SWEDES: TheWayTheyWere
  • Home
    • The Bethany Artist & the Bethany Scientist: Lydia & Emil >
      • ​"First Swedish Agricultural Company" Lindsborg Founders, 1868 >
        • Swedish Pastor Olof Olsson Immigrating to Lindsborg 1869, June 27th Arrival >
          • Church and Lindsborg Founder Pastor Olsson, 1869 - 1876 >
            • ​"He Gave God Glory" The Story of Olof Olsson, ​1841 - 1900
      • Their "Bethany Lutheran Church" 1869 >
        • Their "Augustana Lutheran Synod," 1860 - 1962 >
          • The Augustana Heritage Association, 2000 - 2016
        • Their "Augustana Women's Missionary Society," 1892
      • Their "Bethany Lutheran Home" Since 1907
      • Their Lindsborg's "First" Swedish Smoky Valley Community Chronicle 1909 and Their "Second" 1919 >
        • "Pioneer Swedish-American Culture in Central Kansas," 1965 >
          • "The Smoky Valley in The After Years," 1969
      • Their 1920s Coronado Heights Photographs and their Smoky Valley Historical Association (SVHA)
      • Their 1936 1873 Swedish Homestead, "The Old Deere Farm," The Peter J. Larson Farm, etc. >
        • Their 1873 Swede House
        • A Smoky Valley Swedish Virtual Memorial - ​"Dedicated to the Memory of the Smoky Valley Swedish Settlements" >
          • Recognizing & Thanking >
            • - Claude Koehn -- The Before and After
      • Their 1940 Deere Home >
        • Emil's and Nina's 1961 Thunderbird
      • 1943, After Lydia--The Building of the Lindsborg Hospital
    • Their Bethany College Handel's "Messiah" Performances, 1882 on... >
      • "Messiah" Performers, Venues & Audiences, Press and Broadcasts
    • Their Bethany College 1899 Swedish Artists' Midwest Art Exhibition
    • Their Bethany College 1902 "Terrible Swedes," Coach Bennie Owen, Their 1903 "Rockar Stockar"
    • Their Bethany College 1904 St. Louis World's Fair Swedish Pavilion
    • Their Bethany College Anniversary Celebrations: 15, 20, 25, 100 years >
      • Their Celebrating 15 Years of Bethany College, 1881-1896. The First Bethany Annual, 1895-96
      • Their Celebrating 20 Years of Bethany College, 1881-1901. The "Forget-Me-Not," 1902 >
        • The King of Sweden's Emissary, 1901
        • Yale University's Bethany Club
      • Their Celebrating 25 Years of Bethany College, 1881-1906, "Souvenir of Lindsborg and Bethany College"
      • Their Celebrating 100 Years of Bethany College, 1881-1981, "The Centennial of Bethany College"
    • Their "I WAS THERE" Coin ~ Bethany College Celebration, 1902
    • Their Bethany College's 1937 Introduction to New Sweden, founded in 1638 >
      • Deere's Introduction to New Sweden
    • Their friend, Emory Lindquist, and his 1975 "Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college" >
      • Their friend, Emory Lindquist, and his 1953, "Smoky Valley People, A History of Lindsborg, Kansas"
    • Their friend, Leon Lungstrom, and his 1990 "History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas"
  • Swedish Immigration Story, 1854
    • "The Story of the Old Spoon" by Ingrid Anderson Sohlberg & Daughter Lydia Sohlberg Deere, 1937
    • Who They Left Behind
    • From Sweden with Love Collections >
      • The Swedish Sohlberg Kosta Portraits, 1867 >
        • The Swedish Sohlberg Kosta Glass
        • The Swedish Sohlberg Letters
      • The Swedish Sohlberg Royal Gold Thread Embroidery Sampler (c1890s)
      • The Swedish Sohlberg Post Cards (c1890s)
      • The Swedish Sohlberg Magazines, (c1940s)
      • The Swedish Sohlberg Books, 1819/1886 to 1899
