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HISTORY

SCANDINAVIANS

SUCCESSFUL SCANDINAVIANS

United States

Compiled and Edited

O. N. NELSON

VOLUMES I AND II
SECOND, REVISED EDITION

Minneapolis, Minn.

O. N. NELSON & COMPANY

1900

LIST OF COLLABORATORS

Tols. I. and U. of History of the Scandinavians in the United States

Bditok-in-Chief and Managing Kditoe, .

O. N. NELSON, LL. B.
Associate and Revising Editors,
KNTJTE GJEBSBT, Ph D. J. J. SKOEDALSVOLD, B. A., B. L.

Assistant Editobs,

ADOLPH BREDESEN, B. A.
Norwegian Synod Clergyman.
LUTH JAEGER,
Journalist.

G. N. SWAN,
Vice-Consul of Sweden and Norway.
H. STOCKENSTROM,
Editor of Sv. Am. Posten.

Editoeial Revisers of the Biographies ot Clbegtmen,

T. H. DAHL,
United Norwegian Clmroli Clergyman.

GEORG SVERDEUP,
President of Angsburg Seminary.

C. J. PETRI, A. M.,
Swedish Lutheran Clergyman.

O. P. VANQSNES, B. A.,
Norwegian Synod Clergyman.

Conteibdtoes and Revisers,

Jos. A. Anderson, A. M.,
Swedish Lutheran Clergyman.

J. Christian Bai,
Bacteriologist, Des Moines, Iowa.

G. O. Brohodgh, B. L.. LL. B.,

Professor in Red Wing Seminary.

Ehha Sherwood Chester.

Adam Dan,
Danish Lutheran Clergyman.

P. G. Dietbichson.

C. M. Esbjoen, Ph. D.,
Swedish Lutheran Clergyman.

Ajtdrew Estrem, Ph. D.,
Professor in Wartburg College.

John Greeneield,
Moravian Clergyman.

John Halvorson, B. A„
Norwegian Synod Clergyman.

J. J. KlLDSIG,

United Danish Chnrch Clergyman.

N. M. Liljegben,
Swedish Methodist Clergyman.

0. Neumann,

Victor Nilsson, Ph. D.,
Author of History of Sweden.

Julius E. Olson, B. L.,
Professor in the University of Wisconsin.

J. T. Peters.

Fbank Peteeson,

Baptist Clergyman.

P. A. Schmidt, D. D.,
Professor in the United Church Seminary.

S. SlGVALDSON, B. S.

Ernst Skarstedt,
Author of Svensk-Amerikanska Poeter
and Vara Pennfaktare.

E. A. Skogsbbrgh,
Swedish Mission Clergyman.

C. H. Spalding, LL. B.,
Attorney at Law, Goldendale, Wash.

P. O. Stromme, B. a..
Author of Hvorledes Halvor blev Prest.
Majob John Swainson.

P. S. ViGj

Professor in Trinity Seminary.
B. L. Wick, A. M., LL. B.,
Attorney at Law, Cedar Rapids, Iowa_

CONTENTS

Vol. I. of History of the Scandinavians in the United States

Page

Characteristics of the Scandinavians and Review of their History,

O. N. Nelson 1

History of the Scandinavian Immigration, O. N. Nbi,son 35

The Icelandic Discoveries of America, S. Sigvaldson 77

The First Swedish Settlement in America, Emma Shekwood Chester. 87
The First Norwegian Immigration, or The Sloop Party of 1825,

O. N. Nelson 125

The Swedish Colony at Bishopshill, Illinois, Major John Swainson. . 135
The 15th Wisconsin, or Scandinavian, Regiment, P. G. Dieteichson. . 153
Historical Review of the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in

America, Rev. Adam Dan 167

Historical Review of Hauge's Evangelical Lutheran Synod in America,

Pkop. G. O. Bbohocgh 173

Historical Review of the Norwegiao Evangelical Lutheran Synod in

America, Rev. John Halvobson 183

Historical Review of the Scandinavian Baptists in the U. S. and in the
North, Rev. Frank Peterson 197

Historical Review of Scandinavian Methodism in the U. S. and in the
North, Rev. N. M. Liljegren 205

Historical Review of the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant of

America, Rev. E. A. Skogsbergh 211

Historical Review of the Swedish Lutheran Augustana Synod,

Rev. C. J. Petri 217

Historical Review of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church in

America, Pboi'. Knutk Gjebset 225

Statistics Regarding the Scandinavians in the United States,

O. N. Nelson 243

Bibliography of the Scandinavian-American Historical Literature of

the Nineteenth Century, O. N. Nelson 265

■ Historical Review of the Scandinavians in Mianesota, O. N. Nelson. . 297
Historical Review of the Scandinavian Schools in Minnesota,

J. J. Seordalsvold ' 3X7

Historical Review of Scandinavian Churches in Minnesota,

O. N. Nelson and J. J. Skobdalsvold ' 335

Historical Review of the Minnesota District of the Norwegian Synod,

Rev. John Halvoeson ' 35]^

Historical Review of the Minnesota Conference of the Augustana
Synod, Rev. C. J. Petri 261

Biographies of Scandinavians in Minnesota, Editors, Contbibutoks

and Revisers ' 355

CONTENTS
Vol. II. of History of the Scandinavians in the United States

Page

The Nationality of Criminal and Insane Persons in the United

States, O. N. Nelson 1

Historical Review of Luther College, Prop. Andrew Bstbem 23

Social Characteristics of the Danes and a History of Their

Societies, O. N. Nelson and C. Neumann 39

Historical Review of the United Danish Evangelical Lutheran

Church in America, O. N. Nelson 49

Historical Review of the Moravian Church and its Scandinavian-

A merican Work, Rev. John Greeneield 57

Historical Review of the Scandinavians in Iowa, O. N. Nelson 61 -

Historical Review of the Scandinavian Schools in Iowa,

J. J. Skordalsvold 75

Historical Review of the Scandinavian Churches in Iowa,

O. N. Nelson and J. J. Skordalsvold 83

Historical Review of the Iowa Conference of the Augustnna Synod,

Rev. Jos. A. Anderson 91

Historical Review of the Iowa District of the Norwegian Synod,

Rev. Adolph Bredesen 99

Historical Review of the Scandinavians in Wisconsin, O. N. Nelson. . 105
Historical Review of the Scandinavian Schools in Wisconsin,

J. J. Skordalsvold 129

Historical Review of the Scandinavian Churches in Wisconsin,

O. N. Nelson and J. J. Skordalsvold 135

Historical Review of the Eastern District of the Norwegian Synod,

Rev. Adolph Bredesen 145

Biographies of Scandinavians in Iowa and Wisconsin, Editors, Con-
tributors, and Rbvcsees 153

LIST OF BIOGRAPHIES

Page Vol.

Aaker, LaraK 365 I

Agar, Wm 237 II

Akermark, G. E 237 II

Almen, Louis G 366 I

Anderson, Abel 238 II

Anderson, Abel 366 I

Anderson, Andrew G 153 II

Anderson, Berudt 36S I

Anderson, Daniel 369 I

Anderson, J. A 238 II

Anderson, J. E 239 II

AndersoD, Mons 193 II

Anderson.E.B 195 II

Anundeen, B 154 II

Arctander, J. W 369 .1

Arosin, O. H 370 I

Aslceland, H. T 371 I

Bendeke,Karl 371 I

Bengston, C. J 240 II

Bennet, C. C 372 I

Berg, Albert 373 I

Bergh, J. A 240 II

Bergh,K. E 1,^6 II

Bergh, Martin 241 II

Bergsland, H. H 373 I

Biennann, Adolpb 374 I

Bibrn, L. M 375 I

Bjorgo, K 375 I

Bookman, M. O 376 I

Boeckmann.E 377 I

Boen, H. K 377 I

BorcUsenius, H 241 II

Borup, C. W. W 378 I

Bothne, Gisle 242 II

Boye.N.C 157 II

Boyeeen, A. E 379 I

Brandt, Christian 380 I

Breda, O.J 381 I

Bredeaen. Adolph 242 II

Brohonrii, G.O 382 I

Brown,F,P 382 I

Bmsletten, C. L 383 I

Brydolf.F 158 II

Bull, Storm 243 II

Burg, P.N 244 II

Barnquist, Sam 159 II

Cappelen. P. W 383 I

Carfien, LA.K 384 I

Carlson, Anton 244 II

Carlson, J, S 38S I

Carlson, O. W 245 II

Cassel, P 161 II

Chantland, P. W 245 II

ChriBtensen, F. S 386 I

CUnsen.C, L 387 I

Clausen, Pet^r 391 I

Colbere, A. P. J 392 I

Dahl, J. M 246 II

Dahl.T. H 247 II

Dahle, O. B 247 II

Dan, Adam 248 II

Darelius, A. B 392 I

DaTideoD. J. 249 II

Dnndas, J. C 199 II

Esge, A. E 249 11

Egeen, J. Mneller 393 I

Engstrom.A.E 394 I

Brdall. J. L 250 II

Erickson, Halford 250 II

Ericson, C. J. A 164 II

Page Tol.

Estrem,A 251 II

Falatrom, Jacob 395 I

FeUand, 0, G 396 I

Fjelde, Jacob 396 I

Fleischer, F 251 II

Fliesburg, Oscar A 397 I

Fosmark, O, N 399 I

Fo3nes,C. A 399 I

Foss, H, A 400 I

Foss, Louis O 400 I

Fremling, John 401 I

Frich.J. B 401 I

Gausta,H. iS 402 I

Gjertsen, H. J 402 I

GjertBen,J. P 201 II

Gjertsen, M. F 404 I

Granberg.O 262 11

Grinager, Mons 405 I

Grmdelaud.A 406 I

Gronberger, R 406 I

Grundtvig, F, L 2S3 II

Gatteraen, G 407 I

Halgren,C Q 408 I

HalTand, B, M 253 II

HalTorsen, H 254 II

HalTorson, John 408 I

Halvorson, Kittel 409 I

Hansen, Oesten 410 I

Hatlestad.O. J 166 II

Haugen.G. N 254 II

Hangen.N.P 202 II

Heg,H.C 204 II

Hendtiokson. P 255 II

Hilleboe, H. S 410 I

Hobe.E. H 411 I

Hoegh, Knut 412 I

Hokanaon, M. F 167 II

Holmes, Ludvig 255 II

Holst,M 256 II

Holt, Andrew 413 I

Homme,E.J 257 11

Hougen, J. O 267 II

Hoyme, G 207 II

Husher,F.A 413 I

Jackson, Andrew 414 I

Jacobsen, J. D 176 II

Jacobson, J. F 415 I

Jaeger, Luth 416 I

Janson, Kristofer N 418 I

Jeanson, H. E 258 II

Jenson, Andrew 258 II

Jensson. J. C 419 I

Jensvold, John 420 I

Johnsen, Thomas 421 I

Johnson, C, J 421 I

Johnson, B. P 239 II

Johnson, Gnstavus 422 I

Johnton, J, A 209 II

Johnson, Marcus 423 I

Johnson, 0. C 260 II

Johnson, Tosten 433 I

Johnston, L. A 424 I

Kildahl, J.N 425 I

Kildsig, J. J 426 I

Kittelson, Charles 427 ' I

KnatTold, T. V 428 I

Keren, U. V 178 II

Kumlien, T. L. T 210 II

Lagerstrom, E 428 I

Langeland, K 213 II

LIST OF BIOGRAPHIES

Page Vol.

LaDgum, Samuel 429 I

Larsen, Iver '<i60 II

Laraen, Iianr 178 II

Larson, Ole 261 II

Liljesrron, N. M 429 I

Lind, Alfred 429 I

Lind. John 430 I

Lindholm.A. T 434 X

Linn, John 184 II

Listoe, Soren 435 I

Lobeck, E. E 435 I

Lokensgaard, O 436 I

Lomen, G. J 437 I

Lund, E. Q 438 I

Lund, L 262 II

Lnndeen.J.A 438 I

Lundholm,E. M 440 I

Lunnow, Magnns 441 I

Lysnes, David 186 II

MagDU:^, Daniel 441 I

Uattson, Hans 441 I

Megaarden,P. T 444 I

M;ohn,Th. N 445 I

Muas,B. J 446 I

Myran, Ole H 448 I

Naeseth,C. A 262 II

Nattestad, O. K 218 II

Nelaenius, J. D 263 II

Nelson, Andrew 448 I

Nelson, Andrew 449 I

Nelson, Knnte 419 I

Nelson, Oley 263 II

Nelson, Otto 264 II

Nelson, Peter 452 I

Neumann, C.F 452 I

Nielsen, A. S 219 II

NilsBon.P. 453 I

Nilsson, Victor 457 I

Nordberg, B. V 265 II

Norelias, E 458 I

Norrbom, A 265 II

Oden, M. P 2t>6 II

Oftedal, Sven 464 I

Oleson, Ole 266 II

Olsen, Johan 1S7 II

0!son, C. O. A 485 I

Olson, JuUos E 267 II

OIson,01eBr 268 II

Olson.S.E 466 I

Ostrom, O. N 467 I

Ostlnnd, O. W 468 I

Ottesen, J. A 188 II

Paulson, Ole 268 II

Pedsrsjn, Knud 469 I

Petersen, Ole P 469 I

Petersen, W. M. H 469 I

Peterson, Andrew P 470 I

Peterson, Atley 269 II

Peterson, Prank 470 I

Peterson, James A 472 I

Peterson, John 472 I

Peterson.J.W 473 I

Peterson, O. C 270 ll

Peterson, Sewell A 271 II

Petri,C.J 475 I

Petri, G. A 476 I

Pettersen, WUhelm M 474 I

Preus.H. A 220 II

QTale, S. A 271 II

Railson, Andrew 477 I

VII

Page Vol.

East, Gustaf 478 I

Keimestad, Th. S 479 I

Eeque, L. 8 271 II

Rice, A. E 480 I

Eingnell, C. J 481 I

Eoe,0.0 272 II

Eoos, Oscar 482 I

Eosing,A.Q 482 I

Eosing, L. A 483 I

Sagen,A. K 272 II

Sandberg, G. P 483 I

Sandberg, J. H 484 I

Saugstad, C 4S4 I

Searle,0.0 485 I

Shaleen, John 486 I

Sjoblom, P 487 I

Skaro, J. G 487 I

Skogsbergh, E. A 488 I

Skordalsvold, J. J 489 I

Smith, C. A 490 I

Soderstrom, A 492 I

Sohlberg, O 492 I

Solem,A 493 I

Sorensen, S 494 I

Stark, L.J 494 I

SteenersoD, H 495 I

Steensland, Halle 228 II

Stockenstrom, H 496 I

Stromme, Peer O 273 11

Stub,H.G 497 I

Sunwall, G. F 504 I

Sverdrup, G 498 I

Swainson, J 500 I

Swan.G. N 274 II

Sward.P.J 601 I

Swenson, John 502 I

Swenson, Lars 502 I

Swenson, L.S Wi I

Tharaldsen, 1 5(i5 I

Thompson, E.E 606 I

Thorpe, L. O 506 1

Thorsen, John 230 II

Thorson, A .507 I

Thorvilson, T. K 275 II

Thrane, Markas 232 II

Thygeson.N. M 508 1

Tollefsrude, C. H 275 II

Torgerson, T. A 190 II

Torrison, Osuld 233 II

Torrison, T. E 276 II

Trandberg.P. C 509 I

Tronsdal, F. L 276 II

Turnblad.M 510 I

Turnblad,S. J 611 I

Ueland, A 512 I

Valder, Hans 513 I

Vangsues, O.P 277 II

Veblen, A. A 278 II

Vig,P. S 278 II

Vinje,A. J 279 II

Waerner, Ninian 514 I

Wahlstrom, M 518 I

Warner, H. B 235 II

Werner. N.O 516 I

Wick, B. L 279 II

Widstrand, P. H 517 I

Xavier.N. P 280 II

Vlvisaker, J 517 I

Ytterboe, H. T 518 I

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Page Vol.

