the rear, this book are devoted to a description The author has undertaken a on Columbus Avenue. The building of various residents and notables who great deal of original research to was set well back from Park Avenue have lived in the building. Residents chronicle the history of this building, with a broad lawn and driveway included business and community including interviews with the son of leading to the main front entrance. leaders, professionals, teachers and one of the builders, Lars Anderson, The building has roots in the New professors, writers and musicians, who served as a building mainte- York concept of luxury high-rise and other prominent residents of the nance manager for many years and apartments with many services pro- city. Other chapters describe the his- lived in the buildings before his mar- vided within the building. It was tory of “Loretta’s Tea Room,” which riage and later when his family was innovative at its time for Minneapolis was a social center for the building grown. Lars died in 2004. The build- and has maintained its popularity for for many years, as was the old laun- ing was the conception of two Swed- eight decades. The original builders dry, where hired staff washed and ish Americans who had emigrated managed the building on behalf of its ironed for many residents. Many resi- from the same place in Sweden, the businessman owner-investors until dents were Swedish or Scandinavian, town of Mellerud in Dalsland, where 1947, with Lars V. Anderson, son of but by no means exclusively. Some they had lived on neighboring farms. Carl (C.A.) Anderson, as the building prominent residents included writer (Coincidentally, Mellerud was also manager. Bruce Rubenstein, sportswriter the home of my maternal grandfa- In 1947, the 116 residents took Charlie Johnson, writer Steven ther who emigrated about a decade steps to convert the building into a Polansky, film impresario Ted Mann, earlier). The two men, Carl A. Ander- cooperative, in which the tenants all and conductor Eugene Ormandy. son and Gustav Nelson, first settled purchased shares in the building to There are even unverified rumors in Ironwood, Michigan, but had become co-owners. Not all residents that Amelia Earhart lived at 2615 for relocated to Minneapolis by 1907. a time. Other anecdotes about past They began work as builders of, at residents are included together with first, modest dwelling houses and interesting accounts of the many later building apartment buildings in services provided in the building. The various locations in Minneapolis. building became especially popular The success of Anderson and Nel- with part-time residents who spent son in the 1920’s led them to under- parts of the year elsewhere, or trave- take their largest project yet, as led abroad, or had a lake home where developers and builders. After sev- they would spend most of their sum- eral years of planning, work began mers. on 2615 in 1929, despite the severe The author, Mary Jo Thorsheim, is depression then just beginning. The a current resident and has become building was completed by the end acquainted with many of the resi- of 1930, and it received immediate dents. She studied at St. Olaf College, status as a prestige building in a then the University of Oslo, and the Uni- popular location. They had engaged versity of Minnesota. She is an im- another Swedish American, Martin porter of prints and paintings from Lindquist, as the architect for the Scandinavia to the U.S. and lectures building. Martin was born in Minnea- on Scandinavian arts and artists. She polis of Swedish parents and was an is also a researcher and consultant active member of the First Covenant in occupational therapy, health, and Church in downtown Minneapolis,
28 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Book Reviews Finlanders in Stockholm – A new CD human services and is a writer of As a part of the remembrance of the War, Life and Quarrels, and at last, grant proposals and research pro- year 1809, when Sweden and Finland Turn of the Century (1900). jects. Many photographs of 2615 Park were divided into two separate count- A big part is the database, which Avenue, neighboring buildings, its ries after having been one for at least contains about 13,800 individuals, residents, and others connected with 600 years, the Stockholm City Ar- and has information on Finlanders the construction of the building are chives (Stadsarkiv) has released a from the late 1400s to the 1900s from included. The book as a whole pre- new CD. It is called Finländare i various sources: court and church sents one more interesting facet of Stockholm (Finlanders in Stockholm) records, newspapers, and much more. the unique Swedish American his- and is only available in Swedish or The maps are also fascinating; here tory of Minneapolis, which is such an Finnish. you get a good color picture of the integral part of the growth and life The CD has a wealth of informa- oldest map of Stockholm from 1625. of that city. tion, with hundreds of articles, pic- Newer ones go to the 1930s, and Dennis L. Johnson tures, and maps. The contents are many maps of Finland from about divided into several sections: Middle 1680 to 1918. Ages, People and Gentry, Everyday This CD sells for 100 SEK. Anyone and Feasts, Crime and Punishment, interested in buying one can contact Congregation and Societies, Years of the SAG Editor.