      • The Swedish Sohlberg Albums, late 19th early 20th centuries
      • The Swedish Deere Coins -- 1801-1929
    • Lydia Sohlberg Deere's 1927 "Lindsborg Swedish Club's" Handwork >
      • Lydia's Signatured Black Book of Her Handwritten Sewing Instructions >
        • Nina Sohlberg's Child's Sewing "Little Dots" PICTURE BOOK >
          • The Lindsborg Swedish Club's "Allers Monster-Tidnings" magazine, 1940
  • Artist Lydia Sohlberg Deere
    • Lydia's Lindsborg Photography, 1900-1925 >
      • The Hats
      • The Smoky River
      • The Smoky Hill Bluffs
      • Coronado Heights -- One Winter's Day
      • In and Around Lindsborg
      • Sohlberg House with Parents >
        • Our Sohlberg Home and Neighbor Alma Luise Olson
      • Sohlberg House with Emil 1916 to 1920 >
        • Lydia's Travels with Deere 1916 - 1930s >
          • Lydia's California Photographs for Painting
          • Lydia's Palm Springs Pictorial Magazine, 1938-1939
          • Lydia's California Pressed Wild Flowers, c1930
      • "LYDIA'S WORLD" Photography Exhibitions in Lindsborg, 2005 - 2011
    • Lydia's Art, 1919-1938 >
      • Lydia's Art: The Kansas Collection >
        • The Sketches
      • Lydia's Art: The Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico Collection >
        • The Sketches
      • Lydia's Art: The California Collection >
        • The Sketches
    • Lydia's Art Professor Sven Birger Sandzén, 1871-1954 >
      • Lydia's Assignments for Professor Sandzén >
        • Students of Sandzén 2019 Exhibition
        • Bethany Home ~ Celebrating Artist Birger Sandzén through His Students' Paintings
    • Lydia's Art Professor Birger Sandzén's "Art Exhibitions" ... 1893-1940 >
      • Lydia's Art Professor Sandzén's Exhibition at the Babcock Gallery in New York, 1922
    • Lydia's Sandzén's Body of Work Reviewed by N.Y.C, 1984 "American Impressionism," author William H. Gerdts
    • Lydia's and Sandzén's Swedish Artist Friend Charles Edward Hallberg, 1855-1940
    • Lydia's and Sandzén's Swedish Artist Friend Oscar Brousse Jacobson, 1882-1966
    • Lydia’s Sohlberg Family Connection to Sandzén, 1880-1894-1993
  • Scientist Emil O. Deere
    • Deere's & Lydia's Bethany -- Lydia's Photography, 1906-1925 >
      • Bethany College "Campus from Above"
      • Bethany College "The Gateway" 1917 and "Bethany Campus Association" 1912
      • Bethany College "College Street," today's "North First Street"
      • Bethany College "Campus Life"
      • "Bethany College's Earliest Buildings" >
        • Bethany College "​Ladies Dormitory" / "Lane Hart Hall" 1883 - 1899 - 1983
        • Bethany College "Old Main" 1887-1968 >
          • Lydia's and Emil's Old Main Apartments, 1920 to 1940
          • Deere's Bethany College Classes in Old Main
        • Bethany College "Messiah Auditorium" / "Ling Auditorium" / "Ling Gymnasium" 1895 - 1946
        • Bethany College "Swedish Pavilion" 1904
        • Bethany College "​Carnegie Library" / "Bethany Library" 1908 - 1980
        • Bethany College "​Bethany Academy" 1882 -- Swensson's Bethany's Beginnings
    • Deere's 1959 Interview on Rev. Dr. Carl A. Swensson (On YouTube) >
      • Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, 1857-1904 >
        • Swensson's "Bethany Lutheran Church" and the "Augustana Lutheran Synod"
        • Swensson's Bethany's Beginnings: "The Bethany Academy of 1882"
        • Swensson's Musicians' and Singers' "Messiah", 1882 on ... >
          • Thure Olof Jaderborg