Aadereon, A 153 II

ADderaon, Bemdt 36S I

Anderson, Rev . J. A . . .' 153 II

Anderson, Prof. E. B 81 I

Anandsen, Br;nild 152 II

Angsbnrg Seminary 193 I

Augustana College 222 I

Bendeke, Dr. Karl 377 I

Bergh, Rev. J. A 233 II

Bergh,M 249 II

Bergslsnd, Prof. H. H 369 I

Biom, Rev. L. M 369 1

Bookman, Prof. M. 425 I

Boyesen, A. E 376 I

Brandt, C 369 I

Bredesen, Rev. A 217 II

Brnsletten, C. L 369 I

Burg,P.N 249 II

Carlson, A 153 II

Carlaon, Prof. J. S 384 I

Chantiand, P. W 169 II

Clansen, Rev. C. L 425 I

Dahl. Rev. T. H 201 II

Darelius, A. B 489 I

Egge, Prof. A. E 169 II

Brioson, C. J. A 168 II

Fliesburs, Dr. O. A 400 I

Fosnes, C. A 409 I

• Frich, Piof. J. B 481 I

Gjertsen.H.J 385 I

Gjertsen, Eev. M. F 393 I

Granherg, O 233 II

Grindeland, A 409 I

Gostavus Adolphns College.. 223 I

Halvorsen, Rev. H 201 II

Haugen, N. P 200 II

Hobe, E. H 416 I

Hokanson, Rev. M. F 184 II

Holmes, Rev. L 184 II

Hoyme, Rev. Gjermund 216 II

Jaeger, Luth 449 I

Jeaaon, A 233 II

JensBon, Rev. J. C 393 1

Johnsen, Hev. T 481 I

Johnson, C. J 513 I

Johnson, E. P 169 II

Johnson, Prof. G 513 I

Johnston, Rev. L. A 425 I

Kildsig.Rev. J. J 393 I

Koren, Eev. tJ. V 185 II

Langeland, Knud 225 II

Larsen, Prof. Lanr 185 II

Lind, Dr. A 513 I

Lind, John 432 I

Lindholm.A.T 249 II

Listoe, Soren 417 I

liokensgaard. Prof. O 409 1

Land, Prof, E. G 249 II

Lund.Eev.L 201 II

Luther College 192 I

Mngnus, Prof. D 408 I

Page VoL

Mattson. Col. Hans 401 I

Megaarden. P. T 440 I

Myran, O. H 465 I

Nelson, Knute 448 I

Nelson, O 265 II

Nilsson, Eev. F. O 449 I

Nilsson, Victor 449 I

Noreliua, Eev. E 425 I

Norrbom, Eev. A 153 II

Oftedal. Prof. Sven 4S6 I

Old Swedes' Church, The 80 I

Olsen, Bev.J 265 II

Olson, CO. A 4!i9 I

Olson, Prof. Julius E 217 II

Ottesen, Rev. J. A 265 II

Peterson, A 248 II

Peterson, Eev. Frank 472 I

Peterson, J 513 I

Peterson, J. A 489 I

Peterson, O.C 264 II

Petri, Eev. C.J 424 I

Petri.Q. A 489 I

Preus, Eev. H. A 224 II

Eeimeatad, Prof. T. S 393 I

Rice, A. E 48(1 I

Rice,C.A 465 I

RingeeU, Dr. C. J 464 I

Roamij, L. A 433 I

Sandberg, Dr. G. P 465 I

Soarie.O.O 488 I

Shaleen. J 465 I

Skaro, Dr. J. G 392 I

Skogsbergh, Rev. E. A 473 T

Smith, C. A 496 I

Soderstrom, A 401 I

Sohlberg, Dr. Olof 400 I

Steensland, H 201 II

Stockenstrom, Herman 497 I

St. Olaf College 193 I

Stromme, P. O 217 II

Stub, Prof. H. G 481 I

Sunwall, G. P 441 I

Sverdrup, Prof. Georg 457 I

Sw.Hn, G. N 272 II

Sward, Rev. P. J 504 I

Thompson, R.E 409 I

Thorpe, L. O 449 I

ToUefsrude, 0. H 235 II

Torgorson, Eev. T. A 273 II

Torrison, Osuld 232 II

Torrison, T. E 217 II

Tronsdal, F. L 233 II

Turnblad.S J 512 I

Vangsnes, Eev. O. P 273 II

Veblen, Prof. A. A 273 II

Viking Ship, The 80 J

Wahlstrom, Prof. M 505 I

Wick, B. L 169 II

Xavier, Hev. N. P 273 II

Ylviaaker, Prof. J 481 I

VIII

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

For nearly ten years I have devoted all my time to the
investigation of Scandinavian-American history; and the
first edition of my first volume, which appeared in 1893, was
far more favorably received than I ever anticipated or dared
to hope. Yet it was by no means faultless ; and as the
pages from 1 to 276 were electrotyped, it was no easy task
to correct every mistake. But at great expense of time,
labor, and money, all errors of facts and most of the gram-
matical mistakes have been corrected. Several pages, and
even whole articles, have been rewritten. The article on
The First Norwegian Immigration, or The Sloop Fartj^
of 1825, is a new production. Nearly twenty pages of
Bibliography and some valuable statistical tables have
been added. Pages 291-364, dealing with Scandinavian
settlements, churches, and schools, in Minnesota, are new
matter, prepared for this edition ; and the balance of Vol.
I. consists of biographies of Scandinavians in Minnesota,
most of which appeared in the first edition; but all of them
have been rewritten, rearranged, and brought up to date.
In fact, the revision and reconstruction of the whole first
volume have been so thorough and complete that in many
respects it is an entirely new history of the Scandinavians
in America, brought up to the beginning of the twentieth
century.

The first edition of the second volume was issued so
recently (in 1897) and prepared with such great care that
hardly any changes were made up to page 236, except in
regard to the arrangement of the biographies. The rest of

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

the work was reset altogether. But owing to the lack of
space, several biographies which appeared in the first
edition had to be omitted, and some were .very much
abridged.

It must be admitted that, excepting the church organ-
izations, there are hardly any Scandinavian institutions in
this country. Whatever is accomplished in the political,
social, or financial spheres by any Scandinavian-American,
is accomplished by the individual. Hence, the record of such
individuals necessarily has to be an important feature of
Scandinavian-American history. Partly to sell my work,
and partly to secure the most reliable information on his-
torical and biographical topics, I have personally visited all
the counties and cities in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin
where any considerable number of Scandinavians reside.

In selecting and editing the biographies — as well as in
preparing everything else for this work — I have endeavored
to be impartial. It has been my aim not to be influenced by
any religious belief, national prejudice, political conviction,
or personal friendship or dislike. In cases where I felt that
I might be liable to lean toward one side or another, some
of the editors or revisers, whose opinions differed from mine,
were consulted. To state the unadorned facts, without lite-
rary display or expression of judgment, has been the con-
stant endeavor in regard to the biographical sketches. Yet
sometimes it was almost necessary to pass judgment on a
man's standing within a certain sphere, and I have not
shrunk from doing so, or from permitting it to be done, when-
ever it seemed advisable or desirable, and when the opinions
expressed were by general consent considered to be true.

No one has been allowed to write his own biography,
even the editors of, and contributors to, this work having
been subjected to this rule. The parties themselves, how-

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

ever, when living, have been permitted to examine their
biographies in regard to the facts; but the language used,
the views expressed, and the method of treatment, are
strictly our own. The proper equilibrium of modesty and
self-esteem is a difficult virtue to attain, and some of our
Scandinavian-Americans are sadly deficient in this respect.
One man, whose chief merit apparently consisted in having
been in the lower branch of the legislature a couple of terms,
was indignant because his biography did not begin thus:
"Hon. is one of the most popular and active Repub-
licans in the state of ." A much larger percentage,

however, go too far in the other direction. For an historian
to avoid the sins of commission and omission under such
circumstances, and at the same time not to offend people, is
a Herculean task. Consequently, the biographies of living
men are more or less unsatisfactory. At the same time the
great pains which have been taken with the biographies,
some of which have been revised by half a dozen different
parties, ought to make them exceptionally reliable.

In regard to the spelling of the geographical names in
the Scandinavian countries, the postoffice directories of Den-
mark, Norway, and Sweden have been carefully consulted,
and in most cases the latest mode of spelling has been
followed. The radical changes in spelling which have been
adopted by the government of Norway in recent years has
a comical side in connection with this work, namely, that
several educated Norwegian-Americans do not know^ how
to spell correctly the name of their own birthplace. When-
ever possible, not only the forsaxnling or prestegjeld
where a person was born has been mentioned, but also the
stift or province, and of course the country ; this was neces-
sary because several places in the North have the same
name; for example, there are in Sweden over 50 places

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

called Saby, and 75 Berg. Whenever it is stated that a
person has received a college education in one of the Scandi-
navian countries, it is meant that he has completed a course
at one of the eJezaentar Mrovarken in Sweden or the
Latin schools of Denmark or Norway— the names of these
institutions cannot be properly translated, but the best
equivalent for them is college. Nearly all the names of
newspapers and books, as well as foreign words, have been
printed in Italics.

For fifty years past numerous attempts have been made
by different parties, both in the English and the Scandina-
vian languages, to elucidate certain features of the life of
the Scandinavian- Americans. Many of these productions
were meritorious, and a few of them are standard works as
far as they go. Among the men making these attempts
were several who by intellectual endowment and thorough-
ness of education were well prepared to undertake and suc-
cessfully complete their task. Yet, apparently, none of
these productions have received sufficient recognition and
support to enable any one of the many Scandinavian-
American writers to devote time and talent to extensive
historical research concerning their countrymen on this side
of the Atlantic. That I have been enabled to devote
several years to historical investigations, to meet the
various and often heavy expenses connected with the prep-
aration and publication of such a large work, and to make
a living out of the sale of the book, seems to indicate that
my labors are appreciated. This appreciation has not only
been manifested by a courteous reception of the author
wherever he has traveled, and by a flattering endorsement
of his work, but by a generous financial patronage, some-
times involving considerable sacrifice on the part of the
admirer of the enterprise. The keen interest which the

XII

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

educated Scandinavian-Americans, especially the clergj^,
have taken in the history, has incited the author to greater
exertion in the prosecution of his labor.

I am indebted to so many people for the successful com-
pletion of this edition that it is beyond my power to give
fall credit to all those who have assisted me in the under-
taking. Special mention, however, should be made of Consul
G. N. Swan, Rev. Adolph Bredesen, Ernst Skarstedt, Rev.
C. M. Esbjorn, and J. J. Skordalsvold, who have carefully
and critically revised several important articles and rend-
ered valuable assistance in the completion of the Bibli-
ograpbjr. The last mentioned has also revised and read
proof of the whole work, and without his able aid it
might not have appeared in its present form. Elias Ander-
son and F. L. Tronsdal have taken more than ordinary
interest in the enterprise. My wife has looked after the
purely artistic part of the work. I am also under obliga-
tion to the Lumberman Publishing Company, the typesetter;
the Tribune Job Printing Company, who have done the
press work; Bramblett & Beygeh, the engravers; and A. J.
Dahl & Company, the binders.

Owing to the magnitude of the labor and expense
involved in completing this edition, a few years may pass
before I shall be able to prepare and publish the third vol-
ume, which no doubt will deal with Illinois and some
neighboring states.

Partly on account ol having different writers to pre-
pare the various articles, no absolutely uniform system of
capitalization and punctuation has been maintained
throughout this work. Yet the exceptions to the rigid
"Rules of Nelson and Skordalsvold" are few and unimport-
ant. Sometimes in quoting from another author, it was
inconvenient to use his exact language. In such cases the

XIII

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

single quotation mark ( ' ) has been employed to indicate
that the expression is not my own. As has been said before,
no literary brilliancy has been attempted. Hamlin Garland
remarked recently: "I believe the -well-educated descend-
ants of the Scandinavian settlers of the Northwestern
states are closer to Webster's dictionary to-day than are
the languid Southerners, or the erudite Easterners." If his
assertion be true, I may entertain the hope that the lan-
guage used in this work is tolerably correct, because the
classes of people he refers to have written or revised a large
portion of it. The greatest master of history, Edward
Gibbon, says, "Diligence and accuracy are the only merits
which an historical writer may ascribe to himself." Another
celebrated writer, James Clark Ridpath, asserts, "The his-
torian must either lay down his pen or cease to be a parti-
san;" and on the altar of Diligence, Accuracy, and Impar-
tiality I have laid down the best fruits of my labor.

O. N. Nelson.
Minneapolis, Minn., January, 1900.

XIV

HISTORY

SCANDINAVIANS

SUCCESSFUL SCANDINAVIANS

United states

VOLUME I

Compiled and Editbd
0. N. NELSON

Characteristics of the Scandinavians

A.ND

EEVIEW OF THEm HISTOEY.

O. N. NELSON.

This is an age of classification, and mankind has been
divided into different races, or types, of men. But history,
with a few exceptions, deals only with one race — the Cau-
casian — ^because hardly any others have succeeded in becom-
ing civilized. The Hindoos, Persians, Greeks, Latins,
Slavonians, Kelts, and Teutons, all belong to the Indo-
European branch of the great Caucasian race. The English,
the Germans, the Dutch, the Scandinavians, and their descen-
dants in other countries, are all members of the Teutonic
family. It may seem strange that the theoretical Greek and
the practical Englishman, the fanatical Hindoo and the
philosophical German, the rude Russian and the polite
Frenchman, should all have, if we go far enough back, a
common ancestry. Yet the resemblance of their languages
and their mythologies proves that they were once one people,
who lived together somewhere. But when or under what
circumstances they separated, and migrated to different
countries cannot be determined. But if the different nations

2 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

of the Indo-European branch diifer greatly in physical ap-
pearance, mental culture, social conditions, religious beliefs,
and political attainments, the closest relation exists between
the different nations of the Teutonic family. Physically, the
Teutons resemble each other; mentally, they are equally
endowed. The development of the political history of Sweden
is similar to the development of the political history of Eng-
land. Blackstone, the father of English law, and Stjernhook,
the father of Swedish law, agree on many of the finest points
in jurisprudence. Danes, Norwegians, Swedes, Germans,
Dutchmen, and Englishmen have a common mythology and
common superstitions; but it is only the Scandinavians-
Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes — who have, almost, a com-
mon language. The Danes and the Norwegians write virtually
alike, but differ a httle in their pronunciation; nor is it, at
all, difficult for a Swede to understand a Norwegian, or for a
Dane to understand a Swede. All the Scandinavian people,
with the exception of the Icelanders, understand each other's
languages

When and under what circumstances the Scandinavians
first came to their northern homes has always been a mat-
ter of dispute among scholars. Different theories have been
advocated. Learned men have maintained that the human
race first saw daylight in the Land of the Midnight Sun, and
that the Paradise of the Bible was located near Upsala,
Sweden. The Icelandic sagas claim that Odin, the god and
king of the Teutons, taught his people the art of writing and
the science of war, and led them out of Asia, through Russia,
and colonized the Scandinavian countries. It is only one
hundred and fifty years since a noted scientist endeavored to

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 3

proTC that the greatest part of the North could not have been
inhabited at the time of the birth of Christ, because most of
the land there was then covered with water. Others again
assert that Scandinavia has been the cradle of the Indo-
European branch of the human race. A well-known Nor-
wegian-American educator and author says: "There is a
strong probability that their (the Scandinavian tribes) inva-
sion of the countries which they now inhabit must have
taken place during the second century preceding the Christian
era." But the latest and most celebrated Scandinavian
anti quarians and historians have — ^by comparing the old
skulls, as found in the graves, with the skulls of the present
people — come to the conclusion that the same race of people
which now inhabit the Scandinavian countries, have been
there for thousands of years, at least, before the Christian
era commenced.

