EPILOGUE TOM’s
The Other Swedes"
Smoky Valley Writers on "The Other Swedes"
~ Honoring Them and Their Works ~
"The Swedish heritage of the Smoky Valley is worth the time it takes to pass it on to a child.
Tell them the stories, teach them the traditions, and pass on to each one the legacy of the Pioneer Cross."
--- Thomas N. Holmquist, 1994, Pioneer Cross
Mr. Thomas N. Holmquist
~ Chronicling key Swedish Augustana Lutheran Smoky Valley settlements other than Lindsborg
REWORKING THIS NOW
1994
Pioneer Cross
Swedish Settlements Along the Smoky Hill Bluffs
The new home of 1869 for the Swedes of the Lutheran Galesburg Colony with leader Rev. A. W. Dalsten of 1869 -
Epilogue
101
The year 1870 dawned with bright hopes and expectations for the future for the future of the new settlers in the Smoky Valley. Their letters to family and friends back home in Sweden were filled with enthusiasm, encouraging the readers to join them in their grand adventure on the prairie.
During the following months and years, many others did come to the valley. The holmquist brothers sent word and money to their family in small end. Eventually four brothers, their sister, and finally their widowed mother joined them in Kansas. Pastor doll steens four brothers also came to Kansas and settled in the Fremont community. Dolstein's wife, will famina, encouraged her family to migrate from Illinois to Kansas. Most of them did come, including her aging parents.
During the following months and years, many others did come to the valley. The holmquist brothers spelled with a V sent word and money to their family and small and smad with us over the a land. eventually 4 brothers comma there sister comma Eventually four brothers, their sister, and finally their widowed mother joined them in Kansas. Pastor dolstein GAHLS TEN's four brothers also came to kansas and settled in the fremont four brothers also came to Kansas and settled in the Fremont community. Dolstein's wife, wilhelmina, encourage her family to migrate from Illinois to Kansas. most of them did comma including her aging parents most of them did comma including her.... Most of them did, including her aging parents.
The reunions between family members had not been seen had not seen each other for years were times had not seen each other for years were times of great excitement and anticipation. Theorists Schultz remembered hearing stories decades later about her family about how her family had prepared and anticipated the arrival of their about how her family had prepared and anticipated the arrival of their younger brother, Pete Pearson PEHRSON, vera's Gran father. it was such a memorable event that i It was such a memorable event that it became one of the most often told stories in the family.
The reunions between family members who had not seen each other for years were times of great excitement and anticipation. Vera Schultz SHULTZ remembered hearing stories decades later about how her family had prepared and anticipated anticipated the arrival of their younger brother comma pete pearson PEHR the arrival of their younger brother, Pete Pearson PEHRSON, vera's grand father period it was such a memorable event..... It was such a memorable event that it became one of the most often told stories in the family. Number one
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the immigration to the smoky valley .... The immigration to the smoky valley after the first year no longer came from Galesburg, Illinois. Sweets came to Kansas from many different places, such as Chicago, Minnesota, and more often like, like Pete Pearson P E HR S O N comma directly EHRSON, directly from Sweden. No longer was there much separation between Swedes of the Galesburg company and those of lindsborg chicago company period from the very first comma the Chicago company period from the very first, the communities became intermixed and newcomers arrived looking for land and a home among their countrymen, not just the Chicago suites or the Galesburg suites.
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The immigration to the smoky valley after the first year no longer came from around guldberg, Illinois. swedes came to Swedes came to Kansas for many different places, such as Chicago, Minnesota, and more often, like Pete Pearson comma directly from sweden period no , directly from Sweden. No longer was there much separation between Swedes of the Galesburg company and those of lindbergs Chicago company. from the very first comma the communities became intermixed and From the very first, the communities became intermixed and newcomers arrived looking for land and a home among their countrymen, not just the Chicago Swedes and Galesburg Swedes. new paragraph the fred norberg family arrived
the the fred norberg family arrived in t.... The Fred norberg family arrived in the salemburg community from Chicago in 1872. They had lost everything in the great Chicago Fire of that year and so left to rebuild their lives in the Swedish settlements of central Kansas. They found a good piece of land in section a good piece of land in section 21, Township 16 S, range 3 W built a farm and found a lifelong home.
The Fred norberg family arrived in the Salem sburg community from chicago and 18 72 period they h.... from Chicago in 1872. They had lost everything in the great Chicago Fire of that year and so left to rebuild their lives in the Swedish settlements of central Kansas. They found a good piece of land in section 21, Township 16 South, range 3 West, built a farm and found a life long home.
new paragraph there was soon a general mixing of swedes for
There was soon a general mixing of Swedes from many provinces in GAIL in Sweden period of vast majority of the Galesburg start over new line a vast majority of the original galesburg settlers were from line a vast majority of the original Galesburg settlers were from small and province. Many of the original Chicago company Swedes were from varmland. before long most provinces in sweden Before long most provinces in Sweden were represented in the smoky valley and a great security developed by being Swedish among country men.
There was soon a general mixing of Swedes from many provinces and Sweden. A vast majority of the original Galesburg settlers were from small in Provence. Many of the original Chicago Co Swedes were from varmland. Before long, most provinces in Sweden were represented in the smoky valley and a great security developed by being Swedish among countrymen.
Some traditions change change very slowly. Most Swedes soon learned to speak a combination of Swedish and English, and eventually English became the dominant language. A few of the settlers refused to accept the new language and spoke Swedish exclusively until they died. it was nearly 50 years before english services were allowed in the It was nearly 50 years before English services were allowed in the church, and then only once a month. by the time the third generation had.... By the time the third generation had reached school age, they were completely americanized and many could no longer speak or understand the Swedish of their parents and grandparents.
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The Swedes, however, we're not the only ethnic group represented in the smoky valley new paragraph
The Swedes, however, were not the only ethnic group represented in the smoky valley. Along the fringes of the Swedish settlements were many German comma scotch , Scotch, Irish and many others of differing ethnic .... and many others of differing ethnic backgrounds. Even in the heart of the Swedish settlements, non Swedes were found living and working harmoniously together. On the western edge of the fallen settlement, a small group of former slaves took hit homestead land and were generally we.... homestead land and were generally well accepted in the Swedish communities. Some of these black homesteaders even learn to speak the Swedish language. The American nization of all the people in the smoky valley slowly began until they until they more closely resembled Americans than people of their native land no no no then people of their native country.
