"The Other Swedes"
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Mr. Bill Carlson
2011 "Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now"
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The creation of this book was a historical preservation project of the Smoky Valley Historical Association and member Bill Carlson.
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Part 1
"Lindsborg Then" Chapters 1 - 5
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Mr. Bill Carlson
2011 "Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now"
//
The creation of this book was a historical preservation project of the Smoky Valley Historical Association and member Bill Carlson.
//
Part 1
"Lindsborg Then" Chapters 1 - 5
It must be remembered that the work on this book was a joint effort by the author, Mr. Carlson, and the Smoky Valley Historical Association (SVHA). Therefore, sometimes he uses "we," in his text, meaning those members of the SVHA.
Since SWEDES is concerned with the preservation and restoration of foundational Lindsborg and Bethany College history, the inclusion of Mr. Carlson's first 5 chapters of Part 1 of Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now was of greatest importance.
Hence, here are the words of Bill Carlson, on those chapters.
DREAMS AND VISIONS
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
"As we compiled data like places, times, dates and people we were again reminded of the lack of information regarding how the city of Lindsborg became a reality 141 years ago in the late 1860s. Even though much data is available in those early books of Dr. Alfred Bergin written in the early 1900s, followed by books of Dr. Emory Lindquist in the 1940s and 1950s, we all still have questions about the decision of those early Swedish immigrants to settle here in the middle of Kansas, in what was to be known as the Smoky Valley of Kansas. There undoubtedly were other options of territory, state, and land where Lindsborg could have come to being the small city it is today.
"During the 1800s a movement of unrest was taking place in Sweden. A Pietistic movement was growing rapidly which had many issues with the Lutheran Church of Sweden, which at this time claimed a vast majority of the citizens as members. These Swedish Pietists were strong-willed Christians with an Evangelistic fervor and belief of worship as they saw fit.
"Out of the Pietistic movement came what was known as the läsare (Bible Readers), who met regularly in homes for Bible study, prayer time and fellowship. This met with rigid opposition from the State Church. Even so, Rev. Olof Olsson, serving as Pastor of the Fernebo Lutheran Congregation near Filipstad, was the leader of this movement in the Värmland province of Sweden.
"At this point of time in Sweden we can state that Lindsborg was not even a dream, vision or thought of by these Swedes who were looking for a better life in a place where they could worship the Lord as they saw fit. Other than wishing for religious freedom, jobs were very difficult to find in Sweden at this time in its history, large families of five to ten children were not uncommon, and the coal and iron industries had not as yet been in operation. A shortage of farmland, and at the same time a population growth, made it hard for farmers to support a family and make a living on the land.
"A typical family was that of my grandfather Magnus Carlson's, where he was one of nine children brought up on a small farm near Lungsund and Värmland. He helped his father farm and was trained as a stone mason and bricklayer, however, land was at a premium for farming, and there was little work available of any kind.
"We certainly can empathize with these Swedes as they must have pondered often about their future in Sweden. Yes, they must have been very open to ways to change their lives in the coming years. We wonder today about their dreams and visions of a new country of promise they had just recently been hearing. A land of opportunities. America."
"During the 1800s a movement of unrest was taking place in Sweden. A Pietistic movement was growing rapidly which had many issues with the Lutheran Church of Sweden, which at this time claimed a vast majority of the citizens as members. These Swedish Pietists were strong-willed Christians with an Evangelistic fervor and belief of worship as they saw fit.
"Out of the Pietistic movement came what was known as the läsare (Bible Readers), who met regularly in homes for Bible study, prayer time and fellowship. This met with rigid opposition from the State Church. Even so, Rev. Olof Olsson, serving as Pastor of the Fernebo Lutheran Congregation near Filipstad, was the leader of this movement in the Värmland province of Sweden.
"At this point of time in Sweden we can state that Lindsborg was not even a dream, vision or thought of by these Swedes who were looking for a better life in a place where they could worship the Lord as they saw fit. Other than wishing for religious freedom, jobs were very difficult to find in Sweden at this time in its history, large families of five to ten children were not uncommon, and the coal and iron industries had not as yet been in operation. A shortage of farmland, and at the same time a population growth, made it hard for farmers to support a family and make a living on the land.