New and Noteworthy (short notes on interesting books and articles)
The new Swedish Family Register 2010 (Svenska Släktkalendern 2010) has just been published. It is a book of family genealogies, in Swedish, for about 60 Swedish families with dates as recent as August 2009. This volume is # 45 in a series that started in 1885. For more information and a list of families, see www.svenskaslaktkalendern.se/ Well-known archivist Per Clemenson of Göteborg has written a number of manuals for Swedish Genealogy in Swedish during the years in company of his co-author Kjell Anderson. Now this team has published a new basic manual, in Swedish, geared towards younger researchers who need to conquer the 1900s before entering the land of church records. The book is called Börja släktforska. Genvägar till din släkts historia. It is full of good hints on how to use the information from the tax authorities (Skatteverket), the various CD:s, the SVAR website, and much more. It sells for about 219 SEK + postage. More information can be had by e-mailing
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 29 All links tested in Nov. 2009 and Interesting Web Sites should work
The Archives of Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN: http://gustavus.edu/academics/library/archives/index.php The East European Genealogical Society (Canada): http://www.eegsociety.org/Home.aspx Federation of East European Family History Societies U.S.: http://feefhs.org/ The DIS Swedish Computer Society: http://www.dis.se/denindex.htm Old pictures from Hälsingland: http://www.helsingebilder.se/utsida/index.asp Medieval Scandinavian Names: http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/scandinavian.shtml Stalcop (Stålkofta) Family Website: http://www.stalcopfamily.com/index.html Stockholm City Death certificates (not complete!): http://www2.ssa.stockholm.se/Dodbevis/Allaregistrerade.aspx Swedish Frog Dance at Midsummer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXhGKIY65Jo&feature=related Census research for Genealogists: http://www.1930census.com/index.php Nordstjernan newspaper: http://www.nordstjernan.com/ A tribute to the Swedish American Line: http://www.salship.se/ Listing of Swedish-American church records at Swenson Center: http://www.augustana.edu/x14874.xml Digitized old Swedish newspapers: http://magasin.kb.se:8080/searchinterface/search_newspaper.jsp The blog of Swedish Way in Vancouver: http://blog.nordicway.com/ The Swedish-American Historical Society: http://www.swedishamericanhist.org/index.html Swedish state archives: http://www.riksarkivet.se Convert many kinds of measurements: http://web.telia.com/~u54504162/javascript/convert/english.htm An English site about dead poets’ graves: http://www.poetsgraves.co.uk/ Guided bus tours to Swedish sites in Minnesota, and more: http://www.swedishcircletours.com/
All the above web links will be found as clickable links on www.etgenealogy.se/sag.htm
30 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Genealogical Queries
Genealogical queries from subscribers to Swedish American Genealogist will be listed here free of charge on a “space available” basis. The editor reserves the right to edit these queries to conform to a general format. The inquirer is responsible for the contents of the query. We would like to hear about your success if you receive useful information as a result of placing a query in this publication. Please send us your feedback, and we will endeavor to report your new discoveries in this section of the journal.