Some traditions change very slowly very slowly. Most Swedes soon learned to speak a combination of Swedish and English, and eventually English became the dominant language. A few of the settlers refused to accept the new language and spoke Swedish exclusively until they died. It was nearly fifty years before English services were allowed in the church, and then only once a month. By the time the third generation had reached school age, they were completely Americanized, and many could no longer speak or understand the Swedish of their parents and grandparents.
Many stories still survive from the early pioneering and have been handed down from generation to generation, mostly through the oral tradition. Stories of sorrow and catastrophe, as well as joy and happiness, can often be heard. There are numerous and often amusing stories of contact with Native Americans who happened by the Swedish homesteads. The cultural shock of these encounters must have been noteworthy for both groups. They certainly were vividly remembered.
The homes of the Swedes in the Smoky Valley were also along several branches of the Chisholm Trail. Several stories survive about seeing the cattle herds pass, as well as run-in with cowboys. In most cases the pioneer women were much more afraid of the cowboys than they ever were of the Indians.
Nature itself was also the cause of many hardships for the pioneers. Blizzards, prairie fires, floods, droughts, tornadoes, and grasshoppers all plagued the Smoky Valley at one time or another. These occurrences too, have been remembered in very vivid stories--many tragic--but some which are also humorous.
The Smoky Valley did not become the final destination for all who came here from Illinois or Sweden. Beyond the horizon were new adventures and better land to settle. Those who came late, or whose land was of poor quality, often moved on to new places. Many of the children of the pioneers moved to new areas. The first expansion of the Swedish settlements was to the Andover community near the Little Arkansas River on the McPherson and Rice County Line. The towns of vilas in Wilson County, Garfield in Pawnee County, and Sharon Springs in Wallace County were also a few of the places where Swedes settled in the following years. These settlements were partially offshoots of the Smoky Valley settlements and partially original settlements from Illinois and Sweden. Other Swedes also left and settled in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.
104
A significant number of individuals migrated to California and Washington. They were usually second or third generation after settlement. These Swedes generally moved to the areas of Whittier and Downey, California, and Seattle Washington.
The Swedish Lutheran Church was also a significant factor in the development of other ethnic Swedish communities in Kansas. Pastor dolstein did not just minister to his people in the Fremont and salem's burg communities. over the next Over the next 20 years he founded Lutheran congregations in new Andover, Assyria, Celina, Lawrence, and small and Kansas and golden Co. He was also the founder of the Kansas conference of the Aug Dennis in it of the Lutheran Church and served as its first president. new paragraph ola olson founded the
Old Olaf Olson founded the Bethany Lutheran Church in lindsborg and later became president of the Augustana cemetery seminary. He also brought the idea of the formation of the Bethany oratorio society and the yearly presentation and the yearly presentation of George Frederick handel's Messiah to lindsborg. Olson's successor at Bethany church, Dr Carl a period Swenson founded bethany college and the bethany oratorio society in founded Bethany College and the Bethany oratorio society in Lynchburg.
The hyper evangelical movement also followed the sweets to the smoky valley. this movement eventually resulted in the formation of the This movement eventually resulted in the formation of the covenant church and soon congregation started near salemburg, Rose Hill near lindsborg, in Marquette and many other places.
Education and culture also flourished among the Swedes in the smoky valley. bethany college in lindsborg became .... Bethany College in lindsborg became the center of music and art, but the Fine Arts were not exclusive to the town of lindsborg. Many pioneers and their children from salemburg and Fremont supported and participated in the cultural activities in the valley in the valley. For example the second performance of handel's Messiah was sung by the newly formed Bethany oratorial society on March 29th comma 18 80 2IN the sanctuary , 1882 in the sanctuary of the salemburg Lutheran Church.
Many of the children of the Salem sburg and Fremont congregations became significant contributions in their chosen fields. Significant contributors. Numerous young men became Lutheran pastors and messenger missionaries. Included in the list would be Eugene Nelson, Carl Lund-Quist, Theodore Bjorkman, Emmet Ecklund, J. A. Frost, Donald Hawk, Robert Segerhammer, Vernon Swenson, Luther Dahlsten, Alexis Andreen, Phillip Andreen, Gustaf Andreen, and others. 3
carl lundquist LU N D dash QU I Carl lundquist Lund dash QUIST, Theodore borkman BJORKMAN, imette ecklund ECKLUND, J period a period frost J. E. Frost, Donald hawk, Robert sager hammer, Vernon Swinson, Luther dolstein, alexiss Alex yes ALE
Several persons from the smoky valley and descended from the galesburg company pioneers .... from the Galesburg company pioneers have made significant contributions on the state and national scene. Verne lundquist is a nationally known sports broadcaster. Alex Johnson served as ambassador to Japan and Under Secretary of state. LEL WELL MATTSON Shanahan served as Kansas Secretary of State. John Carlin, great grandson of salem's burke founder C Berg founder C. J. Broad and BRODIN E, served as governor of Kansas from eight 1978 to 19 86.
Through a few have gained no no new paragraph though a few have gain....
Though a few have gained notoriety and fame for their achievements, those who have remained nameless have also made great contributions period the farmers com.... contributions. The farmers, teachers, housewives, businessmen, laborers, and sheep and shopkeepers who built the farms and businesses and business comma schools and churches dash the ...., schools and churches dash the communities that make up the smoky valley dash they are the true achievers of the dreams their pioneer fathers and mothers brought with them to this once empty Prairie.
