Swedish Colonial News Volume 1, Number 19 Spring 1999

GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE 300 YEARS AGO Greetings! Our Society continues to Founding Members of Holy Trinity Church change and grow. At each Council meet- ing new members are accepted, life mem- The 4th day of June 1699 (old style) 6th—Trinity Sunday—at special services bers are added and Forefather Members was a day set aside for the largest celebra- held at the church. It is fitting that we look are approved. Recent activities include a tion of the Swedes on the Delaware in the back and honor its founding members. successful 1998 Julmiddag. Thanks for 17th century—the consecration of Holy this event go to numerous individuals: the Trinity Church near the site of old Fort hardworking committee, the key-note Christina in what later became known as s p e a k e r, Rev. Kim-Eric Williams, who Wilmington, Delaware. relayed the story of how he discovered his It was Trinity Sunday, and the church New Sweden roots, the engaging children doors of the log church at Wi c a c o and their parents who present the St. Lucia (Philadelphia) were closed as A n d r e a s pageantry and all the members who partic- Rudman's congregation also went to ipated. Christina to join Ericus Björk's congrega- The Translation Project with the tion in a celebration that attracted Swedes Gloria Dei Church records continues to from four present states, New Jersey, make progress and a special Thanksgiving Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as Service hosted at Gloria Dei is planned for Delaware. the fall. The church building, with inside The Council also reports other new dimensions of 60 feet by 30 feet, was mas- developments — a newly designed Fore- father Membership Certificate and a sive for its time. As was customary in those Distinguished Service Medal. In addition, days, the men's pews were on the right the decision was made to create a web site (south) side of the church, separated from for the Society on the Internet. the women's pews by a wide 11-foot aisle. We are now making plans for our It was the first of eight masonry Old F o r e f a t h e r s ’ Day Luncheon to be held Swedes' churches to be built in the April 25th at the Corinthian Yacht Club. Delaware valley area over the next centu- The first observance of this day was held ry, soon to be followed by Gloria Dei on April 8, 1938, when the Legislature of Church at Wicaco (Philadelphia), which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania voted was consecrated in 1700. Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington,Delaware. to make it a legal holiday and officially Remarkably, Holy Trinity Church has PHOTO: RON HENDRICKSON designated it as "Forefathers’Day." now survived three centuries. Registered The following is a list of these mem- It is no longer a state holiday, but plan as a National Landmark, it still flourishes bers who were assigned pews on 24 June to celebrate this event with us. Meet our today as one of the nation's oldest church- 1699, just 20 days following the consecra- Amandus Johnson scholar, socialize with buildings still in regular use for worship. tion of the church. They are grouped by friends and honor our ancestors. This June marks its 300th anniversary. The their place of residence. In the listing William Neal event will be commemorated on June Continued on page 5 2 Swedish Colonial News

