Scientist Emil O. Deere
"... although this seemed to be a big venture. Carl Swensson was accustomed to attempting great things, and plans moved forward with certainty."
-- Emory Lindquist*
-- Emory Lindquist*
Deere's 1959 Interview on Rev. Dr. Carl A. Swensson
(On YouTube)
(On YouTube)
Carl Aaron Swensson was born in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania, to Swedish parents who came to America in 1856 from Småland, Sweden. His father, Jonas Swensson, was ordained at Sweden's Växjö Cathedral on October 8, 1851, was one of the pastors responsible for the founding of the Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana Lutheran Synod (the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church) in 1860, and was to become president of its Augustana Lutheran College, also founded in 1860.
The Augustana Lutheran Synod would eventually become the parent church to Jonas Swensson's son's Carl Aaron's school, Bethany Lutheran College, one of several Swedish liberal arts colleges ( Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota; California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California; Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska; and Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey) for which it would become responsible.
While living in Moline, Illinois, from 1870 to 1878, and working as foreman to John Deere, Deere's father, Charles Andrew Deere (Anders Olsson) became very good friends with the-to-be Bethany Lutheran College founder pastor Carl Aaron Swensson who was only a few miles away in Rock Island. The occasion of the Deere and Swensson meeting for the first time is unknown, except perhaps it could have been on church related business between the Rock Island Augustana Lutheran Synod and the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Moline founded in 1850. Whatever the case, their friendship was strong enough that Swensson felt comfortable in requesting that Charles Deere take his son Emil out of the Manhattan Kansas Agricultural College (Kansas State University) in 1899, to have him finish his studies at Bethany College.
This began Deere's sixty-seven (67) years at Bethany, and of knowing its founder closely until Swensson's death in 1904. What Deere would have observed in this short period of time would have been similar to what the other Swedes
The Augustana Lutheran Synod would eventually become the parent church to Jonas Swensson's son's Carl Aaron's school, Bethany Lutheran College, one of several Swedish liberal arts colleges ( Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota; California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California; Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska; and Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey) for which it would become responsible.
While living in Moline, Illinois, from 1870 to 1878, and working as foreman to John Deere, Deere's father, Charles Andrew Deere (Anders Olsson) became very good friends with the-to-be Bethany Lutheran College founder pastor Carl Aaron Swensson who was only a few miles away in Rock Island. The occasion of the Deere and Swensson meeting for the first time is unknown, except perhaps it could have been on church related business between the Rock Island Augustana Lutheran Synod and the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Moline founded in 1850. Whatever the case, their friendship was strong enough that Swensson felt comfortable in requesting that Charles Deere take his son Emil out of the Manhattan Kansas Agricultural College (Kansas State University) in 1899, to have him finish his studies at Bethany College.
This began Deere's sixty-seven (67) years at Bethany, and of knowing its founder closely until Swensson's death in 1904. What Deere would have observed in this short period of time would have been similar to what the other Swedes
- Deere's Class of 1904 25th Bethany College Reunion -
Far right are Lydia and Emil
July 5, 1929
Photograph by Lindsborg's Lindquist Studio
at Bethany observed in the College's daily activities being overseen and directed by their very powerful charismatic leader of great Christian conviction and vision who was guiding his Swedish American Bethany College to its destined place in the world of America!
On page 38 of fourth Swedish American Bethany College President Emory Lindquist's 1975 book, Bethany In Kansas, the history of a college, we find the following:
"A contemporary described Dr. Swensson: 'The doctor has a magnificent physique, a sonorous voice, animated delivery, and majestic presence.' Another observer refers to Dr. Swensson as 'An interesting person with an imposing figure, high and broad forehead, and an open countenance. There was something magnetic about his whole personality. He inspired confidence. His great optimism was a source of strength in the great burdens he carried.'..."
In 1959, fifty-five (55) years after Swensson's death, found Dr. Emil O. Deere being interviewed by artist co-director of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery Carl William Peterson, Bethany Lutheran Church member and archivist, on his church's second Pastor, C. A. Swensson, founder of Bethany College.
Below, now in YouTube form, is that interview made possible by the late great Smoky Valley Historical Association President Chris Abercrombie (1949-2017).
On page 38 of fourth Swedish American Bethany College President Emory Lindquist's 1975 book, Bethany In Kansas, the history of a college, we find the following:
"A contemporary described Dr. Swensson: 'The doctor has a magnificent physique, a sonorous voice, animated delivery, and majestic presence.' Another observer refers to Dr. Swensson as 'An interesting person with an imposing figure, high and broad forehead, and an open countenance. There was something magnetic about his whole personality. He inspired confidence. His great optimism was a source of strength in the great burdens he carried.'..."