105 – 108 end
in 19 40 1 comma 1 of the sons of these hardy in 19 40 1 comma 1 of the sons of th.... the history of the swedish pioneers In 1941, one of the sons of these Hardy pioneers, Karl G lindholm, had over the course of several years, written a series of articles about the history of the Swedish pioneers in southern Celine county. these articles contain a wealth of i.... These articles contain a wealth of information about the area. The idea began to develop in his mind that a monument should be built honoring these pioneers who bore the quote cross the privation and hardship quote in their efforts to build a home in their efforts to build a home on the Prairie. When he completed his project an article appeared in the Salina journal explaining his reason for the project. Mr Holt lindhome wrote: Quote readers of the journal who have read.... readers of the journal who have read my former articles on this subject are acquainted with my endeavor to rouse and interest in these hills in the way of beautifying them as a monument to those who, by their hardship and denials comma laid the foundatio and denials, laid the foundation for these well organized communities.
Lack of success in my efforts did not dampen my ambitions and the question arose, 'Is there anything I myself could do?' In my travels I have noticed figures or letters on hills and mountain sides which always recalled our own Smoky Hills, and could we not create some marker near the top of the summit that would be visible over most of the county? In a reflective mood I was inspired again and agin by the vision of a cross as the most appropriate figure, since the pioneers had many croseess to bear.
It was not so much the hard work and privations as the constant fear of dangers on these wild praries, of the many serpents that were everywhere. The rattlers and copperheaes were dangerous for the children who were always barefoot. It was our mother's constant fear, and her every morning prayer, that a higher hand would hover over and protect her children during the day. There was a sp spirit of thanksgiving at night. Then the Indians, who also cause fear for mother along with us children. The Texas cowboys ere not less dangerous as they were much under the influence of liquor. My conclusion was that fear was the heaviest cross, especially of the mothers, and to that memory of our own, as well as to all pioneering mothers I dedicate the white cross at the summit of the Smoky Hills. Mother's love in the dugout, or soddy, was just as deep and strong for every one of her little ones, as mother's love in the mansion. It was for this love and love of the creator as taught by the story of the cross that they derived courage and strenght to bear the many crosses of pioneer days.
A Mr. Oberg, owner of the summit, resides in Assaria. He was delighted in giving permission to build the cross. It was created by laying stones flat on the steep hillside. The dimensions of the main stem is ten feet by forty feet high. These stones were covered with wihite cement and along the base of the cross is written: 'In loving remembrance of pilgrims on the prairies, in the 400th anniversary of Coronado, 1941.' On a large rock is this quotations: 'Since the universe began,until it shall be ended, the soul of man, the soul of nature, and the soul of God have blended.' We hold that the love of nature is spiritual and it behoves us all to study nature and learn all possible about our hills and rocks, our trees flowers, and lakes, and with greater love our lives may be eriched until our days shall be ended.
In pioneer day we all wondered if theses hill did not hold some valuable minerals.....Out of the Smoky Hills, as they are today, can be developed greater values by far than any mineral, be it silver or gold. The former can only be shared by a few, while all, even thep the poorest, amy have appreciation of the beatuy and wonders of creation. Mr. Oberholds the abstract, the the hills belown to all those who love them, and in the measure wer appreciate the beauty, we hope that many who vision the while cross....and with a wider horizon in moments of silence drink in the vigor, the peacefulness and calm, that comes to one on higher ground. I am sure that many of you mothers, as you view the cross, perhsaps from your citchen window, will be promted to lift your foices in some of the many hymns inspired by the significance of the cross, and thus be lifted to higher ground....
It would be desireable if the cross could be built more endurable in order to kepp the grass and weeds out of it, but to the extent of my ability, I shall endeavor to keep it white and clean, and if perchance it has been the means of pointing some soul to a fuller, higher and richer life, I shall be ver happier and richer for building the cors on the summit of the Smoky Hills."4
page 107 Last paragraph
it has been 52 years since carl lind.... it has been 52 years since Karl lindholm built the white cross, and 125 years have passed since the Galesburg land company search committee visited the smoky valley for the first time comma and found their ultimate treas...., and found their ultimate treasure, a home for themselves and their people. The Pioneers are all gone now, and most of their descendants have scattered to all parts of the country, but to most of them comma the smoky valley but to most of them, the smoky valley will always be home. They come back now and then to visit, to attend church comma greet old fri.... to attend church, greet old friends, to place a thought flower in the cemetery. The Pioneers are not forgotten, the hardships and privations which were there cross to bear our r.... which were their cross to bear are remembered in a story, a thought, a glance at the old picture albums.
And always, a lift of the head will bring the smoky Bluffs interview dash the same now dash the same now as 125 years ago. This lofty presence, rising through the haze above the valley floor comma gives us a sense of above the valley floor, gives us a sense of peace. The monument, white and glorious, immediately greets RI and we know that we are home dash under the shadow of the under the shadow of the pioneer cross. Page 108
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FIRST ADD: When I first met him
This book is such a beautiful, personal, and well documented narrative! In Mr. Holmquist's dedication of his book, he writes:
"This book is dedicated to my father, Darrel Holmquist, and to the memory of my uncle, Evan Holmquist. They planted a seed, repeated the stories, and nurtured a sense of history and the true heritage of the Smoky Valley of Kansas in the heart of a small boy."
Holmquist writes elsewhere that, "Pioneer Cross is the result of growing up in the shadow of the Smoky Bluffs, listening to the tales, and a desire to honor the Swedish pioneers who dared to venture onto the plains of Kansas."
Mr. Holmquist is a last-living-link to this history and is the 5th generation of owning the land that his great grandfather first purchased in 1869. His book rings out as a call to remember and honor these Swedes, living in the shadow of well-known Lindsborg.
It is very important to know that the leader of the Lindsborg Värmland Swedes, Pastor Olof Olsson, and the leader of the Galesburg, Illinois, Swedes' Pastor A. W. Dahlsten were classmates in Sweden and were connected through the Lutheran Church there and the Augustana Lutheran Synod here. So their both coming to the Smoky Valley was not a coincidence in 1869. Both were spiritual leaders of their groups and would found their respective churches: Pastor Olsson, the Bethany Lutheran Church, and Pastor Dahlsten, the Salemsborg and Freemount Lutheran Churches.