        • Swensson's Swedish Artists of the 1890s
        • Swensson's "Bethany College Museum," 1882 - 1966
      • In Memorium**Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, 1904
    • Deere's Rev. Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad, 1873-1943 >
      • In Memoriam**Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad, 1943
      • Rev. Dr. Pihlblad on Bethany College, 1904 - 1941
    • Deere's Swensson's "Bethany College Museum" 1882 - 1966 >
      • Bethany College Museum Collections' New Location,1966 >
        • Articles on the Bethany College Museum Collections Move of 1966
    • Deere's Bethany College Field Trips -- Lydia's Photography, 1906-1925 >
      • Deere's Swensson's Bethany College Museum Collections >
        • Cliff Dwellers' Pottery Collection
        • Fossils Collection, "The Find"
        • Taxidermy Collection
    • Deere's Dr. Leon Lungstrom on the "Bethany College Museum"
    • Deere's Dr. Leon Lungstrom on "Three Pioneer Scientists of Swedish Descent"
    • Deere's Smithsonian Institution's Souvenir, 1904
    • Deere's 1940 Presidential Address to the Kansas Academy of Science
    • Deere's 1955 Letter to President Eisenhower re Tuttle Creek
    • Deere's Service, 1901-1966 >
      • Deere's Education & Degrees
  • "The Other Swedes"
    • Honoring them and their works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \\/ >
      • Mrs. Alma Christina Lind Swensson ~ Remembering her as Mrs. Rev. Dr. Swensson, the First Lady of Lindsborg
      • Miss Alma Luise Olson ~ Remembering her as Sweden remembers her as "First Honored American Woman by Sweden," and more
      • Swedish Artist Birger Sandzén ~ Remembering him for "sharing his art with the world," starting "first" at Lindsborg's Bethany College
      • Dr. & Dr. Mrs. Charles Greenough III ~ Remembering them for their gift of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery
      • American Artist Lester Raymer ~ Remembering him as the renown virtuoso artist and "behind the scenes" community supporter
      • Dr. Arvin W. Hahn ​​~ Remembering him for saving Bethany College from going under!​ >
        • Dr. Arvin W. Hahn (1923-2017) ~ Remembering him handing me my Bethany College Diploma on Sunday, May 26,1968
      • Dr. ​Elmer Copley ~ Remembering Bethany College's Oratorio Society Conductor who carried on "that" "Messiah" traditional excellence for 26 years, taking it to new levels >
        • Dr. Elmer Copley ~ Remembering him as the “Messiah” conductor for the Bethany College "Swedish King’s" performance, 1976 >
          • Dr. Elmer Copley ~ Remembering him as the "Messiah" conductor for the Bethany College "Centennial Celebration” performance, 1981
      • Ms. Rebecca Copley ~ Honoring her as Bethany College's “first” graduate to become an International Opera Singer
      • Mr. Bruce Karstadt ~ Honoring him as Bethany College's "first" graduate tohead a national Swedish American institution
      • Dr. Greta Swenson & Mr. and Mrs. Mark Esping ~ Honoring them as Bethany College’s “first” graduates who founded Lindsborg's "first" "Swedish-American Folklife Institute of Central Kansas." 1986 >
        • Recognizing their Folklife Institute's "Swedish-American Heritage Center," 1996
      • Dr. William Holwerda ( MD) ~ Remembering him at the founder of "Svensk Hyllningsfest"
      • Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg ~ Remembering her as the founder of the "Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers"
