Full Issue Vol. 27 No. 1

Swedish American Genealogist

Volume 27 | Number 1 Article 1

3-1-2007 Full Issue Vol. 27 No. 1

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Recommended Citation (2007) "Full Issue Vol. 27 No. 1," Swedish American Genealogist: Vol. 27 : No. 1 , Article 1. Available at: https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/swensonsag/vol27/iss1/1

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

Nils William Olsson

1909 – 2007

Volume XXVII March 2007 No. 1 CONTENTS

My Father – Nils William Olsson ...... 1 by Chris Olsson

Swedish American Genealogist Bits & Pieces ...... 13

Publisher: President Bush’s New Sweden Ancestry Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center Disproved ...... 15 Augustana College, Rock Island, IL 61201-2296 by Peter S. Craig, F.A.S.G. Telephone: 309-794-7204. Fax: 309-794-7443 E-mail: [email protected] Research at the Archives of Arkhangelsk ...... 17 Web address: http://www.augustana.edu/swenson/ by Margarita Choquette

Editor: Elisabeth Thorsell Letter by “Stenbo gubben” ...... 21 Hästskovägen 45, 177 39 Järfälla, Sweden by John Norton E-mail: [email protected] The 444 – Sandin-Tillner Family Statistics ..... 25 Contributing Editor: by Norman “Pono” Sandin Peter S. Craig. J.D., F.A.S.G., Washington, D.C. Handwriting Example, XIII ...... 28 Editorial Committee: H. Arnold Barton, Carbondale, IL Michelle Pfeiffer’s Ancestors ...... 29 Dag Blanck, Stockholm, Sweden by Dick Eriksson and Bo Lindwall Dennis L. Johnson, Pottstown, PA Ronald J. Johnson, Madison, WI Solution to the Handwriting Example, XIII ... 33 Christopher Olsson, Stockton Springs, ME Priscilla Jönsson Sorknes, Minneapolis, MN Book Reviews ...... 34

Swedish American Genealogist, its publisher, editors, Genealogical Queries ...... 38 and editorial committee assume neither responsibility nor liability for statements of opinion or fact made by Interesting Web Sites ...... 39 contributors. The Last Page ...... 40 Correspondence. Please direct editorial correspondence such as manuscripts, queries, book reviews, announcements, and ahnentafeln to the editor in Sweden. Correspondence regarding change of address, back issues (price and availability), and advertising should be directed to the publisher in Rock lsland.

Subscriptions. Subscriptions to the journal are $28.00 per annum and run for the calendar year. Single copies are $8.00 each. Swenson Center Associates are entitled Cover picture: to a special discounted subscription price of $15.00. Photograph of Nils William Olsson from 1995. Direct all subscription inquiries to the publisher in Rock Island. (Photo by Bengt Thorsell). In Sweden the subscription price is 225.00 Swedish kronor per year for surface delivery and 275.00 kronor per year for air mail. This subscription fee may be deposited in a plusgiro account: 260 10-9, Swedish American Genealogist, c/o Thorsell, Hästskovägen 45, S-177 39 Järfälla, Sweden. My Father

– Nils William Olsson

BY CHRIS OLSSON Photo by Chris Olsson.

Nils William Olsson died 20 March Albin and Mathilda (Lejkell) Olsson. received a commission as lieutenant 2007 at the age of 97. He had been in All four children were born in the (j.g.), later lt. commander, and was failing health for several years, Seattle area but after their mother’s assigned to the U.S. Legation in mostly from the effects of Parkinson’s untimely death in 1913, when Nils Stockholm, Sweden, as assistant na- disease, and had lived with severe William was only four years old, the val attaché from 1943-1945. scoliosis for a number of years. Since family returned to Sweden until After the war he returned to the 1998 he had lived with his wife Dag- 1922. In that year Olsson and his University of Chicago and obtained mar at the Mayflower Retirement family re-immigrated to the United his Ph.D. in 1949. In 1947 he took a Center in Winter Park, Florida. States, settling in Sharon, Pennsyl- leave of absence from academia to Despite his health problems, he and vania. He was placed in kindergarten serve as executive secretary of the his wife had been able to live more at age 13 because he only spoke Swedish Pioneer Centennial, then or less independently until just Swedish, but by the end of his first being organized in Chicago to com- before his death. school year he had advanced to the memorate the 100th anniversary of Olsson will be missed mostly by his 6th grade. He graduated from high the arrival of the first significant immediate family: his wife Dagmar, school in 1929 and began his college Swedish immigration in 1845. (The daughter Karna Barbro Olsson and studies at North Park College (now celebration was delayed until 1948 her husband Philip Brown of Belfast, North Park University) in Chicago. because of WWII.) Maine, twin sons Nils Greger (Greg) He finished his undergraduate In 1949 he received a post-doctoral and his wife Carolyn Olsson of Aus- degree in 1934 after attending both grant for additional research in Swe- tin, Texas, and Pehr Christopher Northwestern University and the den, taking his wife and children (Chris) and his wife Deborah Berg- University of Minnesota. with him. He had married the for- man of Stockton Springs, Maine. In After several jobs in the Chicago mer Dagmar Theodora Gavert on addition, Olsson is survived by four area, he was hired as admissions June 15, 1940, a marriage that lasted grandchildren: David Anders Carl- counselor and instructor in Swedish almost 67 years. They had daughter son and his wife Sarah (Findley) at North Park in 1937 and later as Karna in 1942 and twin sons Greg Carlson of Belfast, Maine, Lars Gav- assistant in Scandinavian at the and Chris in 1947. ert Carlson and his wife Julia Carl- University of Chicago in 1939, in- Returning to the United States, son of Hilo, Hawaii, Jonas Erik Carl- structor in Swedish in 1945, and Olsson joined the United States In- son and his wife Michelle Lutz of San assistant professor in the Germanics formation Agency in 1950. He moved Francisco, California, and Lily Department in 1950. His budding with his family to Reykjavik, Iceland, Marlain Olsson of Austin, Texas. academic career was interrupted by to serve as 2nd secretary and cultural There are also three (now four) the December 7, 1941, attack at affairs officer at the American Lega- great-grandchildren. Pearl Harbor and only a few weeks tion there. Two years later he was Olsson was the oldest of four child- after that event, he enlisted in the posted to the American Embassy in ren born to Swedish immigrants Nils U.S. Navy and, after basic training, Stockholm, Sweden, where, now as

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 1 a foreign service officer, he served the University of Chicago was on an by Augustana College, Rock Island, more than four years as Attaché and Icelandic saga. He was a founder of IL. He continued to edit SAG until Public Affairs Officer, later 1st Sec- the Swedish Pioneer Historical So- he retired in 1997. retary and Consul. In 1957 he was ciety (now the Swedish-American Olsson received numerous honors assigned to the State Department in Historical Society) in Chicago in and awards throughout his life. Washington, D.C., and served in 1950, an outgrowth of the Swedish Noteworthy were two awards re- various capacities until 1962. In that Pioneer Centennial. Probably his ceived in 1968 and 1969. In 1968 he year he began his last overseas as- most outstanding accomplishment was granted an honorary doctoral de- signment as 1st Secretary and Coun- was his more than twenty years of gree from Uppsala University in selor for Political Affairs at the Amer- research on Swedish immigration Uppsala, Sweden, and in 1969 he ican Embassy in Oslo, Norway. In which resulted in his magnum opus, was named “Swedish-American of 1966 he was again stateside, serving Swedish Passenger Arrivals in New the Year” by the Northern and South- in his last State Department assign- York, 1820-1850, published by the ern Divisions of the Vasa Order of ment as diplomat in residence at Royal Library in Stockholm, Sweden, America in Sweden. Indiana University in Bloomington, in 1967, and Swedish Passenger Arri- Nils William and Dagmar Olsson Indiana, retiring a year later. vals in the United States (except New moved to Winter Park, Florida, in In 1967 he was appointed execu- York), 1820-1850, written with the 1981 and continued to live indepen- tive director of the American Swedish late Erik Wikén, published in 1979. dently until 1999 when they moved Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, In addition, Olsson wrote numerous into a retirement village in Winter a position he held for six years. In articles, monographs, and other Park called The Mayflower. They had 1973 he helped organize the new academic papers, dealing mostly their own apartment until late 2006, Swedish Council of America, and with Swedish immigration, personal when health concerns and other then served as its first executive history, and genealogy. His proudest afflictions made a move to the nur- secretary from 1973 until 1984. achievement was probably his sing care section of the Mayflower His interest in Sweden and Scan- launching in 1981 of a new quarterly necessary for both of them. dinavia was prominent throughout magazine Swedish American Genea- his life. His doctoral dissertation at logist which is still being published

The Olsson family around 1998. From left: Karna, Greg, and Chris. Sitting: Nils William and Dagmar.

2 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Many thoughts on Nils William – friends remember this remarkable man

H. Arnold Barton Philip J. Anderson remember him as an efficient execu- Professor emeritus, Carbondale, IL: President, Swedish-American tive director with a very visible pres- Historical Society, Professor of ence. Swedish Council of America I first met Nils William at a confer- Church History, North Park Uni- will look to him as the most articulate ence forty years ago, in 1967, and he versity: voice of its stated mission to a grow- has been very much a part of my ing number of affiliate organizations. world ever since, especially after I A very long life lived well and with Students, scholars, and family re- became active in the Swedish Pio- distinction (and class) is reason for searchers will have reason to thank neer (now the Swedish-American) celebration and the shared recol- him every time they hold one of his Historical Society) in 1970. He was, lection of pleasant memories, even as books or explore the materials of his to the best of my knowledge, its long- the loss of a friend and colleague is genealogical collection at the Swen- est surviving founder. We served for deeply mourned. Almost a quarter- son Center. And readers of this maga- several years together on the Soci- century ago, Arnold Barton described zine, and those who mine its prior ety’s Board of Directors and then, Nils William Olsson as “surely the issues, will be reminded of the vision after 1981, also on the Advisory most protean figure on the Swedish- of its founding editor and publisher. Committee of the Swenson Center in American scene.” This was arguably There is so much more to learn about Rock Island. It was Nils William, true since the close of the Second the abiding significance of Nils Wil- together with the late Franklin D. World War, and the legacy of his liam Olsson’s life, and future scholars Scott and Wesley M. Westerberg, who scholarship, diplomatic service, and will no doubt have much to say. persuaded me to take on the editor- organizational entrepreneurship will Those who knew him personally, ship of the Swedish Pioneer (now continue to endure. however, encountered one with so Swedish-American) Historical Quar- The Swedish-American Historical many rich facets to his person, and terly in 1974 (for the next 16 years), Society will honor Nils William the public persona (commanding, and he long contributed to it his among its founders and sustainers. eloquent, dignified, and determined) periodic “Personal Pioneer History,” The American Swedish Institute will gave way to the more private ele- the forerunner to the Swedish Amer- ican Genealogist. Nils William was a phenomenon! Through the two volumes of essays in his honor, An Ancient Folk in a New Land (1984), and Essays Pre- sented to Dr. Nils William Olsson in Honor of His 90th Birthday (1999), in both of which I had the honor of participating, I became ever more aware of his long and varied career as a diplomat, foundation director, historian, and inspirer of others, including not least myself. In all of these areas he leaves his lasting legacy. As a historian, I shall always remain deeply indebted to his pains- taking, indispensable scholarship on the early history of the Swedes in America and on Swedish-American genealogy. To this day I constantly refer back to it.

Nils William Olsson lecturing in Salt Lake City 1993.

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 3 ments of friendship (warmth, con- creased from two flights during the cern, sensitivity, and intellectual sti- summer to Scandinavia to eight mulation). I first came to know Nils flights! Equally important, in my William in 1984, when he was a estimation, was his encouragement young seventy-five and I was a slight- of programs and classes for children. ly younger thirty-five. Our growing Nils William wrote in the Insti- friendship would have different di- tute’s November 1971 newsletter mensions. I was just beginning my that “Seeing happy children cavort- involvement in the SAHS and I ing about the Turnblad mansion succeeded him as president in 1989. learning Swedish and something I learned much from him and have about their cultural heritage is an relied on his support and encourage- inspiring sight and we are pleased ment through the intervening years. as punch.” Just watching him in action was To say the least, Nils William was inspiring and intimidating at the a formidable force. The changes and same time. We are saddened now to expectations that he had or brought have lost our president-emeritus. His about for this place were not easily presence will be writ large in the accomplished. Many were actively telling of the Society’s history. resisted by those who saw it more or An important dimension to our less as a private club. Some people friendship was rooted in our common discontinued their support, but as origins in the Covenant Church as Nils William outlived virtually all Nils William wrote in March 1973 well as life at North Park University, of his contemporaries, and there is near the end of his ASI tenure, “As where I have taught since 1979. On considerable truth to the notion that we approach our annual meeting, I several road trips together to Rock an era has finally come to an end want to thank you all for the superb Island and visits in Chicago and regarding Swedish America. In grati- support you have given the Institute elsewhere we often discussed his tude I join my voice with many others and its programs. If an occasional experiences growing up as a second- in bidding our friend and colleague grumbler drops out, his place will be generation Swedish American and “Hail and Farewell!” filled by others, who believe in and his experiences with North Park work for our cause.” (Wise advice beginning in 1929. His memory was even for today.) The Institute is a unfailingly detailed and he was for better place because he persevered me a living source of the history of so in his commitment to opening it up many people and issues germane to Bruce Karstadt to a broader community. my life and work. I also worked President/CEO Looking over the news articles and closely with Nils Williams’s younger The American Swedish Institute: materials covering the Olsson years brother Karl (1913-1996), who had at ASI, there were many highlights. been president of North Park and the When I began my work as executive Perhaps the most significant was the preeminent historian of the Cove- director of the American Swedish In- Midwest premiere of the Jan Troell nant Church, teaching a course to- stitute in 1990, one of the first per- film, The Emigrants, which was gether for close to a decade. These sons to call and offer congratulations shown in Minneapolis under the brothers have blessed and enriched and advice was Nils William Ols- sponsorship of the Institute in the my life considerably, and I suspect son. Nils William had served as head presence of HRH Princess Christina there is a book waiting to be written of the Institute from 1967 through in 1972. Nils William and Dagmar by someone about this highly un- 1973, and I discovered quickly upon had hosted a reception for all of the usual group of brothers and friends arriving in Minneapolis that his actors and crew when they were (e.g. Paul Elmen, Harold Jacobson, tenure and accomplishments here, earlier in Minnesota for the filming, Paul Varg, Jean Hagstrum, Paul even though nearly 3 decades in the and we retain many wonderful pho- Holmer, Leland Carlson, Walter Mo- past, were well-remembered. tographs of Max von Sydow, Liv Ull- berg, and others) who went on to Nils William and Dagmar moved man, and others being regaled in the distinguished public and academic here after his retirement from the Olsson home by friends of the Insti- careers, the children of Swedish U.S. Foreign Service. Much was tute. immigrants raised and nurtured in accomplished during his leadership: The American Swedish Institute the same community. Besides being membership grew from 2,200 to benefited greatly from the wise an interesting read, it would be an 5,300 households, considerable reno- leadership of Nils William Olsson. additional way to contemplate di- vation work to the historic Turnblad His credibility with a wide network mensions of Hansen’s Law and its mansion was completed, and the In- of friends and associates well-posi- generational theory. stitute’s charter flight business in- tioned here and in Sweden did much 4 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 to strengthen the bonds of friendship between this museum and Sweden. Personally, I valued highly the times we had together in discussing the challenges and opportunities for this place, and I will miss his sage counsel.