The Preface and Introductions of Mr. Holmquist book were so enthralling, to learn of the beginnings of these other Swedish settlements along the Smoky Hill Bluffs several miles from Lindsborg, that through his kind permission, I have included them and also his subsection "The Rise of the Augustana Synod" from Chapter 2: "By Faith Alone." Mr. Holmquist gives a very clear description, point by point of how this Swedish Lutheran Synod was established. To these inclusions are also the Table of Contents and the Illustration listings.
Many books, articles, and papers have been written about the Swedes that settled the Lindsborg community of northern McPherson. Their story has been documented and related fully in every way. The Lindsborg community remains, because of its location, the center of Swedish culture in Kansas. The contributions of Lindsborg Swedish heritage have been significant and long lasting.
However, little thought or time has been spent documenting the settlement and history of the communities of Swedish people who settled directly north and west of Lindsborg. The Salemsborg community to the north, and the Freemount community to the West emerged as centers of an entirely separate colony of Swedish pioneers, a group of people whose history was similar in many ways to that of the Lindsborg, Swedes, and yet also very different. Those who made up the Salemsborg and Freemont communities also contributed much to the Swedish culture of the Central Plains and the cultural diversity of the state of Kansas. Unfortunately, the contributions and history of the colony of pioneers of Salemsborg and Freemount has been neglected.
This book seeks to recognize the pioneers of Salemsborg and Freemount and to recount the history of their journey "to the peaceful mountain." They are now at rest, but their memory and accomplishments live on.
The cemetery at Salemsborg contains a very small, gray obelisk among the great memorial stones erected for the pioneer families. It is so unobtrusive that you have to search for it. GET PIC OF THIS On that stone, nearly unreadable after years of weathering, are the words: "A. W. Dahlsten." It is fitting that his monument is so humble, and underneath it lies the remains of a modest, yet great man. This book has been written to recognize A. W. Dahlsten: Pastor, builder, a man of great vision and ceaseless energy. He was always too busy doing God's work to ever garner any recognition for himself. It is for this reason the story of the Galesburg Colonization Company and Pastor Dahlsten should be told.
The pioneers of southern Saine County, and northwestern McPherson County, are worthy of receiving recognition for fulfilling their hopes and dreams through great trials and difficulties.
They came to Kansas looking for the "liberated place" and once there, they build the "fortress of peace." Their story is common to many ethnic groups who settled Kansas during the second half of the nineteenth century, yet it is also a unique tale of hardship, courage. and the ultimate victory of a people of great faith. It also enriches our knowledge of the cultural diversity of Kansas and adds to our historical and cultural understanding of the pioneer experience. Here then, is the story of Pioneer Cross.
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-------- REVIEWS
Add to that, the review of Thomas D. Isern, Dean of the Faculty, College of Humanities and Sciences, North Dakota State University who writes: "Kansas is a quilt of ethnic patches. How fortunate we would be if, like the patch sewed in by the Galesburg Colonization Company, every ethnic settlement had a chronicler such as Tom Holmquist. Pioneer Cross is . . . a true contribution to the history of Kansas and the Swedish settlements in America."
Kansas State Historical Society President Ruth Olson Peters' writes, " . . . an inspirational look into the pioneer spirit of the Swedes who settled in the beautiful Smoky Valley region of Kansas. The author shows how these immigrants overcame hardships and fears by their strength, courage and never-ending faith . . ."
For me, Pioneer Cross stands out to be a rare and treasured book in the midst of the other Smoky Valley books I used for SWEDES because it soley concentrates on the earliest settlements of the Smoky Valley's Swedish Augustana Lutheran communities neighboring Lindsborg.
Additionally, Mr. Holmquist book presents information on the forming of the Swedish Augustana Lutheran Synod, the heart of which was found in Andover, Illinois, from where many of these new Swedes had first lived, before arriving in the Smoky Valley. The Galesburg Colonization Company from Galesburg, Illinois, was led by Augustana Lutheran Pastor A. W. Dahlsten whose leadership was key to the success of settling this Galesburg Colony in the Smoky Valley.
From this colony would be established such primary communities of Salemsborg and Freemount establish in 1869 with their respective churches of the Augustana Lutheran Synod; (like Lindsborg's Bethany Church), and smaller communities as well such as Falun, Smolan and Assiria.
Table of contents ix
Preface XI
Introduction X V
Farewell mother Sweden 1
By faith alone 15
The search for land 33
Kansas fever 57
The peaceful mountain 81
Epilogue 101
Maps 109
Notes 117 done
- The Discovery of the Good Rich Land of the Smoky Valley -
From Mr. Holmquist's Book Chapter 3: The Search for Land page 52, paragraph beginning with:
The Galesburg search committee arrived in Salina in late August of 1868. The next morning, just as the first rays of the sun were glimmering in the eastern sky, the men road south from Salina. Before them lay the land, misty in the morning light, with a constant haze that gave the valley its name. The grass stood as high as a man’s shoulder and teemed with the creatures of the prairie, a sign of good land. The Swedes passed numerous creeks and streams, marked only by cottonwoods, the only trees to be seen. From their vantage point they could follow the path of a great river, the Smoky Hill River, as it snaked its way across the length of the valley, heading in its unending flow toward the ocean.
Every so often the men would bend down and scratch into the earth to touch the rich, black soil. They were amazed as they pressed the earth in their hands and smelled the thick rich aroma. These men of Sweden, used to the thin rocky soil of their homeland, could not believe that the earth could be as rich and fertile as in this valley.
As they gazed through the midst, the men could see in the distance the blue – green Bluffs rising above the valley floor. Once the lookout of the Spanish explorer Coronado, searching for a treasure that he never found, the bluffs stood above the true treasure, the land itself. Little could they know that eventually a cross of stones would lie on the crest of the northernmost hill to commemorate the day they entered the valley and found themselves a home. Home not only for a few, but for many whose children still reap the riches that these five men discovered in the Smoky Valley of Kansas.