      • Mr. & Mrs. Hilding Jaderborg ~ Remembering them and their “Swedish Crafts Shop” – 65 years and 50 trips to Sweden
      • The Swedish Lindsborg Builders
    • The Smoky Valley Writers on "The Other Swedes" ​ ~ Their Swedish American Legacy Collection >
      • Mr. Bror Carlsson and Mr. Alf Brorson from Sweden ~ Chronicling Founder Pastor Olof Olsson's missionary journey to Lindsborg from Värmland, Sweden
      • Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson ~ An author of countless Swedish & English publications, newspapers, articles and books ...
      • Rev. Dr. Alfred Bergin ​~ Compiling foundational Swedish Smoky Valley Augustana Lutheran settlements' histories and more
      • Dr. Emory Lindquist ~ Chronicling Swedish Augustana Lutheran Lindsborg and Bethany College
      • Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg [Selma Lind] ​ ~ Chronicling the Lindsborg of her day, its early histories, and more
      • Dr. Leon Lungstrom ~ Chronicling college professors and providing the "only known written" account on the Bethany College Museum
      • Ms. Karen A. Humphrey ~ Chronicling highlights of Swedish Augustana Lutheran Lindsborg and Bethany College society and culture in the earliest years
      • Mr. A. John Pearson & Mr. Kenneth Sjogren ~ Chronicling the Bethany College Presidents
      • Mr. Bill Carlson ~ Chronicling Lindsborg's earliest and later histories with a personal connection
      • Mr. Chris Abercrombie ~ Remembering him as the "historian," the SVHA president and his body of work
      • Mr. Thomas N. Holmquist ~ Chronicling key Swedish Augustana Lutheran Smoky Valley settlements other than Lindsborg
      • Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and the Bethany Home Writers ~ Chronicling the "only known written" story on the beginnings of Bethany Home
      • Smoky Valley Historical Association Members ~ Researchers, compilers and writers of " Where Did They Live? "
    • ​Smoky Valley History Research Writers Website Designers ~ Their Swedish American Legacy Websites
    • Bethany College Swedish Knights and Honored Ladies ~ Their Swedish Royal Legacy Listing
    • His Majesty, Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden ~ Honoring him in Lindsborg and at Bethany College, 1976 >
      • Mr. Bill Carlson's Lindsborg's Bethany Home & the Swedish King's Visit
  • Contacts
    • For Lindsborg, 1869, CONTACT Today >
      • 2020 Christmas: "Ljuskröna and Apple Tree Exhibit" online presentation
      • 2020 Christmas; 'Welcome to Annandag Jul Worship from Sunnemo & Lindsborg"
    • ​For Bethany College, 1881, CONTACT Today
    • Traveling through SWEDES & Closing Remarks >
      • The Swedish American Legacy Photographs >
        • ​Lydia's Lindsborg's Photography​, ​1900 - 1925
        • Lydia's Bethany's Photography, ​1906 - 1925
Dr. Emil O. Deere, having the longest association with Bethany College of 67 years from 1899 to 1966,  was colleague and friend to the first seven (7) Swedish American Bethany College presidents,  Accomplished yet humble, he was  "the source" to learn about early college history,  "the link" to Bethany's past!
Scientist Emil O. Deere
(1877-1966)
Class of 1904
Today's Bethany College students encounter pieces of the College's earliest history concerning Emil O. Deere when they chant the 1903 Swedish Bethany cheer,  "Rockar Stockar," which he translated to English after the assumed author Eric Heurlin drafted it.  (Source: Emory Lindquist, 1975, Bethany In Kansas, the history of a college, pages 189-190.)