Ann Munsey Leesburg, VA:

Nils William Olsson lived in the Washington, DC, area when I first met him decades ago. I always met him at Swedish American events and he most always was involved with the organization sponsoring the event. And always he took time to talk with me alone, first to answer my earliest questions about my immi- Chris who was in Vadstena the same its quality, excellence, its strength. grant ancestors. I first learned he time we were there. It is superb in every way, in every had put thousands of immigrants in Nils William asked us to write and detail. For example: each person his Swedish Passenger Arrivals in the to read aloud what we had written learns to document data. SAG/SLC United States 1820-1850. That one evening. SAG and the Swedish Workshops are like family reunions included my two first immigrants - a American Genealogist Workshop in and a person is missed who cannot couple with six children and then a Salt Lake City are the creative re- come that year. bachelor. That research had taken sults of Nils William Olsson’s recog- Nils William Olsson will be Nils William Olsson thousands of nition that genealogical research is sorely missed but never, never for- laborious research hours. historical research of persons and gotten. Whenever I was with him and persons’ participation in history in asked a question he could not answer the midst of whatever sizes of circles right then, he would telephone me of history one wants to view. from home later with a response. Nils William Olsson returned to How fortunate we all are that there Washington, DC, one time when it Ronald J. Johnson is the Swenson Center - the recipient was a luncheon honoring Justice Chairman of his answers to so many questions. Rehnquist. Nils William had done ge- Swedish American Historical Later, I was able to follow his lead nealogical research on Justice Rehn- Society: to the Swedish-American Historical quist’s paternal ancestry and one an- Society genealogical trip to Sweden cestor’s behaviors with results most If there were a Grauman’s Swedish- where we had evening lessons in Jön- interesting to the Chief Justice! American Theater in Hollywood, Nils köping from Nils William Olsson and Nils William was always interest- William Olsson would long since Per Gösta Lindquist. I remember ed in data beyond simply the begats. have had his handprints and a star Nils William drove us down to town His interest, his patience, his sharing in the cement of the forecourt. In his to the bookstore where he introduced of the results of his research is his many faceted life, the Swedish-Amer- us to the topographical green maps gift to us each time he did it. ican Historical Society is only one of and also to the Bilatlas, then drove Though in obvious pain, Nils Wil- the many galaxies in which he shone us back up that high hill again. In liam Olsson attended the launching and left an indelible imprint. But those years we were able to hold in of the Kalmar Nyckel in Wilmington, since I happen to be the chief officer our hands the original church books Delaware. of that organization right now, I wish in the regional archives. Some were Nils William Olsson visited his to remember Nils William in par- written, perhaps, by my minister SAG Workshop in Salt Lake City a ticular for the critical rôle he so often ancestors. few years ago and it was a joy to played in the history of the Swedish- We were delighted when Nils Wil- welcome him then. He could witness American Historical Society. To liam Olsson introduced us to his son

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 5 extend the movieland analogies, he really put the Society on a firm “forced” me to write for SAG by giving was at the very least the Godfather footing.” Karna, Chris, and Greg Ols- me books to review, and since then I of the Society. son will remember their father’s have also written a few articles for The Swedish Pioneer Historical persuasiveness in co-opting new SAG. His influence on me and upon Society, as it was called until 1983, members. Better financial times also the avocation we had in common was was founded on October 15, 1948, as came through the sponsorship of enormous. Some have known Nils a permanent organization growing charter and group flights – which William Olsson as “Bill”; I feel out of the Swedish Pioneer Centen- Nils William proposed and managed. privileged to have called him “Nils nial Celebration of 1948. The plan- These began in 1960, and continued William.” The Swedish-American ning began in December 1945 at a through some 35 flights until the Historical Society, the organization meeting at the Swedish Club of Chi- early 80’s. which he helped birth, will by its very cago. Among those present on that The 80’s were again tight fi- existence honor his memory. Blessed day over 61 years ago were Conrad nancially, and the Society was put on may it be! Bergendoff, president of Augustana a strict financial diet. Governance College, who became national chair- and management of the Society were man, Vilas Johnson, Chicago chair- reorganized and Nils William Olsson man, and a young man by the name returned from 1986 to 1989 in the of Nils William Olsson, already well new office of President of the Society. Siri M. Eliason versed in Swedish Americana. Nils Under his guidance these changes Chairman William became the Executive Direc- eventually paid off, with the organ- Swedish Council of America: tor of the celebration, and thus was ization on a sound footing again since a principal architect of the success the 1990’s. In the meantime, the Ols- The Swedish Council of America of the 1948 observance, which ended sons had also donated the capital to mourns the loss of Nils William Ols- in Chicago with a huge gathering establish the Nils William and Dag- son, its first executive director. He featuring President Truman, Prince mar Olsson Research Fund, through played a pivotal role in the founding Bertil of Sweden, Swedish Arch- which the Society has continued to of the Swedish Council of America bishop Eidem, and Carl Sandburg. make periodic awards to support the and he was definitely the right man (He arranged Prince Bertil’s cross- work of researchers of Swedish- at the right time for this auspicious country tour, making sure to give him American history. As long as Nils Wil- occurrence. He was given the task a day of rest each week. When he liam was able to travel, he was an to plan for a Swedish-American na- asked the Prince years later about enthusiastic participant in the tional organization, to assemble a what he had liked best about the activities of the Society, in which he board of directors, secure funds, and tour, Prince Bertil replied “the day has been honored as President Eme- outline a purpose. No small order, but off.”) ritus for many years. it was an assignment that suited Nils Upon organization of the new So- On a more personal note, I wish William exceedingly well. The idea ciety that same year, its first Execu- to add that Nils William Olsson was of a national organization had been tive Secretary was: Nils William Ols- my mentor. His work in immigration talked about for a long time and in son. In 1950 the Society began its research is the model for everything the beginning of the 1970s, the then publishing program with the first that I have ever tried to do, and after Ambassador of Sweden, Hubert de issue of the Swedish Pioneer Histo- I received an award from the Olsson Besche, encouraged vigorously the rical Quarterly, and it put out its first Fund in 1980 and began attending establishment of such an organi- book, volume 1 of the Memoirs of Swedish Pioneer Historical Society zation. Gustaf Unonius, translated by J. O. meetings, he graciously took me un- Nils William thrived with his Backlund and – Nils William Olsson. der his wing. I am sure he was the calling and with his background in The fledgling society had great as- one responsible for me becoming a diplomacy and with his connections pirations, but in the 1950’s finances member of the Society’s Publications with leading Swedish-Americans, he were lean. Nils William Olsson had Committee, from which, over a pe- soon had accomplished what had left for Iceland on government ser- riod of many years, I graduated to been asked of him. During his time vice in 1950. Membership slipped. the Board of Directors and to the at the helm, the Council prospered, But in 1956, – quoting Paul Varg, Chairmanship of the Society. I was and over time and with a dedicated 1979 –, Nils William “came home for fortunate enough to participate in a and talented board of directors and a 4-year appointment in Washington, two-week genealogical workshop staff, the Swedish Council of Amer- and on his return quickly went to under his leadership in Sweden in ica is today the pre-eminent Swedish- work on getting membership. What 1983 and to attend several of the American umbrella organization he did was truly phenomenal. If I Swedish American Genealogist that exists to assist its close to 350 remember correctly we went from (SAG) Workshops in Salt Lake City affiliated member organizations. 500 or 600 to something over 1,300. while he lead them and as Karna Nils William will always be re- It is almost wholly his doing. He Olsson has continued them. He membered as the man who initially

6 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 put the Swedish Council of America discussions. He served until his and went to the stage to talk with on its course and we, who follow, shall death as a member of the publica- him afterwards. Then began a close never forget that. Those of us who tions committee and in 1967 his friendship which lasted until his are fortunate to remember those monumental Swedish Passenger death on March 20, 2007, in his 98th early days, remember Nils William Arrivals in New York, 1820-1850 was year. as an elegant yet modest gentleman the society’s eighth published book. An ex-diplomat, Dr. Nils William who had the conviction and passion He established the society’s Nils Wil- Olsson pursued a relentless and en- to pursue a goal that all Swedish- liam and Dagmar Olsson Research thusiastic career in his retirement Americans can be proud of today. In Fund. In 1982 he received the soci- promoting the histories of Swedish- April the Swedish Council of America ety’s Sandburg Medal and in 1989 he Americans, be they 19th or 20th cen- celebrated its 35th anniversary and was named President Emeritus, the tury immigrants or settlers of the we sent grateful thoughts to Nils first person so honored. His advice New Sweden colony on the Delaware William. and counsel will be missed. in the 17th century. My own acquaintanceship with When I first met Nils William, I Nils William goes back 34 years. I had only recently completed the first treasure the hours I spent with him of many family histories that I have ten years ago tape-recording his re- written about the New Sweden colo- Eric Lund, collections of society history. I en- ny’s settlers and their colonial de- Swedish-American joyed his sense of humor, his stories, scendants. That first effort was “The Historical Society: his frank appraisals of individuals. Yocums of Aronameck,” published in His life was a string connecting us to the NGS Quarterly in December The success of the Swedish Pioneer the Centennial and the beginnings 1983. Nils William provided the leads Centennial celebration of 1948, in- of the society. His passing leaves a that led to a succession of other volving tens of thousands of parti- void that can’t be filled. articles – “The Stille Family in Amer- cipants at multiple events in seven ica,” published in SAG in December states, was attributable in no small 1986, “The 1693 Census of the measure to Nils William Olsson, Swedes on the Delaware,” published recruited from the University of Chi- in SAG in six parts, 1989-1992, and cago to be its executive director. He Peter Stebbins Craig, F.A.S.G. republished in book form in 1993; signed on Carl Sandburg as honorary Washington, D.C. and “New Sweden Settlers, 1638- chairman, worked tirelessly to coor- 1664,” an 8-part series published in dinate all of the activities, and was I first met Nils William Olsson about SAG 1996-1999, as well as a series serving as shepherd to the Swedish 21 years ago when he came to Wash- of shorter articles. At each step of the delegation led by Prince Bertil. And ington, D.C., to address a meeting of way, Nils William always had excel- it is unlikely that the Swedish-Ame- the National Genealogical Society lent suggestions to improve my rican Historical Society, which grew held at the National Archives. drafts. out of the celebration and is now in I was very impressed by his talk its fifty-ninth year, would have survived without him. One of the society’s founders in 1948, he left in 1950 for a six-year assignment in Iceland and Sweden with the U.S. State Department. On his return he found a society with less than 300 members and only $500 in the bank, its existence tentative at best. Through personal recruiting and imagination (a flight program), he was responsible for bringing about financial health and increasing membership to a high of almost 2,000 at the end of the Sixties. Later, as president from 1986 to 1989, he played a major role again in restoring financial stability. At all times, over more than half a century, he was an active participant in society board and committee Peter S. Craig and Nils William Olsson on the SAHS tour of New Sweden 1997.

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 7 In addition, Nils William kindly others, all of whom we have con- When Nils William started the invited me to be a speaker at each of tinued to share friendships through- Swedish American Genealogist, he the SAG workshops which began in out these ensuing years. invited me to write articles for the 1991. This kindness continued as Needless to say, like you all, we magazine, which I gladly did. We also long as he could manage these work- have lost a dear friend and teacher. cooperated on a series of articles shops himself. Even after Nils Wil- about the “Inheritance Cases in the liam turned over SAG and the SAG Archives of the Swedish Foreign workshop to others, he maintained Ministry of Swedes Who Died in a close and supportive association America” (Dec. 1997 through Dec. with me. He was the first contributor Ted Rosvall, President 1998 issue of SAG). to the costs of translation involved Federation of Swedish Genealogical Nils William Olsson was a man in my current project (the Colonial Societies with knowledge, visions, and crea- Records of the Swedish Churches in Falköping, Sweden: tivity. If he set his mind on some- Pennsylvania) and personally called thing, he would always see the pro- me last summer to thank me for the In 1972 I visited the U.S. for the first ject through. And he did it well. He first two volumes, The Log Churches time. I was 20 years old, had an was also a good storyteller, with a at Tinicum Island and Wicaco, 1646- ambitious travel agenda with stops great sense of humor! And a most 1696, and The Rudman Years, 1697- here, there, and everywhere to visit worthy recipient of the Federation’s 1702. relatives and archives. One stop was prestigeous genealogy prize: the “Vic- As a friend and a mentor, I shall in Minneapolis, where I visited the tor Örnbergs Hederspris” which he never forget Nils William Olsson. American Swedish Institute and met was awarded in 1994. Nils William Olsson for the first time. He immediately invited me for dinner at his home, where I also got to meet his wife Dagmar, with whom I Fred and Phyllis Wohlfarth shared an interest in church and or- Glen E. Brolander Covington, WA: gan music. Nils William gave me Past Vice President quite a lecture on how to do family Augustana College, Rock Island, I became acquainted with Dr. Olsson research in America: which archives Past Chairman of the Advisory and his lovely lady Dagmar, when and libraries I should visit, and gave Committee, Phyllis and I joined one of his Swed- me contact information to various Swenson Swedish Immigration ish Genealogy Tours to Sweden in genealogists and “useful” people in Research Center: 1991. Having just begun her search several states. for her father’s “Erickson/ Lindholm” A few years later I visited the re- Of the many aspects of Nils William parents and my mother’s Swedish gional archives at Vadstena, and Olsson’s activities in Swedish-Amer- “Swanfeldt/ Anderson” family lines, stayed over night at the local youth ican affairs, his interest in genealogy she was eager to visit Sweden. hostel. In the same room was a man covers the longest time period and Though I had little interest in whom I had seen in the research probably represents his greatest genealogy or taking a research trip room at the archives. His Swedish legacy. It began in 1934, when he by ourselves, after my wife found an was almost perfect, but I could make received a letter from his grandfather advertisement in the Swedish Amer- out that he was probably from the in Sweden. This sparked his interest ican Genealogist publication of one U.S. I asked him, and, sure enough, in researching his own family history led by Dr. Olsson, I agreed to go with he lived in Minneapolis and present- and began his interest in genealogy, her. ed himself as Christopher. “I know a an interest that grew during early He met us at the Copenhagen air- genealogist in Minneapolis,” I volun- visits to Sweden. port and from then on, I knew we had teered, “his name is Nils William Ols- Nils William soon became a re- made a wonderful choice as we got son.” source for persons interested in their to know him and Dagmar, and the “He is my father,” Chris answered. own family history. Beginning in others taking this trip to the land of Since then I have been in touch 1958, be provided a regular section their forbearers. Soon we seemed like with Nils William and his family. My in the Swedish-American Historical a family as he introduced us to wife and I have visited him in Flor- Quarterly on “Personal Pioneer His- elderly aunts whom he and his ida on a couple of occasions and he tory.” This section continued until brother had lived with in the 1920’s and Dagmar have been to our home 1980. In 1962, he wrote a definitive and other friends. What a wonderful near Falköping a few times. We also article for the Swedish-American time we had, seeing the Sweden he met at several genealogical gather- Historical Quarterly on “Tracing Your knew and loved so much. We cele- ings and classes, including the genea- Swedish Ancestry.” This guide was brated birthday’s and anniversaries logy course at Södra Vätterbygdens then published by the Royal Minis- with him and Dagmar, and the folkhögskola in Jönköping. try for Foreign Affairs in 1965 and