The five men of the Galesburg Colonization Company Search Committee were Olof Thorstenberg, President of the Galesburg Colonization Company, John Rodell, Gustaf Johnson, William Johnson, Pastor Dahlsten
The Other Swedes"
Smoky Valley Writers on "The Other Swedes"
~ Honoring Them and Their Works ~
"The Swedish heritage of the Smoky Valley is worth the time it takes to pass it on to a child.
Tell them the stories, teach them the traditions, and pass on to each one the legacy of the Pioneer Cross."
--- Thomas N. Holmquist, 1994, Pioneer Cross
Mr. Thomas N. Holmquist
~ Chronicling key Swedish Augustana Lutheran Smoky Valley settlements other than Lindsborg
REWORKING THIS NOW
1994
Pioneer Cross
Swedish Settlements Along the Smoky Hill Bluffs
The new home of 1869 for the Swedes of the Lutheran Galesburg Colony with leader Rev. A. W. Dalsten of 1869 -
Epilogue
101
The year 1870 dawned with bright hopes and expectations for the future for the future of the new settlers in the Smoky Valley. Their letters to family and friends back home in Sweden were filled with enthusiasm, encouraging the readers to join them in their grand adventure on the prairie.
During the following months and years, many others did come to the valley. The holmquist brothers sent word and money to their family in small end. Eventually four brothers, their sister, and finally their widowed mother joined them in Kansas. Pastor doll steens four brothers also came to Kansas and settled in the Fremont community. Dolstein's wife, will famina, encouraged her family to migrate from Illinois to Kansas. Most of them did come, including her aging parents.
During the following months and years, many others did come to the valley. The holmquist brothers spelled with a V sent word and money to their family and small and smad with us over the a land. eventually 4 brothers comma there sister comma Eventually four brothers, their sister, and finally their widowed mother joined them in Kansas. Pastor dolstein GAHLS TEN's four brothers also came to kansas and settled in the fremont four brothers also came to Kansas and settled in the Fremont community. Dolstein's wife, wilhelmina, encourage her family to migrate from Illinois to Kansas. most of them did comma including her aging parents most of them did comma including her.... Most of them did, including her aging parents.
The reunions between family members had not been seen had not seen each other for years were times had not seen each other for years were times of great excitement and anticipation. Theorists Schultz remembered hearing stories decades later about her family about how her family had prepared and anticipated the arrival of their about how her family had prepared and anticipated the arrival of their younger brother, Pete Pearson PEHRSON, vera's Gran father. it was such a memorable event that i It was such a memorable event that it became one of the most often told stories in the family.
The reunions between family members who had not seen each other for years were times of great excitement and anticipation. Vera Schultz SHULTZ remembered hearing stories decades later about how her family had prepared and anticipated anticipated the arrival of their younger brother comma pete pearson PEHR the arrival of their younger brother, Pete Pearson PEHRSON, vera's grand father period it was such a memorable event..... It was such a memorable event that it became one of the most often told stories in the family. Number one
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the immigration to the smoky valley .... The immigration to the smoky valley after the first year no longer came from Galesburg, Illinois. Sweets came to Kansas from many different places, such as Chicago, Minnesota, and more often like, like Pete Pearson P E HR S O N comma directly EHRSON, directly from Sweden. No longer was there much separation between Swedes of the Galesburg company and those of lindsborg chicago company period from the very first comma the Chicago company period from the very first, the communities became intermixed and newcomers arrived looking for land and a home among their countrymen, not just the Chicago suites or the Galesburg suites.
--
The immigration to the smoky valley after the first year no longer came from around guldberg, Illinois. swedes came to Swedes came to Kansas for many different places, such as Chicago, Minnesota, and more often, like Pete Pearson comma directly from sweden period no , directly from Sweden. No longer was there much separation between Swedes of the Galesburg company and those of lindbergs Chicago company. from the very first comma the communities became intermixed and From the very first, the communities became intermixed and newcomers arrived looking for land and a home among their countrymen, not just the Chicago Swedes and Galesburg Swedes. new paragraph the fred norberg family arrived
the the fred norberg family arrived in t.... The Fred norberg family arrived in the salemburg community from Chicago in 1872. They had lost everything in the great Chicago Fire of that year and so left to rebuild their lives in the Swedish settlements of central Kansas. They found a good piece of land in section a good piece of land in section 21, Township 16 S, range 3 W built a farm and found a lifelong home.
The Fred norberg family arrived in the Salem sburg community from chicago and 18 72 period they h.... from Chicago in 1872. They had lost everything in the great Chicago Fire of that year and so left to rebuild their lives in the Swedish settlements of central Kansas. They found a good piece of land in section 21, Township 16 South, range 3 West, built a farm and found a life long home.
new paragraph there was soon a general mixing of swedes for
There was soon a general mixing of Swedes from many provinces in GAIL in Sweden period of vast majority of the Galesburg start over new line a vast majority of the original galesburg settlers were from line a vast majority of the original Galesburg settlers were from small and province. Many of the original Chicago company Swedes were from varmland. before long most provinces in sweden Before long most provinces in Sweden were represented in the smoky valley and a great security developed by being Swedish among country men.
There was soon a general mixing of Swedes from many provinces and Sweden. A vast majority of the original Galesburg settlers were from small in Provence. Many of the original Chicago Co Swedes were from varmland. Before long, most provinces in Sweden were represented in the smoky valley and a great security developed by being Swedish among countrymen.
Some traditions change change very slowly. Most Swedes soon learned to speak a combination of Swedish and English, and eventually English became the dominant language. A few of the settlers refused to accept the new language and spoke Swedish exclusively until they died. it was nearly 50 years before english services were allowed in the It was nearly 50 years before English services were allowed in the church, and then only once a month. by the time the third generation had.... By the time the third generation had reached school age, they were completely americanized and many could no longer speak or understand the Swedish of their parents and grandparents.
--
The Swedes, however, we're not the only ethnic group represented in the smoky valley new paragraph
The Swedes, however, were not the only ethnic group represented in the smoky valley. Along the fringes of the Swedish settlements were many German comma scotch , Scotch, Irish and many others of differing ethnic .... and many others of differing ethnic backgrounds. Even in the heart of the Swedish settlements, non Swedes were found living and working harmoniously together. On the western edge of the fallen settlement, a small group of former slaves took hit homestead land and were generally we.... homestead land and were generally well accepted in the Swedish communities. Some of these black homesteaders even learn to speak the Swedish language. The American nization of all the people in the smoky valley slowly began until they until they more closely resembled Americans than people of their native land no no no then people of their native country.