The Scandinavians entered late upon the historical arena.
The Grecian history had begtm eight hundred years before
even their existence was known. Grecian literature, philoso-
phy, and art had flourished centuries before they could write
their own names. The Romans had conquered the fairest
part of the earth, legislated for the world, made good roads
through the whole empire, and civilized a large portion of
mankind, before the Scandinavians occupied houses or fixed
habitations, but wandered through the dense forests as semi-
savages. The French, English, and Germans had been Chris-
tianized four or five hundred years before the Northern peo-
ple accepted Catholicism astheirnationalreligion,andaslate
as in the sixteenth century some of them still worshiped
Odin. This late development, which is no doubt due to the

4 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

severity of the climate, and tlie great separation from the
higher civilization of the South, must be taken into con-
sideration -when we compare the Scandinavians with other
nations, and endeavor to determine the quantity and quality
of influence which each nation has had upon the general his-
tory of mankind.

That the Northmen, in spite of their lateness, have had a
great influence, and taken an active part in the world's busi-
ness, no one can successfully contradict. They have not
merely been savage plunderers and rude conquerors, but also
discoverers, civilizers, and organizers. They assisted in over-
throwing the magnificent Roman power, conquered France,
enslaved England, discovered America five hundred years
before the voyage of Columbus, organized the Russian Em-
pire, and liberated Germany from religious and political
thraldom. Of course the greater part of their contact with
other nations and their influence upon other people have
been accomplished through war; but war, until recently, has
been the mainspring of nearly all undertakings. The very
fact that the Scandinavians have, by the might of their
swords, crowned and dethroned foreign rulers; dictated terms
to popes and emperors; fought, both for and against, the
liberties of men; and in many other ways taken an active
part in the affairs of the world, must have had a great influ-
ence upon civilization.

The Scandivanian countries were first referred to in
Grecian literature as early as three hundred years before the
birth of Christ. "But," says Geijer, "if the Greek ever knew
anything about them, the Roman again forgot them." But
if the Roman had forgotten them, he was soon to be re-

SCANDINAVIANS— CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 5

tniaded of their existence in a forcible and positive manner,
for, under the name of Goths, the Scandinavians became the
principal participants in undermining and destroying the
Roman power in the third, fourth, and fifth centuries of the
Christian era.

By a chain of successful conquests; by good management
through very capable and honest men; by establishingpub-
lic order, law, and justice; by encouraging literature, science,
art, and the accumulation of wealth, the Roman Empire had,
in the second century of this era, reached a state of greatness,
power, and civilization, which has hardly been equalled,
never surpassed by any nation, either of the ancient or the
modern world.

The Romans, who had at first assailed the domains of the
barbaric Teiitons beyond the river Rhine, were in the third
and fourth centuries of this era called upon to defend their
own territories against the invasion of the very same bar-
barians whom they had been unable to conquor or subdue.
For this purpose a line of military posts had been estab-
lished along the river to protect the Roman citizens against
the invading hordes, being similar to those which the United
States keeps on the western borders to protect the whites
from Indian outrages.

Of the many different tribes, all belonging to the Teu-
tonic family, who pressed upon the Roman frontier, none
were so powerful or intelligent as the Goths. These Goths
dwelt on both sides of the Baltic Sea, and it is said that
those who joined their kinsmen to participate in the plunder
of the Mistress of the World, crossed the sea from the Scan-
dinavian countries in three ships. But, as later was the

6 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE TJ. S.

case with the Vikings, they were not formidable in numbers,
but in courage, endurance, and ferocity. These wild men are
described as being very tall, strong, and robust; having
white bodies, yellow hair, broad shoulders, wiry muscles,
florid complexion, and fierce blue eyes that during excite-
ment gleamed with fire and passion. Physically, they, in
general, resembled the people of the whole Teutonic family
of today; but, more specifically, they came nearest to the
people who now live in the southern part of Sweden and on
the Danish islands. Little or nothing is known in regard
to the semi-civilization which they had attained to at the time
they first came in contact with the imperial power; but they
probably had reached a fairly high standard of moral devel-
opment, and enjoyed some luxuries.

It was with these men, " Who astonished the nations of
the South by their reckless courage and gigantic stature, ' ' that
the imperial army of Rome had to measure swords. It w^as
ancient renown against barbaric ferocity, disciplined order
against natural courage, law against anarchy, Christianity
against Odin, Latin against Teuton. The Roman fought
by prescription, his movements were as regular as clock-
work. The Teuton obeyed the commander, but the com-
mander was chosen for his fitness. If the Teutons could not
stand their ground, their wives and sisters assisted them.
The women fought and screamed with a fierceness
never witnessed before or after, save during the French
Revolution. The Romans feared the wild yells of the women
almost as much as they feared the swords of their husbands
and brothers. Rome was doomed. It was to no avail that
the barbaric warriors were engaged to defetid the Roman

SCANDraAYIANS— CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 7

territories against barbaric invasion; they, of course, turned
traitors. It delayed, but did not change the result.

In the latter part of the fifth century of this era a
Teutonic savage sat on the throne of Rome. At about the
same time Spain, France, and in fact all western Europe fell
into the hands of the Northern hordes.

Now an exhibition was made on the grand stage of the
historical theatre that has never, in all the various dramas
of human actions, had its likeness. Side by side, on apparent
social equality, walked the refined Roman — dressed in his
toga — by the rude man from the North — dressed in a
goat-skin suit — his long, yellow hair combed towards
the four winds. The citizen carried centuries of learning
in his head, the luxuries from many countries on his back.
He was the poet, the artist, the statesman, and the phi-
losopher.

The Goth possessed nothing; he only knew^ how to eat,
drink, and fight. But he carried the sword of state, before
w^hich the proud Roman bowed in humble subjection.

By the fall of Rome, civilization had been thrust backward
many centuries. Anarchy reigned supreme. Time rolled on;
for centuries the Roman world — yea the world itself— was
hidden in darkness. For this wholesale barbarization the
Romans themselves were partly responsible. They lacked
the frankness, manliness, honesty, and virtue requisite to pre-
serve sufiicient moral power to govern decently a great state.
The old civilization which Rome represented had lost its
force. The Roman believed in nothing. Right and wrong
were only relative terms. To him anything which succeeded
was right, everything which failed was wrong. The Romans

8 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

had become greatly degenerated, debaucliery and licentious-
ness were the common practice.

The new race was ignorant, but had strong convictions
and high moral principles. To the Goth falsehood was a
great vice, secret stealing was a cowardly act, for which no
torment was too severe. He robbed openly, he faced his
victims boldly. He was honest and frank, living up to his
rude ideas oi life. The Persians, the Egyptians, the Greeks,
and the Romans had their liberties on account of belonging
to a powerful, free state. The Teuton was a free man be-
cause he was a man ; individuality was his strongest char-
acteristic.

The native population out-numbered, by far, the invaders,
who, nevertheless, swayed the scepter of power. In time
the Goths adoplted the Christian religion and became some-
what civilized. The slaves became their master's instruc-
tors. Out of the Roman confusion rose the modem states.
In the eighth and ninth centuries w^estem Europe had been
somewhat organized and Christianized, only, however, to be
thrown into confusion again by the kinsmen and partly
countrymen of the Goths — namely, the Vikings.

Before the fall of Rome little is known of the history,
customs, or characteristics of the Scandinavian people; but
it is certain that they were tribes of the great Teutonic
family, and had, probably, not advanced much above
the condition of the semi-civilized races at that time. The
Teutons, however, unlike some people, had the talent to
adopt new ideas, to assimilate with other people, and to ad-
vance. History proves sufficiently that they have been very
progressive. The Goths had been the principal participants

SCANDINAVIANS— CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 9

in the destruction of Rome, but the Goths were not exclu-
sively Scandinavians, because part of the tribe, in all prob-
ability, lived in Germany. The Teutons constituted many
tribes, no nationalities existed, which, however, commenced
to develop shortly after the fall of Rome.

In the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh centur-
ies — at the time when the foundation of the European king-
doms w^ere in process of construction — ^the inhabitants of the
Scandinavian countries became famous as Vikings. But the
Viking practice had been in operation ever since the Teutons
and Romans came in conflict with each other. The Scandi-
navian Viking age is only a continuation of the barbaric
flood that deluged the classical civilization. The two may
differ in the particulars, but not in the essentials; it is im-
possible to understand one, without having a clear concep-
tion of the other. "All wars hang together, " Gustavus Adol-
phus used to say.

According to Sars,the Scandinavian Viking age is divided
into three periods; but it might be more correct to say that
there were three kinds of Vikings, as no sharp divisions, in
regard to time, can be made. No one can tell when the age
commenced. Northern Vikings had, no doubt, practiced
their trade ever since the Christian era began, and, perhaps,
before. The First Period: A small number of chieftains, or
one alone, would, at irregular times, gather together crews
for a few ships and sail over to England, Ireland, France, or
Flanders, where they would plunder a city or a monastery,
and quickly return home with their booty. The Second
Period: An advance was made, not only in the art of war and
military management, but even in the systematic plan of

10 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

robbing defenceless people. Several Vikings club together,
take possession of some exposed point — for example, a small
island near the coast — erect fortifications, and thus control
a large extent of territory. Thev may remain at one place
for years, and forage the surrounding country accord-
ing to a regular plan, then proceed to their native lands.
The Third Period: Plundering, robbing, and piracy have
been abandoned. The Vikings came as conquerors. Their
fleets counted fi-om one to five hundred vessels. Cities were
stormed and sacked. They conquered territories, settled
them, and governed them. They treated with kings and
rulers. Of course the third period, during the ninth, tenth,
and eleventh centuries, is without comparison the most im-
portant and fascinating. It has had a very great influence
both upon the Scandinavian countries and abroad.

The Vikings, who had at first occasionally plundered the
western European countries for the sake of pleasure and
small profits, commenced "Piracy as a trade" on a wholesale
scale in the first part of the ninth century. "These bold
sailors and admirable foot-soldiers " had madea general and
perpetual declaration of war on all mankind, but especially
on those who possessed any kind of tangible property that
was worth having. The seas swarmed with their sails.
The miserable people along the coasts of the North Sea, who
had lately been Christianized, fled in terror. Priests prayed
in vain: "Deliver us, Lord, from the rage of the North-
men." The world, it was thought, would soon come to an
end. Germany, Holland, Belgium, England, Scotland, Ire-
land, France, Spain, and Italy were all punished with fire
and sword, sacked and robbed, drenched in blood and tears.

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 11

That time has been called the heroic age, the age of individ-
ualism. Princes had to buy their freedom in gold and
cede their torritories to the conquerors. Paris was beseiged,
Dublin -was taken by storm, and in the very heart of London,
not far from the celebrated St.Paul's Cathedral, have been
found skeletons of old Northern warriors.

Many scattering Scandinavian settlements were made in
foreign countries during these terrible times. The Northern
people intermarried and mixed with the native population.
In a comparatively short time the fierce pirates became
Christianized and civilized, giving new vigor and energy to
the degenerated people of western Europe. Besides the many
smaller settlements, scattered throughnearly every European
country, the Norwegians colonized Iceland in the latter part
of the ninth century; the famous Rolf— also a Norwegian,
though several of his followers were Danes and Swedes —
w^rested Normandy from the weak French king in the first part
of the tenth century, and the Danes conquered the whole of
England a hundred years later. The colonization of Iceland,
and the conquest of Normandy and England were the last
and greatest acts of the bloody drama of the Viking age;
these were beneficial to civilization, and may be said to have
palliated the former atrocities of the Northmen. The Ice-
landers created a classical litei'ature from which is received
the best information we have in regard to the mythology of
the Teutons in general, and of the Scandinavians in particular;
established a humanitarian, free republic, on the basis of the
Northmen's conception of a civil government, which lasted
for nearly four hundred years; discovered America five hun-
dred years before Columbus sailed from Spain, and perhaps

12 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

his knowledge of what they had accomplished partly induced
him to undertake the voyage. The followers of Rolf found
Normandy in poverty and distress. In a short time they
made it the richest, most populous, and most civilized pro-
vince in France, where the best French language w^as used.
The Normans, being virtually independent of the French
monarch, conquered England in 1066, and founded the king-
doms of Naples and Sicily. Danish kings reigned over Eng-
land, as well as in their native country, of course, for several
years, and to-day many English words, laws, and customs
are purely Scandinavian. The names of many cities, lakes,
rivers, etc, in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, and other
countries, have aScandinavianorigin. Several of the greatest
noblemen in the western European countries — notably Lord
Nelson of England — are descendants of the Northmen.

During the Viking age the boundary lines between the
Scandinavian countries were not sharply drawn. In fact
the people were at first tribes; then a great number of petty
kingdoms were formed. It was not until the latter part of
the ninth century that the present divisions of the Northern
nationalities were established, and the Scandinavians con-
tinued to speak one and the same language for tw^o or three
hundred years later. Even after the stronger kings had suc-
ceeded in defeating the weaker and adding their territories
to their own dominions, which resulted in laying the founda-
tion of the present Northern powers, it was yet a long time
before the present boundary lines were established. A large
part of southern Sweden, which is now the richest and most
populous portion of the country, belonged to Denmark, and
some of its western land belonged to Norway. It is, there-

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 13

fore, incorrect to speak about a Danish conquest or a Nor-
wegian colonization, for things were rather mixed up in
those days. Yet it is certain that the Swedes participated
less in the destruction, and later in the upbuilding of the
western European countries than the Danes and Norwegians.
The Danes confined themselves principally to England and
France. The Norwegians attended to Scotland, Ireland, and
other northern islands. The Swedes, being closed out from
the North Sea, went east, where they founded the Russian
Empire in the middle of the ninth century, and served in
large numbers in the imperial army at Constantinople.

The descendants of the Swedish founders of Russia ruled
that country until the sixteenth century. In certain parts of
Switzerland the people claim, at least they did half a century
ago, that they are descendants of the Swedes.

What were the causes which produced the Viking age ?
The answer is :

First — Although there is every reason to believe that the
Scandinavian countries were a great deal less populous than
at present; yet, being poorly tilled, and one man often
having children by several women, there were more
people than could be supported. Some had to seek their
fortune in foreign countries. Frequently a father was com-
pelled to drive all his sons away from home to make their
own living, save one who inherited his estate.

Second — The religion, the desire for adventure, and the
spirit of the times, induced many to leave their native coun-
tries to court dangers and turn the wheel of fortune in for-
eign lands. It was believed that only those who died a vio-
lent death were entitled in the next life to associate with the

14 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

gods in Valhalla. It was considered a liigh honor to have
fought successfully in foreign countries. Young princes
receiTed their first education on board of a war vessel. In a
short time the Viking business became a fashion.

Third— The love for freedom and the passion for inde-
pendence, or the strong individuality, induced many to
leave the North rather than submit to a superior, which
they were especially called upon to do during the latter part
of the period when the stronger kings at home subdued the
weaker. But at the bottom it was essentially a question of
economy. Men's religion often coincides with their business
interests, and that was sometimes the case with the Vikings,
for several of them believed a great deal more in their own
strength than in the powers of the gods.