In 1959, fifty-five (55) years after Swensson's death, found Dr. Emil O. Deere being interviewed by artist co-director of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery Carl William Peterson, Bethany Lutheran Church member and archivist, on his church's second Pastor, C. A. Swensson, founder of Bethany College.
Below, now in YouTube form, is that interview made possible by the late great Smoky Valley Historical Association President Chris Abercrombie (1949-2017).
1959
THE INTERVIEW
Dr. Emil O. Deere on Dr. Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson, Bethany College Founder and 2nd President
by Carl Wm Peterson of the Bethany Lutheran Church Archives
THE INTERVIEW
Dr. Emil O. Deere on Dr. Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson, Bethany College Founder and 2nd President
by Carl Wm Peterson of the Bethany Lutheran Church Archives
THE TRANSCRIPT
Carl Wm Peterson:
Bethany Church and Bethany College have been bound together through unique circumstances since Dr. Swensson was both pastor of our church from 1879 to 1904 as well as founder and president of Bethany College for some 20 years. You, Dr. Deere, for many years have been closely connected with both church and college through active participation in each. We feel that it is a privilege to have this interview. And we are certain you can give us some interesting sidelights to Dr. Swensson and his devotion to the Lindsborg community.
Dr. Deere:
The cultural pattern for the community life in Lindsborg and the surrounding area in the Smoky Valley was designed and developed during pioneer days by two young men. The first was the Reverend Dr. Olof Olson from Sweden, age 27, and he was followed by the Reverend Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, from Illinois, age 22. Both men displayed their Swedish cultural background and this in turn left a deep impression on the life pattern among the pioneers.
In a sense, Dr. Olson supplied the seed and the young plants for the founding of the community which Dr. Swensson under his wide vision, dauntless courage, dynamic energy, and supreme faith in the future, developed into our splendid community with Bethany College as the center of the cultural influence. The founding of the school developed into Bethany College was consummated under the private initiation of Dr. Swensson. However, from the very beginning, the undertaking was confronted with difficulties, opposition, lack of funds, no buildings, small or no constituency. The struggle became exceedingly severe and only a man like Dr. Swensson with his supreme optimism, his magnetic personality, sincerity of purpose, and faith in the future could have made the sacrifice necessary for final victory. When days look their darkest, Dr. Swensson would always say, “I morgon blir det bättre” – Tomorrow it will be better!
His optimism sometimes did deliver him into the hands of unscrupulous promoters.
Carl Wm Peterson:
I believe Dr. Deere that most historians in writing about Bethany’s early days state that no student enrolled on the first day. What do you say about this?
Dr. Deere:
The late Dr. O. W. Hubbard of Batavia, Illinois, told me and others during the Synodical meeting in Lindsborg that he and nine other persons enrolled in Bethany Academy, and paid the fee of $5 tuition on October 15th 1881. This is the first day of school.
The account books at the College substantiate his contention. From the very beginning, Swensson was able to secure high class teachers, including many from Sweden. He had a wonderful ability for speaking and writing in superlatives and due to the glowing terms in which he describe Lindsborg and Bethany College, he attracted many fine citizens and excellent teachers, many of them I stated from Sweden. The author of this article was a student under many of these teachers and later served as their colleague.
An atmosphere of university culture was manifested among the staff and in the halls of learning. Dr. Swensson was an excellent teacher and a dynamic speaker. My work under him as a student and in other areas was stimulating and cultural. He was democratic in his association with people. He greeted and spoke to everybody, young or old, rich or poor, and regardless of station in life. He was a quick thinker and always ready with a right answer or criticism, humorous or serious. As students and faculty, we held him in the very highest esteem. However, due to his many interests and super busy life, as pastor of his church, college president, politician – rock red republican, of course—traveler, speaker at many meetings and on a vast variety of subjects, he often had to make snap decisions that frequently had a dictatorial color. There were times, however, when a matter of rebellion did arise. Yet a solution was always amicably arrived at.
Carl Wm Peterson:
Well, Dr. Deere, how did you come in contact with Dr. Swensson? Were your folks pioneers in the Valley?
Dr. Deere:
During his student days at Augustana College, Dr. Swensson made the acquaintance with my father who was an employee of the John Deere Plow Company in Moline, Illinois. After my father moved his family to the Blue Valley Swedish settlements in 1878, Swensson made frequent visits to the settlement in the Blue Valley and surrounding area.