FOREFATHERS This was his home until his death in 1738. 4. Charles Springer, Jr. , born in As one of the few Swedes able to read 1693, married in 1722 Margareta Robin- Charles Springer and write the English language, Charles son, daughter of Edward Robinson and Springer was frequently called upon to Anna Walraven. He died in Christiana and his Family draft wills, deeds and other legal docu- Hundred and was buried 26 Aug. 1759. ments for his Swedish compatriots. (The They had twelve children (Maria, John, The dedication of Holy Trinity (Old courts wouldn't accept such documents in a Anna, Charles, Catharina, Edward, Jacob, Swedes) Church in 1699 was a milestone foreign language.) His reputation was such Gabriel, Margareta, Rachel, Rebecca and in the remarkable success story for one of that he served as a justice on the New Elisabeth). its members, Charles Christophersson Castle court for 35 years (1703-1738) in 5. C h r i s t o p h e r S p r i n g e r, born 12 Springer, who came from Sweden some 22 addition to his manifold duties for Holy May 1696, married in 1722 his first cousin years after the Dutch seizure of New Trinity Church as warden, vestryman and Catherine Hendrickson, daughter of John Sweden. It was he who wrote the 1693 let- trustee. Earlier, prior to the arrival of Björk Hendricksson and Brita Mattson. Chris- ter asking for new Swedish ministers on in 1697, Springer also had served as read- topher died in Christiana Hundred and was the Delaware. It was he who lent his tire- er at the Swedes' church at Crane Hook. buried 31 July 1755. They had nine chil- less assistance to pastor Eric Björk in the Charles Springer's last official act was dren (Charles, John, Brita, Peter, Susan- negotiations necessary to accomplish their to travel to Gloucester County to prove in nah, Solomon, Abraham, Joseph and goal of constructing the new church. And it court on 24 May 1738 a deed he had wit- Catharina). was he who Björk singled out as the most nessed on 9 May 1685, conveying land in 6. John Springer, born blind c. 1698, important reason for the success of this "New Stockholm" to Mårten Mårtensson, married [1] his first cousin Maria venture. S r., and John A r c h e r, two Swedes of Hendrickson, daughter of John Hendricks- Unlike his countrymen in Am e r i c a , Ammansland in Ridley Township. While son, in 1727, [2] Mary Dempsey, English, Charles Springer came from an upper class crossing the Delaware on his return trip, 26 31 August 1736. He died in Christiana household. His father was Christopher May 1738, Charles Springer died of a Hundred in June 1772. By his first wife, he Sp r i n g e r , who died in Stockholm in 1669 stroke. He was then eighty years old. He had four children (Charles, William, Mary after 40 years of government service. His was buried in the church that he loved. and Joseph). By his second wife, six more mother was Beata Salina, Christopher Maria Hendricksdotter, the first wife (Elisabeth, Rebecca, Israel, John, Margaret Springer's third wife, who survived her hus- of Charles Springer, had been buried at and Andrew). band for almost 25 years, serving as royal Holy Trinity Church on 15 March 1727. 7. Anders Springer, born c. 1700, housekeeper for the dowager queen Hedwig Three months later Springer married died unmarried in January 1731. Eleonora, widow of King Charles X. Annika, daughter of Johan and Brita 8. Jacob Springer, born in 1703, mar- Charles Springer was born in Gustafsson and widow of both Matthias ried c. 1732 Mary Bishop, English, daugh- Stockholm in 1658 and seemed destined to Mårtensson and Jonas Walraven. ter of Nicholas and Dorcas Bishop. He follow in his parent’s footsteps as a leader Charles Springer had eleven known died in Christiana Hundred and was buried in Swedish society. He was sent as a young children, all born by his first wife, Maria 18 December 1763. They had eleven chil- man to study in Riga, Latvia (then a Hendricksdotter: dren (Dorcas, Charles, Susanna, Maria, province of Sweden). Following this he 1. Anna Elisabeth Springer, born c. Rebecca, Nicholas, Anna, Elisabeth, was sent to London to study English and 1687, married c. 1706 Samuel Hall, an Jacob, John and Thomas). mathematics. About to return home, Englishman who died as a weaver in 9. Israel Springer, born c. 1705, died Charles Springer, then 21, was kidnapped Kennet, Chester County in 1738. His will unmarried in January 1731. and carried aboard an English vessel named his wife Elisabeth, eight daughters 10. Magdalena Springer, born c. bound for Vi rginia, where in his own (Mary, Sarah, Phoebe, Elisabeth, Hannah, 1707, married [1] Jesper Robinson, 11 words, "I was sold like a farm animal" and Dinah, Susanna and Margaret) and four November 1725; [2] Paul Paulson 19 held in "very slavery" for five years. Upon sons (George, Samuel, James and Charles). November 1728; [3] Morton Justis, 5 his release as a supposed "indentured ser- 2. Rebecca Springer, born c. 1689, December 1747. All three were Swedish. vant," he walked 400 miles to the married c. 1708 Jacob Stilley, Swedish, She had ten children (Jesper Robinson, Delaware, where he had heard other son of Anders Stille. She died in Christiana Dorothea, Maria, Rebecca, Paul, Charles, Swedes lived. Hundred after 1764, and had ten children Peter, John and Anna Paulson and Helena His initial residence, from 1684 to (Jonathan, Andrew, Maria, Peter, Susanna, Justis). 1690, was in an area known as "New Elisabeth, Margareta, Rebecca, John and 11. Joseph Springer, born in 1709, Stockholm," located on the north side of Lydia). married in 1731 Annika Justis, Swedish, Raccoon Creek in Gloucester County. On 3. Maria Springer, born c. 1691, mar- daughter of Måns Justis and Catharina 27 December 1685 he married Maria ried on 31 July 1716 William Cleneay, Walraven. He died in Christiana Hundred H e n d r i c k s d o t t e r, daughter of Hendrick probably of French origins. She died in in 1799. They had twelve children Jacobsson and his wife Gertrude. Around Christiana Hundred by 1736 after having (Charles, Anders, Beata, Maria, Joseph, 1690, Charles Springer and his family nine children (Rebecca, William, Charles, Catharina, Sarah, Rebecca, Anna, Rachel, moved to Oak Hill, located on the east side Jane, Maria, Hannah, Jane, Samuel and Eleanor and Hannah). of Red Clay Creek in New Castle County. Sarah). Dr. Peter S. Craig Swedish Colonial News 3

HISTORIC SITES

Hendrickson House: The Oldest Stone House in America?