"A typical family was that of my grandfather Magnus Carlson's, where he was one of nine children brought up on a small farm near Lungsund and Värmland. He helped his father farm and was trained as a stone mason and bricklayer, however, land was at a premium for farming, and there was little work available of any kind.
"We certainly can empathize with these Swedes as they must have pondered often about their future in Sweden. Yes, they must have been very open to ways to change their lives in the coming years. We wonder today about their dreams and visions of a new country of promise they had just recently been hearing. A land of opportunities. America."
LAND AGENTS IN SWEDEN
Chapter 2
"As the läsare movement in Sweden progressed and grew, more unrest occurred among those large families who had children more than ready for the workforce which was negligible in Sweden. Further, stringent rules and regulations seemed to increase, set by the state church which hindered the way many wished to worship in and outside the church. Land agents representing primarily railroad companies in America soon appeared who proclaimed glowing reports of of free homestead land in America with an abundance of land to farm in areas where railroads were rapidly being built to the west of the country.
"Rev. Olof Olsson encouraged conversations and meetings with these agents which brought excitement about the possibility of offers which included very reasonable boat rates to the new country thousands of miles away. Rev. Olsson, himself, for a time considered accepting passage and becoming a missionary to the Native Americans of primarily Minnesota.
"During this time a Swede teacher and principal in Värmland by the name of C. R. Carlson became an intimate friend of Rev. Olsson as a member of the läsare movement, meeting often with Olsson and groups of Swedes for studying the Bible. Another Carlson, Magnus Carlson, who was employed as stone mason and bricklayer in the area also became a regular member of the läsare group. He was born on June 3, 1838, just a few miles from Lungsund in the province of Värmland on a small farm known as Södra Skällstabacken.
"Eventually he was introduced to C. R. Carlson's sister Maria and romance began. They soon agreed to marriage and were married in the Filipstad Lutheran Church by Rev. Olof Olsson on April 17, 1867. These were my grandparents, who had accepted the offer of an agent, said goodbye to their families and were on the boat heading for America the very next day on April 18. What a honeymoon! They arrived in the USA in May, long before the Ellis Island Immigration service became the "golden door" for immigrants arriving from Sweden."
"Rev. Olof Olsson encouraged conversations and meetings with these agents which brought excitement about the possibility of offers which included very reasonable boat rates to the new country thousands of miles away. Rev. Olsson, himself, for a time considered accepting passage and becoming a missionary to the Native Americans of primarily Minnesota.
"During this time a Swede teacher and principal in Värmland by the name of C. R. Carlson became an intimate friend of Rev. Olsson as a member of the läsare movement, meeting often with Olsson and groups of Swedes for studying the Bible. Another Carlson, Magnus Carlson, who was employed as stone mason and bricklayer in the area also became a regular member of the läsare group. He was born on June 3, 1838, just a few miles from Lungsund in the province of Värmland on a small farm known as Södra Skällstabacken.
"Eventually he was introduced to C. R. Carlson's sister Maria and romance began. They soon agreed to marriage and were married in the Filipstad Lutheran Church by Rev. Olof Olsson on April 17, 1867. These were my grandparents, who had accepted the offer of an agent, said goodbye to their families and were on the boat heading for America the very next day on April 18. What a honeymoon! They arrived in the USA in May, long before the Ellis Island Immigration service became the "golden door" for immigrants arriving from Sweden."
ARRIVING IN NEW YORK, AND ON WEST TO CHICAGO
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
"Even though a few passengers did not make the almost month-long voyage to New York, as sickness claimed their lives, the newlyweds Magnus and Maria Carlson endured the tedious trip.
"It was difficult to say goodbye to these new friends who became close and dear friends during the journey on the sea. Further, there were times of doubt as they thought of the large families and friends they left in Sweden.