We must not look at the Vikings through the glasses of
the twentieth century, or judge them according to the stand-
ard of modem civilization, but examine them in accordance
with the spirit of the times, and measure them by the in-
fluence their deeds have had upon general history. They
honestly believed that "War was the natural condition of
man," and that a legitimate reason for declaring hostility
was, that those who were attacked had valuable property.
After all, this robbery did not differ much from the English
opium war, the plundering of Denmark and Prance of their
provinces by the Germans, and the treatment of the Indians,
Mexicans, and Spaniards by the United States. The Northmen
were in a kind of continual state of hostility. The modem
wars are so terribly destructive to life and property that
their continuation for a longer period would annihilate the
whole human race. It is true that modem warfare is con-

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 15

ducted on a more systematic plan, but the struggles of the
Vikings were not altogether irregular. For if anyone be-
sides the great noblemen and kings indulged in the plunder-
ing business on a small scale, they were at once driven off
the sea as a set of lawless robbers, whom the Vikings them-
selves considered it to be a moral duty to exterminate.
Therefore, according to the spirit of the times, the operation
of the Vikings was a perfectly legitimate, honorable, perpet-
ual state of war, limited to certain persons, who made it
their profession for the sake of pleasure and profit.

It must also be remembered that the description of these
fierce outrages has always been recorded by their enemies.
Very often crimes were charged to the Vikings which in
reality were committed by, what may be termed, their camp-
followers, or the worst element of the respective countries
in which the Northmen might happen to be.

In regard to the ultimate results, and the benefits to the
human race which was the consequence of these bloody
times, reference has already been made to the state of affairs
at and after the fall of Rome. The same was the case shortly
after in the western European countries. For as Prof
Worsaae says, who, perhaps, is the best authority on the his-
tory of the Vikings : ' In the first ages Christianity pro-
duced among the people, as was the case in other countries
besides England, a sort of degeneracy and weakness. In-
stead of the dire battleof the heathens there were now heard
songs and prayers, which, joined with the constantly increas-
ing refinement, made the people dull and effeminate, so that
they willingly bent under the yoke of their masters, both
spiritual and temporal. In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh

16 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

centuries the Anglo-Saxons had greatly degenerated from
their forefathers. Relatives sold one another into thraldom;
lewdness and ungodliness had become habitual; and cow-
ardice had increased to such a degree that, according to the
old chroniclers, one Dane would often put ten Anglo-Saxons
to flight. Before such a people could be conducted to true
freedom and greatness it was necessary that an entirely new
vigor should be infused into the decayed stock. This vigor
was derived from the Scandinavian North, where neither
Romans nor any other conquerors had domineered over the
people, but where heathenism with all its roughness, and all
its love of freedom and bravery, still held absolute sway.

This admirable description of the condition in England
applies, perhaps, with greater truth and force to other
w^estem European peoples; for they are in no small de-
gree indebted to the old Northmen for whatever freedom,
honesty, virtue, and heroism they now possess. The founda-
tion of the present European states w^as laid by our ances-
tors. Out of the confusion, disorder, and anarchy arose a
new civilization. From the union of the degenerated w^estera
European peoples and the courageous Scandinavians sprung
a new, a better, a nobler, a manlier race.

During the Viking periods great changes had taken place
at home in the Scandinavian countries. The smaller king-
doms were conquered and united with the larger, thus laying
the foundation of the modern Northern states. The many
w^ars degraded the Northmen's honesty and simplicity; for-
eign corruption, deceit, and luxury were introduced. The
old religion had lost its force. Many Vikings asserted that
they believed in nothing, save their own strength. The more

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 17

prudent men did not believe in the old gods. Harold the
Fairhaired, of Norway, acknowledged only one suoreme
being in heaven, the creator of the universe and of mauKind.
The attention of the Roman church had been directed
towards the North by the atrocities of the Vikings, and she
sent missionaries thither. The men who had been a terror
to Christendom, and the savage -olunderers of Europe, be-
came sons of Mother Rome. It is true that they never were
very obedient children, and they took the first opportunity
offered to be their own masters, yet something had been
accomplished. The Viking age ceased, partly because many
of the boldest, the bravest, the most independent, and the
most turbulent had settled in foreign lands; leaving the weak,
the cowards, and the contented at home, who either did not
care or did not dare to attack foreign countries, which were
now to a great extent defended by their former compatriots;
partly because the people in the Scandinavian countries had,
at least in name, become Christianized and bowed to the dic-
tates of a pope, who now opened a new field for their bar-
barity, and gave them a new employment for their swords
— ^namely, the crusades; partly because at home the internal
disputes, conflicts of principles, and the struggles connected
with the formation of new states, kept the Northmen busy
with their own affairs.

From the eleventh to the sixteenth century Catholicism
swayed the religious faith of the North. There was, consid-
ering the times, a great deal of advance and contact with the
more highly civilized nations of the South; yet rude, savage
manners were in general practice, and Odin, in many places,
was still worshiped. During the greater part of the four-

18 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINA\n[ANS IN THE U. S.

teenth and fifteenth centuries Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
were united under one government. But their history is
merely a record of internal strife, war, and bloodshed. Den-
mark, which by means of its superior civilization was
the acknowledged leader, became the seat of the govern-
ment, but the unwise and cruel Danish kings created,
by their bloody acts, a hatred between the Scandinavian
people, which even the time between then and now has been
tmable to eradicate. Guided by popular leaders the Swedish
peasants rebelled successfully twice, and Sweden separated
forever from Denmark in 1521, while Norway for about four
hundred years remained virtually a province of Denmark.

Ever since the first part of the sixteenth century Luther-
ism has been the national religion of the Scandinavian coun-
tries, and a hundred years later the famous Gustavus Adol-
phus became the prime defender of Protestantism, intellect-
ual freedom, and German liberty. The rebellions of the com-
mon people of Sweden in the fifteenth and sixteenth centur-
ies, during the Kalmar Union, gained for them a great influ-
ence and a confidence in their own strength which they have
never since ceased to exercise upon the national affairs. In
Denmark, on the contrary, the peasants became almost
slaves of the great landowners. But since 1849 the Danes
have virtually enjoyed full universal male suffrage, which
none of the other two Northern countries possess. * Yet the
king of Denmark has a greater veto-power than the king
of Sweden-Norway; consequently the people of the former
country have, in reality, less political rights than those of
the two latter. In Norway nature has divided the country
into great valleys; each valley managed its own local affairs;

*In Norway the suffrage was greatly extended ia 1808.

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 19

the common people knew and cared nothing about the
Danish rulers or the doings of the world, and retained their
personal independence. In Denmark and Sweden feudalism,
aristocracy, and patriotism became more general than in
Norway. It is only in this century that the Norwegians
have in any sense indicated a desire for nationalization; since
1814, however, — when a very liberal constitution w^as adopt-
ed, and Norway was separated from Denmark and joined
with Sweden — they have, perhaps, had a stronger national
spirit, and certainly possessed more political freedom than
either of the other two Northern people.

The most prominent of the characteristics of the Viking
was his strong individuality. His loveforfreedom, his desire
for personal independence, amounted to a passion. He w^ould
endure the rigid climate of the north, the burning sun of the
south. He would sleep beneath no other roof than the arch
of heaven, use bark for bread, drink rain-water as a bever-
age, make the forest his habitation, and have the w^ild beasts
for his companions. But he would never give up one inch of
his rights as a free man. The people of the classical countries
were free men, because they belonged to a powerful and free
state; they boasted of their citizenship. The Northman was
a free man because he was a man, he boasted of himself and
the deeds he performed. The same passion for freedom has
run through the whole Scandinavian race from the earliest
time to the present day. A great portion of the Vikings left
their native lands because they refused to submit to a
superior chief. No king or ruler has been able, for any length
of time, to be the absolute master of the Scandinavian peo-
ple. No foreign nation has been powerful enough to subjugate

20 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

them. Sweden and Denmark have dethroned their obstinate
monarchs, Norway dared to draw the sword against Europe
and demand national independence. The Scandinavians
were the last people who submitted to the Catholic yoke;
they were the first to cast it off. Today the Swedish-Nor-
wegian and Danish kings have as little authority and power
as any rulers in Christendom. To be free and independent
has always been the greatest ambition of everj'- true North-
man.

The second characteristic feature of our savage ances-
tors is courage. Bravery, however, sometimes turned into
a fierceness that could hardly be distinguished from in-
sanity. War was their profession. They hunted men as
well as wild beasts, but prefered men who possessed some
kind of valuable property. " For they deemed it a disgrace
to acquire by sweat what they might obtain by blood."
And whether we wander with the Goths when they plunder
and destroy Rome, or sail with the Danes and Norwegians
w^hen they dethrone English kings and humble proud French
monarchs, or live in the camps of the Swedes when Gustavus
Adolphus and Charles the Tw^elfth dictate terms to popes
and emperors, or accompany the Northern immigrants when
they clear the dense forests of Wisconsin and subdue the
wild prairies of Dakota, we find that they all excelled in en-
durance, heroism, and courage. In fact the Scandinavian
warriors have been so noted for their fearlessness that they
have conquered by the very terror of their names. Honor
on earth and salvation in heaven, joy in this life and happi-
ness in the next, could only, according to their religion, be
gained by physical, brutal prowess. Their doctrine was

SCANDINAVIANS— CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 21

that only the brave Avarriors who died a violent death were
in the next life entitled to associate with the gods, fight in
the celestial abode, enjoythe companionship of young maids,
drink wine, and eat pork.

Stubbornness, Srmness, and determination are qualities
which the follovcer of Odin has been largely blessed with . To
him no defeat was final. Failure meant only delay. He over-
came all opposition, conquered every obstacle, defied every dif-
ficulty. Mountains, oceans, deserts, rivers, mustnot hinder his
purpose. Charles the Twelfth during his childhood examined
two plans. Under one plan, which showed how the Turks
had taken a town in Hungary from the emperor, were written
these words : "The Lord hath given it to me, and the Lord
hath taken it from me; blessed be the name of the Lord."
After the young prince had read this, he wrote under the
other plan, which showed how the Swedes had taken Riga
about a century before: "The Lord hath given it to me, and
the devil shall not take it from me." Charles the Twelfth
was a good representative of Scandinavian stubbornness.

Besides being independent, stubborn, and courageous the
old Viking was, on the whole, honest and truthful, but terribly
revengeful. Mercy seldom entered his harsh breast. He
never forgave an ofiense. "He had a sense of honor which
led him to sacrifice his life rather than his word." A promise
once given, either to a friend or an enemy, had to be carried
out unconditionally. Yet deception and cunning might be
practiced in war, but the highest honor was bestowed upon
those who were open and frank towards their enemies, kind
and merciful towards the weak and those who sought pro-
tection. Deception and cunning they never tolerated

22 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

among each other. One of the noblest characteristics
of the Northman was the brotherly union which he entered
into with a friend or antagonist whom he could not conquer
or subdue. This union, which was the most sacred that
could be entered into, was effected by opening each other's
veins, mixingtheir blood, and taking anoath that they would
share each other's joy and sorrow in this life, and revenge
each other's death.

Hospitality w^as an essential part of the North-
men's religion. There was a kind of unwritten social la-w
which compelled every person to entertain, to the best of
his ability, the time not being limited, and free of charge,
anyone, either his best friend or his worst enemy, who should
ask or be in need thereof. And no guest needed to fear to be
molested or imposed upon. This custom of hospitality is
yet to a great extent practiced in the rural districts of the
Scandinavian countries.

The Northmen had a higher respect for women than
most heathen nations. It is true that they bought their
wives of their fathers-in-law. The Romans sometimes stole
their wives. But after the bargain had been once made
the women were generally treated with respect and dignity,
and their place in the house was that of free beings, not
slaves. The men were attached to home and family, and, of
course, enjoyed the wine and the feast.

It is true that civilization has changed their manners, cus-
toms, mode of thinking, ideas of right and wrong, and to
some extent even their appearance. Yet at bottom the Scan-
dinavians of today are the same as their ancestors were a
thousand years ago. "Civilization," says Carlyle, "is only

SCANDINAVIANS— CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 23

a wrappage through which the savage nature bursts infernal
as ever."

The diverse influences of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
have developed different characteristics of the people in the
respective countries. But the people of the northern part of
Sweden differ more from the inhabitants of southern Sweden
than the latter do from those who live on the Danish
islands — ^the last tw^o having a very fair complexion, being
the purest descendants of the Goths; the former are often as
dark as Frenchmen, which is also the case with many Nor-
w^egians, and those residing in Danish Jutland.

The Danish islanders and the southern Swedes in par-
ticular, and all the Danes in general, are open and frank, easy
to become acquainted with, polite to strangers, not specially
witty, but refined and polished in their intercourse with
other people. They are industrious, frugal, peaceable, and
possess a great amount of push, energy, and business shrewd-
ness. They are not so much of agitators and extremists as
the Norwegians, nor as aristocratic and conservative as the
northern Swedes, but a combination of both. In business
they are democratic, in social affairs they prefer the class dis-
tinction. Both in politics and commerce they are conserva-
tive. Risky speculations, and radical reforms are repugnant
to their very nature. They will answer you by yea and nay,
but prefer the ifs and huts. Their motto is; "In the sight
of our Lord all men are 'SmManningar.' " This part of the
North is by far the most populous and wealthy; the peo-
ple are more business-like and cosmopolitan in their ideas
than any other Scandinavians. In their social intercourse
they pay less attention to the form than the substance; thev

24 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

are less earnest, but more courteous than the Norwegians.
They have been called the Germans of the North.

A northern Swede, and especially a Stockholmer, is re-
served, hard to get acquainted with, conservative, but above
all, an aristocrat. He is proud of his country, its history,
and himself. Business is not in his line. He is the poet, wit,
historian, statesman, philosopher, and patriot. He must
dress well, comply rigorously with the latest rules of eti-
quette, and drink the most expensive wine. He has a large
assortment of bows, bobs, courtesies, and hat-liftings, vary-
ing according to the age, sex, condition, and class distinc-
tion. The class distinction is greater and more varied in Swe-
den than in any of the other Scandinavian countries. The
northern Swedes have been called the Frenchmen of the North.

The Norwegians are less ceremonious than the Danes or
Swedes, as no class distinction exists among them; they treat
strangers w^ith a certain kind of cold courtesy, and do not ap-
pear to be anxious to make anybody's acquaintance. They
are independent, somewhat haughty, radical, progressive, ex-
treme, and above all, Norwegians. Religious, political, and
social changes must not be hindered, but promoted. They
are more earnest and turbulent than any of the other
Scandinavian people, but lack that smoothness and courtesy
which the Danes especially master with great perfection.
They are bold sailors and daring adventurers, resembling
more than anyone else the old Vikings. The Norwegians
have been called the Englishmen of the North.

These different characteristics of the Northmen are, of
course, as has always been the case, largely due to "The
climate, the soil, and the general character of the countries."

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 25

The southern part of Sweden, and Denmark are largely pro-
ductive prairies, where the climate is rather even the whole
year round; no great changes occur in the seasons to compel
the people to make any extraordinary exertions. The coun-
try is rich, productive, and thickly settled; consequently,
social and financial intercourse is so frequent that the
people out of necessity become courteous, refined, enterpris-
ing, and broad-mined. This part of the North was first civi-
lized and Christianized. Later, the introduction of feudal-
ism and the enslavement of the peasants could easily be ac-
complished here, vs-here, unlike Norway and northern
Sweden, no great mountain walls and deep fjords defended
the weak against the encroachment of the strong. But the
same European influence which in the middle ages compelled
these people to submit to the spirit of the times, has at pres-
ent made them the broadest and most cosmopolitan of all
the Northmen.