Among the homes he visited, he included the Deere home and insisted that the boy, EOD, must prepare himself for attending Bethany College. And, in like manner, he enlisted students for Bethany from among the various settlements.
At a certain meeting, I remember that someone in the audience asked Dr. Swensson the question: “At what age should one attend your school?” He answer that, "The whole life is a learning process." None is too young and none too old. Yes, we will accept them anywhere, between the cradle and the grave."
Naturally, I enrolled in Bethany and in the fall of 1901 Dr. Swensson sent me to Washington University and Manual Training School in St. Louis, Missouri, for one year to specialize in Studies Preparatory to head a Department of Manual Arts and Pre-engineering. I performed my part of the agreement. But due to the hard times that followed and lack of resources, the project was carried out only in a very minor degree.
Dr. Swensson was a dreamer. He visualized the development of a great educational institution here in the Smoky Valley. Under his direction, I prepared a sketch map of the proposed land area. The present campus would be augmented by the addition of a large farm to the north. In addition to pre-engineering, there would be agricultural training. The farm would afford work for needy students and the produce there-from would help fill the larder and the coffer of the College. And, in addition, he stated: “Who knows but that a real fortune may be sometime found below the surface!”
Carl Wm Peterson:
This has been so interesting Dr. Deere. I wish we could talk about this great man for an hour. But, it can’t be so. However, in conclusion, what would you like to add?
Dr. Deere:
In summing up the significant contributions made by Dr. Swensson as churchman, educator, citizen and as a leader in the social and cultural life in our country, he may be ranked as one of our most prominent men of Swedish American descent. Dr. Swensson’s magnetic personality and his powerful gift of speech had a stimulating effect for positive action in all who chanced to come under his influence. Without Dr. Swensson’s presence in this area, there very likely would not have been a Bethany College and Lindsborg would certainly not be the fine city it is today.
Naturally, a man of his great activity and dynamic personality would, in addition, to his host of friends, also have a few enemies. He abhorred sham, scheming and false doctrine. He had a quick answer whether it be humor, factual, irony or sarcasm. He let the axe fall where it belonged. We always enjoyed his beaming facing and the sparkle in his blue eyes. However, in case an antagonist became too severe and covered him with unjust criticism, he could reply with his stinging oratory while from his steel gray eyes one could vision forthcoming of a stream of fiery darts. Nevertheless, he did not harbor an enmity but to extend the hand of friendly friendship, a quality that signified greatness of character and of positive fairness.
Carl Wm Peterson:
Thank you Dr. Deere. We certainly have appreciated this interview and it gives us a much keener insight to the life of Dr. Carl Swensson.
Bethany Church and Bethany College have been bound together through unique circumstances since Dr. Swensson was both pastor of our church from 1879 to 1904 as well as founder and president of Bethany College for some 20 years. You, Dr. Deere, for many years have been closely connected with both church and college through active participation in each. We feel that it is a privilege to have this interview. And we are certain you can give us some interesting sidelights to Dr. Swensson and his devotion to the Lindsborg community.
Dr. Deere:
The cultural pattern for the community life in Lindsborg and the surrounding area in the Smoky Valley was designed and developed during pioneer days by two young men. The first was the Reverend Dr. Olof Olson from Sweden, age 27, and he was followed by the Reverend Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, from Illinois, age 22. Both men displayed their Swedish cultural background and this in turn left a deep impression on the life pattern among the pioneers.
In a sense, Dr. Olson supplied the seed and the young plants for the founding of the community which Dr. Swensson under his wide vision, dauntless courage, dynamic energy, and supreme faith in the future, developed into our splendid community with Bethany College as the center of the cultural influence. The founding of the school developed into Bethany College was consummated under the private initiation of Dr. Swensson. However, from the very beginning, the undertaking was confronted with difficulties, opposition, lack of funds, no buildings, small or no constituency. The struggle became exceedingly severe and only a man like Dr. Swensson with his supreme optimism, his magnetic personality, sincerity of purpose, and faith in the future could have made the sacrifice necessary for final victory. When days look their darkest, Dr. Swensson would always say, “I morgon blir det bättre” – Tomorrow it will be better!
His optimism sometimes did deliver him into the hands of unscrupulous promoters.
Carl Wm Peterson:
I believe Dr. Deere that most historians in writing about Bethany’s early days state that no student enrolled on the first day. What do you say about this?
Dr. Deere:
The late Dr. O. W. Hubbard of Batavia, Illinois, told me and others during the Synodical meeting in Lindsborg that he and nine other persons enrolled in Bethany Academy, and paid the fee of $5 tuition on October 15th 1881. This is the first day of school.