8 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 revised in 1974. Countless Americans Swedish migration to America and found a couple of relatives among the of Swedish descent have used this to assist Swedish Americans inter- earliest Swedish emigrants). little personal volume as they re- ested in knowing more about their He was also interested in another searched their own family history. Swedish ancestors or relatives. The of my subjects, numismatics, and we In 1981 Nils William fulfilled a results of his work will live on in the have a common friend in the well- long-held dream to develop a journal strong personal relationships that read dealer in coins and medals, Ulf devoted to Swedish American genea- have developed between the United Nordlind in Stockholm, whom he logy. In that year, he founded the States and Sweden. alwas visited when he was back in quarterly publication Swedish Amer- Stockholm, in order to find some- ican Genealogist and served as its thing for his modest collection of publisher and as the editor. This jour- Swedish objects, coins, or medals nal quickly became the leading publi- with portraits of famous Swedes, cation for anyone interested in Swed- Melinde Lutz Sanborn, F.A.S.G. preferably with American connec- ish-American biography, personal Secretary tions. And he was very kind when I history, or genealogy. American Society of Genealogists: had genealogical problems touching Swedish American Genealogist his special subject, Swedes in the became a true labor of love for Nils Fellow Dr. Nils William Olsson has U.S. William, and he personally wrote a passed away quietly at his home in Yes, he was a remarkable man; large number of the articles. In 1992 Winter Park, Florida, March 20th. thank you Nils William for all the the function of publisher was trans- He was several months short of his things you have done! ferred to the Swenson Swedish Im- 98th birthday. migration Research Center. He con- Dr. Olsson was elected as Fellow tinued as editor until January of number 93 in 1968 and was ASG’s 1998, when the function was turned fourth most senior member, after over to James E. Erickson, later John Frederick Dorman, Cameron Dag Blanck, Director followed by Harold L. Bern and Eli- Harrison Allen, and Francis James Swenson Swedish Immigration sabeth Thorsell. Nils William was Dallett. Research Center then named Editor Emeritus. Dr. Olsson was a prolific contri- Rock Island, IL: In 1981 the Swenson Swedish Im- butor to the Swedish American migration Research Center was or- Genealogist and author of more than Nils William Olsson was truly one of ganized at Augustana College, Rock a dozen books, including Tracing the giants in Swedish America. He Island, Illinois. Nils William took an Your Swedish Ancestry (1985). was both a part of the Swedish-Amer- immediate interest in what was to He will be greatly missed by us all. ican community and a student of it. become the largest center in America His deep interests in Swedish and for preservation and interpretation Swedish-American personal history of records regarding Swedish immi- and biography were combined with grants. He became a charter member a profound understanding of both of the Advisory Committee, a posi- Lars O. Lagerqvist Swedish and American society and tion he continued to hold during the Museum director (retired) culture. His network of contacts in rest of his life. Strängnäs, Sweden: Sweden alone was truly amazing, In 1986 he suggested that he and included many of that country’s might be interested in transferring A learned and good friend has left us. leading historians, librarians, and his vast personal collection of Swed- He meant very much for Swedish- diplomats from the past half century. ish-American books and files to the American relations, as a scholar and Having spent significant and forma- Swenson Center. The collection genealogist, but also as a leader of tive parts of his life in both countries, consists of over 4,000 volumes and is many visits to his family’s old home- Nils William was truly a bicultural particularly strong in Swedish- land. Personally I had the great person. American genealogy and local and pleasure of knowing him during his I first met in him the mid 1980s, regional history. The transfer was years at the U.S. Embassy in Stock- when he was in his 70s, and I was made possible partially by a gift from holm. I was then Curator of edu- immediately struck by his curiosity the Olssons and partially by contract cation at the Central Office and Mu- and inquisitive mind. He was a true purchase. The bulk of the collection seum of National Antiquities (Riks- gentleman, always with “glimten i was transferred in 1991, and cata- antikvarieämbetet och Statens histo- ögat” as the Swedish saying goes. loging was supported by grants from riska museum), where he was a Over the years I had the privilege the Wallenberg Foundation. frequent and inquisitive visitor. How and joy of talking and working with Certainly there is no other person many things we discussed! And lat- him in a number of Swedish-Ameri- who has done more to identify the er on his publications became very can contexts on both sides of the At- persons who were included in the useful to me as an historian (I even lantic. I was particularly happy for

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 9 his support of the Swenson Center, carried on loudly, and we had to ask Swedish edition 1967 in KB’s scien- the transfer of his library to us, and the gentlemen to be quiet and con- tific series Acta Bibliothecae Regiae for the establishment of SAG. I will tinue discussions in the researchers’ Stockholmiensis, even though it did miss him greatly. lunch room. not fit in with the other volumes in While on a journey to America in the series, concerning bibliography connection with the Göteborg Immi- and “book history”. The case was the gration Project in 1992, we were same with the two consecutive vol- received cordially by Nils William umes of Swedish Passenger Arrivals Per Clemensson, and his wife Dagmar, and we have in U.S. Ports 1820-1850 (except New 1st archivist (retired) met at a number of conferences and York) and especially the amalgamat- Göteborg, Sweden: immigration meetings. ed finishing volume Swedish Passen- Nils William sometimes also was ger Arrivals in the United States Thank you for sending the news a travel organizer and in that capa- 1820-1850, published in 1995. This about Nils William, this death city liked to take the road by Göte- volume was written in cooperation touched me deeply. He was a wel- borg, where I was the guide in Göte- with Erik Wikén, Ph.D., a retired come guest during the summers at borg and at the archive. Sometimes senior teacher, now deceased, who the provincial archives in Göteborg, he came in the middle of summer, put in lots of efforts to find errors in either as a researcher working on even on Midsummer Day, after late the earlier volumes and correct them SPAUS, or as a travel organizer. I Midsummer Eve festivities in Da- and also added many new finds in remember him from my earliest larna, when his group of Americans the sources to the history of the older years at the archives, and he had a were to be entertained in the eve- immigration. most cordial connection to my father, ning, after a very short time for pre- During the two last decades of the (Gustaf Clemensson, chief archivist) paration, because of a change of 20th century I served as the editor of which was transferred to me. The travel route. KB’s own scientific publications and archives had an ongoing research The last time I had the opportu- was deeply involved in the work contact with him, and he became a nity to meet with Nils William was preceeding the publication of the part of the emigration research that at the symposium “America – back above mentioned concluding masto- was initiated by and done by the Gö- and forth,” organized by the Göte- dontic volume (628 pages!), which teborg Archives. borg Immigration Project on Septem- included contacts with Olsson and He came as a certain token of ber 18-19, 1996, when he, as the nes- Wikén. spring and occupied a seat in the re- tor of Swedish-American immigra- search room, where he put our tion research, held a lecture, enthusi- janitors to work in fetching books astically received, about the Swedish from the stacks and also engaged the sailors in American sources like the archivist staff, especially me, in help- crew lists in the National Archives ing with his research. Gösta Lext, the from as early as 1803. chief archivist at that time, was also A big Tack! goes to Nils William most interested in immigration re- for his efforts for the immigration search, and invited him to the lunch research and for his friendship. room and to his home and the gentlemen carried on deep conversations about the sources for Swedish immigration history, which was very inspiring for a young archivist, who Folke Sandgren was allowed to be present and listen Assistant Chief Librarian (retired) to them. His demands of service from Stockholm, Sweden: the staff could be exacting and a lot of our time during his visits was Nils William Olsson had after World spent on serving him. I learnt a lot War II kept strong ties of friendship and had endless discussions with with some of the senior staff mem- him on registration of immigrants bers at the Royal Library (Kungliga and subtle genealogy problems. It Biblioteket = KB) in Stockholm, always felt like an honor to work with especially the Chief Librarian Uno him. Sometimes our research room Willers and the 1st Librarian Olof von held a number of immigration re- Feilitzen. His first big volume on the searchers: Nils William, Sten Amin- Swedish emigration to the U.S., Swe- off, Allan T. Nilsson, and Axel Fri- dish Passenger Arrivals in New York On Sundays NWO sometimes made man. Their conversations could be 1820-1850, was thus published in its Swedish pancakes for his guests. 1994.

10 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 KB was Nils William Olsson’s strengthened by the fact that my Swedish central point and scientific teacher, Professor Sten Carlsson, home. He did visit Sweden regularly soon became one of NWO’s closest during the summers and it was a joy friends. to see him come into the library. All Before the start of the Emigrant of us came to have a high regard for Institute in Växjö I travelled to Oslo, the generous, amiable, and elegant where NWO then was a counselor at grand seigneur, who to the last spoke the American Embassy. He soon a totally perfect Swedish. In the came for a reciprocal visit and soon winter of 1997 I was invited by him won the confidence of Gunnar Helén, to Florida and spent a memorable the Institute’s founder. NWO’s advice week in a summery climate in Janu- was “work systemathically and ary with him and his wife Dagmar carefully!” in Winter Park, in the company of a He was also the guiding star of his younger relative. NWO was then 87 own research work. NWO was the years old, and like Dagmar, still basic researcher with the unselfish sharp intellectually and in good goal of excerpting and making public shape; he drove his car, picked us up the primary sources, rather than do at the airport, and did everything to compilations. In this way he made make our stay a good one. pioneering research for Swedish im- When the Royal Library was migration research. Especially re- Research Center at Augustana Col- inaugurated in June of the same year markable are his publications of the lege must also be mentioned, that is after a major rebuilding, he was one Swedish Passenger Arrivals in the where he placed the major part of his of the Guests of Honor! United States (last version in 1995 huge library and where he founded in cooperation with Erik Wikén), an a scholarship. outstanding work without any equi- Above all the fantastic things, this valents either in Sweden or America. powerful man created shines the star The biographical detective work, of of friendship, good humor, and which he was a past master, also led intellectual brilliance. NWO’s talent Ulf Beijbom him into other Sisyphean labors like for company and pleasant conversa- Professor, Director (retired) Swedish Voters in Chicago 1888. But tion did not always reveal a stalwart Swedish Emigrant Institute besides his work on publishing im- adherence to principles without com- Växjö, Sweden: portant source material on migration promise. If NWO was convinced history, we must not forget his nu- about something he did not give way Nils William Olsson was the first merous publications of articles in to a confrontation. Part of his great- Swedish-American migration re- learned journals and conference re- ness was also the understanding searcher whom I worked with. He ports. smile and the reconciling handshake. was also an advisor to the Swedish NWO’s enormous capacity for Emigrant Institute from its start work and his organizational skills more than 40 years ago. My first made him, after the Swedish Pioneer meeting with the elegant American Centennial Celebration in 1948, diplomat and Ph.D. in Nordic langua- where he was the executive director, Curt Hauffman, ges from the University of Chicago one of the founders of the present- Colonel (retired) was during my employment at the day Swedish-American Historical Järfälla, Sweden: provincial archives of Uppsala. NWO Society (1948) and its Quarterly. His was in 1963 working on his Swedish brilliant idea of the Swedish Council It was sad to read about the passing Passenger Arrivals and was fighting of America gathered most of the of my friend Nils William Olsson. We with several tricky genealogical Swedish-American organizations. knew each other since 1962, when questions concerning various indi- The need for Swedish-American ge- the then Swedish cultural attaché in viduals. I had then started the work nealogical research also gave him the Washington, Gunnar Lonaeus, had on my thesis Swedes in Chicago and idea of Swedish American Gene- invited us both to lunch at Blackies was preparing my first trip to the alogist. House of Beef as he thought that Nils U.S. Need I tell that NWO became During a period at the end of the William and I ought to become an invaluable helper? Thus my first 1960s the untiring man also worked acquainted. He himself was pre- report from Chicago was sent to as the director of the American Swed- vented from coming but Nils William NWO, who already then had as- ish Institute in Minneapolis. Among and I had a nice meal together and sumed the role of a mentor in my his many engagements, the one for enjoyed ourselves. After that we have thesis work. The relations were the Swenson Swedish Immigration

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 11 met many times, both in Sweden and Nils William asked me to be on the books that could be useful for the in the U.S., but unfortunately not staff of the workshop because of the Swenson Library. Many times when during the later years. Nils William growing number of participants. I we met in Salt Lake City my suitcase introduced me both to the Library of accepted gladly and have been a part was much lighter when I left. I think Congress and National Archives. It of it each year since then. After he enjoyed the workshop week just was a good start for me, as he knew several years, Nils William was no as much as we all do and did. his way about both places and was a longer able to travel so his trips to When I accepted to become the well-known and esteemed researcher SLC and Rock Island stopped, but he SAG editor, I told him that I wanted there. He was a kind, generous man, was still around via e-mail and to change a few things, and explained who willingly shared his knowledge. phone, and still cranking out books my ideas. He very generously sup- and SAG articles. What a presence ported my ideas, and seemed to be he was and what a legacy he’s left. I very pleased with the outcome, and am proud to have known and worked I felt that a heavy load was taken with him. away from me; I had been worried Jill Seaholm, Head of Genealogical that he would not like the changes. Services, Swenson Swedish Immi- Another memory is the time he gration Research Center, Augustana came to our house in Järfälla, and College: we served him fried salted herring Elisabeth Thorsell, with onion sauce, a meal he said he The first time I met Nils William was SAG Editor had not had since his childhood, and when he came to Rock Island for a Järfälla, Sweden: he did enjoy his dinner. Swenson Center Advisory Commit- I will often miss my kind and tee meeting in 1993. I admit that I Most of the the things that can be thoughtful mentor, but have many was a bit scared of him in the said about Nils William have already good memories. beginning. I had heard a lot about been said by the previous writers, but him and knew how revered he was, I also agree that it was and is a so as the fledgling genealogy re- privilege to have known and been a Donations can be made to the searcher at the Swenson Center, I friend of this remarkable man. He Dagmar and Nils William Olsson was convinced that he would be was a great scholar, a diligent re- Fellowship at the Swenson Cen- wondering who this kid was who searcher, but also a kind and fun- ter, by just sending a check and would be entering his field. I remem- loving man, who was meticulous in marking it Olsson Fellowship. In ber my mom, a long-time SAG sub- little details, like remembering birth- Sweden use the SAG Plusgiro scriber, being impressed that I would days, fixing books for the writing of 260 10-9, and we will transfer the be working with him. He was very reviews, and such. He also was very money to the fund. nice to me; a bit stern and formal, well organized and kept track of new but the first thing he wanted to do was call his wife, Dagmar, and tell her that he had arrived. I thought that was pretty sweet and it made me less nervous around him. That same year in October I attended his SAG workshop in Salt Lake City and was fortunate to learn a lot of things from him and his hand- picked group of lecturers and friends. Nils William was quite in his element during his week there and his sense of humor really came out. I still remember the time during one of his lectures there that he happened to use the words “night and day,” which reminded him of the song by the same name, so he stopped everything and sang a couple of bars. I got to know Dagmar a little, too, and found her to be a very nice lady and full of good humor herself. The next year Nils William Olsson and Elisabeth Thorsell in the Old Swedes church in Douglassville, PA, in 1997.

12 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Bits & Pieces

The Eksjö Emigrant Swedish Council of America presents Monument “Awards of Merit” Regarding the Eksjö Emigrant The following individuals received Lillemor Horngren, VOA Linde Monument, that was mentioned in “Awards of Merit” from Swedish Lodge # 492 – Milwaukee, WI SAG 4/06 on p. 13, it must also be Council of America at their Swedish Dee Kleinow, Swedish Genealogical mentioned that the first initiative Heritage Banquet in Minneapolis on Society of Minnesota – Minnea- was taken about 10 years ago by Tore 21 April 2007: polis, MN Sandh of Eksjö, a well-known emi- Harry Anderson, Swedish American Carol Sakrison Larson, The Swedish grant researcher in the area. Historical Society of Wisconsin – Foundation of Iowa’s ‘Swede Bend’ Milwaukee, WI Settlement, Inc. – Stratford, IA American Swedish Char Bostrom, Twin Cities Swedish Jo Mihelich, VOA – District Lodge Institute Summer Folk Dancers – Minneapolis, MN, #7 – Minnesota Nisswa-Stämman – Brainerd, MN Claudia Pratt, Nordic Culture Clubs/ Exhibition Nels Backman, Swedish Cultural Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival Sacred Beauty: Treasures from Swed- Heritage Society of the Red River – ND ish Cathedrals and Churches, is the Valley – Fargo, ND; Nordic Cul- Ewa Rydåker, American Swedish In- name of the ASI’s summer exhibition ture Clubs’ Scandinavian Hjem- stitute – Minneapolis, MN which is open from 1 June to 7 Oct. komst Festival – Moorhead, MN Dr. John “Jack” Swanson, Augustana Ecclesiastical objects and textiles Lorraine Sward Carlson, Dalesburg Heritage Association represent the legacy of worship in Scandinavian Association – Dales- Ron Swanson, Swedish Genealogical Swedish churches. Works by ac- burg, SD Society of Minnesota claimed Swedish silversmith Anna- Paul Dahlin, ASI Spelmanslag – Stan Swanson, VOA Norrskenet Stina Åberg anchor the display of Minneapolis, MN Lodge #331 – Sioux City, IA contemporary religious design with Edgar Eklof, American Swedish In- Les Touve, Swedish American Histor- chalices, communion sets, proces- stitute – Minneapolis, MN, ASI ical Society of WI, Inc. – Mil- sional crosses, and other objects. The Male Chorus – Minneapolis, MN waukee, WI exhibit will also include a variety of Elsie Hanson, VOA Norrskenet Louis Unkrich, Swedish Heritage works by other artists. Lodge #331 – Sioux City, IA Society of Swedesburg - Iowa www.americanswedishinst.org/ Fran Hillier, Swedish Genealogical (VOA = Vasa Order of America) Society of MN The New Sweden Center The New Sweden Center museum in the Kalmar Nyckel Ship yard has Changes in Växjö Minnesotadagen been completed by the volunteer Sen- Since early 2006 the director of the The Minnesota Day in Växjö, Swe- ior Sawyers of the Kalmar Nyckel Swedish Emigrant Institute (SEI) den, will be celebrated on 12 August Foundation. The volunteers of the has been Björn Johansson, who was in the park outside the House of New Sweden Center have begun appointed when the former director, Emigrants as usual. work on our exhibit, Experience Life Per Nordahl, resigned after a conflict in New Sweden. “This is a big un- with the staff. dertaking for a small group of volun- During the time since there have teers with no paid staff and a very been many discussions on the future limited budget. But we shall accom- of the SEI. One result is a proposed plish this, because we believe our name change to the Swedish Migra- Swedish/Finnish heritage is very im- tion Institute, where also the immi- portant.” gration to Sweden from the earliest Hopefully the exhibit will be ready time should be a new topic to study. for the grand opening scheduled for (Emigranten 2006/2) June 16th 1-4 p.m. www.genealogi.se/halland/ (Thanks to Aleasa Hogate for the halmstad2007/english_1.html news!) Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 13 Find your Swedish roots! over  million images of original church records! 99.95 % of all existing Swedish Church Book records from 1600 - 1897 available online. Th e records include: SPECIAL • Birth records OFFER • Marriage records • Death records • Household Census • Moving in and out registers • Church accounts

save   on annual subscription! As a member of a Swedish Council of America (SCA) affi liate organization, Swenson Center members receive a special rate on an annual subscription to Genline’s Swedish Church Records archive. Th e discounted pri ce is just 1795 SEK. Th is is a 30 % s avings over the regular annual subscription price. To access this rate, register with Genline as a new member or update your user profi le by entering the affi liate code ”SSIRC”in the box for SCA. 1795 SEK is approximately $256 based on currency exchange rates on April 3, 2007.