Öberg, Andersson Hilda Öberg, born 25 April 1875 in Kville (Bohu.) left on 27 February 1893 from Göteborg, in the company of her brother Nestor, born 19 Aug. 1876, also in Kville, and both had tickets for Chicago. Their parents were the soldier Otto Elis Öberg and his wife Josefina Nätt in Kville. Hilda married John A. Anderson in Cook County 15 Feb. 1898. According to the 1900 Census, John (born in Sweden in May 1868) and Hilda lived in Hyde Park, Chicago, with their son John C. W., born in Feb. 1899 (later used first name Clarence), and her brother Nestor, who was then a garden laborer. In 1910 John and Hilda also had son Arthur (8) and daughter Edith (7). In 1920 the children are still at home. In 1930 the probable son Clarence Ander- son is 30, and married to Kathryn, and they have children Clarence (5), Herbert (4), Charles (2½), and Theodore (0). A Clarence Anderson, born 25 Feb. 1899, died in January 1968 in Chicago. Is he the son of Hilda? What happend to his children, and Hilda’s other children? Nestor moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and later to Thorsby in Chilton County, AL, where he died 19 Nov. 1940. He never married. Hilda’s brother Johan, born 3 Dec. 1879 in Kville, was first a soldier in Tanum (Bohu.) and then left Grebbestad in 1910, and continued 4 May to Birmingham, AL, to brother Nestor. In the WWI Draft registration he lives in Suffolk, Mass, and is single. The youngest brother, Karl Anders Ture Öberg, born 15 April 1891 in Kville, immigrated 29 Jan. 1909 from Oslo, with a ticket for Alabama. These siblings have an old cousin in Sweden who hopes for more information about them. Contact Elisabeth Thorsell, Hästskovägen 45, S-177 39 Järfälla, Sweden. E-mail:
Send queries to SAG! Everything is not online!
A SAG reader: Sonya Anderson SAG reader Sonya Anderson of St. Paul, Minnesota, e-mailed me earlier this year with suggestions for article topics, which is a great idea that could be done by more of you. In my note to her I mentioned that I was going to be in the Minneapolis area in October, and she suggested that we should meet. However, our schedules made it difficult to find a suitable time, so finally it was decided that we should track her down at work. And from this photo you can see where Sonya works, at IKEA! And as I live about 5 minutes from IKEA Barkarby in Stockholm, it felt just like home. So we had a nice chat and will keep in contact. It is always nice to meet with the SAG readers!
Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 31 The Last Page Dear friends, Again I have had the experience of FHL staff at the library held a num- Then I spent some days in the Phil- participating in the SAG Workshop ber of good extra lectures that inter- adelphia area, first with a very nice in Salt Lake City, and as usual it was ested many. We hope though that by cousin in Princeton, and then with a very positive experience. The mem- our week next year (Oct. 24–Nov. 1) an old friend, a former Workshop bers of the Workshop seemed to be the library will have finished re- member. We both went to celebrate happy with the arrangements, not modeling the International floor. the 100th Anniversary of the Swed- least with the decision of Jill and her Before coming to Salt Lake City, I ish Colonial Society, and listened to husband Dave to finally do some- had visited Minnesota and had a a number of interesting presenta- thing about the very poor micro- good time there, among other things tions. We also had the pleasure of phones and loudspeakers that we at the SGSM Fall Research Seminar meeting with Peter S. Craig, who have had to use during lectures. (see p. 32). A personal thing was that received his Lifetime Achievement Dave, who understands these things, I was able to visit the Goodhue Coun- Award for his great efforts in clear- went out in the city and finally found ty Museum and see the manuscripts ing the undergrowth and myths in a nice portable microphone and loud- left by Carl Roos, an adventurous the history of the old Swedes. He speaker. This made it possible for the värmlänning who came to Vasa in looked a little worn, but we had no members to finally all hear the 1853. He wrote a long narrative idea that this was the last meeting lectures, which is what we wanted all about his travels to America and his with this great man, who also for the time. The bad thing is that now first years in the country, all in Swed- many years was a SAG Contributing they may catch us saying incorrect ish. He also wrote about his childhood Editor. things! and Civil War experiences. Maybe Till next time! Another good thing was that the some of it will turn up in SAG. Elisabeth Thorsell
The Sag Workshop 2009 Seated on floor, left to right: Lora Rose, Jan Frye, Karen Livsey, Janet Vanstrom, Nancy Mitchell, Ruth Anne Hartman, Lois Haraldsen, David Garner. 2nd row, seated: Daniel Sköld, Edith Benson, Sabra Holm, Jim Gager, Dee Kleinow, Linda Gamel, Elisabeth Thorsell, Ulla Sköld, Kathleen Weber, Karen Weiner, Louise Anderson, Gene Anderson, Alice Johnson, Jill Seaholm, Priscilla Sorknes. 3rd row: Lois Hellberg, Lars Hellberg, Roger Drong, Kermit Frye, Helen Gager, Jenny Witherby, Darlene Nor- man, Marilyn Henry, Sherry Leafgreen, Jean Larson, Walter Erik Olson, Janet Johnson, Julie Benson, Shelly John- son, Lynn Johnson, Robert Campbell, Lynn Campbell, Ellen Rye, Sharon Clay, Ray Kleinow. 4th row: Michael Swanson, J. Lorimer Holm, Kenneth Anderson, Stephen Benson, Laura Reich, Judy Baouab, Greg Nelson, Lois Schneider, Joanne Offe, Ruth Pulju, Ronald Johnson, Susan Jackson, Marilyn Turchi, Wayne Nelson, Deborah Gossage, Shirley Koelling. Not pictured: Lorraine Gordon, Earl Grefsrud, Fran Paulson, Myrtle Savage. Photo by: Daniel Sköld.