Holy Trinity Church knew a good deal when it saw one. Forty years ago the church was offered an old stone home, reportedly of historical significance to the Swedish community, on the condition that the structure be dismantled and removed from its site immediately. By acting quick- ly, Holy Trinity became the owner of a b r a n d - n e w, yet 310-year-old structure which had been built for a young Swedish farmer as a wedding present in 1690, and The Hendrickson House on the grounds of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington,Delaware. which is—quite possibly—the oldest stone PHOTO: RON HENDRICKSON Overcrowding, poor sanitation and ill- father’s other tract of land—the western house in America. ness combined to take their toll on the parcel facing Crum Creek. It was here, at The history of this old stone house s h i p ’s passengers and crew. When the the confluence of Crum Creek and the began in 1653 when Sweden’s Queen Eagle, after a four month voyage, dropped Delaware River, that the Hendrickson Christina agreed to answer Johan Printz’s anchor at Fort Christina on 22 May 1654, House was built in 1690, and there it repeated pleas for more men and supplies. more than 100 people had perished. remained for 270 years. Two vessels, Örnen (Eagle) and Gyllene Among those who survived the voy- To document the true historical value Hajen (Golden Shark), were recruited for age were Johan Hendricksson and his sons, of the Hendrickson House, H. Edgar d u t y, and preparations were made to Hendrick and Johan Johansson. The father Hammond, long-time vicar of Holy Trinity replenish the far-off New Sweden colony. was sick on arrival, but still living in Church, and Ruth L. Springer, wife of Sven Skute was commissioned to September 1655 when he signed an affi- Courtland B. Springer (a descendant of recruit 50 soldiers and 250 colonists for davit describing the surrender of Fort Charles Springer) wrote “The Hendrick- the voyage. He was especially successful Trinity to the Dutch. He made a purchase sons of Crum Creek and the Old Swedes finding colonists in the forested area of of linen and sewant (wampum) from a House” Pennsylvania Genealogical Mag- northern Värmland, where he encountered Dutch trader on the Delaware in April azine, 22:45-82 (1961) (reprints available skogsfinnarna (the so-called Forest Finns). 1657, but he is lost from the record there- at the Hendrickson House). These Finnish-speaking people had come after. In Crum Creek, the authors propose to Värmland from Savo, a border province By 1671, Hendrick Johansson owned that Johan Hendricksson, as the eldest son between Protestant Finland (then part of (together with Bärtil Eskilsson) nearly 600 and new family leader, inherited not only Sweden) and Orthodox Russia. They prac- acres of land in Ammansland (later Ridley the family homestead but also the task of ticed huuhta (the cultivation of rye in the Township). By 1673, Johan Johansson supporting his younger brothers, which, in ashes of burned spruce forest) and had owned property on Marcus Kill. Hendrick Anders’ case, meant helping him build a been encouraged by Swedish monarchs Johansson and Bärtil Eskilsson partitioned good house to live in when he was ready to during the 1500s and early 1600s to clear their joint property into four separate marry. The presence of a good supply of the ground for eventual farm use. By 1640, parcels (each taking two). By November freestone dictated the material of choice. however, their Swedish neighbors com- 1676, Hendrick was dead. Thus was constructed a stone house for plained about the burnings, and soon the Hendrick Johansson was survived by Anders Hendricksson and his bride, Forest Finns eagerly volunteered for the three minor sons, Johan, Anders and Brigitta, the daughter of Mårten Mårtens- voyages to New Sweden. Matthias Hendricksson. Hendrick’s broth- son, Anders’ old guardian and neighbor The Golden Shark was damaged and e r, Johan Johansson, and his neighbor whose great-grandson, John Morton, unable to make the Atlantic crossing. The Mårten Mårtensson were appointed over- would sign the Declaration of Indepen- Eagle set sail from Gothenburg harbor on seers of Hendrick’s estate and guardians of dence as a representative of the colony of the icy, winter morning of 2 February his minor children. When Hendrick’s eld- Pennsylvania. 1654. Aboard were 350 souls, including est son, Johan Hendricksson, came of age, The Crum Creek history reports that Peter Mårtensson Lindeström, who would he took possession of his father’s home- the stone house measured 30 by 20 feet describe this voyage in his famous work stead in Ammansland, the eastern parcel and faced southwest overlooking Crum Geographia Americae, and Johan Risingh, on Darby Creek. When Anders Hendricks- Creek and the Delaware River across to who was destined to become the last gov- son came of age, he took possession of his Continued on page 4 ernor of New Sweden. 4 Swedish Colonial News

Hendrickson House - From page 3 in Ammansland. On 4 January 1753, and a new straight stairway were installed. New Jersey. In the center of each of the Magdalena Grantum died and was buried For the past forty years the Old two longer walls, front and back, was a in the churchyard at Wicaco. Swede’s house has served as an integral door, flanked by a window on either side. In 1763, Isaac Hendrickson became part of the Holy Trinity Church/ The gambrel roof was supported by the sole owner of the stone house and the 161 Hendrickson House/Christina Community end walls and by heavy, hand-hewn pine acre Crum Creek plantation. On 31 Center triad of buildings that form the beams which extended two feet beyond the October 1769, Isaac married Marg a r e t Swedish presence in Wilmington, not far face of the front and rear walls to form pro- Nethermark, the widow of Luke Nether- from Fort Christina Park. In 1960, the tective eaves over the first floor doors and mark of Tinicum Island and daughter of house saw the first of its royal visitors windows. Inside, the northwest wall was George and Margaret (Justis) Webb. Isaac when H. R. H. Princesses Brigitta and completely filled by a huge fireplace, an and Margaret had no children. Desiree admired the rebirth of the ancient adjacent wood closet (fed by a hatchway to On 30 June 1788, Isaac Hendrickson Swedish structure. On 29 March 1963 (to the outside), and in the right-hand corner, a sold the stone house on Crum Creek and coincide with the 325th Anniversary of the narrow, winding stair leading to the second the family plantation, which had grown to Swedes landing at “the Rocks”), this area floor. The large upstairs room was used for 182 acres of land and meadow, to John hosted Vice-President Lyndon Johnson, H. sleeping quarters and was heated by a sec- Crosby. Thus ended nearly 120 years of R. H. Prince Bertil, Governor Carvel and ond fireplace. Hendrickson family ownership. other dignitaries who designated Fort Anders and Brigitta had four children Now more than one century old, the Christina and Holy Trinity Church as (Hendrick b. 1691; Jacob b. 1693; Helena Hendrickson House was in dire need of national historic landmarks, accepted the b. 1696; and Catherine b. cir. 1700) before repair. Around 1798, the size of the origi- presentation of the Stallcup log cabin, and Brigitta died in December 1702. Anders nal house was increased fifty percent (to o fficially dedicated the Hendrickson soon remarried. With his second wife 45 by 20 feet) by the addition of a new sec- House. In 1976, H. M. Carl XVI Gustaf Catharine he had six more children (John, tion, matching the existing section in both visited the Swedish landmarks as part of P e t e r, Gabriel, Maria, Christina and material and construction. America’s Bicentennial celebration and in Rebecca). The house and grounds passed 1988 the Swedish King returned with Anders Hendricksson died in late through a succession of owners until 1868, Queen Silvia to mark the 350th Summer 1722 and was buried “in Christian when the Ward family of Ridley acquired Anniversary of the ancient Swedes’arrival and decent manner ... at Wi c a c o the property and operated a successful in the New World. (Philadelphia).” The stone house and sur- quarry business and brickyard for the next Today the Hendrickson House serves rounding 164 acres on Crum Creek were fifty years. In 1918, a large portion of their as headquarters for the Holy Trinity (Old devised jointly to the three youngest sons, property, including the stone house, was Swedes) Church Foundation and principal John, Peter and Gabriel. acquired by the Baldwin Locomotive meeting place of the Delaware Swedish By 1726, John Hendrickson had Works, who owned it until 1956. Colonial Society. Its vault contains the reached majority. By 1735, he had married In the summer of 1958 the new own- C h u r c h ’s treasures, including the 1718 Magdalena and was considered the head of ers, the Vertol Aircraft Corporation (now Communion silver presented by the grate- the household, where also lived his mother The Boeing Company), offered the "Old ful parish in Sweden where Holy Trinity’s and his unmarried brothers. John and Swedes House" on their property to Holy first pastor, Ericus Björk, served after leav- Magdalena had two known children, Isaac Trinity (Old Swedes) Church Foundation ing New Sweden. In the upper floor gallery and Gabriel. In 1741, Peter Hendrickson with the provision that the structure be may be viewed the altar cloth, bearing a purchased land in Greenwich Township, removed as soon as possible. Plans were central cross embroidered by H. M. Gustav Gloucester County, New Jersey and left made to create a combination museum- V, and presented to Holy Trinity in 1950. Crum Creek, perhaps by 1747, when he library and church office on the grounds in Students of the earliest settlers visit the married Catharina Lock, granddaughter of Wilmington. Careful drawings were made l i b r a r y ’s holdings and throughout the the immigrant pastor Lars Carlsson Lock. and every structural detail was pho- house visitors enjoy Swedish-American Late in 1746, John Hendrickson, and tographed before the house was painstak- antiques and furnishings. Perhaps its then his youngest son Gabriel, died. ingly dismantled, stone-by-stone. proudest role, however, arrives each John’s only child and sole heir, Isaac, was Rebuilding presented many chal- December when the gift shop off e r s scarcely more that five years old. With no lenges. Where original wood and hardware delightful Swedish treats and the family member to care for the plantation, were no longer serviceable, proper repro- Hendrickson House is decorated for Lucia the land, but not the stone house, was ductions were crafted or replacement and a traditional Swedish Christmas. leased. materials secured. The beams (which had The 310-year-old Hendrickson House Not long after John Hendrickson’s been damaged by fire) served as templates (America’s oldest stone?) stands today as untimely demise, his widow Magdalena for duplication. The original door-frame both a monument to the Delaware Valley’s married Charles Grantum, a justice of and two window frames were retained as first permanent settlers and a vital asset Chester County, whose first wife, patterns. The original mantel and frame of rebuilt to meet the needs of the present-day Catherina Morton, was a granddaughter of the great fireplace are now in place in the Swedish community. Mårten Mårtensson. Magdalena and Isaac restored house. Modern utilities, heat and Ronald A. Hendrickson left Crum Creek to live at their new home air conditioning, a fire-proof storage vault Swedish Colonial News 5