Out of the entire Bethany College family, Deere had the longest association with his alma mater, one that lasted sixty-seven (67) years from 1899 to 1966!  A humble Swedish gentleman, first he was a Bethany College student, then a  professor and student's friend, a department head, a museum curator, an academic dean, a vice president, and a registrar.  Added to these, he played a variety of other roles, large and small, including Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conferences president for nine (9) years, at Bethany.

For thirty (30) years of his life, he was addressed as Dean Deere, and, then, in 1948 he was addressed as Dr. Deere as a result of receiving the Doctor of Laws Degree from Upsala College of East Orange, New Jersey.


Deere was colleague and friend to seven (7) Swedish American Bethany College presidents beginning with Augustana Lutheran College graduate president Rev. Edward Nelander (1882-1889), then Bethany Lutheran College founder president Dr. Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson (1889-1904), was the right-hand man to president Dr. Rev. Ernst Pihlblad (1904-1941), continuing in that role to his former student and good friend president Dr. Emory Lindquist (1941-1953); nearing his retirement year his role transitioned more into an advisor concerning college history to president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (1953-1958), to president Dr. L. Dale Lund (1958-1965) and to president Dr. G. Kenneth Andeen (1965-1967).

Early on in the College's growth, Deere became
"the source" to whom one could come to learn about its history.  To those Bethany Swedes then, he became "the link" of Bethany's past to her current days.

Due to Deere's service to the College, a boys dormitory was dedicated to him, to honor him, in 1957.  It was razed in December of 2015, adding it to similar fates experienced by past historical Bethany buildings that Deere and Lydia knew intimately before there was a Deere Hall.  These treasured landmarks of college history were 
Lane Hart Hall (1883-1983),  Old Main (1887-1968),  Ling Auditorium (1895-1946), and Carnegie Library (1908-1981).


Traveling back in time now, let us hear from him and them at Bethany, the way he was and the way they were!
- Breaking Ground for Deere Hall -
Rev. Stanley Swanson, Rev. George Wahlin,  Dr. Deere, President  Dr. Robert Mortvedt, Student Body President Kenneth Sjogren

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The Deere Papers
The Dedication of Deere Hall
In His Own Words
April 5, 1957
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Photograph taken in early 1960s by Dale Hoag, It was razed in 2015.
The Way He Was
 "I consider it a special privilege and an honor to have a place on the program at the dedication of the new dormitory for men on the Bethany College campus, and I am touched with a sense of deep humility when I reflect on the thoughts that this beautiful and serviceable building has been named Deere Hall in my honor.

"When Old Main was completed in 1887 the catalog for that year gave a glowing description of the new building.  It included an elaborate account of the fine, well-equipped living quarters for men students. (Well, it no doubt was for its day.)

"The entering student in 1887 was conducted to his room on the fifth floor where a kerosene lamp and a candle dip served as his source of light, but then it cost him 20 cents per week room rent.  I wonder what this grad would say if he were here today and visited his great grandson in our new building.

"The dormitory we are dedicating today, the Nelson Science Hall, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery are recent examples of definite progress.

"It is hoped that this timely development will serve as an example of what may be accomplished under the direction of good leadership.  We shall look forward to the dedication of the next new building on the Bethany College campus in the very near future."


Source:  Swedish American Bethany College professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990's book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, page 199
Picture
Source: Given to me by Bethany College in 2011.
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Left a Legacy for us All
 Words of the 1966 Bethanian

- Responsible for Swensson Park Fish Pond  -
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Lundquist Studio, Lindsborg, Kansas Postcard
PictureSource: BETHANIAN 1966, page 31
Dr. Emil O. Deere

Dean Emeritus of Bethany College ...

Once a farm boy ...

Enrolled in Bethany Academy ...

An honor student who came back to 
teach...

Devoted his life to Lindsborg...
And Bethany College ...

Curator of Bethany
College Museum...

Dean of Science and Arts of Bethany College...

Founder of Lindsborg Historical Society...

Member of Lindsborg Community Hospital Board...

Responsible for Swensson Park fish pond...

Honored by Deere Hall...

The Way They Were
WORDS OF 1966
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WHAT THEY LEFT US

   Deere        Swensson

            Sandz
én

These three men set

high goals for

Bethany...goals that

could not be realized in

one lifetime.  Goals

that are left for us to

continued.


Lungstrom
PictureSource: BETHANIAN 1966
       WORDS OF 1966

Dr. Carl Swensson and Bethany Church had a great vision of a prospering Lutheran college in the Smoky Valley.  The heart of their dream was a beautiful chapel in Old Main.  Here students meditated; here the pipe organ led them in song; here well-known and world-known voices inspired them.