Some traditions change very slowly very slowly. Most Swedes soon learned to speak a combination of Swedish and English, and eventually English became the dominant language. A few of the settlers refused to accept the new language and spoke Swedish exclusively until they died. It was nearly fifty years before English services were allowed in the church, and then only once a month. By the time the third generation had reached school age, they were completely Americanized, and many could no longer speak or understand the Swedish of their parents and grandparents.
Many stories still survive from the early pioneering and have been handed down from generation to generation, mostly through the oral tradition. Stories of sorrow and catastrophe, as well as joy and happiness, can often be heard. There are numerous and often amusing stories of contact with Native Americans who happened by the Swedish homesteads. The cultural shock of these encounters must have been noteworthy for both groups. They certainly were vividly remembered.
The homes of the Swedes in the Smoky Valley were also along several branches of the Chisholm Trail. Several stories survive about seeing the cattle herds pass, as well as run-in with cowboys. In most cases the pioneer women were much more afraid of the cowboys than they ever were of the Indians.
Nature itself was also the cause of many hardships for the pioneers. Blizzards, prairie fires, floods, droughts, tornadoes, and grasshoppers all plagued the Smoky Valley at one time or another. These occurrences too, have been remembered in very vivid stories--many tragic--but some which are also humorous.
The Smoky Valley did not become the final destination for all who came here from Illinois or Sweden. Beyond the horizon were new adventures and better land to settle. Those who came late, or whose land was of poor quality, often moved on to new places. Many of the children of the pioneers moved to new areas. The first expansion of the Swedish settlements was to the Andover community near the Little Arkansas River on the McPherson and Rice County Line. The towns of vilas in Wilson County, Garfield in Pawnee County, and Sharon Springs in Wallace County were also a few of the places where Swedes settled in the following years. These settlements were partially offshoots of the Smoky Valley settlements and partially original settlements from Illinois and Sweden. Other Swedes also left and settled in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.
104
A significant number of individuals migrated to California and Washington. They were usually second or third generation after settlement. These Swedes generally moved to the areas of Whittier and Downey, California, and Seattle Washington.
The Swedish Lutheran Church was also a significant factor in the development of other ethnic Swedish communities in Kansas. Pastor dolstein did not just minister to his people in the Fremont and salem's burg communities. over the next Over the next 20 years he founded Lutheran congregations in new Andover, Assyria, Celina, Lawrence, and small and Kansas and golden Co. He was also the founder of the Kansas conference of the Aug Dennis in it of the Lutheran Church and served as its first president. new paragraph ola olson founded the
Old Olaf Olson founded the Bethany Lutheran Church in lindsborg and later became president of the Augustana cemetery seminary. He also brought the idea of the formation of the Bethany oratorio society and the yearly presentation and the yearly presentation of George Frederick handel's Messiah to lindsborg. Olson's successor at Bethany church, Dr Carl a period Swenson founded bethany college and the bethany oratorio society in founded Bethany College and the Bethany oratorio society in Lynchburg.
The hyper evangelical movement also followed the sweets to the smoky valley. this movement eventually resulted in the formation of the This movement eventually resulted in the formation of the covenant church and soon congregation started near salemburg, Rose Hill near lindsborg, in Marquette and many other places.
Education and culture also flourished among the Swedes in the smoky valley. bethany college in lindsborg became .... Bethany College in lindsborg became the center of music and art, but the Fine Arts were not exclusive to the town of lindsborg. Many pioneers and their children from salemburg and Fremont supported and participated in the cultural activities in the valley in the valley. For example the second performance of handel's Messiah was sung by the newly formed Bethany oratorial society on March 29th comma 18 80 2IN the sanctuary , 1882 in the sanctuary of the salemburg Lutheran Church.
Many of the children of the Salem sburg and Fremont congregations became significant contributions in their chosen fields. Significant contributors. Numerous young men became Lutheran pastors and messenger missionaries. Included in the list would be Eugene Nelson, Carl Lund-Quist, Theodore Bjorkman, Emmet Ecklund, J. A. Frost, Donald Hawk, Robert Segerhammer, Vernon Swenson, Luther Dahlsten, Alexis Andreen, Phillip Andreen, Gustaf Andreen, and others. 3
carl lundquist LU N D dash QU I Carl lundquist Lund dash QUIST, Theodore borkman BJORKMAN, imette ecklund ECKLUND, J period a period frost J. E. Frost, Donald hawk, Robert sager hammer, Vernon Swinson, Luther dolstein, alexiss Alex yes ALE
Several persons from the smoky valley and descended from the galesburg company pioneers .... from the Galesburg company pioneers have made significant contributions on the state and national scene. Verne lundquist is a nationally known sports broadcaster. Alex Johnson served as ambassador to Japan and Under Secretary of state. LEL WELL MATTSON Shanahan served as Kansas Secretary of State. John Carlin, great grandson of salem's burke founder C Berg founder C. J. Broad and BRODIN E, served as governor of Kansas from eight 1978 to 19 86.
Through a few have gained no no new paragraph though a few have gain....
Though a few have gained notoriety and fame for their achievements, those who have remained nameless have also made great contributions period the farmers com.... contributions. The farmers, teachers, housewives, businessmen, laborers, and sheep and shopkeepers who built the farms and businesses and business comma schools and churches dash the ...., schools and churches dash the communities that make up the smoky valley dash they are the true achievers of the dreams their pioneer fathers and mothers brought with them to this once empty Prairie.