Founding Members - From page 1 widow of Johan Johansson Frederick Hoffman and wife below, the pew assignment list has been Peter Johnson Walkow, her son Måns Hoffman supplemented with the names of other *Olle Rawson's widow Brita Nicholas Hoffman members who are identified by contempo- *Lars Rawson Måns Halton and wife Hans Justis and wife Maria *Jöns Halton. his son rary church records as donors of cash or Deer Point Hans Halton and wife Brigitta labor who, because of age, infirmity, indif- Broer Sinnicks and wife Sophia, widow *Lasse Halton ference or distance from the church, did of Anders Jöransson *Carl Halton not require assigned pews. These additions Jöns Andersson *Johan Andersson Sträng, wife Brigitta to the pew list are identified by an asterisk James Sinnicks *Olof Petersson and wife (*). Jesper Walraven and wife Christina Pål Pålsson and wife The service area of Holy Tr i n i t y Jonas Walraven and wife Sarah Oldman's Creek Church was extensive. On the east side of Edward Robinson and wife Anna *Hans Ollesson and wife the Delaware River, it covered the area West of Brandywine Creek Salem County, New Jersey: Hendrick Jacobsson, widower Piles Grove from Raccoon Creek in Gloucester County Hendrick Hendricksson Anders Hoffman and wife Maria on the north to Salem Creek in Salem John Hendricksson and wife Brita John Hoffman and wife Berthil County on the south. On the west side of Matthias de Foss and wife Sarah *Carl Hoffman the Delaware, the service area extended Edward Mathew and wife Helena Hans Peterson and wife Sarah from Marcus Hook on the north to Anders Friend and wife Isabel Gabriel Peterson Appoquinimink Creek on the south and Charles Springer and wife Maria John Sinnicksson and wife Gertrude westward as far as Sahakitko (present John Andersson Cock and wife Karin *Jonas Keen's widow Catharina Elkton, Maryland). Peter Stalcop and wife Catharina One Tree Hook New Castle County, Delaware: Conrad Constantine and wife Kirstin, Johan Hendricksson and wife Christina widow of Pelle Hendrickson *Anders Hendrickson, his son John Stalcop and wife Annika *Peter Pålsson and wife Geize Isaac Savoy's widow Brita Lulof Stedham and wife Catharina, Jöran Andersson and wife Maria Boughttown widow of Anders Stalcop Eric Andersson and wife Brita Jacob van der Veer, wife Catharina Asmund Stedham and wife Margaret Charles Hedges and wife Elisabeth *Olle Fransson, widower Lucas Stedham and wife Bread & Cheese Island Olle Franson, Jr., and wife Anna Samuel Petersson's widow Brita Arent Vandenburgh and wife Barbara *Lars Peterson Peter Peterson, her son Olle Thomasson and wife Eleanor *Hendrick Petersson Matthias Peterson and wife Elisabeth *Bengt Pålsson and wife Margareta Olle Nilsson and wife Margaret Christiern Andersson Feren Hook Matthias Nilsson Stark and wife Anna Anders Grelson Mink Olle Pålsson's widow Christina Israel Nilsson Stark's widow Ingrid Jöran Orrhan Long Hook Lucas (Carney's) Point Hendrick Orrhan Snicker Hendrick Båtsman William Slubey and wife Sarah North side of Brandywine *Peter Jaquet and wife Ingeborg John Mink and wife Elisabeth Jacob van der Veer's widow Catharina Mill Torp Paul Mink and wife Gertrude Cornelius van der Veer, wife Margareta Peter Clawson Lucas Peterson William van der Veer and wife Alice Crane Hook Salsenbury Point John van der Veer's widow Hendrick Andersson's widow Margareta Edward Mecum and wife Walborg, Skilpot Creek Hendrick Evertson and wife Elisabeth widow of Jonas Scoggin Hans Peterson and wife Annika Eric Ericksson and wife Anna *Lars Tussey Paul Peterson and wife Margaret Paul Paulson and wife Elisabeth Finns' Point Bochten *John Skrika Staffan Jöransson and wife Christina Peter Petersson Smith and wife New Castle Lars Hendricksson's widow Maria Catherine, widow of Adam Stedham Richard Reynolds and wife Anna Lars Hendrickson, Jr., and wife Måns Pålsson's widow Elisabeth *Hypolitus Lefever and wife Catharina Jöran Litien and wife Christina Peter Månsson and wife Catharina Red Lion Creek Jacob Hendricksson and wife Magdalena John Månsson and wife Gertrude Matthias Skrika Chestnut Neck Hendrick Tussey and wife Thomas Skrika Anders Sinnicksson's widow Sarah John Tussey and wife Anna Peter Andersson and wife Magdalena *Peter Bilderback and wife Ingrid *Olof Tussey Appoquinimink Creek John Hendrickson, Jr. Matthias Tussey Matthias Ericksson and wife Ingeborg Eric Jönson Hutt Benedict Stedham and wife Anna Cecil County, Maryland: Eskil Jönson Hutt Thomas Jones and wife Anna, widow of Sahakitko [Elkton] Anders Andersson Vinam, wife Anna Olle Tussey John Hansson Steelman and wife Maria Michael Vinam and wife Elisabeth Jacob Clementsson's widow Brigitta *Hendrick Petersson Parker and wife Lasse Vinam and wife Catharina John Clementson Simon Johansson and wife Anna Peter Peterson and wife Christina Lasse Hendricksson Gloucester County, New Jersey: Fenwick's Grove Marcus Hook Raccoon Creek Hendrick Slubey and wife Magdalena *Mårten Knutsson and wife Maria *Nils Justison Quist and wife Johan Scoggin's widow Elisabeth *William Talley and wife Eleanor, Knut Justison Quist Dr. Peter S. Craig 6 Swedish Colonial News