The famous Dr. Birger Sandzén brought a rich and vivid talent to Bethany.  The Swedish-built Art Pavilion housed his students as it does Bethany art students today. 

Dr. Emil Deere built the foundations of a growing science department.  His goals are being furthered through a former student, Dr. Leon Lungstrom who is passing this legacy on to us
.
         Lungstrom

           WORDS OF 2017

      Dr. Leon Lungstrom
would also play the part of College historian through his valued 1990 book, History of Natural Science & Mathematics At Bethany College Lindsborg Kansas. --fc


Deere and Sandzén
PRESENTING HISTORY AND ART
WORDS OF 1965

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Source: BETHANIAN 1965, page 54

Jaderborg
     Deere     Thorsen

 - his longtime Swedish colleague professors -
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Oscar Thorsen
, Emil O. Deere, Thure Jaderborg

- Celebrating 50+ years at Bethany in1954 -
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Source: Bethany in Kansas, page 136
His Students
​
​ An Appreciation to our Guardian Prof. Emil O. Deere
Able scholar, the sympathetic teacher, the loyal friend whose personality, foresight and sincere devotion have won the respect, honor and esteem of our class.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                -- The Daisy, Class of 1925

- some were these -

Ruben Spong 1926 and Carl Swensson 1912

Ruben Spong, Class of 1926, wrote the following tribute of appreciation to their guardian, Emil O. Deere in 1925:*
 
“At the first meeting of the Freshmen Class in 1922 we searched for a guardian to lead our class the right way, a guardian who could understand the ways of a Freshman and who could be a guide through the four years of struggle we knew we had before us.  We are now assembled at the present moment not only that we may take part in other phases of this program but that we may attempt to express our appreciation and gratitude to one who took the responsibility upon his shoulders and has held his protecting wings over us these four years.  He has lived this life of a guardian in such a way that he has influenced every member of the class to think of higher and better things in life.
 
“We have been exceedingly proud of our guardian, Dean Deere, who held the power of athletics in his hands and one who is interested in every phase of college life.  When out on our picnics or on our parties, although superior in knowledge, years and in every respect, he has been one of us but never has he lost his dignity or individualism.
 
“Our college days are now at an end and each member of the class must leave his cherished ‘Alma Mater’ to be scattered to the four winds of earth to assume his individual responsibility.
 
“In years to come our thought will wander back to our college days with their found memories of social and school activities which were so nobly sponsored by our guardian, Emil O. Deere.”


*Source:  Swedish American Bethany College Science Professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom’s 1990 book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College Lindsborg, Kansas, page 170 which referenced it from the 1925 Bethany College student yearbook called the Daisy.


Carl Swenson, Class of 1912, wrote the following tribute on Emil O. Deere after his passing on January 11, 1966:

Dr. Leon Lungstrom first prefaced Carl Swenson's tribute with: 
"Professor Deere was popular and highly respected by the students. Often they referred to him as Pop Deere.  In spite of his heavy work load he was active with students outside the classroom.  One reference stated that he accompanied the freshman class on their Class Day Celebration during November 1922. He served the class graduating in 1912 in this capacity and during their senior year he entertained them with a royal banquet. After professor Deere’s death in 1966, Carl Swenson, a member of this class, wrote the following tribute about him:
 
'My emotions are bringing when they bring to mind the image of my dear departed friend, Professor Emil O. Deere. He truly was one of the finest teachers who has ever served on the faculty at Bethany College. We should greatly miss his jovial presence.  It was my good fortune to enjoy him as our class advisor of the class of 1912. His untiring search for truth was an inspiration to his students. He was patient and untiring in his manifold interest and duties as a college teacher. He was a staunch friend to all those who had the good fortune to know him. For a period of over fifty (50) years he served his post faithfully and well. No problem was too great to engage his attention and no favor too small for his exemplary genius.
 
'Prof. Deere married Lydia Sohlberg, the charming matron at the girls’ dormitory. She was a favorite of all the girls who live there, as well as the aspiring young men who were privilege to visit Lane Hart Hall.
 