105 – 108 end
in 19 40 1 comma 1 of the sons of these hardy in 19 40 1 comma 1 of the sons of th.... the history of the swedish pioneers In 1941, one of the sons of these Hardy pioneers, Karl G lindholm, had over the course of several years, written a series of articles about the history of the Swedish pioneers in southern Celine county. these articles contain a wealth of i.... These articles contain a wealth of information about the area. The idea began to develop in his mind that a monument should be built honoring these pioneers who bore the quote cross the privation and hardship quote in their efforts to build a home in their efforts to build a home on the Prairie. When he completed his project an article appeared in the Salina journal explaining his reason for the project. Mr Holt lindhome wrote: Quote readers of the journal who have read.... readers of the journal who have read my former articles on this subject are acquainted with my endeavor to rouse and interest in these hills in the way of beautifying them as a monument to those who, by their hardship and denials comma laid the foundatio and denials, laid the foundation for these well organized communities.
Lack of success in my efforts did not dampen my ambitions and the question arose, 'Is there anything I myself could do?' In my travels I have noticed figures or letters on hills and mountain sides which always recalled our own Smoky Hills, and could we not create some marker near the top of the summit that would be visible over most of the county? In a reflective mood I was inspired again and agin by the vision of a cross as the most appropriate figure, since the pioneers had many croseess to bear.
It was not so much the hard work and privations as the constant fear of dangers on these wild praries, of the many serpents that were everywhere. The rattlers and copperheaes were dangerous for the children who were always barefoot. It was our mother's constant fear, and her every morning prayer, that a higher hand would hover over and protect her children during the day. There was a sp spirit of thanksgiving at night. Then the Indians, who also cause fear for mother along with us children. The Texas cowboys ere not less dangerous as they were much under the influence of liquor. My conclusion was that fear was the heaviest cross, especially of the mothers, and to that memory of our own, as well as to all pioneering mothers I dedicate the white cross at the summit of the Smoky Hills. Mother's love in the dugout, or soddy, was just as deep and strong for every one of her little ones, as mother's love in the mansion. It was for this love and love of the creator as taught by the story of the cross that they derived courage and strenght to bear the many crosses of pioneer days.
A Mr. Oberg, owner of the summit, resides in Assaria. He was delighted in giving permission to build the cross. It was created by laying stones flat on the steep hillside. The dimensions of the main stem is ten feet by forty feet high. These stones were covered with wihite cement and along the base of the cross is written: 'In loving remembrance of pilgrims on the prairies, in the 400th anniversary of Coronado, 1941.' On a large rock is this quotations: 'Since the universe began,until it shall be ended, the soul of man, the soul of nature, and the soul of God have blended.' We hold that the love of nature is spiritual and it behoves us all to study nature and learn all possible about our hills and rocks, our trees flowers, and lakes, and with greater love our lives may be eriched until our days shall be ended.
In pioneer day we all wondered if theses hill did not hold some valuable minerals.....Out of the Smoky Hills, as they are today, can be developed greater values by far than any mineral, be it silver or gold. The former can only be shared by a few, while all, even thep the poorest, amy have appreciation of the beatuy and wonders of creation. Mr. Oberholds the abstract, the the hills belown to all those who love them, and in the measure wer appreciate the beauty, we hope that many who vision the while cross....and with a wider horizon in moments of silence drink in the vigor, the peacefulness and calm, that comes to one on higher ground. I am sure that many of you mothers, as you view the cross, perhsaps from your citchen window, will be promted to lift your foices in some of the many hymns inspired by the significance of the cross, and thus be lifted to higher ground....
It would be desireable if the cross could be built more endurable in order to kepp the grass and weeds out of it, but to the extent of my ability, I shall endeavor to keep it white and clean, and if perchance it has been the means of pointing some soul to a fuller, higher and richer life, I shall be ver happier and richer for building the cors on the summit of the Smoky Hills."4
page 107 Last paragraph
it has been 52 years since carl lind.... it has been 52 years since Karl lindholm built the white cross, and 125 years have passed since the Galesburg land company search committee visited the smoky valley for the first time comma and found their ultimate treas...., and found their ultimate treasure, a home for themselves and their people. The Pioneers are all gone now, and most of their descendants have scattered to all parts of the country, but to most of them comma the smoky valley but to most of them, the smoky valley will always be home. They come back now and then to visit, to attend church comma greet old fri.... to attend church, greet old friends, to place a thought flower in the cemetery. The Pioneers are not forgotten, the hardships and privations which were there cross to bear our r.... which were their cross to bear are remembered in a story, a thought, a glance at the old picture albums.
And always, a lift of the head will bring the smoky Bluffs interview dash the same now dash the same now as 125 years ago. This lofty presence, rising through the haze above the valley floor comma gives us a sense of above the valley floor, gives us a sense of peace. The monument, white and glorious, immediately greets RI and we know that we are home dash under the shadow of the under the shadow of the pioneer cross. Page 108
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FIRST ADD: When I first met him
This book is such a beautiful, personal, and well documented narrative! In Mr. Holmquist's dedication of his book, he writes:
"This book is dedicated to my father, Darrel Holmquist, and to the memory of my uncle, Evan Holmquist. They planted a seed, repeated the stories, and nurtured a sense of history and the true heritage of the Smoky Valley of Kansas in the heart of a small boy."
Holmquist writes elsewhere that, "Pioneer Cross is the result of growing up in the shadow of the Smoky Bluffs, listening to the tales, and a desire to honor the Swedish pioneers who dared to venture onto the plains of Kansas."
Mr. Holmquist is a last-living-link to this history and is the 5th generation of owning the land that his great grandfather first purchased in 1869. His book rings out as a call to remember and honor these Swedes, living in the shadow of well-known Lindsborg.
It is very important to know that the leader of the Lindsborg Värmland Swedes, Pastor Olof Olsson, and the leader of the Galesburg, Illinois, Swedes' Pastor A. W. Dahlsten were classmates in Sweden and were connected through the Lutheran Church there and the Augustana Lutheran Synod here. So their both coming to the Smoky Valley was not a coincidence in 1869. Both were spiritual leaders of their groups and would found their respective churches: Pastor Olsson, the Bethany Lutheran Church, and Pastor Dahlsten, the Salemsborg and Freemount Lutheran Churches.