32 Swedish American Genealogist 2009:3 Abbreviations
Table 1. Abbreviations for Swedish provinces (landskap) used by Swedish American Genealogist (as of March 2000) and Sveriges Släktforskarförbund (the Federation of Swedish Genealogical Societies, Stockholm [SSF]).
Landskap SAG & SSF Landskap SAG & SSF (Province) Abbr. (Province) Abbr.
Blekinge Blek. Närke Närk. Bohuslän Bohu. Skåne Skån. Dalarna Dala. Småland Smål. Dalsland Dals. Södermanland Södm. Gotland Gotl. Uppland Uppl. Gästrikland Gäst. Värmland Värm. Halland Hall. Västerbotten Väbo. Hälsingland Häls. Västergötland Vägö. Härjedalen Härj. Västmanland Väsm. Jämtland Jämt. Ångermanland Ånge. Lappland Lapp. Öland Öland Medelpad Mede. Östergötland Östg. Norrbotten Nobo.
Table 2. Abbreviations and codes for Swedish counties (län) formerly used by Swedish American Genealogist (1981-1999) and currently used by Statistiska centralbyrån (SCB) (the Central Bu- reau of Statistics, Stockholm).
Län SAG SCB SCB Län SAG SCB SCB (County) Abbr. Abbr. Code (County) Abbr. Abbr. Code
Blekinge Blek. Blek. K Stockholm Stock. Sthm. AB Dalarnaa Dlrn. W Södermanland Söd. Södm. D Gotland Gotl. Gotl. I Uppsala Upps. Upps. C Gävleborg Gävl. Gävl. X Värmland Värm. Vrml. S Halland Hall. Hall. N Västerbotten Vbn. Vbtn. AC Jämtland Jämt. Jmtl. Z Västernorrland Vn. Vnrl. Y Jönköping Jön. Jkpg. F Västmanland Väst. Vstm. U Kalmar Kalm. Kalm. H Västra Götalandc Vgöt. O Kronoberg Kron. Kron. G Örebro Öre. Öreb. T Norrbotten Norr. Nbtn. BD Östergötland Ög. Östg. E Skåneb Skån. M a formerly Kopparberg (Kopp.; W) län. b includes the former counties (län) of Malmöhus (Malm.; M) and Kristianstad (Krist.; L). c includes the former counties (län) of Göteborg and Bohus (Göt.; O), Skaraborg (Skar.; R), and Älvsborg (Älvs.; P). BD
Lappland Norrbotten
AC
Västerbotten
Ångermanland Z Jämtland Y
Härjedalen Medelpad
Hälsingland X Dalarna Gästrikland w Uppland C Värmland Västman- S U land T AB Närke Södermanland Bohuslän Dals- D land Östergötland E O R Västergötland P Gotland F Halland Småland H I N G Öland Blekinge Skåne L K M
The counties (län) as they were before 1991. The provinces (landskap).