For more information, contact [email protected] or Phone (800) 975-5493 e tab Buy. You can check current exchange rates by going to www.genline.com and selecting th

14 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1

This article withheld from the digital repository per the author’s request.

Iowa State Censuses now online! And Minnesota too It is wellknown the federal censuses 1915, and 1925. The censuses are Iowa in 1880, even though she had a were taken every 10th year, on the supposedly fully indexed and linked ticket for Calmar in Winneshiek years ending in “0”, but it might not to pictures of census images, just like County, IA. be known that the various states had the federal censuses. Rumours say that she married an their own censuses in the years in As the year of the greatest immi- Anderson and then moved to Califor- between, often on years ending in “5”, gration from Sweden was in 1882, it nia. In the 1885 IA census there is a but can be on other years too. might be a help to find the the newly Christina from Sweden, living in Now Ancestry.com (subscription arrived Swedes, that had a ticket for Calmar, and married to an Anderson. site) has made the Iowa State Cen- Iowa, before they left for greener At least she is a possibility, and must suses available on the internet. They pastures further west. be checked further. start in 1836 with names of heads of A woman, Christina Albertina On 17 May there was a message households only, but full census data Warn, left Sweden in 1879 and it has from Ancestry that Minnesota State are found in 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, not (yet) been possible to find her in censuses are now online too! 16 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Research at the Provincial Archives of Arkhangel’sk, Russia – Oct. 2006

An archival adventure

BY MARGARITA CHOQUETTE

My visit to the Regional Archives of Arkhangel’sk, Russia, was preceded by several letters to announce my arrival and to request to research the records of the parish of Piyala, Onega, Arkhangel’sk. The letters were mailed, e-mailed, and faxed from various locations but never produced any response. Three weeks before my departure, I called the archive and got a vague statement about possible help, if I got there. When in Finland I called again and said I was going to visit their archive, but they did not guarantee any cooperation. I decided to take the chance. I had made an agreement with a second cousin that if I ever went to the Arkhangel’sk archive, she would go with me. My cousin’s name is Vera and she is from Russia. On Sunday night October 8, 2006, we flew from St. Petersburg to Arkhangel’sk. Eve- ry morning, October 9-13, at 9:30 when the archive opened, we were Margarita Choquette in the Arkhangel’sk archive. there and stayed till it closed at 4:30. When I got to the archive I re- researcher would do all research for dles, like books, waiting for us. They quested to meet the director of the us and mail it to us. Then we got to were confession lists (census-like rec- archives, Vladimir Kirillovich Ana- meet the researcher, Natalia Nikola- ords, listing family members to- nin, whom I had talked to on the yevna Parishina. In view of the fact gether) from the district I had or- phone. He was on vacation the whole that I had come from so far away, I dered! week. Next I was led to the deputy would be allowed to see the books, In 1994 I had visited the village director, Olga Ivanovna Korneeva. but only Mrs. Parishina was to han- where my Russian grandfather was She took Vera and me to the head of dle them. Also I would have to pay born. At that time I got a compilation the Department of Publications and the 10,000.00 rubles. I agreed and of pedigrees from confession lists of Use of Documents, Tatyana Anatol- went and paid in a bank. Then we four villages in Piyala parish, in- yevna Sanakina. The two ladies were led to a desk in a space next to cluding grandfather’s village of looked at us and told us that the pub- the reading room and close to the ele- Cheshyuga. I tried to tell Natalia lic may not use the church books. vator that brought the records from Nikolayevna that I already had the For 10,000.00 rubles ($375.00) their the storage. There were huge bun- information we were going through,

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 17 After the census-like records and the one actual census, I was, on the second day at the archive, ready to see the church records of births, mar- riages, and deaths. They told me to begin with that the Piyala parish records did not extend farther back than 1842. As time went on they brought out records older than that, without explanation. It was very exciting to actually see the birth entry for my grandfather. I knew of five of his siblings and thought that was all. He was, however, one of ten children. I was able to gather information on 170 persons. The records were nicely written but often incomplete. Commonly, children were found in death records Arkhangel’sk. The tall building is the archive. or census-like records but not in the but she was “doing her job.” We also yevna brought out the 1897 all-Russ- birth records. The huge sewn to- went through the Revision Lists (tax ian census for Archangel’sk Guber- gether yearly bundles of records were lists, grouping family members to- nia (province before 1917). According worn around the edges. Other than gether) for 1811, 1816, 1834, 1857, to Western understanding, the popu- being sewn, they were also tied at the and I did end up with many more lation information of this census was bottom of the page with thick string. names than I originally had. destroyed, except for Vyatka Guber- Opening the pages made them crum- The greatest surprise of the ar- nia and some areas of the Baltic Pro- ble. The camera I had to photograph chive visit was when Natalia Nikola- vinces. the entries with was used without the flash. I had to cover up, with sheets of paper, all the information on a page that did not pertain to an entry of a relative of mine. On our final day at the archive both Vera and I were presented with books about the Lomonosov family. (Mikhail V. Lomonosov, an 18th century Russian scholar, was born in the Arkhangel’sk Gubernia.) I also received a copy of the book for the Fam- ily History Library. They showed some books they had for sale which I bought, and our farewell seemed cordial and their invitation to come again seemed sincere.

Margarita Choquette lives in Salt Lake City, UT, where she works at the Family History Library. Her e-mail:

Shopping cart full of yearly bundles.

18 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Page beginning a family listing in the 1897 Russian census.

A family listing in the 1897 Russian census.

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 19 Your link to your history!

Q: Where can I find the newly scanned church records for Fellingsbro? A: On the SVAR web site, look for the search window for Shortcuts – Scanned documents – Church records.

Q: My great grandfather was an officer in the army around 1870, where can I find a picture of him? A: On the SVAR website, look for the search window for Shortcuts – Data- bases, and then for Image databases – Krigsarkivet.

Q: Where can I buy the 1900 Swedish Census in English on a CD? A: On the SVAR web site, look for the Bookshop.

Q: My ancestors lived in Kisa parish in Östergötland. Where can I find documents before 1700 for that parish? A: The Tax census (mantalslängder) could be a choice. Go to Shortcuts – Scanned documents, and click on Tax census, and then chose Öster- götland county and the year you want. When the document opens you will find a link in the righthand margin with the parish names. Click on Kisa and the document opens at the start of the section for Kisa. www.svar.ra.se

How do I get access to all these resources? By contacting SVAR and getting a subscription. You can subscribe for just a single visit or anything up to a whole year. Contact us at [email protected] SVAR, Box 160, S-880 40 Ramsele, Sweden. Phone + 46-623-725 00. Fax + 46-623-726 05.

20 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Letter by “Stenbo gubben” Jonas Olsson

INTRODUCTION AND TRANSLATION BY JOHN NORTON

Introduction delightful story of his 1850 encounter den storms. But I never became sea- with Jonas Olsson in Moline, publis- sick, and to this day have been Wealthy farmer “Stenbo gubben” Jo- hed in Prairieblomman 1900, Rock blessed with good health, a dear gift nas Olsson of Stenbo Farm in Forsa, Island, Augustana Publishing House. of God. And as for the iron, I made a (Häls.), born 26 Apr. 1793, was mar- Stenbo gubben Jonas Olsson’s two good profit on it in New York; and I ried in 1816 to Cecilia Olofsdotter, sons became prominent members of then had a good and successful trip b. 13 Nov. 1794 in Tövsätter, Forsa. the Bishop Hill Colony, under the inland, by steamboat and canal boat. He was close to the Erik Janssonists, name of Stenberg/Stoneberg. Anders I then landed in the city of Hendry and had allowed Jansson to move and his brother Olof wrote a letter [Henry, Illinois] where I bought both onto a Stenbo subfarm, Lumnäs, in home dated Bishop Hill 9 February horse, harness, and wagon, and then the spring of 1844. 1847 that they had arrived safely in had around 6 Swedish miles1 (64 km) Cecilia and three of her children Bishop Hill on 14 October 1846. It to travel to Bishop Hill. From New (Olof, Jonas, and Sigrid, who left her was published in the local newspaper York to Bishop Hill was around 250 husband) apparently immigrated Hudikswalls Weckoblad 17 July Swedish miles (2,672 km), and be- with the Janssonists to Bishop Hill 1847. tween those points there is a multi- in 1846, probably aboard the Char- Olof Stoneberg returned to Swe- tude of steam vessels, locks, canal lotte, arriving New York 15 Septem- den 1849-50 together with Olof boats, railways, cities, planted trees, ber 1846. Their brother Anders ar- Johnsson to collect estate settle- manufacturing facilities for various rived the summer of 1847 with his ments of those Janssonists lost at sea products, and activity with horses wife Lovisa. Jonas Olsson’s wife Ce- aboard the Betty Cathrina. He retur- and people in such numbers so as to cilia apparently died in Bishop Hill ned aboard the Aeolus from Söder- not be describable. And during the before 1850, perhaps in the 1849 hamn, arriving New York 17 Septem- above-mentioned 6 miles, I stopped cholera epidemic. ber 1850. (See Andersson, Birgitta, in admiration on a clear day, looked In 1850, “Stenbo gubben” Jonas Faces that Reflect, Voxnabruk, Swe- around and could see no forest, only decided to follow his children to den, n.d.) the finest fields covered with long America. He sold his farm at Stenbo, grass. hired his own vessel, and filled it Jonas’s letter But when I came to Bishop Hill, with a load of iron which he sold there was sufficient forest, consisting profitably after arriving in New York. of many kinds of leaf trees, as well After settling briefly in Moline, he North America and Bishop Hill, 8 March 1851 as beautiful, rich fields, and water became a landlord by purchase of resources with various waterworks two homes which he rented to recent My dearly beloved Brother, found with them, as well as many immigrants, and according to local larger and smaller buildings, among tradition, even loaned money to John which I fixed my greatest admiration Deere to help keep Deere’s fledgling Since I have now arrived in that fabled land of North America, and upon one built of brick, 100 alns (1 farm equipment business afloat. He aln = 24 inches) long, 18 alns wide, then moved to “Big Brick” at Bishop have been here for a longer time, I wish to fulfill my promise to some and 4 stories tall, plus attic, 145 pairs Hill to be with his family. On 11 May of windows and 72 rooms. A large 1851 he married his second wife at within and outside our parish, to tell what I know to be true, which I have steam mill is built of brick, with as Bishop Hill, Karin Jonsdotter, born many stories, which will be finished in Forsa in 1819, who lived until seen with my own eyes, heard with my own ears, and dealt with by my next May. The mill house and equip- 1914, according to family records ment are valued at $15,000, or retained by Mrs. Elvi Sandberg, own hands. First! I had a successful trip across 40,000 Swedish Riksdalers Banko. A Odensv. 12, SE-19145 Sollentuna, large, roomy church is built of wood. Sweden. See also Eric Norelius’s the sea, though there were two sud-

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 21 Here one can see all kinds of crafts- teacher in the English language, an around 700 persons, and as I have men who work in their own rooms or apothecary, and a doctor, and a spin- heard they have purchased around workshops. Water is used to run two ning and weaving mill. Everything 5,000 acres of land consisting of fine sawmills, a gristmill, a scutching is managed well by the members of loam, and whenever they wish they mill, and turning mill. There are the society, from which they draw can purchase many more thousands wagon makers, carpenters, tanners, good incomes from their own prod- of acres of farmland in the same area. saddle makers, shoemakers, tailors, ucts and shops, to their general No houses have been burned there, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, tinsmiths, benefit. This shows itself in a favor- there has been no embezzlement, nor watchmakers, glaziers, bricklayers, able development, and the members, liens, as I have heard was claimed stonecutters, builders, a school men and women, of the society are in Sweden. Secondly, after I had been here around three weeks with my children, all four of which are alive and in good health, I could not reach a decision to remain here, so I decided to leave the area to look around, and came to the Mississippi River. In the Moline area There I saw four smaller and larger cities with about half a Swedish mile between these four cities. They had a quantity of manufacturing facilities. I stopped there in a little city called Moline, where I purchased a town lot, on which there was a brick building with 8 rooms, and one of wood with 6 rooms, both for a sum of $800.00, and now it is primarily Swedes who rent them. There are two households from Hög, one from Hudiksvall, one from Hassela, one from Malung, and a household from Germany. And the rest of my money I placed in a bank office there, which together with room rent yields an amount of 100 Riksdaler 32 Shillings every month. From this city of Moline to Bishop Hill is around 6 Swedish miles (64 km.) and between both there is much land for sale, as there is in many other places. All this showed a much less troublesome future than what I had in Sweden. I have bought pork for 2½ Riksdaler a pound, and a lower quality wheat flour for 40 shillings a pound in Swedish money. But all this still could not satisfy the immortal needs of my soul, which, for many years, has brought me concern. Here I stopped in quiet contemplation of the only necessary thing; now I have, as mentioned, left Bishop Hill, which I left of my own free choice as to whether or not to stay. Now, I heard The first page of the original print of the letter from Jon Olsson. From the collections stories of the many different faiths of Elvi Sandberg, Sollentuna, Sweden. and preachers in this country, and