"As planned by land agents the Carlsons soon found passage by rail to Chicago where a large number of earlier Swedes immigrants had settled, living with friendly Swedes until finding other temporary living conditions. Magnus soon found work as a stone mason and bricklayer in the city which was in the midst of a building boom. Although work and pay were satisfactory, the Carlsons disliked the busy schedule of city life, plus having grown up on farms, the possibility of owning their own land further west was very appealing.
"There were other Swedes in the Chicago area who often voiced their wishes to investigate homestead land that was being offered in the Midwestern states. On the other hand, many of these immigrants established roots in the big city. They were satisfied with the ample opportunities of employment, with some commencing their own businesses."
"It was difficult to say goodbye to these new friends who became close and dear friends during the journey on the sea. Further, there were times of doubt as they thought of the large families and friends they left in Sweden.
"As planned by land agents the Carlsons soon found passage by rail to Chicago where a large number of earlier Swedes immigrants had settled, living with friendly Swedes until finding other temporary living conditions. Magnus soon found work as a stone mason and bricklayer in the city which was in the midst of a building boom. Although work and pay were satisfactory, the Carlsons disliked the busy schedule of city life, plus having grown up on farms, the possibility of owning their own land further west was very appealing.
"There were other Swedes in the Chicago area who often voiced their wishes to investigate homestead land that was being offered in the Midwestern states. On the other hand, many of these immigrants established roots in the big city. They were satisfied with the ample opportunities of employment, with some commencing their own businesses."
LAND AGENTS IN CHICAGO
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
"The First Swedish-American Agricultural Land Company was formed in Chicago on April 17, 1868 according to Dr. Bergin. His earliest book, published in 1909 in Swedish, and later translated by his daughter Ruth Billdt in 1965, states 'immigrants in Chicago were being bombarded by numerous land agents,' representing many Midwestern states with promises of free homestead land with fertile ground in wide open spaces away from the congestion of cities such as Chicago and New York.
"Initially, Magnus Carlson laid temporary claim to 80 acres near Stockholm, Wisconsin. However, he was never able to view the land and later gave up this claim.
"It appears the most interest was of land in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
"Agents of the railroads were encouraging these Swedish immigrants to look farther west to land that was similar to that of their areas of Sweden. The railroads were anxious to populate the land for protection from Indians who were still living in these Midwestern states. Soon the Land Company commissioned a contingent of their Company to make a journey led by an agent to central Kansas. These men, Anders Olsson, Peter Peterson, A. Jacobson, Magnus Carlson, and L. N. Sandell, were met by John Ferm who had preceded them to view the area. Again, according to Dr. Bergin's writings, these men were all Lutheran immigrants from the province of Värmland in Sweden. Rail fare for them from Chicago to Salina was $10.25.
"We can only envision what went through the minds of this group of Swedes when they arrived in what was to be called the Smoky Valley on October 2, 1868. They could see miles and miles of beautiful tall grass, probably from the top of what was later to be named Coronado Heights, and then discovered there were deep creeks and a river winding through the countryside. Further, they must have noticed wisps of smoke from the top of today's Coronado Heights to the west, southwest and northeast where later it was found these were Indian encampments as it was well known this was Indian territory. The largest of these encampments was undoubtedly on Sharp Creek southwest of Lindsborg, given this name due to the fact an earlier Swede attempted to build a home there, but gave up rather quickly due to the presence of Indians.
"In the recent past years Indian "digs" have been carried out in these areas where Indians once lived.
"Kansas had only become a Territory in 1854 and a State on January 29, 1861. Undoubtedly middle and western Kansas did not become populated either due to the scare of Indian raids which will be addressed later. Even so, we must ask, was the land owned by Indians, or was it owned by the United States government or by the railroads being built through Kansas? Who knows the answer to that question?
"These early immigrants moved quickly to erect the Bolaghuset (Company House) just east of Coronado Heights for protection from the upcoming Kansas winter, and also as temporary living quarters for themselves and others who were to follow. The Bolaghuset became the official welcome center for scores of Swedes who began populating the Smoky Valley area."