'His thorough preparation in his teaching subjects and his meticulous assignments assured his students of an adequate knowledge of the subject pursued. His depth of knowledge of Zoology and Physiology seemed to us almost boundless. His idealism and character were above reproach. Prof. Emil O. Deere has departed to a better land where his phenomenal achievements shall find their full fruition.  I shall always cherish among the most pleasant experiences of my life the many personal contacts I had with him in 1964.
 
'My visits at his home were a delight to me. He kept his knowledge of science and philosophy up-to-date. Prof. Deere’s memory of the history of Bethany was unique. His luminous mind was quick to dispatch the events of the past. Forays into the modern problems of science, philosophy, and religion were a part of our informal meditations. The Bethany College Campus Museum was his retirement project. The museum which was largely the result of his efforts has no peer among the mid-western Liberal Arts colleges. We have all lost a dear friend. May his imperishable soul garner its reward in the Heavenly mansions with God.' ”


Source:  Swedish American Bethany College Science Professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom’s 1990 book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College Lindsborg, Kansas, page 166-168
*   *   *
- Deere's Swedish Family -
- the "John Deere" connection -***
Picture
The grave of Carrie Deere, Emil's mother, in Manhattan, Kansas
Emil was born in Moline, Illinois on August 8, 1877 to Swedish Lutheran parents.  His father, Anders Olsson, (1849-1925) was from Drängsered, Halland; and his mother, Carrie Greta (Kaisa) Svenson (1847-1914), was born in Medelplana, Våstergötland.  They immigrated to Moline, Illinois, and there, in the early 1870s, they joined the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

It was also at this time that Anders worked for John Deere of the Deere Plow Company becoming foreman.  It was this John Deere who gave Anders the surname "Deere" to replace his Swedish Olsson name.  He also changed his Christian given Anders name to Charles and added the English equivalent of Andrew for Anders for his middle name.  Thus, in Moline, Anders Olsson became known as Charles Andrew Deere.

Emil had two brothers, Johan Adolph Gottfrid born in 1874 and Albert Emmanuel born in 1888, and one sister Emma Kristina born in 1882.  In 1878, the family moved to Kansas.  First, Charles pre-empted a homestead near Mariadahl, Kansas in 1879.  Then in the fall of 1888, they moved to Olsburg,  and finally in 1903 they moved to Manhattan. 

Bethany College professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom writes fondly of Emil's good Christian father, Charles Andrew Deere, describing particularly the ending of his life in Manhattan, Kansas as follows:**

 "Charles was a skilled mechanic and a successful builder and contractor during the time he lived in Kansas.  His workmanship was always of top quality in every community where he lived.  ...

 "The family was active in community and church work.  Charles A. Deere was a loving father and husband with a large circle of friends.  The family belonged to churches in Mariadahl, Olsburg and Manhattan.  Charles served many years as trustee, deacon and Sunday School teacher.  At the time of his death, he was chairman of deacons in the Lutheran Church congregation in Manhattan.

 "During the Christmas period of 1924, Charles realized that he had his first and last illness, which would leave him with only a few more days on earth.  He stated, 'Like after a good day's work I enjoyed the sweetness of sleep so now I feel that after a workday of 75 years duration I will now have a long and peaceful sleep, hence I resign myself to my Lord and Saviour who has been a pride and a comfort to me in time of adversity as well as in time of success.'  He passed away at the Parkview Hospital at 7:20 PM., Tuesday evening, January 20, 1925.  The funeral services were held at his home at 612 Fremont Street in Manhattan at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 23, 1925, and his body was laid to rest in the Sunset Cemetery.' "

*Source:  (Above page title) Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990's book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, page 168.
**Ibid, pages 147-150.
*** Source:  Leona Holmberg, Emil O. Deere's cousin, letter on the "John Deere" name.

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Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~

reconnecting past to present
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All color photography throughout Swedes:  The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
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