EDUCATION Sometimes there was conflicting "harsh," "fierce," "stern," all of which he information in different books: no doubt was. One description calls him The New Sweden Colony "jovial but dictatorial." The one accurate "East Jersey drew many New England, assessment was probably "a despot but Portrayed in New Jersey Swedish and French religious refugees." good administrator." Education Text Books His unusually large size is understand- "But colonists were hard to get. The ably something of interest to children but Swedes were Lutheran and Lutherans were one writer spent more than half of a short not persecuted." 177 word story describing his appearance. Several years ago I was curious about One might ask why, other than to discredit what kinds of historical materials on the "When Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden gave him? New Sweden Colony had been used over the West India Company charter there was This should alert you to the fact that the past 50 years in New Jersey schools. I little trouble in finding people who wanted children may be receiving little informa- found 13 elementary-level text books pub- to be colonists." tion in their schoolbooks on the colony and lished between 1948 and 1990 in the it may be misinformation as well. It is College of New Jersey library in Trenton. Sometimes the facts are outrageous. worth taking the time to look at your The sample was sufficient to understand Consider the following: child’s or grandchild's history book (4th part of the reason why the public knows so grade) and assess its accuracy. We would little about the colony and are so often mis- "The Swedes were farmers and river peo - appreciate receiving a copy of any materi- informed on what they do know. ple. The intricacies of pioneering, lumber - al which misrepresents our story. One of The average length of space devoted jacking, hunting and building were beyond the responsibilities of this organization is to New Sweden per book was 244 words— them. But the Finns were just right for the to get the story right. We would love to less than one column in our newsletter. Of task. No sooner were the ships anchored hear from you. necessity, compressing so much informa- than Minuet sent the soldiers and Finns Beth Linnerson-Daly tion into such a small space means a high ashore to get the new settlement underway. degree of generalization. In one book the Very quickly, the Finns had patterned what whole story was condensed into one sen- became a distinctly American dwelling— NEW FOREFATHER tence in parenthesis and in another left out the log cabin." entirely. Since this is state history, it seems MEMBERS strange to leave out part of the story. Sometimes the misinformation is not Every text had one or more factual C a rol Bowman Kehler, B r o o m a l l , directly stated, but inferred. For instance errors. Some were minor errors such as PA, descended from Jonas Nilsson vi a the text with no mention of New Sweden placing Fort Elfsborg at Finns Point or mis- Mounce Jones of Amity Township, Berks contains a chronological listing of NJ his- dating the beginning (1639) or ending Co u n t y , PA. torical events and New Sweden is included (1651 or 1657) of the colony. Other errors as follows: are more disturbing: Ellan Wh e e l e r Stockwell Th o r s o n , Annapolis, MD, descended from Ca p t a i n "1638 - Swedish settlers arrive. "Queen Christina died in 1655. The Dutch Sven Skute via his daughter Ch r i s t i n a 1643 - 80 Delaware Indians are murdered saw their opportunity and overtook the Sk u t e who married William War n e r , Jr. in a raid." colony." (The facts are that Queen Christina abdi- Marjorie E. Wil l i a m s , West Chester, Since nothing is said of the particular- cated the throne in 1654 and settled in PA, descended from Olof Stille via An d e r s ly good relations between the Swedes and Rome, where she died in 1689.) St i l l e of New Castle County. the Indians in this or any other text it might be assumed that the Swedes were responsi- "In 1651 Governor Stuyvesant challenged Patricia T. Marshall, Milford, DE, ble for the massacre. In fact, the claimed Governor Printz for control of the descended from Jürgen Keen via his massacre never occurred. Delaware River. Governor Stuyvesant led a daughter A n n a who married J a m e s Sometimes the statements are sim- a small army to New Sweden and forced Sa n d e l a n d s of Upland [Chester], PA. plistic. the Swedes to surrender or give up." (In actuality, Governor Stuyvesant chal- Frances O. A l l m o n d , Wi l m i n g t o n , "Christina, Queen of Sweden decided she lenged Governor Rising with seven armed DE, descended from Timen Stiddem vi a would like to own the Delaware River ships and over 300 soldiers.) his son Adam Stedham of New Castle Valley." Co u n t y . "...there were never more than 98 in the Johan Printz is presented basically as colony." Katharine A. E. Campbell, Ma l v e r n , fat and mean with only one source com- (At the time of the Dutch takeover, schol- PA, descended from R e v. A n d re a s menting on his remarkable abilities to keep ars estimate there were approximately 300 Ru d m a n and Elisabeth Mattson via their a struggling colony alive under extremely men, women and children.) daughter Anna Catharine Rudman wh o difficult circumstances. He is described as married Re v . PeterTra n b e r g . Swedish Colonial News 7