22 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 found it necessary to attach myself Back to Bishop Hill sum of money in Sweden to pay their to something, not as in Sweden For this reason I returned to Bishop debts, and then got their travel paid where external laws of worldly pow- Hill, while I searched the Scriptures across the sea, and when he came to ers required submission to some spe- and saw clearly that they had all New York he and his family fled cial religious form, but I was encour- Scriptures on their side in both works without showing the humanity of at aged by a godly power to hear what and actions, and there was spirit and least thanking those who had helped they preached. life in everything preached there, for them so much, but instead they could which reason I moved back in com- at a distance send such lying writings Views on Swedish plete satisfaction, and now have my about this society. One after the other room on the third floor of the previ- has done so, and so it was with Glug pastors Erik of Del(s)bo [Translator’s note: Those who could speak Swedish were ously-mentioned brick building, and have now decided to become part of possibly Erik Olofsson or Erik Ers- named Esbjörn and Hedström, who son of Delsbo], who was forced in the also was a separatist. The first was their society, and am greatly pleased that I have reached this goal, and same way from the beginning of his a missionary sent from the Lutheran arrival in this country, to send home clergy in Sweden. His presentations that I have opportunity to go to church daily, to hear God’s pure word lying letters without cause. But Erik were as disconnected from Scriptures is now living here, and he himself as they had always been, and thus preached for the rest of my remaining life, for which reason my joy says that he will never leave this so- could not lead me to the belief that ciety, since they live according to his teaching was of God. But the lat- has become complete. And it is a great gift of the Lord to God’s word in both acts and deeds, ter was a Methodist, somewhat and everyone has their own free will closer to the Scriptures than the for- see so many living together in such unity and love, showing that they are in everything. Yes, no one here is mer, yes, even so far that he ex- forced into anything, as I had heard plained many deep subjects just as followers of Christ according to Scriptures. And all appears to be in Sweden, or have deposited their Erik Jansson had done in Sweden. I funds with this society and then then thought that he might perhaps progressing well. I find myself needing to respond at greater length departed and suffered loss in some be the true shepherd, who, standing unjust way. in Christ’s place, can lead the sheep than what has previously been to good pastures. I thus entered into mentioned, about all the various evil conversation with him about the reports that even I had heard and Death of Erik Jansson fruits demanded by God’s words of seen, both in letters, newspapers, And since I certainly understand those who should preach Christ’s and other writings about this society that you have heard many different Scriptures. Then I noticed that he in my fatherland. I have looked into stories about Erik Jansson’s death, I could not stand by what he had all this and their source is our own wish to briefly tell you the truth previously preached according to the countrymen who had been members about it. Erik Jansson had some land word, since he could not show me of this society, and whose journey had ownership cases at the spring court anything of the fruits and actions been paid by the society in no small session, and went there, where he that should have come as a result; way to leave their fatherland. After was met by a man named Johan Rutt what Jesus says shall witness that having arrived, they, without good (Ruth), who had two pistols in his they are His true apostles. From that reason, become angered and left, and coat pocket, and during the noon re- moment, I had opportunity to both spoke all kinds of evil about these cess in the courtroom itself, in the see and hear that he was the one who friends. presence of some lawmen, Norsten had been helpful in writing many Yes, it’s like the Scriptures say, and from Peoria, Drure from Rock Island, lying letters to Sweden, and other- since my arrival, they have been Branner from Cambridge, and wise done all the evil he could against asked about what they wrote, and others, and while Erik Jansson stood the Swedes in Bishop Hill, with the some now blame others and will not speaking with some of them in the intent of discomforting them; while admit to what they have written. And courtroom itself, John Ruth called during all this he claimed he was some simply deny their letters, and Erik Jansson by name, to get him to doing God a service thereby, though such was the luck of Daniel Lomberg turn around, after which Ruth im- all attempts have been in vain for (Londberg) from Söderala that he mediately grabbed a pistol and shot him, and during all this I had oppor- was able to travel to California after Erik Jansson through the heart, and tunity to test one thing against an- having been put on thin ice like the then with the second pistol shot the other, but nothing could satisfy my others. What he wrote on 30 October second shot at him. He died after 4 immortality. 1849 is such an apparent lie, and it or 5 minutes on 13 May 1850, and was the same with the one named Erik Jansson’s friends still remember (Otto Wilhelm) Stenberg from Mo that day. Ruth was arrested and put parish, who wrote in 1847. He and behind bars, and remains in the his family were helped with a large Tulands (sic) [Toulon] Jail, awaiting

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 23 his sentence of death. This murderer would kill her, as well as Erik Jans- ner since has become an appropriate Ruth has said he was born in Stock- son and others. But it didn’t work sheep for that flock. Lönner was holm, and it is said that he is the son this time. He made renewed efforts, certainly an historic master of of a sister of Fru Gladman at Hötor- but the lying spirit he had placed mystery on both the sea and on land, get (Stockholm), and has taken an- upon his party, claiming that his wife but now I could note that he became other name since he came to Amer- wished to follow him, and that they an apostle against this flock, etc. ica. He left the Mexican war in 1848 took her by force from him, (which) No illnesses have been heard of and came to this place, and asked to was a lie, and they could no longer here. There has been no snow here stay, which was not denied him. And maintain their violent state of mind. this winter, though there was a little a short time later he expressed an The truth began to become evident twice, but it went away after a few interest in staying permanently, and to them, as well as for everyone, so days. And now it looks like the spring become a member of this congre- that his party left him in shame. But, thaw will begin. Here it is very gation. He was given a promise of later he found another way to carry pleasant by reason of Nature itself, this, and later requested permission out his evil intent, and it succeeded here there have been some 2,000 to marry a woman from Västman- as mentioned above, so that the trees planted, and some will begin to land, a cousin of Erik Jansson. She Scriptures have now been accom- bear fruit. Here there is no heavy promised him [marriage] with the plished, saying that they should kill work, rather it goes peacefully and condition that he should let her re- some of you, and that your murderer in unity, while scriptures are read main among her friends, if he should shall claim he was thereby doing God and preached daily. change his mind in the future. He a service, said Jesus, dearly missed (s) Jon Olofsson at Bishop Hill, assured her of this promise, and by all his friends whom he had previously of Forsa and Stenbo. entered into marriage with her. brought to freedom in both spiritual He lived together with her at first. and physical ways, though this was Note: Then he began wandering around not unexpected, since Erik Jansson, here and there, then returned again from the time he first began to 1) In 1851 a Swedish mile was 10,688 and asked her if she wished to follow preach, had always said, in accor- meters or 36,000 feet, according to him, but she answered “no,” upon dance with Jesus’ Word, that he Nationalencyklopedien. which he showed a weapon and should be killed by his own people, threatened her angrily. Then he left, and right in the middle of the land of and returned later, taking her by freedom he has said that his blood Svensk Hyllningsfest force and dragging her into a wagon, should flow for the sake of truth. And and took her here and there in the all this has now been realized accord- The biennual Svensk Hyllningsfest countryside, so we did not hear more ing to Scriptures, for the hate and will take place 12–14 october 2007 of them. anger the Swedish clergy raised in Lindsborg, Kansas. In the spring of 1850, it happened against Erik Jansson and his friends Lindsborg's Svensk Hyllnings- that some men from this place came has even followed them here. For fest is a biennial tribute to the down to Chicago to do some errands, ever since the people came to this Swedish pioneers occurring in Oc- and when she heard that some of her land from Sweden, the Swedish tober of odd numbered years. The friends were there, she fled the house clergy have tried even here to hold festival features art, crafts, special where Ruth had left her. She was the people imprisoned, claiming they foods, ethnic music, folk dancing, herself out that afternoon, and thereby do God a service by killing parade, smörgåsbord, and special sought out her friends, asking to he who offers himself for the people’s entertainment. The festival coin- follow them to this place, so they let freedom. Out of this hate, Ruth was cides with the Bethany College her go along. While they certainly encouraged to, like Judas, a disciple homecoming. Many of Lindsborg's knew first that she had been given of Jesus, not only betray, but kill a residents don traditional Swedish permission by her husband before servant of the Lord. ... [religious folk costumes for the event. Swe- marriage that she should be able to parable omitted] dish folk dance groups and musici- live in peace among her friends, and Lönner from Hudiksvall stayed ans add to the Swedish flavor of secondly, the law states clearly here with a Lutheran preacher [Trans- the festival. in America that if a man takes his lator’s note: actually Episcopalian] in Please join us for a true Swedish wife from one place to another a- Chicago named Unonius. He is the experience in the heart of America! gainst her will, he has committed a brother-in-law of Vicar Oldberg of Lindsborg is located just twenty crime, and it is 25 Swedish miles Alfta, and Lönner became a member miles south of Interstate 70 at from this place to Chicago. Later, of his congregation, since it was Salina, or seventy miles north of Ruth gathered a party of angry shown and the reason was that they Wichita on Interstate 135. shirkers (bums), and some of them were so alike in their joint scoffing www.svenskhyllningsfest.org/ were like wild men, and came seek- about those here in Bishop Hill, all ing his wife with threats that he without basis, and I understood, Lön-

24 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 The 444 - Sandin-Tillner Family Tree Statistics

BY NORMAN “PONO” SANDIN

I don’t have any batting averages, to the low life expectancy. It seems It was not unusual to find a man greens in regulation, or wins by that persons who survived to child- known to be married, but with no knockout numbers, but for those of bearing age tended to survive much indication in the records of the wife’s you who are statistically inclined, longer! name. I’ve picked out what I think are some The shortest lifespan accurately Of the 210 females in my database, interesting numbers about my fami- documented (both birth and death 5 had no reference to their first ly tree. record were found) is my 4th great- names, and only one of those had Currently, I’m reporting informa- grandfather Per Andersson. He lived reference to her patronymic name. tion on 444 direct ancestors. The in- for only 34 years. The longest life- Of the 234 males in the database, formation is complete on some, par- span is clearly documented in the there are only 61 unique first names. tial on some, and really scanty on death record, but subject to question This number is shaky due to inter- some others. I have personally veri- only because it depended on the pretation of handwriting, quality of fied the data on many of the ances- memory of the reporter. It is my 8th records, spelling and penmanship of tors, but not all of them. There are great-grandmother Anna Olofsdotter the recorders, and many other fac- some others cooking, but not yet at who lived 108 years! Second oldest tors. Occasionally an individual could the stage of being ready to report. is Per Nilsson Västgöte at 102 years, be found with several variations of There are many hundreds more who subject to the same question. Third spelling of the given name. are siblings to my direct ancestors oldest is my mother Mamie Eleanor Jan appeared as Johan, Johannes, and I have info on lots of them, but I Tillner Sandin accurately docu- Jonas, and Jon. Per might be Pehr, have not applied the same degree of mented at 97 years! Peter, or Petter. When “variations” diligence to that research, so I have are combined, there are only 46 not reported on them. Given names unique male names out of the 234! Of the 444, 210 are female and 234 Of the 205 females with first Lifespans are male. Why the difference? In names (after deducting the 5 with no Of the 444, more than 300 have early days, women were truly the les- names), there are only 54 unique known or carefully estimated birth ser sex – almost chattel. Birth rec- names. This number is similarly and death dates. For these, the ords often read “Jan Jansson’s son shaky due to the factors noted above. average lifespan is 67.9 years. I find Jan, etc.” with no mention of the Also, very frequently an individual this number remarkable for several mother. Death records for women could be found with a large number reasons. First, I am now older than were often “Jan Jansson’s wife died, of variations of spelling of the given the average. Second, the ancestors etc. ,” or “Wife of Jan from farm name name. represented in this average lived died, etc., ” or even “Widow of Jan Catharina was also written Cat- from the early-1600s to current days, Jansson, etc.” many years after Jan’s rina, Caisa, Kajsa, Cajsa, and Kata- with the preponderance in the earlier death! Household surveys in the rina. Elisabet was also written Eli- times when life expectancies were early days often gave the husband’s sabeth, Lisa, Lisbet, Elisabets, and much lower than they are now. Third, name only or sometimes his name Elisbet. It could be argued that other I’ve seen lots and lots of early deaths and just the Swedish word for wife. combinations are valid. Karin and its in the Swedish records I pursued. Of Again, even years after his death, the variations somewhat overlap the course these early deaths did not widow was referred to as “Widow of Catharina set. Maria and Margareta result in offspring but did factor in Jan Jansson” in the yearly census. sometimes overlap. These are just Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 25 the ones in my ancestry – there are Because of the patronymic con- länning relating to the second pro- many other variations as well! When vention, last names pretty much par- vince. “variations” are combined, there are alleled the male first names in fre- My 7th great-grandfather Erik Ers- only 31 unique female names out of quency. Andersson and Andersdotter son was the end of a line. I could find the 205! prevail, with Jansson and Jansdotter nothing about his ancestry, but following. Of the 444 ancestors, 194 according to the patronymic con- Here are the most popular male men sported patronymic names and ventions his father would be Erik and female given names in this 179 women. also. Ersson is a commonly used ab- database with the count of each: breviation for Eriksson. Erik 7 had a son Erik 6 who had a son Erik 5 – all my ancestors – so I have three ancestors in a row named Erik Ers- son! I can only guess that there must have been a lot of nicknames in use to disambiguate between the generations. This was not unusual! Summary – the end of the line By far the most Sandin ancestors are from Ljusnarsberg and Ramsberg in The most popular male first name Forty ancestors, less than 10%, the län of Örebro. The Tillner ances- represents 14% of the total male (both male and female) carried non- tors are from Ärtemark in Älvsborg names. patronymic names – regular sur- and Essunga in Skaraborg. The most popular female first names. Of those 40, there were only These stats are fluid. As I review name represents 20% of the total 21 unique surnames. Not surprising- them, I see some areas that need female names. ly, Sandin was the leader with 7 re- more work or more careful research. The 4 most popular male first presentatives. There were 5 Finne, Each day that passes after this one names represent 41% of the total. 5 Skotte, 2 Bagge, 2 Krantz, 2 Rot- will see changes to the numbers. A The 4 most popular female first kopp, 2 Tillner, 2 Willing, and 13 year or two years or some time later names represent 51% of the total. single occurrences. I hope to republish a similar memo. The 12 most popular male first The rest, some 30 individuals, go It will be interesting to see if any- names represent a whopping 77% of into my records with no names (see thing changes significantly. As a the total. above) or only first names. preview I can tell you that I’ve been The 12 most popular female first As ever, one should take these tracking average life span for a long names represent an enormous 87% numbers with a grain of salt. First, time – from about 184 ancestors to of the total. the group surveyed is small – 444. the current 444 – and the average My personal choice from the Second, some people carried both has only changed a tenth of a year or database for most unusual male first patronymic and regular surnames. so! name is my sixth great-grandfather These were included in the surname Now, to wrap it up: these stats Gottskalk and for most unusual fe- numbers only – 40. Third, some cover 444 individuals. I am the only male first name is my eighth great- surnames actually referred to nation one still living. Each person was grandmother Sissela. of origin (e.g., Finne – Finland; Ryss born, grew up, married, worked, had – Russia), even though they were more or fewer children, lived a short Last names used as surnames. Fourth, some or long life, experienced joy and surnames were actually occupations sorrow, had a story to tell, and finally – patronymic and (e.g., only one example, Garmakare died. The stats only aggregate and surnames – copper ore refiner). summarize 444 lifetimes and tell a By far the majority of ancestors had One gentleman, my 8th great- generalized story. Looking at the for- patronymic last names. For those not grandfather Per Nilsson Västgöte, est makes one forget that each tree familiar, the patronymic convention carried a patronymic, son of Nils, and had its own life and glory. consists of a given name followed by a surname. He was from an area on Hindrik Werre, Bertil Larsson, the father’s first name combined with the ill-defined border between the Sigfrid Matsson, and Erland Alguts- the Swedish word “son” or “dotter.” provinces of Västergötland and Små- son were all born around 1600. Hind- Thus Per Jansson is Per, son of Jan, land. He mostly used the name Väst- rik had three children who fed their and Anna Jansdotter is Anna, daugh- göte relating to his origin in the first genes into my tree. Bertil, Sigfrid, ter of Jan. province, but also was called Små- and Erland each contributed one 26 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 child’s genes. Many others also made Females their contributions. Now, four cen- Year of Birth Age turies later, I really wonder what 1750-1790 36.64 they would think of the product. 1791-1815 38.44 1816-1840 43.56 Editor’s note: 1841-1850 46.10 According to the Central Bureau of 1851-1860 44.40 Statistics the mean expected length 1861-1870 46.37 of life for a baby, depending on if it 1871-1880 48.62 was a male baby or a female, was like 1881-1890 51.47 this for the whole country of Sweden: 1891-1900 53.63 1901-1910 56.98 Charles Sandin, born 1 May Males 2001-2005 82.41 1873 in Ljusnarsberg (Väsm.), Year of Birth Age died 25 July 1961, the author’s grandfather. 1751-1790 33.72 It is interesting to see that the me- 1791-1815 35.35 dian life expectancy decreased dur- 1816-1840 39.50 ing the 1850s, but increased during 1841-1850 41.66 the 1860s, when there were three 1851-1860 40.49 difficult years of famine. It is also 1861-1870 42.80 clear that these figures show that the The author is 1871-1880 45.27 population must have grown, as “Pono” Norman Sandin 1881-1890 48.55 more people lived longer. The in- POB 1602 1891-1900 50.94 crease of the population was one of Kihei, HI 96753 1901-1910 54.53 the major reasons for the migration E-mail:[email protected] to other countries. There was not http://www.sandinfamily.com 2001-2005 77.99 enough work to be found in the homeland.