In the northern part of Sweden nature is stern, the win-
ters are severe, existence must be obtained by hard toil, and
activity becomes a necessity. It was the brave people from
Dalame w^ho in olden times often insisted upon their rights
of free men, and twice enforced their demands by the sword.
It is due to the population of northern Sweden that she
has one of the most brilliant histories in Christendom, and
that the peasants have never, as was the case in Denmark,
been chained to the soil, but have always exercised a great in-
fluence upon the political affairs . But the grand careers of Gus-
tavus Adolphus and the Charleses have had a tendency to
make the Swedish people proud, which is but natural, for few
countries, and certainly neither Denmark nor Norway has

26 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

such a renowned history. The nearness of Russia, French
influence, and a brilliant history have been the chief agencies
in making the Swedes a conservative, a polite, and an aris-
tocratic nation. "Sweden," a Dane says, "is the one of the
three kingdoms which, according to its whole history and
present position, is called upon to take theleadership in allfor-
eign Scandinavian politics. The nation has still a vivid
memory of its participation in the great European strifes in the
days of the Gustaves and the Charleses, and takes continually
the greatest interest in all great political questions. That
country has, furthermore, what the other two kingdoms have
not, a class especially adopted to be the bearers of such a
policy. It cannot be denied that the great foreign questions
are the most difficult to grapple with for the democracies.
Sweden, more than Norway and Denmark, has something of
an able national aristocracy. Norway has no noblemen at
all, and the few in Denmark are too fresh from absolute gov-
ernment, and it seems also — although some of them are very
w^ealthy— that they are hardly to the same extent as in
Sweden, interested in the economic life of the country.
While in Denmark we only find few names like those of
Moltke, Bille, and Frijs, prominent in its foreign politics;
in Sweden we still find a number of names from the great
European wars— skjolds, svards, hjelms, stjernas, kronas
(or all the names ending in words as shield, sword, | helmet,
star, crown, etc.) — as leaders in agriculture, mining, banking,
or other important interests of the country. Nor can it be
denied that such a class, as a rule, has a better understand-
ing of the great questions than a pure democracy of peas-
ants or of workingmen in the cities."

SCANDINAYIANS— CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 27

In Norway "The ocean roars along its rock-bound coast,
and during the long, dark winter the storms howl and rage,
and hurl the waves in white showers of spray against the
sky. The Aurora Borealis flashes like a huge shining
fan over the northern heavens, and the stars glitter with
keen frosty splendor." The many deep cut valleys, protected
by mountains and fjords, are by nature independent princi-
palities. Even when the country was a province of Denmark
each valley governed its own local affairs. The Norwegians
are, like the elements that surround them, daring, indepen-
dent, radical, and turbulent.

An educated Danish-American speaks about the Scandi-
navians at home in the following manner: "If we look for
the differences in character between the Scandinavians and
the Anglo-Saxons, we find that our countrymen, with all
their solid qualities, are lacking in that energy which prob-
ably, more than anything else, characterizes the English and
American nations. The average Scandinavian has at bot-
tom a good deal of the same nature as the Anglo-Saxon.
He is rather cold and taciturn. Southern people even find a

certain kind of brutality in his nature, but they admire his
strength of character. Outward, as well as inward, the
Scandinavian and the Anglo-Saxon are probably more alike
than men of other nationalities. It is only w^hen it comes to
activity that the Scandinavians fall back compared w^ith the
pushing and enterprising Anglo-Saxons. This difierence has
not always existed. Energy, individuality, and love of free-
dom were just as characteristic of the old inhabitants of the
Scandinavian north as they are at present of the English
speaking race, especially in the greatest period of their his-

28 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

tory, that of the Vikings, when the Normans, Danes, and
Swedes conquered half of Europe, and the Danish blood on
French soil, the Normans of Normandy, instituted the great-
est development of the mediaeval epoch.

"But the old Scandinavians did not keep up this great
evolution of force at home, whether this was due to the mol-
lifying influence of Christianity, or to the destruction of the
small independent communities by the larger kingdoms, or
to both together which ended the old life of continuous fight-
ing. The northern empire of Canute the Great, as well as the
later of the Valdemars, were even more short lived forma-
tions than the Prankish empire; and at no later period of
their history have the Scandinavians been able to make any
great extension of their power. They have developed a re-
spectable civilization, but no great enterprise, and they are
not counted among the leading nations of the world. Only
the poet can now sing, 'Again shall the glorious race of the
North lead to victory the freedom of nations.' In actual life
they are at present a more modest people.

"There is certainly in this respect a great difference be-
tween the three Scandinavian nations. The Swedes have
formerly been more aptto go to extremes. Although they are
not lacking in any of the more solid qualities of the Danes
and Norwegians, they have in their composition more of the
French elan than their brethren; and they have at least a
certain kind of pushing energy. We shall not attempt to de-
cide whether this is due to the difference in climate — there
being in Sweden more of the stirring, continental difference
between the seasons, more frequent changes from heat to
cold than in Denmark or Norway; or to the accidental his-

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 29

toric dcTelopment which connected Sweden, more than Den,
mark-Norway, with general European politics; or, finally,
to the old difiference in race between the remarkably gifted
people of the Svear north of the great Swedish lakes, and the
Goths and other Scandinavian tribes farther south. The
Danes are certainly a people of extreme moderation. They
are unbearably conservative in business, where they work
respectably, but seldom exert themselves very much. In
their religion they rarely show much zeal, although, as a
rule, on the other hand, they are far from being professed
free-thinkers. In art, their national school copies with truth-
fulness the characteristics of the country and of the people,
but lacks all brilliancy in colors and in ideas. Molesworth,
an English ambassador of two hundred years ago, in des-
cribing the country and the people, speaks of their extraor-
dinary moderation in virtues as in vices; and thus it certainly
cannot be their absolute government which has produced all
this respectable mediocrity in the nation. The temperate
climate makes one day like another, and their isolated loca-
tion allows the people to live their own life free from the
great European movements. The Norwegians have more
earnestness, as their soil and climate are harder and more
severe than the fertile Danish country and the moderate
Danish climate. But their location has kept them still more
apart from general European matters, and their greatness
as a seafaring nation can hardly keep up with the changes
of the times. It was in the former Danish-Norwegian state
largely due to the Norwegians that the sea was called the
'Path of Danes to praise and might.' Lately came the
epoch of steam, which made even navigation a question of

30 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

machinery and money rather than of personal prowess and
ability. Already when navigation and commerce went over
distant parts of the world and through greater seas, the very
location of England and Holland gave them an advantage
over the natives of the North. Nature contributed its part,
and together with free government made the Anglo-Saxons the
real successors of the Scandinavian Vikings in enterprise and
energy. Today this natural advantage in the location of
Great Britain is again neutralized by the marvelous develop-
ment of the railway systems of the world; and not only the
political preponderance, but also the new changes of com-
munication by land, that is making Germany — and especially
the Prussians, these able German colonists on Slav territory
— ^the successful competitor of England. This, too, is one of
the main causes of the greatness of the United States; and it
is especially — as everybody knows — the railways w^hich at
this moment make the great American West the main field of
development of the whole Teutonic race. This is now, more
than any other part of the world, what in olden times the
northern and western seas were in Europe. Here there is
room for the individuality and energy of our race ; for the
free development of co-operation of all human forces.

"This feature of moderation, so prominent in the charac-
ters of the present Scandinavians, also shows itself in their
internal policy. Honest administration and justice are
characteristics of their national life."

In a letter to Prof. Hjame, of Upsala, Sweden — pub-
in The North in 1893 — Bjonstjeme Bjomson characterizes
the Norwegians in this manner: "The Norwegians are,
in my opinion, not that people in the North which is

SCANDINAYIAXS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 31

least gifted or has the weakest character. But its fate
has brought it to such a pass that it has not had
enough cohesive power, not enough sense of national
honor; therefore its aims are not far reaching. It is not so
grand as the Swedish people (not so flippant either, per-
haps). It is not so industrious and faithful as the Danish
people (not so zealous either, perhaps). It takes hold and
lets go, it lets go and takes hold of persons and aims. It
will exert itself to the utmost; but it demands speedy and
signal success; its ambition is not so great as its vanity.
Hot-headed, impetuous in small things, it is patient in great
ones, so that with all its faults it has talents for a noble
deed, provided the conditions are present. But the condi-
tion of conditions is the right of self-determination in
order that it may concentrate its bias for adventure and its
talents in forming new things and, if possible, in making
these an example for others. The Norwegian people must
needs take the lead in certain things. If its craving for
honor and its character can be marshaled in a spontaneous
exertion for the accomplishment of a certain purpose, you
may see that it is capable of something, and the North shall
be benefited by us."

It is, however, not fair to blame the Scandinavians at
home for their lack of energy and enterprise. Nature is
against them. The countries, on the whole, are barren and
unproductive, the opportunities for safe investments are
scarce, and a speculator after having once failed will find it
extremely difficult to re-establish himself in business. Con-
sequently the people become conservative in business, as well
as in politics and in religion. Diligence and frugality has to

32 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

be adopted, not as a matter of choice, perhaps, but as a
matter of necessity. In the United States the country is
new, undeveloped, and rich; a failure, or even several, can be
amended, vrhich induces us to become bold speculators, and
daring advocates of new social, religious, and political
theories; changes and excitement become a passion; every-
thing is conducive to activity; the air we breathe is commer-
cial. In the North all this is reversed. Yet it would be
wrong to accuse the people of sluggishness. For whoever
has seen Stockholm, hewed out of the rocks, or Kristiania —
both located nearly a thousand miles farther north than the
northern boundary line of the United States, and having
about the same latitude as the central part of Alaska and
the extreme southern portion of Greenland — must admit
that they possess all the energy and enterprise which nature
permits them to exercise. Taking into consideration the
harshness of the climate and the barrenness of the soil in the
greater part of the Scandinavian countries, no one can deny
that the people have shown more push and perseverence in
supporting themselves by cultivating these districts than any
of the other nations — all of which, as a general thing, have
been more favored by nature. It is not difficult to live in
splendor when one has plenty, but it takes skill and prudence
to manage to make a comfortable livelihood out of a small
income. The Scandinavians at home have not only sup-
plied their physical wants, but are among the most civi-
lized nations on earth. Their lower schools — the bulwark of
a nation— are excellent, and certainly better than the much-
boastedof American common schools. Denmark, Norway,
and Sweden are among the five European states, which vir-

SCANDINAVIANS — CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY. 33

tually have no illiterate classes of people. In Russia only 21
persons out of a hundred can read and write, in Italy 58, in
Hungary 61, in Austria 75, in Ireland 76, in the United
States 78, in Great Britain 91, in Holland 92, in Germany
99, and in the Scandinavian countries 99%.

It is true that the people of the North are somewhat in-
clined tow^ards drunkenness, and crimes and vices are, of
course, as is the case in every country, committed. Yet in
the Northern countries, where large cities can hardly be said
to exist, where the poorer classes of the community are
scattered through the farming districts and not congregated
in dirty quarters of great cities, morality naturally stands
high. And whoever has, by actual observation, compared
the facial expressions of the lower strata of humanity in the
country districts of the North with those of the same grade
in the large European and American cities, must certainly
come to the conclusion that the former are morally so far
superior to the latter that no comparison can properly be
made between them.

History of the Scandinavian Immigration.

O. ISt. NELSON.

The Icelanders discovered America, as is well known, about
the year 1000, and the Scandinavians have, in all probability,
emigrated to the United States ever since the country began
to be colonized. For example, Hans Hansen Bergen, of Ber-
gen, Norway, came with the Dutch emigrants to New York
as early as 1633, and became the ancestor of a large Ameri-
can family by that name. In the Dutch colonial and church
records he w^as variously called Hans Hansen von Bergen,
Hans Hansen de Noorman, etc. He married a Dutch lady,
was quite a noted character in those early days, and his
namehas, perhaps, been mixed up with the supposed Danish-
Norwegian colony at Bergen, N. J., which should, according
to some questionable authorities, have been founded there in
1624. Although there is every reason, and some historical
evidence for assuming that there were Danes and Norwegians
in America at that time, they were not numerous enough
to establish a distinct settlement.

The weU-kno wn Swedish colony was founded at Delaware
River in 1638 , and a Swedish clergyman preached in his native

(35)

36 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

tongue in Philadelphia as late as 1823. United States min-
ister to Sweden-Norway, W. W. Thomas, writes: "New
Sweden as a distinct political organization under the Swedish
flag, existed but for seventeen years. Yet, brief as was its
life, this little colony occupies a memorable place in American
history, and has left a lasting impress upon this continent.
Most of the Swedish colonists continued to live onthebanks
of the Delaware, and their descendants have ever been, and
are today, among the most influential and honored citizens
of the three states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New
Jersey. The raan who, as a member of the Continental
Congress, gave the casting vote of Pennsylvania in
favor of the Declaration of Independence, was a Swede
of the old Delaware stock — John Morton. And when
the civil w^ar burst upon the land, it was a descendant of
New Sweden, the gallant Robert Anderson, who, with but a
handful of men, calmly and bravely met the first shock of
the rebellion at Fort Sumter. Surely, love of freedom, and
patriotism, and state-craft, and valor came over to America,
not only in the May£ower, but also in that Swedish ship,
the Kalmar Nyckel. ' '

The brave Captain Bering, a Dane, entered the service of
Peter the Great, and discovered the strait which bears his
name, in the first part of the eighteenth century. It was on
his discovery that Russia based its claim to Alaska, which
afterwards was bought by the United States. The early
Swedish immigrants in this century found countrymen of
theirs in Charleston, S. C, who had come to this country
during the previous century.

In the first year, 1820, when the United States com-

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 37

menced to record the number of immigrants who arrived,
20 are registered from Denmark and only three from Sweden-
Norway. It is a remarkable fact that the total sum of the
Danish emigrants from 1820 to 1840 equals in number the
total sum of both the Norwegians and Swedes during the
same time; yet the Danish immigration has never been
very heavy, reaching its maximum of nearly 12,000 in 1882,
when, on the other hand, 30,000 Norwegians and 65,000
Swedes arrived. Since, the immigration of all the Scandinavi-
an countries has declined. The Norwegians never exceeded
a thousand a year until 1843, the Swedes not until 1852,
and the Danes not until 1857.

It seems that the early Danish immigrants in this coun-
try and the Swedish colonists at Delaware River should
have been the means of spreading reliable information in re-
gard to America in their respective countries, and thus be-
come factors in making the emigration from Denmark and
Sweden much earlier than from Norway. But it is just the
reverse. The Danes, however, have been too busy in re-con-
structing their affairs at home, and on that account have, '
probably, been prevented from participating in the move-
ment towards the West. The common people in Sweden
knew nothing about the colony at Delaware River, the rela-
tion between these settlers and their father-land had virtu-
ally ceased before the present century commenced. Such ad-
venturers as Kleng Person came in direct contact with the
laboring classes of Norway, and thus hastened the American
fever in that country. The Kleng Persons of Denmark and
Sweden appeared on the scene much later. Nor must we for-
get that before the middle of this century a citizen of Sweden

38 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

was required to have a special permit from the king and
pay three hundred kronor* before he could leave the
country, while the constitution of Norway granted that
freedom to every man. It must also be remembered that
the conservatism of the Danes and Swedes has somewhat
hindered their westward march, while the passion for radical
changes among the Norwegians has been the means of pro-
moting their emigration.

The emigrants of today have a great deal of trouble with
their baggage, steamship agents, hotel runners, and impos-
ers of all kinds. Yet their annoyance and inconveniences are
small in comparison with the misery which the early pio-
neers passed through. Before the middle of this century no
regular steamers plowed between the North and this coun-
try, no Western railroads existed. The Scandinavian emi-
grants rode after a horse team to a seaport at home, where
they often had to wait for weeks before a chance could be se-
cured to embark for England, France, or Germany, where
they again had to rest in patience for a while until a sailing-
vessel brought them across the stormy Atlantic. Some-
times several emigrants clubbed together and hired or
bought a small, old ship; others again took passage on a
merchant-vessel. Generally the journey lasted from two to
six months. Provisions often failed, sickness and suffering
always occurred, and more than once starvation and hun-
ger stared them in the face. Prom New York they generally
proceeded to the Northwest by slow boats up the Erie
Canal and continued the tedious journey on the Great Lakes.