Current List of SCS Anders Jöransson (Anderson) Johan Printz David R. Anderson, Newark DE Dorothea B. Clymer, Placentia CA Forefather Members Barbara T. Harrell, San Antonio TX Peter Gunnarsson Rambo Jürgen Keen Marianna Barneyback, Canton MO Måns Andersson Bonnie Hillman, Browte, Australia Judy Baxter, Haverford PA Jerry L. Brimberry, Lilburn GA Dawn Alexandra Hillman, Chicago IL Sharon Holmberg, Indianapolis IN Christina W. Lassen, Greenville DE Heather L. Hillman, Bryn Mawr PA George M. Keiser, Burlington VT PeterAndersson (Longacre) Kendra Jean Hillman, Bryn Mawr PA Jane Rambo Lohmeyer, W. Chester PA Raymond H. Longacre, Ephrata PA Tatnall Lea Hillman, Aspen CO Herbert R. Rambo, Berlin NJ Frances S. Baynes, New London NH Paul J. Holsen, Naples FL John Gunnar Rambo, Berlin NJ Antoinette W. Sorensen, Tacoma WA George M. Jenkins, Radnor PA Dr. J.H.T. Rambo, New York NY Otto Ernest Cock (Cox) Gordon L. Keen, Jr., Strafford PA Michael R. Rambo, Winston Salem NC Janet Robinson Beerits, Wiscasset ME Stuart Craig Keen, Jr., Venice FL Jeannette S. Vollmer, Wynnewood PA David R. Ross, Bryn Mawr PA Patricia T. Marshall, Milford DE Jeffrey S. Waddell, Portsmouth RI Peter Larsson Cock (Cox) Margaret Scott, Devon PA Virginia Waddell, Wyomissing PA John B. Tepe, Greenville DE Susan Thompson, Ft. Washington PA David E. West, Peoria IL Anders Larsson Dalbo William Thompson, Ft. Washington PA Ronald A. Wilson, Oneida TN Aleasa Hogate, Pennsville NJ Eleanor K. Williams, Berwyn PA William R. Wilson, Norfolk VA Johan Ericksson Peter Nilsson Laican (Lykins) Rev. Andreas Rudman F. Leif Eareckson, Annapolis MD Maria F. Barr, Peachtree City GA Katharine A. E. Campbell, Malvern PA Nils Larsson Frände (Friend) Elizabeth S. Farwell, La Canada CA Sven Skute James A. Friend, Edison NJ John J. Foley III, Baltimore MD Julie Jensen Bryan, Philadelphia, PA Johan Grelsson (Archer) Alexander P. Hartnett, Moorestown NJ Ellan Thorson, Annapolis MD R. Michael Borland, Colora MD John Kent Kane II, Yorktown VA Charles Springer Johan Gustafsson (Justis) Peter Bayard Kane, Cazenovia NY E. William Ross, Villanova PA John Walton Justice, Chattanooga TN Andrew R. Likins, Denver CO Gary E. Young, Centreville MD Elaine C. Nichols, Salt Lake City UT Bobby K. Lykins, Estill Springs TN John Andersson Stalcop Janet Justice Papke, Sylva NC Frances Snyder Ramirez, Tampa FL Janet S. Rontz, Albuquerque NM Anne W. Widtfeldt, Haverford PA Audrey Ligget Snyder, Tampa FL Larry S. Stallcup, Virginia Beach VA Måns Jönsson Halton Joan Ligget Snyder, Tampa FL Richard Stevens, Kansas City MO Joyce Stevenson, Mullica Hill NJ J. Marc Wheat, Arlington VA Timen Stiddem (Stidham) Matts Hansson (Mattson) Paul Larsson Corvhorn (Paulson) Frances O. Allmond, Wilmington, DE Lawrence Mattson, Macedon NY William B. Neal, Claymont DE Margaret R. Nesbitt, Mesa AZ Israel Åkesson Helm C. Donald Jess, Lancaster PA Richard Steadham, Woodbridge VA Eldon L. Angelo, Puyallop WA Måns Svensson Lom Jack Stidham, Morristown, TN Mary T. Bauer, Haddonfield NJ Virginia Hulings Hill, Oakmont PA Olof Stille Marie Bates Hiscock, West Chester PA Hans Månsson (Steelman) Margaret S. Bridwell, Berwyn PA Elizabeth T. Scholl, Mullica Hill NJ Gloria R. Hoppe, Big Sandy TX Ruthellen Davis, Newtown Square PA Martha B. Striedieck, Gradyville PA James F. Steelman, Mays Landing NJ Robert F. Higginbotham, Fairhope AL Johan Hendricksson Robert B. Steelman, Bridgeton NJ Mildred W. Hollander, Ames IA Ronald Hendrickson, Moorestown NJ Mårten Mårtensson (Morton) James A. Kimble, Holland OH Matthias Claesson Holstein Esther Morton Herr, Media PA Edward M. Ward, Sarasota FL Perry F. Holstein, Raleigh NC Mildred Meredith, Bloomfield IN Rev. Kim-Eric Williams, W.Chester PA Peter Jochimsson (Yocum) William Ward IV, Toughkenamon PA Marjorie E. Williams, W.Chester PA Y. Bernita Bundy, Barnesville OH Jonas Nilsson (Jones) Lars Thomasson (Boore) Peter S. Craig, Washington DC Carol Harmon, Traverse City MI James W. Marvin, Jr., Wyncote PA Virginia Yocum Fraser, Seal Beach CA Doris S. Hopkins, Sun City West AZ Sara Frances Marvin, Wyncote PA David L. Greth, Bucyrus OH Carol B. Kehler, Broomall PA Verna Marvin, Gladwyne PA June Yocum Greth, Shillington PA Elizabeth A. McFarland, Haverford PA Johan Van Culen (Culin) Louana G. Johnson, Duluth MN Esther Ann McFarland, Haverford PA Christopher Cameron, Malvern PA Ellen Ohnmacht, North River NY George McFarland, Jr., Haverford PA John C. Cameron, Malvern PA Ralph H. Walker, Mansfield, TX George McFarland III, Haverford PA Meghan Cameron, Malvern PA Matilda K. Williams, Seminole OK Megan D. McFarland, Haverford PA Walter C. Culin, Burlington NC Henry W. Yocom, Philadelphia PA John G. Taylor, Wallingford PA Stanley A. Yocom, Lancaster PA Hans Ollesson Frederick W. Yocum, Jr., Iowa City IA Stuart Henri Yost, San Diego CA James Allan Yocum, Blue Bell PA Samuel Petersson James R. Yocum, Tacoma WA C. Matthew Peterson, Bountiful UT 8 Swedish Colonial News