The Poorhouse in Boone County, Iowa

While surfing on the internet there Anna Forslund transfered from Iowa, correspondent G.E. Johnson are many things to find, not all of Clarinda Sept 10, 1935, paroled to guardian, physician Dr J.O. Galleo them showing the best side of people. brother in 1952, Joe Youngstrom Ogden, Iowa, living with brother In the old days people ended up in from Fort Dodge, Iowa, from Pilot when committed, white female, 63 the poorhouse for many reasons, and Mound, Iowa, correspondent Esther yrs, 125 lbs, 5'5, gray eyes and gray here are a few with a Swedish con- Ballard, sister, Stanton, Iowa, white hair, b Aug 6, 1855 Sweden, mother nection, who were inmates of the female, 50 yrs, 140 lbs, 5'3, blue eyes, and father born in Sweden, type of Boone County Poorhouse in the cen- gray hair, b. July 10, 1882 Webster insanity: psychosis, mental deficien- ter of Iowa: City, Iowa, widow with 3 kids young- cy. John Peterson Nov 6, 1917, corre- est 14 yrs,, parents from Sweden, spondent Mrs. J.M. Olson, Storm cause of insanity: Accidental death Mary Wilson Hoflund Feb 21, Lake, Iowa, where living when of husband. 1918, Dr Johnson Boxholm, Iowa, committed: Swedish Home, white white female, 53 yrs, blue eyes, white male, 78 yrs, 135 lbs, 5'5, blue eyes, No 4735 Charles Zanderholm Dec hair, b. April 24, 1854 divorced, fat- gray hair, married, has three kids, 3, 1920, painter, dementia paranoid her and mother from Sweden. is a farmer, mother and father are type, white, single, age 66 b. March Swedish, lack of memory. 21, 1885 Boonesboro, Iowa, returned Mrs O.W. Tornell Dec 20, 1946, Pi- to Clarinda July 10, 1943, back to lot Mound, Iowa, widow with 8 kids, Matilda Wilson Feb 21, 1918 Gar- Boone March 21, 1950, father An- white, 79 yrs, 100 lbs, 5', gray eyes den Twp (Boxholm, Iowa), corre- drew Zanderholm, Sweden, corre- and hair, b. Oct 22, 1867 Illinois, re- spondent John Wilson (brother), 55 spondent: Mrs. J E Huffman, sister. ligion: Swedish Mission, father and yrs, 140 lbs, 5'6 dark complected, mother from Sweden. gray eyes, gray hair, mom and dad Sarah L Johnson April 9, 1929, were from Sweden. brother John P. Johnson, Ogden,

http://iagenweb.org/boone/history/poorhouse1.htm

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 27 Handwriting Example XIII

This is a part of the birth records for other example might be “hv” for “v”. Nordmark parish in eastern Värm- This can be confusing if you read a land. tombstone and can decipher names The handwriting is quite easy to and dates, but then comes the mys- read, but you still have to look out terious “H.H.”, which should be read for the “old” spelling in some words. as “Här Hvilar” [here rests]. The “Old” spelling means that “f” is used modern spelling is Här Vilar. Also instead of “v”, or that you see “fv” notice that the letter “s” inside words instead of just “v” (Gustafva). An- is a long one, almost like an “f”. Nordmark church, late 1800s.

28 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Michelle Pfeiffer’s ancestors

The film star is a product of the American melting pot

BY DICK ERIKSSON AND BO LINDWALL

In 1996 Bo Lindwall edited a book Michelle on her paternal grand- 3 Donna Jean Taverna, born 20 Aug. published in conjunction with the father’s side are Catholics from the 1932 in New Rockford, Eddy Co., 150th anniversary of the beginning Rhine country. Unfortunately, it has North Dakota. of the significant Swedish immigra- not been possible to try to trace them tion to the U.S. The book was called in German records. Generation II 24 Famous Swedish Americans and The ancestors of her paternal Their Ancestors. One of the many grandmother were from Pennsylva- 4 William John Pfeiffer, born 19 May Swedish-American actresses who nia and mirror fairly well the various 1904 in Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., were not included in the book was groups of people who settled in this Minnesota, died 6 Aug. 1968 in Michelle Pfeiffer, whose heritage Bo state, such as the Pennsylvania Lynwood, Los Angeles Co., Califor- Lindwall and his friend Dick Eriks- Dutch, Palatines (Pfalz), Welsh nia. Farmer and later machinist son decided to trace anyway. After Quakers, and some Scotch-Irish. in Carrington, Foster Co., North having solved the Swedish connec- The ancestors of her maternal Dakota.1 tion, they found it interesting to try grandfather were all from the area Married 1 Nov. 1926 in Carrington, to see how much information, besides of Davos in the Canton of Grau- Foster Co., North Dakota, (later the Swedish lines, that it was pos- bünden in Switzerland. Their reli- divorced) to sible to find without leaving Sweden. gion was evangelical and they were 5 Dorothy Straley, born 15 Oct. 1908 It turned out to work very well. ethnic Germans, with some influx of in Carrington, Foster Co., North Michelle Pfeiffer’s ancestry dem- Räto-Romans, as is shown by the Dakota, died 19 Feb. 1986 in San- onstrates the various waves of immi- name Taverna. ta Ana, Orange Co., California. gration from Northern Europe and The maternal grandmother’s an- Later remarried twice. can be divided in four distinct groups, cestors were all from Värend, one of one for each of her grandparents. the many small “folk lands” that 6 Jacob “Jake” Bernhardt Taverna, Her paternal grandfather’s an- together make up the province of born 28 Aug. 1905 in New Rock- cestors were all Catholic Germans. Småland in Sweden. ford, Eddy Co., North Dakota, died Her great-grandfather was born in 19 Dec. 1983 in New Rockford, Saxony to Catholic parents. The 1 Michelle Marie Pfeiffer, born 29 Apr. Eddy Co., North Dakota. Farmer grandfather’s maternal grandfather 1958 in Santa Ana, Orange Co., and livestock buyer in Rosefield is said to have been born in “Prussia” California, U.S.A. Actress. Township, Eddy Co., North Dako- and also the grandfather’s maternal ta. grandmother’s parents are said to Generation I Married 1 Oct. 1929 in Fargo, Cass have been born in “Prussia.” When Co., North Dakota, to you see the name of Prussia you may 2 Richard “Dick” Pfeiffer, born 28 7 Delma Lillian Hill, born 19 Aug. think of Eastern Germany, Brand- Oct. 1933 in Carrington, Foster 1911 in Sheyenne, Eddy Co., North enburg for instance. In this case Co., North Dakota, died 21 Dec. Dakota, died 19 Dec. 1999 in New Prussia probably means the Rhine 1998 in Midway City, Orange Co., Rockford, Eddy Co., North Dakota. country, which was made a part of California. Salesman and contrac- Prussia already in 1815. It looks like tor in Midway City, California. all the “Prussian” ancestors of Married to Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 29 Generation III Sheyenne, Eddy Co., North Dako- Fairmont, Fillmore Co., Nebraska. ta. Carpenter in Sheyenne, Eddy Blacksmith and later pastor in 8 Wilhelm “William” F. J. Pfeiffer, Co., North Dakota.5 New Enterprise, South Woodbury, born 30 June 1863 in Calbe an der Married 1st 29 Oct.1891 in Barrett, Pennsylvania.8 Saale, Saxony, Germany, died 6 Grant Co., Minnesota, to Anna J. Married 11 May 1871 in New En- Aug. 1942 in Jamestown, Stuts- Betland, born 2 Feb. 1872, died 2 terprise, South Woodbury Town- man Co., North Dakota. Farmer in Feb. 1899 in Lien Township, Grant ship, Bedford Co. Pennsylvania, to Saint Mathias Township, Crow Co., Minnesota. 21 Leah L Stineman, born 15 Aug. Wing Co., Minnesota, later shop Married 2nd 25 May 1903 in Barrett, 1847 in Richland Township, Cam- clerk in Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., Grant Co., Minnesota, to his second bria Co., Pennsylvania, died 22 general merchant in Carrington, cousin Feb. 1916 in Grand View, Yakima North Dakota, and finally an 15 Amanda Karolina Olson, born 10 Co., Washington. employée of the Northern Pacific Oct. 1880 in Nyelund, Klackhult Railroad.² Södergård, Hornaryd parish, 22 Abner Messenheimer Griffith, Married 19 Nov 1891 in Saint Ma- (Smål.), died 25 April 1952 in born 27 July 1833 in Fishertown, thias, Crow Wing Co., Minnesota Sheyenne, Eddy Co., North Da- Saint Clair Township, Bedford Co., to kota. She came with her parents Pennsylvania, died 10 May 1914 in 9 Susanna Miller, born 11 Sep. 1866 to the U.S. in 1886 and grew up in Fishertown, East Saint Clair Town- in Owatonna, Steele Co., Minne- Elbow Lake, Grant Co., Minnesota. ship, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. sota, died 26 Nov. 1936 at 615 Mil- Laborer in Fishertown, East Saint ton Avenue South, Jamestown, Generation IV Clair Township, Pennsylvania.9 Stutsman Co., North Dakota. Married 1st 26 Apr. 1855 in Bedford 16 Ernst Pfeiffer, born 18 Mar. 1831 Co. to Rebecka Lingenfelter, born 10 James Berton “Bert” Straley, born in Germany, died 6 Nov. 1905 in 1831 in Saint Clair Township, Bed- 20 Sep. 1874 in New Enterprise, Saint Mathias, Crow Wing Co., ford Co., Pennsylvania, died there South Woodbury, Bedford Co., Minnesota. Farmer in Saint Ma- in 1856. Pennsylvania, died 17 July 1951 in thias, Crow Wing Co., Minnesota. Married 2nd in 1857 in Bedford Co., Carrington, Foster Co., North Da- He, his wife, and the children came Pennsylvania, to his 2nd cousin’s kota. Farmer in Carrington, Fos- with the Ohio from Bremen to Bal- daughter ter Co., North Dakota. timore 21 Dec. 1881.6 23 Rachel Penrose, born 30 July 1834 Married 4 Nov. 1897 in Curryville, Married to in Saint Clair Township, Bedford Pennsylvania, to 17 Henrietta Gebhardt, born 18 Oct. Co., Pennsylvania, died 6 Mar. 11 Hulda Blanche Griffith, born 27 1830 in Germany, died 14 Aug. 1896 in Fishertown, East Saint June 1872 in Fishertown, Saint 1888 in Saint Mathias, Crow Wing Clair Township, Bedford Co., Penn- Clair Township, Bedford Co., Penn- Co., Minnesota. sylvania. sylvania, died 1 Oct. 1952 in Carrington, Foster Co., North 18 Johann “John” H(einrich) Müller, 24 Hans (Johannes) Taverna, born 29 Dakota. later Miller, born Apr. 1835 in Jan. 1837 in Davos (Frauenkirch), Prussia, died 10 July 1908 at 1519 Graubünden, Switzerland. Teacher 12 Jacob Taverna, born 24 Jan. 1868 South Seventh Street, Brainerd, in Davos (Frauenkirch), Graubün- in Davos (Frauenkirch), Grau- Crow Wing Co., Minnesota. Farmer den. bünden, Switzerland, died 22 July in Brooklyn, Hennepin Co., Minne- Married 5 July 1857 in Davos, Grau- 1920 in New Rockford, Eddy Co., sota, and later in Saint Mathias, bünden, Switzerland, to North Dakota. Farmer in Rosefield Crow Wing Co., Minnesota.7 25 Anna Engel, born 3 March 1836 Township in Eddy Co., North Dako- Married 18 June 1862 in Chicago to in Davos (Hauptkirche), Grau- ta.3 19 Katherine “Kate” Meyers, born 10 bünden, Switzerland. Married 29 Mar. 1896 in Davos Aug. 1844 in McHenry Co., Illinois, (Frauenkirch) to died 15 Sep. 1922 at 217 North 9th 26 Christian Bernhard, born 8 Feb. 13 Dorothea Bernhard, born 1 Jan. Street, Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., 1843 in Wiesen, Graubünden, 1872 in Wiesen, Graubünden, Minnesota. She had 13 children of Switzerland. Lived in Wiesen, Switzerland, died 16 July 1953 in which 8 were alive at her death, as Graubünden. Carrington, Foster Co., North Da- well as 38 grandchildren and 3 Married 27 Feb. 1869 to kota.4 great-grandchildren. 27 Dorothea Jud, born 19 Sep. 1840 in Janisberg, Graubünden, Swit- 14 John Sigurd Hill (born Charles 20 David M Straley, born 17 Feb. zerland. Alfred Peterson), born 9 Dec. 1870 1849 in New Enterprise, South in Marine Mills, Washington Co., Woodbury Township, Bedford Co., 28 Johan “John” Gustaf Peterson, Minnesota, died 28 Feb. 1962 in Pennsylvania, died 20 Aug. 1882 in born 15 Nov. 1845 in Ugnanäs

30 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Påkagård, Hovmantorp parish, Mathias Township, then a part of Ft. Minnesota, 1904. Elbow Lake is in (Smål.), died 1 Sep. 1916 in Bar- Ripley. He then went to work in the Grant Co., but after corresponding rett, Grant Co., Minnesota. Post- machine shops in Brainerd. This he with the local officials it was clear that master, hotel owner, and policeman followed for two and one half years. no one named Hill had married in Then he saw seven years of work in Grant Co. around 1904. A brick wall in Barrett, Grant Co., Minnesota. the round-house. He clerked for Fred again. In the 1962 obituary for John Married 2 July 1867 in Chisago Lake, Luken for seven years. Then he went Hill his children were listed, and Chisago Co., Minnesota to out to North Dakota and worked there among them, the youngest son Gor- 29 Martha Kristina Johnson, born 15 in various stations for the N.P.R.R. don Hill in Mandan, North Dakota. Sep. 1847 in Gynkelstorp Norre- until 1933, when he retired. He hasn’t Luckily enough, Gordon Hill was still gård, Tolg parish, (Smål.), died 4 worked since. From 1885 to 1917, Wil- living in Mandan and he could by Apr. 1930 at 338 East 17th Street, liam Pfeiffer was a resident of Crow phone and by correspondence give in- Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Min- Wing Co., besides a pioneer home- formation and explain the riddle of nesota. She died at the home of a steader.” John Hill. Gordon knew that his father’s name had daughter, but was buried in Bar- 3) Jakob Taverna, 28 years, wife Doro- originally been Charles Peterson but rett. tea, 24 years, and Jakob’s brother Con- that he had later changed his name. rad Taverna, 27 years, arrived in New Now everything became clear. He was 30 Sven Johan Olson, born 16 June York 13 April 1896 on the La Touraine born as Charles Alfred Peterson in 1858 in Norrgärde, Tolg Mellan- from Le Havre, France. They settled Marine Mills, and recorded in Birth gård, Tolg parish, (Smål.), died 18 in Eddy Co., five miles southwest of book A, p 72, for Washington Co., Min- July 1908 in Fergus Falls, Otter New Rockford, North Dakota. nesota as Carl Alfred, born 9 Decem- Tail Co., Minnesota. Farmer in ber 1870, son of John G. and Martha Elbow Lake, Grant Co., Minne- 4) She left the farm in Rosefield Township Peterson. As a child he had moved in 1928 and moved to her son, Chris, with his parents to Barrett in Grant sota.10 st in New Rockford. She became ill in Co., where he grew up. He was still Married 1 5 March 1880 in Tolg 1945 and moved to her daughter and Charles Peterson in 1903 when he parish, (Smål.), to son-in-law, Martha and Erwin Nichol- married Amanda Karolina Olson in 31 Sara Katarina Petersdotter, born son, in Carrington. She left 8 children, Grant Co., and now it was possible to 9 Jan. 1860 in Ryltestugan, Rylte, 16 grandchildren, and 17 great-grand- get a copy of his marriage certificate. Tolg parish, (Smål.), died 30 Nov. children. All the pieces in the puzzle now found 1901 in Elbow Lake, Sanford their places, but it is still not clear why Township, Grant Co., Minnesota. 5) He was born as Charles A. Peterson Charles A. Peterson, when moving to Buried at the Union Cemetery, El- and used that name still at his second Sheyenne, suddenly changes his name marriage in 1903, but then changed to John S. Hill. If we had not been able bow Lake, Minnesota. his name to John Sigurd Hill for to get in contact with his son Gordon unknown reasons, possibly in connec- and been told that he had changed Endnotes tion with his move to Sheyenne, before both his first name and his surname, 1) In October 1936 he is said to be a 1910. it would have been almost impossible plumber in Carrington, but when his The origin of John Hill was rather diffi- to trace him. mother died in November 1936 he cult to find. According to his death lived in Sykeston and by his father’s certificate he was born in Barrett, and 6) In an interview with the granddaugh- death in August 1942 in Durwood, even in his obituary in the New Rock- ter Susanna Driver in 1936 she tells Minnesota. According to his obituary ford Transcript he is said to be born 9 about her paternal grandparents: “Af- he came to California in 1942. Dec. 1870 in Barrett, Minnesota. In ter staying in St Louis, Missouri, for his daughter Delma’s birth certificate some time, they came north into Min- 2) He came to the U.S. with his parents he is said to be born in Marine Mills, nesota and near St. Paul a while, then in 1881. In October 1936 the Pfeiffers Minnesota (which turned out to be finally in 1885 they located at St. Ma- were interviewed by M. Monson about correct). By checking the 1870 and thias, Crow Wing Co., Minnesota. Mr. their lives and William Pfeiffer told the 1880 censuses it was found that Pfeiffer filed on a homestead im- following: “Mr Pfeiffer was born in neither in Barrett, which is in Grant mediately and built his house, a log Germany in 1863 and came across in Co., or in Marine Mills, which is in cabin, near where Mr. John Miller 1881. He settled in St. Louis, Missouri, Washington Co., was there a Hill lived (see ancestor #18), a man of his where he worked in the car shops. In family during those years. After a own nationality and who was there Germany he had learned no particular contact with the Swedish Emigrant when he came.” We are also told that trade, but had attended a seminary, Institute in Växjö it was known that “In the old country he had worked on thus his early days were spent as a there was no Hill family in Swedish fruit farms. Therefore as quickly as student. From St. Louis, he went to congregations in the nearby area in possible, he prepared some land and Wisconsin in 1882. There he worked Minnesota. put in some berry bushes.” Finally it on the section for three years. Then Further leads were found in the obi- is told that “Mr Pfeiffer lived on his he came to Minneapolis, Minnesota. tuaries in the local papers for Mr. and homestead and raised fruit and did There he kept a boarding house for a Mrs. Hill. According to the New Rock- gardening until he passed away.” year. Then, in 1885, he came to Crow ford Transcript, John Hill and Aman- Ernst Pfeiffer was recorded in the Wing Co. taking a homestead in St. da Olson had married in Elbow Lake, 1900 Census as a widower in Saint