"In early times migrations consisted of movements of
whole tribes in a career of conquests, and differed radically

*Ia "Sjelfbingrafi", p. 10, by Kev. S, B. Newman, It is asserted that emigrants had to
giye bonds for the amonnt mentioned.

HISTORY OF THE SCA tmiNAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 39

from emigration, which is a movement of individuals." The
"wandering of the Goths and other barbarians at the time of
the fall of Rome, and to a certain extent the conquests of the
Vikings, were migrations. The early colonies of America, for
example, the Swedish settlement at the Delaware River in
the first part of the seventeenth century, were not private
affairs, but national, under the direction of the respective
governments; they also differed from emigration. Thegreat
stream of human beings who have sought and seek homes
on the American continent and in Australia in the nineteenth
century are emigrants. But if migration, colonization, and
emigration have differed in their nature, the causes which
have lead the Scandinavians, and to a great extent other
people, to participate in these movements have always been
the same.

What have been the chief motives and main causes
which have induced the one-and-a-half million Scandinavians
to exchange their northern homes and settle on the wild
prairies and in the thick forests of the Western continent in
the nineteenth century? First: The Northern countries,
on the whole, are barren and unproductive. The wealth, and
especially the best part of thelaud, has been, toagreatextent,
concentrated in a few hands. And although the Scandinavian
countries in many places are not thickly populated, yet the
land being poor, unequally divided, and not always culti-
vated to its fiillest capacity, a large portion of the intelligent,
industrious, and prudent classes have been compelled to drag
out their lives in poverty. The idea of dependence was repug-
nant to their very nature. But revolution against the
powers that be and the property of other people was al-

40 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

most equally objectionable, for civilization has made tlie
fierce and turbulent Northmen law-abiding people. Yet
revolutionary movements, on a small scale, of the laboring
classes were attempted during the first part of this century,
both in Denmark and Sweden. In Denmark these move-
ments of the people resulted in important changes. Prop-
erty was revolutionized. The greater part of the land be-
fore 1849 belonged to the large estates; the laboring people
and tenants, being bound to the soil, were virtually slaves
of the great land owners; but since most of the land has
passed into the hands of small and middle-sized farms; and
the people now exercise a great influence upon all affairs per-
taining to the government. This reconstruction of Den-
mark has, no doubt, hindered the Danish emigration, which
before 1880 did not reach 5,000 in number a year, and has
never exceeded 12,000 annually. In southern Sweden, how-
ever, an attempted revolution failed totally; some of the
leaders got drunk when action was necessary. But on the
whole little has been attempted or accomplished by revolu-
tionary movements to better the economical conditions of
the Scandinavians at home. Nor can it be denied that feud-
alism, a strong central government, a mistaken idea of pat-
riotism, the great distinction between the classes, the religi-
ous belief that the superiors must be obeyed in all things,
and the continuous preaching of contentment by the clergy
to the masses, had induced the descendants of the independ-
ent Vikings to submit slavishly to'the condition of things.
But the spirit of freedom was not dead, it only slept. Kin-
dle the spark and the old Viking blood will again boil with,
fire of passion and seek for adventure, conquests, and liber-

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 41

ty. And when the report reached the North that beyond
the Atlantic Ocean, freedom of conscience, liberty of thought,
and, above all, independence in life, could be attained by
honest toil, struggle, and self-sacrifice, they were at once
ready to embrace the opportunity. But as a people they
move slowly, 'they are more conservative than radical; con-
sequently their emigration began late, which, however, was
largely due to the fact that no reliable information in regard
to the Western World could reach the poorer and middle
classes, scattered, as they are, over a large tract of terri-
tory thinly populated.

Secondly — A few Scandinavian sailors and adventurers had
settled in the United States in the early part of this century.
Some of them were educated men. In letters to relatives,
contributions to newspapers, and, above all, by personal
visits to their old homes, they pictured in fine colors the
economic, social, religious, and political advantages to be
gained in the New World. They created a sensation among
the laboring and middle class, which has resulted in changes
at home that maybe said to be revolutionary in theirnature.
When Scandinavian-Americans visited the North, the people
would travel on foot, during the cold winters, long dis-
tances to hear their wonderful tales — some are said to have
been a professional expert in the art of tale-telling. OIo
Rynning's book, A True Account of America, which was
published in Kristiania in 1839, was read by everybody.
Gustaf Unonius, who with his wife and a few others arrived
in America in 1841, and may be said to have given the first
impulse to the Swedish emigration, was looked upon in
America as a curiosity, and his letters to the press in Sweden

42 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

created a great excitement. Col. Hans Mattson, who came
to this country in 1851, says: "At this time the Swedes
w^ere so little known, and Jennie Lind, on the other hand, so
renowned in America, that the Swedes were frequently called
Jennie Lind men." When he visited his native country in
1868, the people flocked to see him, the servant girls drew
lots who should wait upon him, and the one who succeeded
in having the honor, expressed her disappointment that "He
looked just like any other man." In the early times the
opinions in the North regarding America differed. Class
opposed class. The clergy, the school, the press, and the
upper classes leagued together in opposing the whole emi-
gration movement. The clergy maintained that to emigrate
to a foreign country was a sin against the fourth command-
ment : "Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy
God commandeth thee ; that thy days may be long, and that
it may go vrell with thee upon the land which the Lord thy
God gi veth thee . " But these pious men omitted to mention that
their God had brought his chosen people out of thebondage of
Egypt. In the public schools, children were taught that to
emigratew^asa crime against patriotism. The press ridiculed
the whole movement and published the contributions from
Scandinavian- Americans only as a matter of curiosity, and
as a specimen of American mendacity. Scandinavian
travelers, tourists, and those who had ruined their financial
and social conditions in the old country, often went to the
United States and described in the newspapers at home the
sufferings and horrors which awaited the emigrants, and the
barbarity of the American nation. Frequently these accusa-
tions were true. In the early part of this century the emi-

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 43

grants were swindled, defrauded, ill-treated, robbed, mur-
dered, and even sold as slaves into the Southern states.
According to the Constitution of Norway, which is one of
the most liberal in Europe, those who were convicted of a
penitentiary offense, and those who had emigrated to a foreign
land, were put on an equal footing. To emigrate in those
days was considered a crime by all the Northern powers.
Henrik Wergeland wrote :

" Did ind hvor Fyrren siiser ind
Tor ingen Nidding vandre,
Som har forglemt i trolost Sind
Sit Faedreland for andre."

Thirdly — Religious persecution and military service have
not compelled many Northmen to leave their native lands.
For, excepting Eric Janson's party from Sweden, few have
emigrated on account of direct religious oppression. On the
whole, and especially in later years when the Northern emi-
gration has been heaviest, the religious laws of the Scandi-
navian countries have been very liberal. But it cannot
be denied that indirectly the religious narrowness, the un-
favorable and unjust religious laws, have had a great in-
fluence in promoting the movement, especially in starting it;
yet sometimes the emigrants have mistaken law and order
for oppression, and left their native lands on account of their
wrong notion of liberty. Quite frequently the very opposi-
tion of the clergy and the educated classes lead the working
people and farmers to cast the dice in favor of the Western
World.

Fourthly — After the pioneer immigrants had succeeded , by

44 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

sending letters, newspapers, and special information for em-
igrants published by steamship and railway companies, to
their relations and firiends in the North, but, above all, by per-
sonal visits to their old homes, in giving a true, but sometimes
an exaggerated, account of the condition of things in
the United States, then the emigration assumed enormous
proportions. It became a fashion.

Smith, in his book Emigration and Immigration, says :
" Emigration is sometimes spoken of as if it were simply the
operation of an individual coolly and rationally measuring
the advantages to be gained, and thus advancing his own
ecconomic condition and that of the country to which he
comes. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Emigra-
tion proceeds now under the numerous influences, the efforts
of steamship companies, the urging of friends and relations,
the assistance of poor law authorities and charitable socie-
ties, and the subtle but powerfial influence of popular delusion
in regard to the New World." Another authority, speaking
especially in regard to the ScandinaNian emigration, which
Smith does not, although his assertions apply to it as well
as to others, writes : "With a few minor exceptions the whole
movement has been unorganized, though agents of steam-
ship and railway companies, and even some of the states,
have systematically worked up immigration sentiment in the
Northlands."

There are certainly very few Scandinavian paupers and
criminals -who have, as has been the practice in other
European countries, and especially in England, been sent to
foreign countries by the government, local communities, or
charitable associations. Yet, in by-gone days, philanthro.

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 45

pic societies in Sweden have paid the passage to America of
liberated criminals.

To sum up the causes which have induced one-and-a-
half million Northmen to emigrate to the United States
in the nineteenth century, the main reason has at bottom been
the same as that which produced the Viking age, namely, ma-
teria/ betterment. Yet, as was the case with the Northmen,
the love for freedom and adventure, especially as the unjust
reUgious, social, and political conditions have been rather
oppressive to the middle and laboring classes, has, during
the whole history of the Scandinavian emigration, been a pow-
erful factor in promoting the movement. It was adventur-
ers, and those who were hostile to all class distinction, that
gave the first impulse to the movement, and may be said to
have directed the Northern immigrants towards the North-
west. While, as veas the custom in the heroic age of the
ninth and tenth centuries, the spirit of the time and the fash-
ion of the age have in latter years induced many young peo-
ple in the Scandinavian countries to court dangers and turn
the wheel of fortune in foreign lands. The man who dared
to leave his native country has always been admired for his
courage and bravery, although his motives have often been
questioned. To emigrate has of late been looked upon as the
proper thing to do for those who were ambitious and pos-
sessed sufficient energy to become successful in foreign lands.
It has always been considered a great shame to return to the
North, even for a short visit, before a person has been suc-
cessful abroad, and few have done it. In recent years, letters,
newspapers, and printed informations for immigrants, which
have been sent to relatives at home, visits of prosperous im-

46 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

migrants to their native lands, and inumerable prepaid pass-
age tickets "Have been the most powerful preachers of thie
New World's advantages."

Age, sex, and occupation prove that the Scandinavian
immigrants are the cream of the working classes. According
to the United States statistics, 62 per cent are males, 65 per
cent arrive between fifteen and forty years of age, 11 per cent
are over forty years of age, and 24 per cent are children
under fifteen. During the years between 1881 and 1890,
1 person out of 5,914 was a clergyman, 1 out of 5,089 a
musician, 1 out of 7,236 a physician and surgeon, and 1 out
of 3,074 a teacher — in other words only 1 out of 1,017 had
a profession, while 1 out of 12 was a skilled laborer, and
one-half of the Scandinavian immigrants w^ere either farm-
ers, merchants, or servants.

Nor is there any reason to assume that they change their
occupations a great deal when they arrive in this country, for,
according to the United States census of 1870, 1880, 1890,
25 per cent of the Scandinavian population were engaged
in agriculture, and 50 per cent labored at what was called
"All classes of work." It is a notable fact that 1 out of 4 of
every Scandinavian engages in agriculture, while only 1 out
of 6 of the native Americans, 1 out of 7 of the Germans, and
1 out of 12 of the Irish, follow the same profession.

It is partly on account ol their great love and fitness for
farming that the Scandinavians have been considered by
nearly every American political economist to be the best im-
migrants which the country receives. "It is," says an au-
thority, "to the Scandinavian immigrants from Norway,
Sweden, and Denmark, that the Northwest is largely indebt-

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 47

ed for its marvelous development." "The Scandinavians,"
adds another, "especially, take to farming. They have suc-
ceeded where the Americans -with better start have failed.
They have acquired farms and now live in a state of great
comfort. In a certain sense it is the survival of the fittest."
A fair proportion, however, of the younger element of
the Scandinavian immigrants pursue studies in this country,
either at some of the Scandinavian institutions or in Ameri-
can colleges, and later attend to the professional need of
their countrymen. And although not very many, proporT
tionally, of the highly educated classes emigrate; yet un-
questionably, taken all in all, the people who exchange the
North for the United States are, on the aggregate, mentally
better endowed, and morally superior to those "who remain
at home. In the first place, as a general thing, criminals,
paupers, and idiots are cared for by the Northern govern-
ments, and are not permitted to leave. The poor and the
vicious classes cannot pay for their own passage, nor receive
a ticket on credit. Cowards dare not, and fools have not
sense enough to emigrate. It is the old story of the Vikings.
Gathering together hap-hazzard a thousand Scandinavian
emigrants on any vessel w^hich is destined for the United
States and an equal number of those who remain in the
North, and the former will, in regard to age, sex, physique,
mental endowment, and moral purity and courage, be
superior to the latter. Smith, the latest and one of the best
authorities on the emigration question, says: "It is often
the poor and degraded who have not the courage nor the
means to emigrate. When emigration is brought about by
the free action of a man's own mind, without extraneous

48 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE TJ. S.

aids or influences, it is naturally the men who have intelli-
gence, some financial resources, energy, and ambition that
emigrate. It requires all these to break loose from the ties
of kindred, of neighborhood, and country, and to start out
on a long and difficult journey. On account of that the
best people emigrate, therefore the government objects."
Secondly, a well school-trained man is not always the best
naturally endowed. Besides, even educated emigrants must
possess courage, energy, and perseverance in order to suc-
ceed in foreign lands. It is only the liberal and broad-
minded people of the higher classes who in any sense can ex-
change their native customs and manners, and adopt the
habits of other nations. It is harder, perhaps, for a cult-
ured man, who has acquired a permanent character and
fiixed ideas, to forget his native soil than it is for an illiterate
person — the former's patriotism is founded on reason, the
latter 's on sentiment. The fact that the majority of the
educated Scandinavians at home have been hostile towards
and not participated much in the emigration movement
has been an important factor in hastening the Americaniza-
tion of the Northern people.

Those having had a home training, and especially the
clergy, whose duties it is to guide the intellectual improve-
ment and moral conduct of the people have generally been
men of broad culture and liberal views.who have founded, or
promoted, great Scandinavian-American educational insti-
tutions, where the younger elements of the people have been
educated, and the latter became the leaders of the Northern
race in the New World. It is true that these institutions
have been managed somewhat according to a different

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 49

method than most American colleges, yet they have been, and
are, the stepping stones towards Americanization. And it
certainly is, from an American standpoint, far better that the
clergy and other men of learning have been educated in Scan-
dinavian-American schools than that they should have been
imported — which otherwise would have been absolutely nec-
essary — ^from the Northern countries.