"Initially, Magnus Carlson laid temporary claim to 80 acres near Stockholm, Wisconsin. However, he was never able to view the land and later gave up this claim.
"It appears the most interest was of land in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
"Agents of the railroads were encouraging these Swedish immigrants to look farther west to land that was similar to that of their areas of Sweden. The railroads were anxious to populate the land for protection from Indians who were still living in these Midwestern states. Soon the Land Company commissioned a contingent of their Company to make a journey led by an agent to central Kansas. These men, Anders Olsson, Peter Peterson, A. Jacobson, Magnus Carlson, and L. N. Sandell, were met by John Ferm who had preceded them to view the area. Again, according to Dr. Bergin's writings, these men were all Lutheran immigrants from the province of Värmland in Sweden. Rail fare for them from Chicago to Salina was $10.25.
"We can only envision what went through the minds of this group of Swedes when they arrived in what was to be called the Smoky Valley on October 2, 1868. They could see miles and miles of beautiful tall grass, probably from the top of what was later to be named Coronado Heights, and then discovered there were deep creeks and a river winding through the countryside. Further, they must have noticed wisps of smoke from the top of today's Coronado Heights to the west, southwest and northeast where later it was found these were Indian encampments as it was well known this was Indian territory. The largest of these encampments was undoubtedly on Sharp Creek southwest of Lindsborg, given this name due to the fact an earlier Swede attempted to build a home there, but gave up rather quickly due to the presence of Indians.
"In the recent past years Indian "digs" have been carried out in these areas where Indians once lived.
"Kansas had only become a Territory in 1854 and a State on January 29, 1861. Undoubtedly middle and western Kansas did not become populated either due to the scare of Indian raids which will be addressed later. Even so, we must ask, was the land owned by Indians, or was it owned by the United States government or by the railroads being built through Kansas? Who knows the answer to that question?
"These early immigrants moved quickly to erect the Bolaghuset (Company House) just east of Coronado Heights for protection from the upcoming Kansas winter, and also as temporary living quarters for themselves and others who were to follow. The Bolaghuset became the official welcome center for scores of Swedes who began populating the Smoky Valley area."
SETTLING THE SMOKY VALLEY
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
"Even though the living conditions were tolerable in that early October of 1868, the winter was coming and these hardy Swedes must have been informed somewhat about how severe weather can become here in the heart of this new country. For those who had wives waiting in Chicago correspondence was sent by rail to Salina where they would be met by their husbands with horses and wagons for the journey to their new home in the Valley. Would you agree possibly these women, upon arrival, that they may never have considered divorce? Murder? Yes!
"These were busy days for these Swedish immigrants, and earliest on their agenda was building the Bolagshuset (Company House) for temporary quarters and for greeting other Swedes who were soon arriving. Homes were being built, crops were being sowed, gardens were planted, homestead land was being claimed. Even though these were tiresome and busy days, time for worship and the building of the first church in the area claimed high priority in the daily lives.
"As the Agricultural Company had seen fit to purchase 13,160 acres of land from the Union Pacific Railroad in the area between Coronado Heights and the Smoky Hill River, there was adequate land for all. It is known not all of these early immigrants decided to make permanent homes in the area due to several reasons: The story of Indian raids, fighting among Indians, the often severe weather, and the fact jobs were still available in Chicago, plus some returned to Sweden.
"Magnus Carlson laid claim to homestead land just southeast of Coronado Heights, described as on the South one-half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 6 in Township 17 South of Range 3 West which contains 80 acres. The original deed with this description, signed by President U.S. Grant is today in the possession of his grandson, the author of this work. Early writings differ somewhat on the financing of homestead land. One commentary states one may claim free homestead land of 80 acres with stipulation he lives on and improves the land for five years. Then it is his land. We have read another which states all the homestead land bought at the price of $2.25 per acre. Nevertheless, Magnus Carlson claimed his 80 acres and then at a later time purchased an additional 240 acres from the Railroad on Section 7 just south of his homestead.