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 31 Mathias Township in Crow Wing Co., 8) In the 1879 Directory for Bedford Co., 10) Sven Johan Olofsson, as was his Minnesota, living with his daughter where also his middle initial is men- Swedish name, was a tenant farmer Anna and her husband Millard F. tioned, he is listed as a blacksmith in in Nyelund, Klackhult Södergård, Shannon. New Enterprise, Woodberry Borough- Hornaryd parish (Smål.) 1880-1881, South (present spelling South Wood- then sharecropper at Holmatorpet, 7) He came to America before 1862 and bury). He united with the Church of Bringebäck, Hornaryd parish (Smål.) lived in 1864 in McHenry Co., Illinois. the Brethren, in the New Enterprise 1881-1882, tenant farmer and car- In the 1870 Census he lived in Owa- congregation, in the spring of 1878. penter at Bråna Frälsegårds soldat- tonna, Steele Co., Minnesota, as a This congregation called him to the torp, Tolg parish (Smål.) 1882-1886, laborer. In the 1880 Census he lived ministry 14 October 1878. In the and then the whole family moved to in Brooklyn, Hennepin Co., Minne- spring of 1882 he moved to Nebraska, North America on 26 May 1886. They sota, as a farmer and in the 1900 Cen- where he met with an accident that settled in Elbow Lake, Sanford Town- sus as a farm laborer in Saint Mathias cost him his life, he died from being ship, Grant Co., Minnesota. Some Township, Crow Wing Co., Minnesota. kicked by a horse. years after his first wife died, Sven According to his obituary in 1908, he Johan and four sons went back to came with his family in 1884 to Crow 9) In the 1879 Directory for Bedford Co. Sweden, where he remarried. After Wing Co., taking a claim in St. Ma- he is found in East Saint Clair Town- about one year they moved back to thias township where he resided until ship as Abner M. Griffith, worker in America, first to Canada and then to about 1907 when he moved to Brain- Fishertown. From his obituary it is Alexandria, Douglas Co., in Minne- erd. According to what his daughter found that he “was the 13th child and sota. He worked as both a butcher and Susanna told in 1936, John Miller was last survivor of William and Hannah a carpenter until he bought some land, originally a basket maker by trade, Griffith, all of whose large family 80 acres, in 1906 in Zimmerman, supplying the big wholesale houses in became people of local prominence.” Sherburne Co., Minnesota and moved Minneapolis. When she became 11 Next you are told: “When a young man there. Buried at Bellwood Cemetery, years old, that is in 1877, they moved he learned the tanner trade with his Orrock Township, Sherburne Co. to a farm at Brooklyn Center. They brother Joseph, which business, after lived there seven years. Then they a few years, he abandoned and devoted moved to Crow Wing Co. and John Mil- the remaining years of his active life ler filed on a homestead in Saint Ma- to lime burning and all other forms of Bo Lindwall lives in Södertäl- thias, where they lived until he was outdoor labour for his neighbor farm- je, Sweden. His e-mail is: too old to run it, and then he moved ers. Mr. Griffith had lived alone for to Brainerd. During his time in Saint many years prior to his death. He was Mathias he wrote a petition for a road a great reader and had a large store Dick Eriksson lives in Stock- to Brainerd from the Morrison Co. of general information. He was a mem- holm, Sweden. His e-mail is: line. He even helped survey it in 1886. ber of Osterburg Castle No 307, He succeeded in putting the road Knights of the Golden Eagle.” through. He also helped to build Saint Mathias Church. Historical maps online

The Swedish General Surveyor’s Of- fice (Lantmäteriet) has recently opened a new version of their web site, and now you have access to many thousands of old maps. To look at the maps is free, but the maps are not downloadable. Instead you can go to the Lantmäteriet’s e-shop and buy copies of maps on paper, online or on a CD/DVD. This service is quite new, so the SAG editor has not yet tried all different kinds of searches, but will get back to this important site in a future issue of SAG. When you first come to this site, it might be in Swedish, but look for an English link in the upper left corner, This is the view you get if you click on “Historical Maps”. There are two search possi- bilities – either just click on the map, or fill out the fields to the left. Then click on the click on that and all, or most, follow- Search button under the map. ing pages will be in English. Lantmäteriet started in 1628. http://www.lantmateriet.se/ 32 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 The Solution to the Handwriting Example XIII

Transcription

Födde i Nordmarks Församling 1819. Månad Född Döpt Föräldrars och Faddrars Hemvist, Namn och Caractere Moderns Barnets Namn ålder Januari 22 24 Nordmarkshyttan Grufarbetaren Lars 27 Nils Nilssons och dess Hust. Anna Eriksdrs Son Faddrar: Undant[agsman]. Jonas Jonsson från Nord- markshyttan, Enkan Anna Eriksdotter från Stjelpet, Drängen Erik Eriksson och Pigan Greta Landberg från Nordmarkshyttan.

24 26 Nordmarkshyttan LimkullsBäcken Jonas 21 Jonssons och H. Maria Andersdotters Son Jonas Faddrar: Grufarbetaren Anders Andersson, dess Hustru Brita Pettersdr, Drängen Jan Andersson och Pigan Cajsa Jonsdr, alla fr. Nordmarkshyttan.

Nordmarkshyttan Grufarbet[aren] Nils Nils- 25 26 20 Johan Fred- sons och dess H[ustru] Maria Lisa Arnbergs Son rik Faddrar: Grufarb[etaren] Skjutaren Sven Svensson i Tabergsås., Enkan Li- sa Jansdr från Nordmarks Grufwor, Drängen Sven Nilsson från Grundsjön och Pigan Lena Jönsdr i Tabergsåsarne.

Translation Births in Nordmark Parish 1819 Month Born Bapt. Homes of parents and sponsors, their names and character Age of Name of Mother Child January 22 24 Nordmarkshyttan The miner Lars Nilssons and his wife Anna Eriksdr’s Son 27 Nils Sponsors: Pensioner Jonas Jonsson from Nord- markshyttan, Widow Anna Eriksdotter from Stjelpet, Hired hand Erik Eriksson and Servant Greta Landberg from Nordmarkshyttan.

24 26 Nordmarkshyttan LimkullsBäcken Jonas 21 Jonssons and W[ife]. Maria Andersdotter’s Son Jonas Sponsors: Miner Anders Andersson, his wife Brita Pettersdr, Hired hand Jan Andersson and Servant Cajsa Jonsdr, all from Nordmarkshyttan. 25 26 Nordmarkshyttan Miner Nils Nils- sons and his Wife Maria Lisa Arnbergs Son 20 Johan Fred- blaster of Tabergsås., Sponsors: Miner Sven Svensson Widow Li-//sa rik Jansdr from Nordmark’s Mines, Hired hand Sven Nilsson from Grundsjön and Servant Lena Jönsdr of Tabergsåsarne.

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 33 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 Re- view Editor, Dennis L. Johnson at <[email protected]> or Dennis John- son, 174 Stauffer Road, Bucktown Crossing, Pottstown, PA 19465, so he knows what you are working on.

ing her Swedish Bible. Born in Små- 1870, the Norwegian congregations Swedes in land in 1867, she grew up in a large left the Augustana Synod to form farm family and attended her parish their own Synod, and the Augustana Augustana church, becoming a child evangelist. then became entirely Swedish. This By age 16, she had joined the local independent Lutheran Synod sur- and newly permitted Evangelical vived for over 100 years, eventually The Creation of an Ethnic Iden- Free Church not far from her home, joining in 1962 with most other Luth- tity: Being Swedish American in no doubt to the consternation of her eran synods in the U.S. to form The the Augustana Synod, 1860-1917, family. By 1890, she left for America, Lutheran Church in America. The by Dag Blanck, 256 pp, ill., Hardcover (cloth), 2006, Southern where she married, raised a large new church organization included Illinois University Press, Carbon- family on farms in Iowa and Minne- United Lutheran Church in America, dale, Ill., $55.00 plus shipping. sota, and remained with the Free The American Evangelical Lutheran Church all her life. Church, The Augustana Synod, and As a young Swedish American grow- My mother, her eldest daughter, the Suomi Synod (Finnish Lutheran ing up in Minneapolis, I was certain- married a Lutheran Swede, however, Church in America). ly aware that my parents and all my and our family grew up in Lutheran In his book, Dag Blanck looks at grandparents were Swedish, yet any churches, which for Midwestern the period from the founding of the sense of a Swedish American ethnic Swedes were nearly all Augustana Church in 1860, on the eve of our identity was embryonic at best, and Synod. I was confirmed in an August- Civil War, to the year 1917 when the largely submerged within me by my ana Synod church in Minneapolis, U.S. entered World War I. This was absorption with being an American. the large Mt. Olivet Lutheran the period of the greatest migration This was reinforced by the patriotic Church of Pastor Reuben K. Young- of Swedish people to the U.S. and nationalism associated with the ma- dahl, a member of a prominent Swed- particularly to the many midwestern jor event of my teenage years, World ish American family with roots in states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Min- War II. My parents, like most second Dalsland, birthplace of several of my nesota, Nebraska, Kansas, and the generation Swedish Americans, were own ancestors. Although bearing Dakotas. In the first few decades of more concerned with my assimilation little distinction for me at the time, this migration, nearly 35% of these into my peer group than they were my ethnic identity was clearly a immigrants belonged to churches with any strong interest in Sweden. product of being Swedish American within the Augustana Synod, and This was not difficult, since my school in the Augustana Synod, the focus of during the rest of the great migra- classes included many different this book published sixty years later tion period membership remained ethnic backgrounds, but the major- by Dag Blanck. about 20 per cent. By 1910 about 47 ity of my classmates were of Scandi- My own family history was per cent of these Swedish immi- navian, if not Swedish, heritage. brought into much sharper focus by grants lived in Minnesota or Illinois, In retrospect, more was there than Dag Blanck’s new book which is a the remainder distributed among was readily apparent to my young scholarly attempt to examine the his- many other states. eyes, then much more concerned with tory and influence of The Augustana The first chapters of Blanck’s book my own future than my ethnic past. Synod of the Lutheran Church in describe the setting in Swedish My mother’s mother lived with us creating and establishing the Swed- America for the development of the part of each year during those years, ish American identity in the U.S. The Augustana Synod and the Swedish read her Swedish language Synod was founded in June of 1860 American identity. The circum- newspaper faithfully, but spoke with in Clinton, Iowa, and included thirty- stances leading to the founding of the little affection about the country of six Swedish and thirteen Norwegian Synod and the individual pastors her birth. She was deeply religious, Lutheran congregations with nearly involved are explained in some de- however, and spent much time read- 5,000 communicant members. By tail, and the education of young peo-

34 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Book Reviews ple in the Synod is described. A full and remembering the values and chapter is devoted to the develop- commitments of that church body.) ment of the Swedish American tra- In his Epilogue, Blanck sum- dition at Augustana College in Rock marizes in compact but insightful Island, IL. After a chapter on identity fashion the principal themes of the formation in Swedish America dur- book: how was the Swedish American ing the period and the influence on ethnic identity created, what did this education of the Augustana Synod, identity consist of, and why did it area and has no doubt enhanced my Blanck then describes the formation develop? He has focused primarily on strong interest in my own ethnic and influence of the Augustana Book the role and history of Augustana identity. For this greater appreci- Concern, publisher of many Swedish College as the principal institution ation, I am grateful to the author. and Swedish American books, text- for the conveyance of Swedish Amer- Dennis L. Johnson books, and religious books during ican culture, a college created by the this period. In his concluding chap- largest single Swedish American ters, the author interprets how the organization in America, the August- past was put to use in creating a ana Synod. He traces the evolution A Florida Swedish American history. of the college since its founding and The book also touches on the the evolution of the student body first Pioneer Synod’s relationship with other from those immigrants born in Swe- Swedish American organizations in den to the succeeding generations of The Adventurous Life of Josef America, both religious and secular. Swedish Americans. He points out Henschen, Swedish Immigrant in These included the Mission Covenant how their needs changed over time the 1870’s, by Rebecca Weiss, Church, the Evangelical Free from the early necessity to assimilate Lulu Press, 2006, 162 pp., ill., Church, and various non-Swedish into the American mosaic of cultures Softcover, Amazon.com, $15.95 denominations that established to the later need to recall and re- plus shipping. within their organization Swedish- create the memory and traditions of language services and conferences. Swedish culture. These memories When thinking about Swedish pio- Secular organizations included the and traditions exist down to this day neers in the United States, Florida Vasa Order, the Svithiod Order, the even unto the fourth and fifth gener- is not one of the first states that Viking Order, Scandinavian groups, ation, as a way of distinguishing comes to mind. However, Rebecca and the once numerous Swedish lan- Swedish Americans from all the Weiss, a great-grandniece of Josef guage press in America. many other hyphenated Americans Henschen, has written a book that During the life of the Augustana making up our population in the 21st charts the life and conditions en- Synod, it became a national church century. countered by the brother of one of her body, provided services to individual This well-documented, scholarly own Swedish ancestors. Josef Hen- congregations, sent missionaries to work of social history will be a schen was leader of a small group of various locations and overseas, esta- valuable addition to the literature in Swedes who settled in the semi- blished social service agencies and ethnic identity for all academics and tropical and sparsely inhabited wilds institutions, and founded several researchers in this field, as well as of central Florida seeking their own colleges and a seminary. The Synod being of great interest to those fame and fortune. Josef settled in had grown to include about 423,000 interested in tracing the foundations Orange and Seminole Counties, the members in 1,269 congregations ser- of their own Swedish American area that was to later become part ved by 1,393 ordained ministers by identity. In my own case, it helped of the metropolitan area of Orlando, the time of the merger in 1962. me understand better my own strong Florida, a city that is now widely (More recently, many former Au- interest and participation in things known as the home of Disney World. th gustana members met frequently, Swedish American. In my native Unlike most 19 century Swedish leading to the founding of a new Minnesota, being Swedish American immigrants to North America, Josef Augustana Heritage Association at is still as commonplace as mashed Henschen did not leave Sweden to Rock Island, IL, in the year 2000. The potatoes and matters little to all but escape poverty or the lack of oppor- Association now meets annually to a core of rabid enthusiasts. Living in tunity. In 1871, Josef was a young “define, promote, and perpetuate the Philadelphia, however, having Swed- medical student with a bright future, heritage of the Evangelical Lutheran ish roots puts one in perhaps one of studying at Uppsala University in Church” and to assist in identifying the smallest ethnic minorities in the Sweden. He was born in 1843, the