The diflFerent location of each country and the diverse
historical connections with foreign countries have made a
little variation in the character of the Northmen at home.
But these differences are slight, being on the whole merely
artificial, and can hardly be said to apply, to any great ex-
tent at least, to the Scandinavians in this country. For the
immigrants upon their arrival in the United States generally
discard their artificial acquirements and begin to practice
their natural endowments, namely : courage, determination,
industry, frugality, and perseverance. It is remarkable how
quickly, for example, a northern Swede will dispense with his
elaborate system of bows, bobs, courtesies, hat-liftings, and
adopt the practice of simpler manners ; this he often does in
spite of himself, for quite frequently he is not a believer in the
American simplicity of intercourse; especially is the cold and
unceremonious business relation, which is in such contrast to
what he has been used to, repugnant to him. Yet even on
the streets or in the stores in Stockholm you can easily detect
a person who has been in America, perhaps, only for six
months; the man has been simplified. But in spite of the fact
that the Scandinavians become quickly Americanized, only
retaining their original boldness, frankness, and firmness, yet
their different training shows itself in many ways. For

50 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

example, the great political agitation whicli has been in
operation in Norway ever since the beginning of this century,
has created among the Norwegians a taste and ability
for politics in which neither the Swedes nor the Danes
can, or will not perhaps, compete with them, not even
in this country. Between the years of 1880 and 1900
there were, according to the United States census, from
ten to one hundred and fifty, thousand more Swedes in
America than Norwegians, yet during that period only one
Swede was elected to the United States congress, while at
the same time seven Norwegians 'had a seat in the national
House of Representatives. It may be argued, which of
course is true, that the Norwegian immigration is older than
the Swedish, consequently the younger elements of the Nor-
wegians have had a longer time and a better chance to
become acquainted with the political machinery of the na-
tion than their brethren ; but even granting this, it yet
remains a fact that in Minnesota, where the immigration ol
one nationality is just as old as the other, about 170 Nor-
wegians and only 80 Swedes have represented their districts
in the two legislative bodies of the state from 1857 to 1900;
and although the population of the former has, until lately,
outnumbered that of the latter, it is not in proportion to
their political preponderance. Yet it must also be remem-
bered that only 21 per cent of the Norwegians live in cities
of over 25,000 inhabitants, where 32 per cent of the Swedes
are to be found. The Norwegians thus scattered throughout
the farming districts and smaller towns have a better chance
to be elected to local offices and to the state legislature than
those residing in large cities. The greater political activity

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 51

of the Norwegians in comparison with the Swedes is also
apparent by the former's greater variation in the choice oS
political parties. Some of the best educated Scandinavian-
Americans are Democrats, Prohibitionists, or Populists ; yet
the great majority of the Swedes have always been, and are,
Republicans, which is also, but to a less extent, the case with
the Norwegians. Twoof the seven Norwegian- American con-
gressmen w^ere elected by the Populists.

The difference in the characters of the two people shows
itself also, to look at it from an historical standpoint, in
their religion. For, while the Swedish- American Lutheran
Church has progressed smoothly, uninterruptedly, and undi-
vided, the Norwegian-Americans have wrangled about the-
ological dogmas, and divided Lutherism into six different
and distinct organizations ; some of which, how^ever, have
again been united into one body.

The Danish immigration is more recent, consequently
they do not stand out so prominently in political and relig-
ious matters as the other two nationalities, but on the
whole they resemble the Swedes in being conservative.

Thirty -two percent of the Swedish- American population,
twenty-three of the Danish, and twenty-one of the Norwe-
gian, reside in cities of over 25,000 inhabitants each ; this
does not, however, sustain the general opinion, that
the Swedes and Danes are better business men than the
Norwegians; but as the Danes and southern Swedes at home
seem to have a natural instinct for financial undertakings,
it is probably correct.

But on the whole the difference in the character between
the three Scandinavian- American nationalities is small find

52 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

short-lived. After a few years residence in this country, and
very often not even among the emigrants on board of the
ship that brings them, can any distinction of the separate
iMorthem nationalities be detected. In the second generation
only the old Northmen's fearlessness, energy, and strong
■will-power, clothed in American manners, are visible. Of
course, the physical features often change considerably in a
few generations.

The Scandinavians are justly proud of their Viking age.
The kings of Sweden have always styled themselves "King
of the Swedes, Goths, and Wends." The Danes and Nor-
wegians point with pride to their conquests in France, Great
Britain, and Ireland. Prof. Worsaae says : " The greatest,
and for general history the most important, memorials of
the Scandinavian people are connected, as is well known,
with the expeditions of the Normans, and the Thirty Years'
War." It is true that Rolf, Knute the Great, and Gustavus
Adolphus, have had, either directly or indirectly, a great in-
fluence upon civilization. But, excepting the Thirty Years'
War, the greatest, and for the human race the most import-
ant, memorials of the Scandinavian people are connected
with their discovery of, colonization in, and emigration to the
United States. John Ericsson, the greatest Scandinavian-
American, was more of a benefactor to humanity than either
Rolf, or Knute the Great, or both together. (We refrain from
mentioning other influential Scandinavian-Americans be-
cause many of them are living at present). 'The emigrants
coming from the narrow valleys of Norway, the mines and
forests of Sweden, the smiling plains of Denmark, the rocky
shores of Iceland, with hearts of oak and arms of steel.

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 53

are building empires in this Western continent.' They have
torn themselves away from home, country, relatives, friends,
brothers, sisters, and parents. They have cleared prairies and
forests, built railways, and mined the earth in a foreignland.
They have by hard and honest toil, struggle, prudence, fru-
gality, industry, and perseverance succeeded against adverse
circumstances in creating comfortable homes for themselves
on American 'soil. They have in war and peace, in commerce
and literature, in the pulpits and legislative halls, dis-
tinguished themselves, done their duties towards their
adopted country, and been an honor to their native lands.
But these peaceable and industrious emigrants from the
North have not received the same recognition, either at
home or abroad, as the savage and plundering Vikings.
How long will it take before the victories of peace shall be
more renowned than those of war ?

The well-known Col. Hans Mattson uses the following
language in the conclusion of his Mimien : "Yes, it is verily
true that the Scandinavian immigrants, from the early colon-
ists of 1638 to the present time, have famished strong hands,
clear heads, and loyal hearts to the republic. They have
caused the wilderness to blossom like the rose ; they have
planted schools and churches on the hills and in the valleys ;
they have honestly and ably administered the affairs of
tovsrn, county, and state; they have helped to make wise
laws for their respective commonwealths and in the halls of
congress ; they have with honor and ability represented their
adopted country abroad ; they have sanctified the American
soil by their blood, shed in freedom's cause on the battlefields
of the revolutionary and civil wars ; and though proud of

54 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

their Scandinavian ancestry, they love America and Ameri-
can institutions as deeply and as truly as do the descendents
of the Pilgrims, the starry emblem of liberty meaning as
much to them as to any other citizen.

"Therefore, the Scandinavian-American feels a certain
sense of ownership in the glorious heritage of American soil,
withits rivers, lakes, mountains, valleys, woods, and prairies,
and in all its noble institutions ; and he feels that the bless-
ings which he enjoys are not his by favor or sufferance, but
by right; by moral as well as civil right. For he took pos-
session of the w^ilderness, endured the hardships of the
pioneer, contributed his full share toward the grand results
accomplished, and is in mind and heart a true and loyal
American citizen."

But not only have the Northern immigrants created per-
manent monuments in the New World, but they have also
exercised a great reflex influence upon the affairs of the Old
World. For, while Gustavus Adolphus defended Protestant-
ism and German liberty, which resulted in the intellectual
and religious freedom of the world, it w^as Swedish-Ameri-
cans who introduced in Sweden the faith of the Baptists in
about 1850, and Methodism fifteen years later,* and were
largely instrumental in securing that religious toleration in
their native land which their ancestors had fought for in
foreign countries. A Norwegian- American introduced Meth-
odism in his native country in 1849, and Danish-Americans
commenced to preach that doctrine in Denmark shortly
after. It certainly shows a great amount of bigotry,
narrowness, and ignorance, not to say villainy, of the
governments at home, that Baptists should, on account

*The -work of the English Methodists in Sweden in the early part of the nineteenth
century was interrupted, but wai resumed by bwedish-Americans in 1865.

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 55

of proselyting, < be sent out of the kingdom by the civil
authorities of Sweden as late as in 1851; that Norwegian
Lutheran clergymen should endeavor, by force, to prevent
the Methodists from worshiping God according to their
own conscience, and bury their dead according to their own
rituals, as late as in 1860; or that Swedish ministers should
refuse to grant the permission of burying a Methodist pas-
tor, who was a citizen of this country, in the state cemetery
because, they said, he had beena /a/sepropAet, and the widow
was compelled to appeal to higher authorities in the name
of the American nation, as late as in 1867. Nor w^ere these
atrocities simply the result, or relic, of barbarian laws, for
until forty, or even twenty years ago, religious intolerance
was the accepted theory and common practice of the major-
ity of both the educated classes and the masses in the Scan-
dinavian countries. It must, however, be remembered that
the clergy of the state church thought it was their religious
duty to prevent w^hat they deemed to be false religions to
be imposed upon the people under their charge. Often the
missionaries w^ho represented the new sects were uneducated
men whose procedure was unwise. For example, the Jan-
sonites in Sweden publicly burned all religious books, except
the Bible. This, of course, was unlawful and they had to
sufferthe consequences. But the numerous letters and news-
papers which the immigrants have sent to their relatives at
home, and the frequent visits of Scandinavian-Americans to
their native lands, have had an immense influence in
moulding the public sentiment in favor of more political,
social, and religious freedom. And public sentiment not
only governs republics, but even shakes monarchs on their

56 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

thrones, and bends the will of bishops. Today the Northmen
at home enjoy, virtually, full religious freedom and possess a
great amount of political liberty — blessings which they
ought, at least to a great extent, to be thankful for to their
countrymen across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Scandinavian-Americans, however, have not con-
fined themselves to the political, social, and religious con-
version of the old folks at home, their influence has also been
of a more material nature. About fifty per cent of the
Scandinavian emigrants arrive by prepaid passage tickets
secured by relatives here. During each year of 1891 and
1892 — according to the estimate of A. E. Johnson of the
great emigration firm, A. E. Johnson and Company — six-
and-a-half milHon dollars in actual cash was sent from
this country to the North by well-to-do immigrants to their
relatives. It is impossible, however, to arrive at anything like
a correct conclusion in regard to what amount of wealth in
the shape of presents, prepaid passage tickets, and actual
cash which Scandinavian-Americans have transferred from
the United States to the North. Smith, in his excellent book
Emigration and Immigration, estimates that each immi-
grant sends to his native country $35, and from 1820-99,
according to United States statistics, not far from 1,500,000
Northmen have settled in this country. If each of them re-
turned $35, the total sum transfered from here to the Scan-
dinavian countries, would, during that period, amount to
$52,500,000.

Each immigrant, however, brings with him a certain
amount of capital, which Smith estimates to average from
$68 to $100, but in 1898 the Scandinavian immigrants

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 57

did not average that, according to the estimate of the com-
missioner of immigration. "It costs," to quote Smith,
"about $652.50 to bring up a child in Europe till 15 years
of age, and twice that amount in the United States.
But this estimate does not mean the real value of men; they
are not valued in dollars and cents. But every immigrant
must represent labor capacity worth at least the value of a
slave, which was $800 or $1,000 before the war, but being a
free man he may not choose to w^ork. But it is figured that
each immigrant is worth $875." Assuming that each Scan-
dinavian immigrant has brought $75, which added to $875,
the value of his labor capacity, amounts to $950, and multi-
plyingthatamount by 1,500,000, the number of immigrants
we find that the Scandinavian countries have sent — or rather
permitted to be transferred — to the United States one billion
four hundred and fifty million dollars ($1,450,000,000) worth
of property in the form of human beings and what valuables
these have brought with them. Even subtracting the $52,500,-
000 which have been returned in the shape of prepaid tickets,
presents, and cash, it yet leaves the United States in a debt
of $1,397,500,000 to the Scandinavian countries.

The Chinamen are, perhaps, intellectually equal to any
people, yet China can never reach a higher civilization than it
has attained to until the population is, in some way, reduced.
Civilization and luxury go hand in hand. A highly cultured
people must have elbow room for their activity. Simply
a bare physical existence cannot elevate a nation, no matter
how^ well intellectually the individuals may be endowed.
That the Scandinavian countries have had a heavier popula-
tion than could be decently supported will, perhaps, not be

58 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

seriously disputed; consequently the emigration has fur-
thered their development. Facts prove the assertion. The
social and political aspects, the relation between the em-
ployer and employe, have been revolutionized in Norway
since emigration began. It is true that other causes have
assisted in extinguishing class distinction, yet emigration
has been the main factor. But then the emigration has also
been so heavy that, taking into consideration only the im-
migrants themselves and their children, there is no-w (1900)
half as many Norwegians living in this country as there are
in the whole of Norway. In Denmark and Sweden, where
the emigration in proportion to the population has not been
so heavy as in Norway, the eifect has been less marked. Yet
it has had great influence upon the social and political con-
ditions. Wages have certainly been raised in both countries
as the direct result of the emigration. Besides Scandina-
vian-Americans often import, and introduce to the trade in
this country, goods manufactured in the North; some of
them have returned home and established new industries;
thus the manufacturing interests of the Scandinavian coun-
tries have been extended, furnishing new employment to
their people, and increasing their national wealth.

Yet in spite of this widened commercial activity, and ben-
eficial political, social, and religious influences, the govern-
ments of the Northern powers have always looked upon
emigration as a loss to their countries. A Danish-American
wrote in 1885: "At present the ofiicial world, the press,
and, on the whole, the higher classes, are rather hostile to
the whole movement. At the best, they ignore it. They
have not yet arrived at the same conclusions in regard to it

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 59

as have the leading statesmen in England. They regard
emigration as a loss to the old countries. They have the
Greek-German view of the state as having interests apart
jErom and above those of the individual. The existing state
is, in their eyes, sacred, and not — as it is understood in Eng-
land and America — identical with the interests of the indi-
vidual members of the body politic. Secondly, they do not
recognize the ■wholesome influence of the emigration on the
people at home. It takes away from the rising population
in a good many districts from one-eighth to one-fourth of its
laborers. Such a decrease has considerable influence in rais-
ing wages ; and employers in the first instance only look on
what they lose ; they do not recognize that the better-paid
workingmen, as a rule, give more valuable, and, therefore,
not at all dearer, work. It is true that the great political
influence of the emigrants on their old home at present con-
tributes largely to strengthen the elements of opposition to
the powers that be; but a self-conscious, independent people
makes actually a stronger community."

It is impossible to determine, either by statistics or by
any historical records, the exact causes which have induced
the majority of the Scandinavians to settle in the North-
w^est. It is, no doubt, partly due to chance, climate, the
direction which the early Scandinavian pioneers, especially
Rev. O. G. Hedstrom, gave to the movement ; but, perhaps,
more on account of the Northwest being just opened for set-
tlement at the time when their emigration began. When
some Norwegian emigrants arrived at Milwaukee, Wis., in
1839, in search of suitable land, an old settler w^amed them
against the climate of Illinois. He placed two men before

60 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

them, one strong and healthy, the other weak and lean.
Pointing towards the former, he said: "There you see a
man from Wisconsin ; the other is from Illinois." The Nor-
wegians remained in "Wisconsin. Slavery might, in the early
days, have prejudiced them from going south. It is certain
that movements of Scandinavians in that direction have at
different times been attempted, but always failed.

Prof. Babcock, of the University of Minnesota, who has
made a special study of the Scandinavians in this country,
and being a native American his opinions have a specific
value, writes in The Foram for September, 1892, as follows:
"The passion for the possession of land and for independence
that goes with it have characterized the Scandinavians from
the earliest times, and it is that -which has made them so
valuable as citizens of the Northwest. Had they preferred
to huddle together in villages or, still worse, to crow^d into
large cities, the progress of this section w^ould have been
materially slower. Until within the last eight years the
towns have claimed only a small percentage, and now proba-
bly not more than ten per cent come to settle in towns . Scanty
means, a spirit of economy, and a fearlessness for hard work
and temporary privation, have made them frequently pioneers
in settling new territory. With the extension of new rail-
roads into northwestern Minnesota and the Dakotas, and
the opening up of Government and railroad land, great num-
bers of Scandinavian immigrants, and Scandinavian settlers
from older portions of the West, have settled here. All of
the eighty counties of Minnesota, save possibly two, have
representatives of all three Scandinavian peoples; whole
townships and almost whole counties are tilled by them.