OBITUARIES Governor and finally as Governor from Newsletter Committee where he faithfully 1995-1997. During his term of office as saw to the mailing of each issue for the Deputy Governor, he was instrumental in past five years. Our organization was the success of Kids Celebrate, the 350th enriched by this quietly capable, good- commemoration of Johan Printz's arrival humored man. held in 1993. Because John was a boat In November Peter Craig received a owner and knew the waterways very well letter from Elaine Nichols of Salt Lake and was familiar with large-scale outdoor City, Utah describing the funeral service events, he was invaluable in planning the held there. logistics for the outdoor event at Johan "John Widtfeldt's funeral was here (in Printz Park on the Delaware River. He also Orem near here) on Saturday. I'm sorry worked hard on updating the By-Laws for he's gone as I enjoyed him, but it was the organization. apparent in the spring when they were here John W. Widtfeldt Because of his deep interest in ship for a grandaughter's wedding that he was building he joined the Kalmar Nyckel not his usual energetic self. He sat quietly Last fall on November 9th, our Foundation's effort and worked closely and spoke little. It was a fine funeral with beloved former governor, John W. with them in the early stages of construc- six of his eight children speaking as well as Widtfeldt, died leaving behind his wife of tion of the Kalmar Nyckel. a brother.There was singing by family 50 years, Anne Wood Widtfeldt, a descen- As SCS Governor, he strongly sup- members and the congregation. dant of Johan Gustafsson (Justis), eight ported the Year 2000 Project—the transla- Prior to the service all of John's and children, 38 grandchildren and six great- tion of the Gloria Dei Records—from the Anne's family gathered outside on the cool, grandchildren. fundraising stages into the first phase of crisp fall day and took myriad pictures and He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, actual translation. He represented the soci- just enjoyed seeing each other all at once. of Swedish descent and had served in the ety during Jubilee year—1996, the year Every child and grandchild was there. It Navy for 29 years as a Navy commander. celebrating 50 years of Swedish immigra- was remarkable as they had come from He retired in 1972. His service included tion. His visit to the midwest and the 50th many places. A few other family members three overseas tours in Korea, Japan and in Anniversary Conference of the Swedish such as Anne's brother and sister and a few Italy at the NATO Headquarters. Later he Council of America, he recalled as an cousins like me were also there." was in command of Navy reserve training "eye-opening experience." He was startled Each governor leaves his stamp on our centers in Hartford and Philadephia. by the scope and variety of Swedish o rganization. John Widtfeldt will be After retiring from the Navy he settled American programs throughout the coun- known for his staunch support of our his- into civilian life as head of buildings and try. As a result, John organized a survey to torical imperative, and as a man who grounds at Rosemont College for four focus the direction of our organization. He understood the importance of diplomacy years and as a plant manager for Drexel was concerned about clarifying our mis- and good will within an organization. His University for ten years. sion and not duplicating efforts of other active, caring manner also insured good We knew him first as a Council mem- Swedish groups. relations with other like-minded organiza- b e r, then in 1993-1995 as Sr. Deputy John recently retired from the tions.