The account books at the College substantiate his contention. From the very beginning, Swensson was able to secure high class teachers, including many from Sweden. He had a wonderful ability for speaking and writing in superlatives and due to the glowing terms in which he describe Lindsborg and Bethany College, he attracted many fine citizens and excellent teachers, many of them I stated from Sweden. The author of this article was a student under many of these teachers and later served as their colleague.
An atmosphere of university culture was manifested among the staff and in the halls of learning. Dr. Swensson was an excellent teacher and a dynamic speaker. My work under him as a student and in other areas was stimulating and cultural. He was democratic in his association with people. He greeted and spoke to everybody, young or old, rich or poor, and regardless of station in life. He was a quick thinker and always ready with a right answer or criticism, humorous or serious. As students and faculty, we held him in the very highest esteem. However, due to his many interests and super busy life, as pastor of his church, college president, politician – rock red republican, of course—traveler, speaker at many meetings and on a vast variety of subjects, he often had to make snap decisions that frequently had a dictatorial color. There were times, however, when a matter of rebellion did arise. Yet a solution was always amicably arrived at.
Carl Wm Peterson:
Well, Dr. Deere, how did you come in contact with Dr. Swensson? Were your folks pioneers in the Valley?
Dr. Deere:
During his student days at Augustana College, Dr. Swensson made the acquaintance with my father who was an employee of the John Deere Plow Company in Moline, Illinois. After my father moved his family to the Blue Valley Swedish settlements in 1878, Swensson made frequent visits to the settlement in the Blue Valley and surrounding area.
Among the homes he visited, he included the Deere home and insisted that the boy, EOD, must prepare himself for attending Bethany College. And, in like manner, he enlisted students for Bethany from among the various settlements.
At a certain meeting, I remember that someone in the audience asked Dr. Swensson the question: “At what age should one attend your school?” He answer that, "The whole life is a learning process." None is too young and none too old. Yes, we will accept them anywhere, between the cradle and the grave."
Naturally, I enrolled in Bethany and in the fall of 1901 Dr. Swensson sent me to Washington University and Manual Training School in St. Louis, Missouri, for one year to specialize in Studies Preparatory to head a Department of Manual Arts and Pre-engineering. I performed my part of the agreement. But due to the hard times that followed and lack of resources, the project was carried out only in a very minor degree.
Dr. Swensson was a dreamer. He visualized the development of a great educational institution here in the Smoky Valley. Under his direction, I prepared a sketch map of the proposed land area. The present campus would be augmented by the addition of a large farm to the north. In addition to pre-engineering, there would be agricultural training. The farm would afford work for needy students and the produce there-from would help fill the larder and the coffer of the College. And, in addition, he stated: “Who knows but that a real fortune may be sometime found below the surface!”
Carl Wm Peterson:
This has been so interesting Dr. Deere. I wish we could talk about this great man for an hour. But, it can’t be so. However, in conclusion, what would you like to add?
Dr. Deere:
In summing up the significant contributions made by Dr. Swensson as churchman, educator, citizen and as a leader in the social and cultural life in our country, he may be ranked as one of our most prominent men of Swedish American descent. Dr. Swensson’s magnetic personality and his powerful gift of speech had a stimulating effect for positive action in all who chanced to come under his influence. Without Dr. Swensson’s presence in this area, there very likely would not have been a Bethany College and Lindsborg would certainly not be the fine city it is today.
Naturally, a man of his great activity and dynamic personality would, in addition, to his host of friends, also have a few enemies. He abhorred sham, scheming and false doctrine. He had a quick answer whether it be humor, factual, irony or sarcasm. He let the axe fall where it belonged. We always enjoyed his beaming facing and the sparkle in his blue eyes. However, in case an antagonist became too severe and covered him with unjust criticism, he could reply with his stinging oratory while from his steel gray eyes one could vision forthcoming of a stream of fiery darts. Nevertheless, he did not harbor an enmity but to extend the hand of friendly friendship, a quality that signified greatness of character and of positive fairness.
Carl Wm Peterson:
Thank you Dr. Deere. We certainly have appreciated this interview and it gives us a much keener insight to the life of Dr. Carl Swensson.
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To learn more about this larger-than-life Lindsborg Swedish American leader and founder president of Bethany College, click on the Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson Statue in front of Old Main which will take you to Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson (1857 - 1904).
Note the Bethania Plaque on the Old Main façade above the Swensson Statue. It was fortunately salvaged at the time of the razing of Old Main in 1968, and was then displayed appropriately in various areas on the campus to its latest location when this photograph captured it in 2011.
- Bethania Plaque -
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