The Preface and Introductions of Mr. Holmquist book were so enthralling, to learn of the beginnings of these other Swedish settlements along the Smoky Hill Bluffs several miles from Lindsborg, that through his kind permission, I have included them and also his subsection "The Rise of the Augustana Synod" from Chapter 2: "By Faith Alone." Mr. Holmquist gives a very clear description, point by point of how this Swedish Lutheran Synod was established. To these inclusions are also the Table of Contents and the Illustration listings.
Many books, articles, and papers have been written about the Swedes that settled the Lindsborg community of northern McPherson. Their story has been documented and related fully in every way. The Lindsborg community remains, because of its location, the center of Swedish culture in Kansas. The contributions of Lindsborg Swedish heritage have been significant and long lasting.
However, little thought or time has been spent documenting the settlement and history of the communities of Swedish people who settled directly north and west of Lindsborg. The Salemsborg community to the north, and the Freemount community to the West emerged as centers of an entirely separate colony of Swedish pioneers, a group of people whose history was similar in many ways to that of the Lindsborg, Swedes, and yet also very different. Those who made up the Salemsborg and Freemont communities also contributed much to the Swedish culture of the Central Plains and the cultural diversity of the state of Kansas. Unfortunately, the contributions and history of the colony of pioneers of Salemsborg and Freemount has been neglected.
This book seeks to recognize the pioneers of Salemsborg and Freemount and to recount the history of their journey "to the peaceful mountain." They are now at rest, but their memory and accomplishments live on.
The cemetery at Salemsborg contains a very small, gray obelisk among the great memorial stones erected for the pioneer families. It is so unobtrusive that you have to search for it. GET PIC OF THIS On that stone, nearly unreadable after years of weathering, are the words: "A. W. Dahlsten." It is fitting that his monument is so humble, and underneath it lies the remains of a modest, yet great man. This book has been written to recognize A. W. Dahlsten: Pastor, builder, a man of great vision and ceaseless energy. He was always too busy doing God's work to ever garner any recognition for himself. It is for this reason the story of the Galesburg Colonization Company and Pastor Dahlsten should be told.
The pioneers of southern Saine County, and northwestern McPherson County, are worthy of receiving recognition for fulfilling their hopes and dreams through great trials and difficulties.
They came to Kansas looking for the "liberated place" and once there, they build the "fortress of peace." Their story is common to many ethnic groups who settled Kansas during the second half of the nineteenth century, yet it is also a unique tale of hardship, courage. and the ultimate victory of a people of great faith. It also enriches our knowledge of the cultural diversity of Kansas and adds to our historical and cultural understanding of the pioneer experience. Here then, is the story of Pioneer Cross.
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-------- REVIEWS
Add to that, the review of Thomas D. Isern, Dean of the Faculty, College of Humanities and Sciences, North Dakota State University who writes: "Kansas is a quilt of ethnic patches. How fortunate we would be if, like the patch sewed in by the Galesburg Colonization Company, every ethnic settlement had a chronicler such as Tom Holmquist. Pioneer Cross is . . . a true contribution to the history of Kansas and the Swedish settlements in America."
Kansas State Historical Society President Ruth Olson Peters' writes, " . . . an inspirational look into the pioneer spirit of the Swedes who settled in the beautiful Smoky Valley region of Kansas. The author shows how these immigrants overcame hardships and fears by their strength, courage and never-ending faith . . ."
For me, Pioneer Cross stands out to be a rare and treasured book in the midst of the other Smoky Valley books I used for SWEDES because it soley concentrates on the earliest settlements of the Smoky Valley's Swedish Augustana Lutheran communities neighboring Lindsborg.
Additionally, Mr. Holmquist book presents information on the forming of the Swedish Augustana Lutheran Synod, the heart of which was found in Andover, Illinois, from where many of these new Swedes had first lived, before arriving in the Smoky Valley. The Galesburg Colonization Company from Galesburg, Illinois, was led by Augustana Lutheran Pastor A. W. Dahlsten whose leadership was key to the success of settling this Galesburg Colony in the Smoky Valley.
From this colony would be established such primary communities of Salemsborg and Freemount establish in 1869 with their respective churches of the Augustana Lutheran Synod; (like Lindsborg's Bethany Church), and smaller communities as well such as Falun, Smolan and Assiria.
Table of contents ix
Preface XI
Introduction X V
Farewell mother Sweden 1
By faith alone 15
The search for land 33
Kansas fever 57
The peaceful mountain 81
Epilogue 101
Maps 109
Notes 117 done
- The Discovery of the Good Rich Land of the Smoky Valley -
From Mr. Holmquist's Book Chapter 3: The Search for Land page 52, paragraph beginning with:
The Galesburg search committee arrived in Salina in late August of 1868. The next morning, just as the first rays of the sun were glimmering in the eastern sky, the men road south from Salina. Before them lay the land, misty in the morning light, with a constant haze that gave the valley its name. The grass stood as high as a man’s shoulder and teemed with the creatures of the prairie, a sign of good land. The Swedes passed numerous creeks and streams, marked only by cottonwoods, the only trees to be seen. From their vantage point they could follow the path of a great river, the Smoky Hill River, as it snaked its way across the length of the valley, heading in its unending flow toward the ocean.
Every so often the men would bend down and scratch into the earth to touch the rich, black soil. They were amazed as they pressed the earth in their hands and smelled the thick rich aroma. These men of Sweden, used to the thin rocky soil of their homeland, could not believe that the earth could be as rich and fertile as in this valley.
As they gazed through the midst, the men could see in the distance the blue – green Bluffs rising above the valley floor. Once the lookout of the Spanish explorer Coronado, searching for a treasure that he never found, the bluffs stood above the true treasure, the land itself. Little could they know that eventually a cross of stones would lie on the crest of the northernmost hill to commemorate the day they entered the valley and found themselves a home. Home not only for a few, but for many whose children still reap the riches that these five men discovered in the Smoky Valley of Kansas.
The five men of the Galesburg Colonization Company Search Committee were Olof Thorstenberg, President of the Galesburg Colonization Company, John Rodell, Gustaf Johnson, William Johnson, Pastor Dahlsten