Edwin M. Ross Mawr from 1989-1995. Calendar of Events In addition to his active professional career he was keenly interested in his April 11, 1999 Edwin M. Ross, Forefather Member D e l a w a re Swedish Colonial Society of the Swedish Colonial Society and for- ancestry and was a member of many clubs and societies, including the Swedish Luncheon, Wilmington, DE. For info call mer Council member died November 25th, George Orescan at (302) 999-0185. 1998, at 88 years of age. Colonial Society. He was actively involved Mr. Ross was a chemical engineer in the 350th commemorative preparations in 1988 and, as a Forefather descendant of April 25, 1999 active in international business and a Swedish Colonial Society Forefathers’ native of Philadelphia. He was an execu- Charles Springer, was seated on stage with other Forefathers and the Swedish King Luncheon, Corinthian Yacht Club, tive in several Philadelphia companies; Philadelphia, PA. For info call Bill Neal at Betz Laboratories, Betz Dearborn and Queen at the American Swedish Historical Museum's Commemorative (302) 798-7375. Chemicals and Key Chemicals, in addition NOTE: CHANGE OF DATE to overseas companies; Crossford Dinner. Mr. Ross is survived by a son, E. Pollution Services in England and May 22 & 23, 1999 SealOSafe in Switzerland. Most recently William Ross, also a Forefather Member, a daughter, Sarah R. Fernley and five New Sweden Farmstead Military he was chairman of Pelmore Laboratories M u s t e r and Open House, City Park, in Newtown owned with his son. After grandchildren. His wife of 63 years, Frances Ort Ross, died in 1997. Bridgeton, NJ. The Royal Swedish retirement he took a leadership role at the Musketeers’annual encampment. For info Beaumont Retirement Community of Bryn Swedish Colonial News 9

Christmas 1998 Julmiddag and St. Lucia Pageantry

Photos from top left:

Rev. Kim-Eric Williams, guest speaker at the 1998 Julmiddag. PHOTO: BETH LINNERSON-DALY

Alyshia Endy portraying St. Lucia surounded by her attendants, Starboys and Tomte. Each year, Katarina Sheronas (second from left in back row) organizes members’ children for the lovely Swedish tradition. PHOTO: LINDASMITH

Society members (from left) James Marvin, Jr., Dr. Benkt Wennberg and Dorothy Wennberg, his wife, enjoy the Julmiddag luncheon. PHOTO: WILLIAM NEAL

call (609) 455-9785 and leave message or call Herbert Rambo at (609) 768-5325.

May 22 & 23, 1999 John Bartram 300th A n n i v e r s a ry Living History Festival, B a r t r a m ' s Gardens, Philadelphia, PA. Historic site hosts the replica Kalmar Nyckel and living history interpreters. For info call (215) 729-5281.

June 6, 1999 Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Churc h , 300th "Trinity Sunday" Celebration, Wilmington, DE. Bishop of Delaware, the Rt. Rev. Wayne Wright and diocesian cler- The St. Lucia Festival of Lights at Christ “Old Swedes”Church is attended by Revolutionary War reenactors gy celebrate the Holy Eucharist as the portraying officers from the Continental Army. Left to right: Malcolm Mackenzie,William Oliver as Admiral year-long celebration continues. For info John Paul Jones, Charles Fifer as General Anthony Wayne,James Gallagher as General George Washington and Herbert Rambo as Ezekial Rambo. PHOTO: JANE HUSTON call (302) 652-8605. 10 Swedish Colonial News

CONGRATULATIONS Life Members New Members

Dr. Nils William Olsson David R. Anderson Frances M. Allmond, III Nears 90th Birthday Newark, DE Wilmington, DE (Forefather)

Dr. Nils William Olsson of Winter Ronald A. Hendrickson Eugenia E. Eberle Park, Florida, a member of the Swedish Moorestown, NJ Springfield, IL Colonial Society, will celebrate his 90th birthday on June 11, 1999. Linda R. Smith Lynn Gemeinhart Born in Seattle, Washington, of Swedish parents, Dr. Olsson served in the Shamong, NJ O'Fallon, MO diplomatic service of the U.S. State Department, including many years in Steven E. Widtfeldt Richard & Isabel Larson Stockholm. After his retirement in 1967, Arlington, TX Whiting, NJ he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Uppsala. He has devoted his retirement Jeffery B. Steelman years in tireless pursuit of Swedish- Aston, PA American history, biography and genealo- In Memoriam g y. He founded the S w e d i s h - A m e r i c a n Ellan Wheeler Thorson Alice W. Lindborg** Genealogist in 1981 and served as its edi- Annapolis, MD (Forefather) tor for 17 years. In addition, he has written Newtown Square, PA numerous books and articles about Swedes (Former Secretary) in America and is a Fellow of the Donald C. Ward & Family Boyertown, PA American Society of Genealogists. Robert Nelson Happy Birthday, Nils William! Springfield, PA Marjorie E. Williams (Former Captain of the Color Guard) Membership Procedure West Chester, PA (Forefather) An application card for new membership Edwin Morrison Ross* must be signed by an active member- Bryn Mawr, PA sponsor and mailed to the Registrar with (Former Council Member) a check payable to the Swedish Colonial Swedish Colonial News Society for the class of members h i p John W. Widtfeldt* desired. Action will be taken at the next Haverford, PA Newsletter Committee meeting of the Council. (Former Governor) Annual Dues: Beth Linnerson-Daly, Editor I n d ividual $25; Fa m i ly (two adults, Dagmar Zapf David R. Anderson Peter S. Craig minor children) $30; Life $300. Swarthmore, PA Brian Daly Ron Hendrickson Mail to: Mr.Wallace Richter, 336 So. William Neal Herbert Rambo Devon Ave., Wayne,PA 19087-2927. * Obituary on Page 8. Wallace Richter Jean Roll Information: (610) 688-1766 ** Obituary in next issue. Dorothy & Benkt Wennberg

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