"In succeeding years all the homestead land was claimed, bringing more Swedes to discover this new land and new way of existing. These were the toughest of times during the 140 plus years of the Smoky Valley. Those arriving in the Valley had to find places for their families to live, shielded somewhat from the blizzards of winter, and the severe heat of the summer sun. Therefore, we note that dugouts were dug, converted from shallow holes in the ground, or in banks of streams, covered by branches from the few trees in the area.
"Today we can note there were at least six dugouts in the area near Lindsborg, and possibly many more, where people spent their time until they could erect a more permanent home for shelter from the ever changing Kansas climate. Further, the few wooded areas were popular places for the immigrants to gather to build some kind of what they called shanties.
"During this period Swedes were arriving from several parts of Sweden to settle in the Smoky Valley area. News had spread quickly of available fertile ground in the Valley. Small towns were built and the many farming areas such as Freemont, Smolan, Falun, Salemsborg, Assaria, New Gottland, Marquette, Bridgeport, and Roxbury."
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For Part 2 Lindsborg Now Chapter 24: "Lindsborg Now In 2010, go HERE."
"These were busy days for these Swedish immigrants, and earliest on their agenda was building the Bolagshuset (Company House) for temporary quarters and for greeting other Swedes who were soon arriving. Homes were being built, crops were being sowed, gardens were planted, homestead land was being claimed. Even though these were tiresome and busy days, time for worship and the building of the first church in the area claimed high priority in the daily lives.
"As the Agricultural Company had seen fit to purchase 13,160 acres of land from the Union Pacific Railroad in the area between Coronado Heights and the Smoky Hill River, there was adequate land for all. It is known not all of these early immigrants decided to make permanent homes in the area due to several reasons: The story of Indian raids, fighting among Indians, the often severe weather, and the fact jobs were still available in Chicago, plus some returned to Sweden.
"Magnus Carlson laid claim to homestead land just southeast of Coronado Heights, described as on the South one-half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 6 in Township 17 South of Range 3 West which contains 80 acres. The original deed with this description, signed by President U.S. Grant is today in the possession of his grandson, the author of this work. Early writings differ somewhat on the financing of homestead land. One commentary states one may claim free homestead land of 80 acres with stipulation he lives on and improves the land for five years. Then it is his land. We have read another which states all the homestead land bought at the price of $2.25 per acre. Nevertheless, Magnus Carlson claimed his 80 acres and then at a later time purchased an additional 240 acres from the Railroad on Section 7 just south of his homestead.
"In succeeding years all the homestead land was claimed, bringing more Swedes to discover this new land and new way of existing. These were the toughest of times during the 140 plus years of the Smoky Valley. Those arriving in the Valley had to find places for their families to live, shielded somewhat from the blizzards of winter, and the severe heat of the summer sun. Therefore, we note that dugouts were dug, converted from shallow holes in the ground, or in banks of streams, covered by branches from the few trees in the area.
"Today we can note there were at least six dugouts in the area near Lindsborg, and possibly many more, where people spent their time until they could erect a more permanent home for shelter from the ever changing Kansas climate. Further, the few wooded areas were popular places for the immigrants to gather to build some kind of what they called shanties.
"During this period Swedes were arriving from several parts of Sweden to settle in the Smoky Valley area. News had spread quickly of available fertile ground in the Valley. Small towns were built and the many farming areas such as Freemont, Smolan, Falun, Salemsborg, Assaria, New Gottland, Marquette, Bridgeport, and Roxbury."
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For Part 2 Lindsborg Now Chapter 24: "Lindsborg Now In 2010, go HERE."
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*The Bill Carlson Family has kindly extended permission to share these selections from
his 2011 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now in SWEDES, 4-29-23.
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*The Bill Carlson Family has kindly extended permission to share these selections from
his 2011 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now in SWEDES, 4-29-23.
-------
Mr. Bill Carlson
1930-2018
"History not recorded, is perhaps history lost!"
1930-2018
"History not recorded, is perhaps history lost!"
Published 2011, 97 Pages; Cover photograph by Alf Brorson
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