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 35 Book Reviews

purchased over 12,000 acres of land to go exploring in Florida on foot. in Seminole County, Florida, and (Hasse had painted a watercolor of needed workers to plant, tend, and Williams’s Florida homestead, used harvest orange trees on his land. for the cover of this book.) Dissatisfied with local workers and All three brothers were now in friction between white and black Florida, but William soon returned employees, Sanford began looking to New York with his family and So- third son in a family of six with an elsewhere for good workers. William fia. He divided his time between New older sister, Maria, and four brothers, Henschen offered to bring in Swedish York and Florida until about 1875, Johan, Wilhelm, Esaias, and Salo- workers for these new orange planta- serving for a short time as secretary mon. His father, Lars Henschen, was tions, and the idea of hard-working, to Swedish inventor John Ericsson born in Blekinge and was descended honest, and able Swedes sealed the and editing a Swedish language from an Andreas Henschen who had deal. William returned to Sweden newspaper. By 1875 he had become immigrated from Germany in 1620. and recruited some fifty workers, 32 a Methodist minister, moved to Chi- Lars Henschen had been a county of whom would go to work for San- cago and taught at the Swedish judge, a lawyer, and in 1853 became ford in Florida, the others elsewhere. Methodist Theological Seminary, and a member of Parliament. He married Accompanied by his brother Esaias, edited their newspaper. He retired Josef’s mother, Augusta Munck af and a maiden aunt named Sofia, in 1911; he and his wife Hanna had Rosenschöld, a noblewoman from an William brought the workers to Flor- seven children and many grandchil- important family. The family had ida, where he delivered the workers dren. Esaias lived for a time in Flor- lived most of their lives in Uppsala. and set up his own homestead. ida and married a Swedish girl, Josef’s mother died in 1856, when Conditions were hard, however, and Emelia Magnusson. They later also Josef was only thirteen years old. many of the Swedes did not honor lived in St. Augustine where he ser- Despite the opportunities avail- their terms of employment. Their ved as a justice of the peace. They able to the children of Lars Henschen contract called for them, in return for returned to Sweden in 1879, where in Sweden, three of the sons soon passage from Sweden, to work one they had two daughters, two grand- decided to travel to America. Daugh- year without pay. After that year sons, and several great-grandsons. ter Maria remained in Sweden to live they would be paid and also able to Esaias became the director of a bank a long and exceptional life, and obtain five acres of land for them- in Uppsala, and died at age eighty- youngest son Salomon (great-grand- selves. Most, however, left Mr. San- two. Their father, Lars Wilhelm Hen- father of the author) finished medi- ford’s employ to find their own land schen, died in 1885, after a long and cal school to have a distinguished in Florida. distinguished career in medicine. career in Sweden. The oldest son, By summer, Sanford asked Wil- The remainder of this book, ex- Johan, died at 17, probably of tuber- liam to return to Sweden for more haustively researched by Rebecca culosis. Two brothers, Esaias and workers, those with particular skills Weiss, chronicles the life of Josef, the Wilhelm, began studies in philosophy and some women to work as cooks. brother who chose to remain in Flo- at Uppsala, and Josef began studies This he did but on his return by way rida and make his life there. Josef, in medicine but, unlike Salomon, was of New York, he fell ill. He then who saw his first trip to America as not to finish. Wilhelm finished his cabled his brother Josef and asked a temporary adventure and as a help studies in the late 1860’s to receive a him to bring about 35 more Swedes to his older brother, never returned doctorate in philosophy and a teach- to Florida. Josef finally agreed and, to his studies in Sweden. He ap- ing job at Uppsala. Adventure called, with some difficulty, succeeded in parently fell in love with Florida and apparently, and he left Sweden in recruiting the desired workers. He lived there for over sixty years until 1870 to buy some land near Lake left Sweden with these workers in his death in 1930. He became a Jesup, Florida, possibly inspired by October of 1871 accompanied by leader of the small colony of Swedes Frederika Bremer’s descriptions in Williams’s wife, Hanna, and her ba- in central Florida called the Upsala her book, Homes of the New World. by, and also an artist friend Hasse settlement and helped organize the He soon went to New York, however, Bergman. They traveled via Scotland New Upsala Lutheran Church. He where he became involved in per- to New York, then the Swedish work- became a citizen in 1879, and was suading Swedes to come to the U.S. ers, Josef, and his group went to Flor- appointed a postmaster soon after. to settle in Florida. ida by ship. Josef joined William at He had completed his five-year obli- Wilhelm, now William, had met an their house near Lake Jesup, then gation to own his homestead land, investor, Sheldon Sanford, who had by January of 1872, left with Hasse raising cattle and growing oranges.

36 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Book Reviews Josef was becoming more prosperous just south of Lake Apopka, where he and had acquired several servants lived until his death in 1930. These from Sweden. In December,1885, he homes were all fairly close together married Carolina Svensson, from in an area that is now a northern Karlskrona, Blekinge, who had suburb of Orlando. In his old age, appeared in Florida under unknown Josef was a respected member of the circumstances. Swedish American community in this About the same year Josef, with area and is generally credited with The book is enriched by over thirty three partners, invested in a new naming the city of St. Petersburg, the family and other collected photo- railway to be built between Sanford terminus of his ill-fated railway ven- graphs of Josef’s family and the and St. Petersburg on the west coast ture. locations referred to in the book. of Florida. Named the Orange Belt In her fascinating and detailed A Florida Pioneer is a historic Railway, the new line was completed account of the life of this Florida treasure for the State of Florida and with some difficulty and soon went pioneer, Rebecca Weiss has drawn for all those interested in the history bankrupt, leaving Josef deeply in heavily on correspondence written of the small but significant group of debt. He spent much of his life trying mainly to a close friend of his youth hardy Swedes who carved out a life to recover from this bankrupt ven- in Sweden, Knut Ångström, (son of in Florida long before air condi- ture and lived in poverty for many the Swedish scientist Anders Jonas tioning and modern conveniences years. Josef had invested over Ångström, namer of the Angstrom made the climate of the state as $40,000 in this railroad. In spite of unit used in the measurement of the comfortably habitable in the hot, this debt, he, Carolina and their two wavelength of light waves and other humid summers as in its long popu- daughters were able to visit Sweden forms of radiation). Also used were lar winter climate. Readers will be in 1888 and spend time with old letters from Josef Henschen to his especially intrigued reading the friends and relatives there. They father, Lars, and to his brothers. many letters of Josef Henschen, returned to Florida, where they had These letters are mostly quoted in recounting in his own words (as a third daughter in 1889 and a son, their entirety and organized by the tranlated from Swedish by the Harald, in 1891. Carolina died in author in chronological sequence. author) the living conditions en- 1905. Josef had originally lived two Supplemented by other sources, per- countered as a pioneer and his de- years at Round Lake near Lake sonal research, and interviews with scriptions of the challenging life he Jesup, then moved to Lake Maitland other descendants of the Henschen found for himself in Florida. where he lived from 1873 until 1887. family, Rebecca Weiss provides a very Dennis L. Johnson Two years after his marriage, he interesting and detailed insight on moved to a new home in Oakland, the life of this early Florida pioneer. New and Noteworthy (short notes on interesting books and articles) In the Swedish American Historical Quarterly 1/2007 there is an interesting article by Roger McKnight, called Night Buckets and Trick-or-Treaters: Notes on Swedish-American Inmates at Minnesota State Prison 1858- 1914. This article deals in detail with the Swedish-American inmates of the prison in Stillwater. Not all Swedes conformed to the ideal picture of the Swedish immigrant: honest, sober and hard-working. Some ended up in prison for various reasons. The author has found that during the period of 1858 to 1915 there were 335 inmates with a Swedish background. The first entered the prison in 1867, a smålänning named Swan Johnson from Nicollet County, who had, in a state of hallucination, decapitated his nine-year old son, to improve his life in heaven. Swan was later transferred to an insane asylum. The last Swedish-American to enter the prison in 1914 was Frank Oscar Anderson, born in Närke, now of Carlton County, who was described as “33 years old, a Lutheran, a moderate drinker, single, uneducated and muscular”. He had stolen a certificate of deposit, and then bought himself a horse and buggy. Of all the cases that resulted in prison sentences, murder and manslaughter constituted 10.7%, assault 15%, larceny 38%, burglary, embezzlement etc. 10.7%, sexual crimes 8.3%. There is no list of names for the inmates, but the article is good reading, and a remainder that not all made good in America.

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 37 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.

Andersdotter, Larson, Magnusdotter, Aronson

I am searching for someone who knows something of my grandfather’s aunt Hilda. The woman at the right side of the picture is Hilda Maria Andersdotter born 26 Jan. 1882 in Skatelöv (Smål.), and she died 1925 in the U.S. I sup- pose her husband is also in the picture. His name was Emmett Larson and he was born 1882 and died 1941. Is there anyone who knows something about them? They had one daughter named Olive. Hilda lived in Sycamore Ill., when she wrote one letter before 1924 home to Sweden. There were more people in the family who had immigrated; Hilda’s aunt Martha went to U.S.A. before Hilda and I suspect that Hilda went to visit her and the cousins. Martha Magnusdotter was born 14 Aug. 1832 in Skatelöv. She left as a widow for the U.S. 5 May 1886 with two of her daugthers, Eva Julia born 12 Dec. 1870, and Elin born 16 Dec. 1874 at Huseby in Skatelöv. Some of Martha’s sons, Gustav, born 12 Dec 1863 at Torp Södregård, Skatelöv, immigrated 14 June 1883 and, Carl Fredrik, born 5 May 1868 at Charlottenberg, Blädinge (Smål.), and, Peter Johan, born 22 March 1866 also at Charlottenberg, Blädinge, immigrated together 10 July 1884 to the U.S. All the children’s last name was Aronsdotter or Aronsson. Linda Magnusson, Borggårdsvägen 45, S-352 61 Växjö, Sweden. Phone +46 472 625 67. E-mail: 1272

Eriksson

For 23 years I’ve been seeking information about my elusive grandfather, Nils John Erickson. The picture shows him with his wife Amanda Charlotta b. 12 Aug. 1856 in Sävast, Överluleå, (Nobo.), the daughter of Nils Nilsson Lindholm and Anna Stina Sundberg; and their first two children. It was probably taken about 1891, when they were members of the Asbury (Swed- ish) Methodist Church in Duluth, MN. Both children: Janny/ Jenny b. 1 Aug. 1888, d. 5 Dec. 1891, and Gideon b. 17 Jan. 1890, d. 3 Dec. 1891 of diphtheria and are buried in unmarked graves at Union Cemetery on the Hermantown Road in Duluth, MN. Their births were followed by Elin Maria b. 5 Mar. 1891, Duluth, MN., and baptized 22 May 1892, by Methodist Pastor, F. Gustafson, and George Walter, b. 26 Dec. 1894. Delayed Birth certificate is registered at Grantsburg, Burnett Co., WI. He was baptized, 17 Nov. 1895 at Wood Lake, WI, by Pas- tor O.C. Nilson. My father, Daniel Walter, b. 14 May 1897, whose delayed Birth certificate was found at Rock Creek Township, Pine Co., MN, was baptized 16 May 1899 by A.G. Hultgren at Swedish M.E. Church in Duluth, Minn. Both brothers delayed 1941 birth certificates were attested to by their mother Amanda Erickson. continued on next page -> 38 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 Interesting Web Sites

(All links have been tried in May 2007 and should work) Old postcards: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/special/ppcs/ppcs.html Listen to words in Swedish or other languages: http://www.oddcast.com/home/demos/tts/frameset.php?frame1=talk Burials at New Sweden Cemetery, Jefferson Co., IA: http://www.rootsweb.com/~iajeffer/Cemeteries/New_Sweden_Lutheran/ Life in the Illinois countryside in the mid 1800s: http://iltrails.org/19th_Everyday_Life.html Online databases from Washington State: http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/default.aspx Recipes for Swedish Cooking: http://www.foodfromsweden.com/ Site with lots of information about Swedes in Illinois: http://www.illinoisancestors.org/swedes/ Emigrants from Jämtland: http://www.emigrant-z.com/index1.html The Provincial Archives of the Åland Islands: http://www.arkivet.aland.fi/ Searchable U.S. Newspapers 1900–1910: http://www.loc.gov/chroniclingamerica/index.html

Nils J. Erickson was believed to be from southern Sweden. U.S. Census records state both immigrated to the U.S. in 1887. Only Amanda’s record of exit papers to leave Stockholm in Dec. 1882 have been located. Nothing has been found for Nils John except their 14 Oct. 1887 marriage record by a justice of the peace, Chicago, Ill.; the 1900 Census in Brule, Douglas Co., Wisconsin, and the birth, death and marriage records in the family Bible. My father Walter told me that, “He had a dent in the top of his head caused by an injury, possibly during work in a quarry, mine, or woods accident.” I am hoping that someone will have matching pictures of these two old pictures in old family albums. Amanda is said, “to have corresponded with a half brother for many years.” This might have been Johan Anton, son of Nils Nilsson Lindholm (Taskila – Finnish Name) b. 19 Feb. 1851 in Överluleå. However, no records of this have been substantiated. No birth, baptism, or exit records from Sweden for Nils John Erickson have been found, nor knowledge of siblings in the United States. He died of asthma on 18 May 1903, half past 12 a.m., age: 49 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days according to the family Bible.

Phyllis Wohlfarth, 26539 163rd Ave. SE, Covington, WA. 98042. E-mail: 1273

Response to Query 1269

Superior Evening Telegram, Wednesday, 7 April 1971: C. H. SWANSON DIES AT 80. Charles H. Swanson, 80, 1216 N. 18th St., died Tuesday at the home of his daughter in New Carlisle, Ind. He was born in Sweden and had resided in Superior for most of his life and had been a produce manager prior to his retiring. Mr. Swanson was a member of the Hammond Avenue Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Inez, Superior; a daughter Mrs. James (Shirley) Countryman, New Carlisle; a sister Mrs. T. H. (Eleanor) Saunders, Coral Gables, Fla.; two grandchildren.

Mrs. Inez H, Swanson, 86, New Carlisle, Ind., formerly of Superior, died Saturday at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Ind. Information submitted by SAG reader Gerald Sime, Duluth, MN. Thank you, Gerald!

Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 39 The Last Page Dear friends, This issue turned out a bit different is important after a greyish winter. Don’t forget to look for the local Heri- than I first planned. The trees are in full bloom and soon, tage Museum (hembygdsgård), Even though I knew that our Edi- very soon, the lilacs will also blossom. where you might find people eager tor Emeritus Nils William Olsson The cities will become empty on the to share their stories about life long was very ill, I still did not quite be- spring weekends as we migrate to- ago. Bring an ancestral chart, and lieve that he would pass away – he wards our sommarstuga or fritidshus maybe they know your family. seemed to be indestructible, but so (house to spend spare time in). In the If you wish to plan ahead, a list of was not the case. A fragile body could suburbs you have already started to most hembygdsgårdar (plural) can be no longer support a still clear mind, smell the grilling of sausages and found at www.hembygd.se Look for and he has definitely gone to his well- steaks on balconies and in the gar- the British flag or click on the map earned rest. But we are many that dens, and the little children do not of Sweden, or do both! will miss him, and remember him for want to go to bed, as the evening is Summer is also a time of festivals, years. still light as day, even though it is markets, outdooor auctions, and Those of the SAG readers who had past nine p.m. many other things. At the web site not made his personal acquaintance It is a nice time of the year, and I www.sweden.se you can find lots of can still learn to know him from his am glad that many American friends useful information that will make articles in older SAGs and through have announced their plans to visit your visit here a memory for life! his monumental books. in the homeland of the ancestors. Right now, in the middle of May, This is the time to travel around the Välkomna! the weather has become very nice, countryside and visit the churches Elisabeth Thorsell not very warm yet, but sunny, which with their surrounding cemeteries.

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1-800-450-2214 genealogists. Email: [email protected] @augustana. The social side includes welcome and Website: www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org edu> farewell receptions, a buffet dinner & en- and tell tertainment, Swedish movies, etc. her Contact Karna Olsson at 207-338-0057 what or e-mail: [email protected] you Limited number of spaces! Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota USA want! 40 Swedish American Genealogist 2007:1 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 Bureau of Statistics, Stock- holm).

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

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).