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 61

In the newer counties of Minnesota and the Dakotas thirty
and even forty per cent are of Scandinavian parentage. In
the older portions it is said to be possible to travel 300 miles
across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota without once leav-
ing Scandinavian-owned land. Though in every large city
and town in the Northwest there are Scandinavians en-
gaged in commercial enterprise and the professions with
marked success, it yet remains true that the great majority
are farmers.

" One of the most important indirect results of the love
for land-ownership is the hastening of naturalization. To
take up homestead claims one of the first conditions for a
foreigner is a declaration of intention to become a citizen ;
so the prospective farmer at once takes out his first papers ;
and the first step in naturalization is made. This done,
natural inclination leads him to perfect his title of full
citizenship. But the Scandinavian immigrant hardly
needs any great incentive to citizenship. In politics he
is as much in his element as an Irishman in New York
City. His aptitude for politics and his interest in public
affairs are natural. Be he Norwegian, Swede, or Dane, he
hastened and moved in an atmosphere electric with inde-
pendence and individualism. The Norwegian celebrates the
Fourth of July all the more loyally, because on the seven-
teenth of May he commemorated in the same way the es-
tablishment, in defiance of all Europe, of the Norwegian con-
stitution of 1814. The Dane is fresh from the constitutional
struggle begun in 1849 ; the Swede has had popular repre-
sentation since 1866: consequently the Scandinavian immi-
grants have had some considerable political education when

62 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

they arrive. The ballot and independence are not meaningless
terms to them ; the exercise of them is their right, not merely
their privilege. Certainly no class makes greater effort than
the Scandinavian to become naturalized ; none enters upon
the rights and duties of American citizenship with more en-
thusiasm or honest, intelligent appreciation of its high
privileges. Statistics from Minnesota show some interesting
facts bearing upon this question, comparison being made
with the Germans, -who rank among our best immigrants.
By the census of 1885 the Scandinavian population was 43.2
per cent and the German 30.1 per cent of the total foreign-
bom population. Of the increase of foreign-born population
for five years ending with 1885, the Scandinavian was 48.2
per cent, the German 30.9 per cent. For the same period, of
the total naturalizations (first papers) the Scandinavians
took out 56.3 per cent and the Germans 23.2 per cent. Or,
looking at the matter in another way, for the same half-dec-
ade the Scandinavians who were naturalized were 35.4 per
cent of the increase of Scandinavian population for the same
time, the Germans 22.9 per cent. Similar statistics for other
half-decades give approximately the same results.

" The political affiliations of the Scandinavian voters till
about 1886 were almost invariably with the Republican
party. The opposition to slavery rallied every son of the
Northland, and no soldiers were braver or more patriotic
than the Scandinavian Fifteenth Wisconsin regiment and
Scandinavian companies in other Wisconsin and Iowa regi-
ments. The suppression of the Rebellion, the abolition of
slavery, the passage of the homestead law to tvhich they
owed so much — all appealed powerfully to their political

HISTORY OP THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 63

senses. New-comers found their predecessors in the Repub-
lican party ; they found it the party in power in the State
and generally in the Nation ; its principles were acceptable,
and so they too became Republicans. Since 1886, however,
less reliance can be placed upon a solid Scandinavian vote,
though this element has never been the ready tool of "boss-
es." It has ever been a ruling rather than a ruled element.
The immigration of the last eight years has had a larger
percentage from the cities, and a larger percentage has set-
tled in the cities, so that "labor questions" have affected
them ; local political issues have, to their credit, sometimes
shaken their old allegiance more or less, as, for example,
prohibition in Iowa and North Dakota, high license in Min-
nesota; the Bennett law in Wisconsin temporarily drove
them out of the Republican party ; the Farmers' Alliance,
People's party, etc., have drawn Scandinavian recruits from
both of the old parties ; the tariff and other national ques-
tions have divided them as well as other thinking men in
both great political parties. However, the majority of
them are still and will continue to be Republicans, though no
party can mortgage their vote for any election.

" Coupled with the love for politics among them is the
love for religion and the Church. The vast majority are
Lutherans of one branch or another. At any rate, they are
Protestant enough to satisfy the most fastidious Catholic-
hater, for a Catholic in Norway or Sweden is a rare, suspi-
cious object. The dissenting movement among the Scandi-
navian Lutherans in America is comparatively strong. At
one time there were six divisions of the Norwegians alone,
though recently three of them united. The rigid adherence

64 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

to the forms and practices of the mother-state Church is
weakened, while, on the other hand, the liberal and atheistic
movements have made slow progress, even among the dis-
senters. The churches, with a few exceptions, have not
maintained regular elementary schools. Poverty, isolation
of the families of the great farming class, and the desire to
conform to American customs have all lead to a very general
patronage of the common schools. The church school is
usually open during public-school vacations, if at all, and
instruction confined to religious teaching and the use of the
mother-tongue. All this has contributed to the rapid Amer-
icanization of the second generation. For higher education,
the church maintains numerous and well-patronized semi-
naries and colleges, while the high-schools and the State
universities throughout the Northwest have a large Scandi-
navian attendance, auguring well for the future. In the
University of Minnesota, for example, located in the same
city with two Scandinavian colleges, during the past year
one hundred and seventy-five students, out of thirteen hun-
dred and seventy-four were of Scandinavian parentage.

" The Scandinavians, with all their virtues, are not with-
out faults. They are often narrow-minded, in the city some-
times clannish and given to making demands, political and
social, as Scandinavian-Americans. The Swede is frequently
jealous of the Norwegian, and vice versa. But as a class
they are sober, earnest, industrious, and frugal. They are
not driven here ; they come of their own accord and come to
stay, not to get a few hundred dollars and return to a life of
idleness. They come not to destroy our institutions, but to
build them up by adopting them. They come from countries

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 65

not potent or glorious in European affairs, and therefore the
more readily denationalize themselves, that they may be-
come entirely American. The most of them are plain, com-
mon people, strong, sturdy, and independent, required to
unlearn little, ready and able to learn much and learn it
well. They still have tlie same powers of adaptability and
assimilation that made Rollo and his Northmen such good
Frenchmen, and Guthrun and his Danes such excellent Eng-
lishmen ; and using these powers among us today, thej-- are,
or are rapidly becoming, irreproachably and unimpeachably
American."

The well-know Prof. H. H. Boyesen writes in the North
American Review for November, 1892: "The Chicago pa-
pers, at the time of the trial of the Anarchists, complimented
the Scandinavians of the West on their law-abiding spirit,
and the counsel for the accused emphasized the complimenr
by requesting that no Scandinavian should be accepted on
the jury. He declared his intention of challenging any
talesman of Norse blood on the ground of his nativity.
Although this man probably had but slight acquaintance
with Norsemen, the instinct which bade him beware of them
was a correct one.

" There is no nation in Europe that is more averse to vio-
lence, and has less sympathy with Utopian aspirations than
the people of Norway and Sweden. They have been trained
to industry, frugality and manly self-reliance by the free in-
stitutions and the scant resources of their native lands ; and
the moderation and self-restraint inherent in the cold blood
of the North make them constitutionally inclined to trust in
slow and orderly methods rather than swift and violent

66 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

ones. They come here with no millenial expectations,
doomed to bitter disappointment; but with the hope of
gaining, by hard and unremitting toil, a modest competency.
They demand less of life than continental immigrants of the
corresponding class, and they usually, for this very reason,
attain more. The instinct to save is strong in the majority
of them, and save they do, when their neighbors, of less fru-
gal habits, are running behind. The poor soil of the old
land and the hardships incident upon a rough climate, have
accustomed them to a struggle for existence scarcely less
severe than that of the Western pioneer ; and unilluminated
by any hope of improved conditions in the future. The qual-
ities of perseverance, thrift, and a sturdy sense of independ-
ence which this struggle from genergtion to generation has
developed, are the very ones which must form the corner
stone of an enduring republic.

"It is therefore a fact which all students of the social
problem arising from immigration have remarked that the
Scandinavians adapt themselves with great ease to Ameri-
can institutions. There is no other class of immigrants
which so readily assimilated, and assumes so naturally
American customs and modes of thought. And this is not
because their own nationality is devoid of strong character-
istics, but because, on account of the ancient kinship and
subsequent development, they have certain fundamental
traits in common with us, and are therefore less in need of
adaption. The institutions of Norway are the most demo-
cratic in Europe, and those of Sweden, though less liberal,
are developing in the same direction. Both Norsemen and
Swedes are accustomed to participate in the management of

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 67

their communal affairs, and to vote for their representative
in the national parliament ; and although the power given
them here is nominally greater than that they enjoyed at
home, it is virtually less. The sense of public responsibility,
the habit of interest in public affairs, and a critical attitude
towards the acts of government are nowhere so general
among rich and poor alike as in Norway and Sw^eden, not-
withstanding the fact that the suffrage is not universal. No
great effort is therefore required, on the part of Norwegian
and Swedish immigrants, to transfer their natural interest in
public affairs to the affairs of their adopted country, w^hich
now must concern them closely. With increasing prosperity
comes a sense of loyalty to the flag, and a disposition, per-
haps, to brag in the presence of later arrivals. To be an old
settler is a source of pride and is recognized as a title to con-
sideration. A large majority of the old settlers participated
in the war, and naturally shared in the sentiment of militant
loyalty and devotion to the Union which animated the Fed-
eral army. This is, perhaps, the chief reason why the Scan-
dinavian element in the United States is so overwhelmingly
Republican; for the newly-arrived immigrant, having no
comprehension of the questions dividing American parties, is
apt to accept his politics from the respected "old settler" and
veteran, and feels safe, at the end of five years, in voting as
he votes. Thus it happens that the war feeling w^ith its at-
tendant hostility to the South, is transmitted to those to
whom the war is but a dim tradition, and the militant poli-
tics of the veteran survives amid a peaceful generation that
never smelled powder.

" It is notable that, though in many of the earliest Norse

68 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

settlements the descendentsof the first settlers are still living,
there is very little but their names (often Anglicized) and a
certain Norwegian cast of features to indicate their Scandi-
navian origin. They speak English, and, if they have ever
learned Norwegian, have usually forgotten it. They have
intermarried with American families, and live, think, and feel
as Americans. I have had letters from many of these people,
asking me to suggest Norwegian names for their children, or
inquiring about certain localities in Norway from which their
parents or grandparents came. It would seem, judging by
the rapipity with which they have adopted American speech
and modes of life, that the problem of the assimilation of the
immigrant may be safely left to time, without the interfer-
ence of artificial agencies. But it must be remembered that
fifty or sixty years ago, the Scandinavian nationalities were
completely lost in the ocean of American life, which beat
upon them on all sides, and they had no choice but to drift
with the current. I am far from beHeving now that they, or
any other nationality, are strong enough to remain perman-
ently alien in our midst ; but they are surely able to resist,
for a whole generation, the influence of our national life, and
make the process of national assimilation extremely diffcult
for their children.

" The Scandinavians have been accused of clannishness,
and not without cause. It should, however, be considered
that the immigrant, of whatever nationality, has no choice
but to be clannish, unless he chooses to associate with those
who look down upon him, or dispense with social intercourse
altogether. Native Americans are not in the habit of wel-
coming the immigrant with cordiality ; and they have often

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 69

good reason for regarding him with eyes not altogether
friendly. Social intercourse can only be agreeable among
people who recognize each other as equals, and no man can
be blamed for shunning the society of those who refuse to
grant him this recognition. It is, therefore, inevitable that
alien communities should grow up in our midst as long as
we permit the stream of immigration to pour unimpeded
down upon our shores. Each new arrival is attracted to
the locallity v(rliere he has friends or kinsmen ; and when he
has laid aside a little money his first desire is to draw more
friends and kinsmen after him. Around this nucleus a con-
stant aggregation of homogeneous alien elements will gather.
"There is continual complaint in the Scandinavian
papers of the West that the nationalities which they repre-
sent are not recognized in the distribution of offices ; and it
is alleged that in the cities and counties, where the Scandi-
navians tv\rice out number the Irish, the later have a larger
representation in municipal and county offices. The reason
of this is not a lack of aptitude for public affairs on the part
of Norwegians and Swedes ; for, on the contrary, they take
as naturally to politics as goslings do to water. But it is
rather because they have not learned to suspend personal
spites and resentments for the sake of a larger end to be
gained. They have not learned party discipline nor the
faculty to assert themselves as a unit. From the American
point of view this is perhaps not a matter of regret, but
rather of congratulation. For we have already a pestifer-
ous abundance of alien nationalities which have the inso-
lence to claim recognition, not as bodies of American citizens,
but as Irish, Germans, Bohemians, and Poles ; as if in that

70 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

capacity they have any right to participation in the govern-
ment of the American republic."

Smith in his book, Emigration and Immigration, says
that the American traits are : First, " The fcee political con-
stitution and the ability to govern ourselves in the ordinary
affairs of life ;" second, " The absence of privileged classes ;"
third, "The economic -well-being of the masses;" fourth,
"Love of law and order, ready acquiescence in the will of
the majority." In a political sense these peculiarities are
virtually common to both the Americans and Scandinavians ;
for even if the latter have had privileged classes in their na-
tive lands, they certainly are not in favor of such an arrange-
ment. It is no wonder then that the Scandinavians become
— according to all authorities on the subject — quickly Amer-
canized in regard to all political affairs.

What then is the reason that the majority of the Ameri-
can people and many of the educated Scandinavian-Ameri-
cans accuse the Northmen of clannishness ? In the first place
those people difier from each other socially. The American
has a broad knowledge of men and things. He can and
does approach a stranger with the same ease with which he
meets a friend of several years' standing. He questions
everybody. He recognizes no class distinction, but associ-
ates with everyone who is worthy of his confidence. He is
energetic, ambitious, excitable, and extreme. He is remark-
ably liberal and tolerant on all religious, political, and social
questions ; but equally narrow-minded and bigoted in regard
to his patriotism. America, in his estimation, is the only
country under the sun fit for civilized man to live in. He
points with just pride to the rapid development of the na-

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 71

tion. He boasts of, and sometimes exaggerates, the natural,
undeveloped resources, and of the great future of his coun-
try. He jokes with everything, even the most sacred. A
city council will grant a license to a saloon or house of ill-
fame one day, the next Sunday all the individuals who com-
pose the council will attend a revival meeting and pray for
the conversion of mankind. If a foreigner, who knew noth-
ing about the life in America, should attend a political mass-
meeting, or a large religious revival gathering, he would cer-
tainly come to the conclusion that the whole nation was
either drunk or insane, or perhaps both.

The Scandinavian, on the other hand, is less excitable,
enterprising, and ambitious, but more solid, reserved, and
conservative. He does not live by jerks, but progresses
slowly and surely. He is more moderate in his virtues
as well as in his vices. He will attend church once or twice
Sunday, and perhaps devote part of the day in visiting a
friend or taking a walk. The latter practice is considered
to be a great sin among the Puritans. The Scandinavian-
American seldom meets the Yankee except in business rela-
tions, or at apolitical convention, although he may occasion-
ally attend a woman's sufferage meeting or an American
church sociable, and make a short, formal call at the
Yankee's house to be introduced to the family.

The superior social aptness, the great religious and social
activity of the American woman leads the Northman to con-
clude — as a Norwegian wit expressed it — that all she does is
to dress herself, attend church, and take care of her nerves.
The United States statistics show that the Scandinavians
are less apt to marry American ladies than any other foreig-

72 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

ners, altbough they more frequently inter-marry with other
nationalities than any other immigrants.

The Scandinavians seldom see the admirable home life for
which the Americans are justly noted. They judge the latter
as he appears in business life, and conclude that the Yankee
is simply a financial and political boomer who is too shrewd
and unscrupulous to be depended upon. Their conclusion in
regard to business is, on the whole, correct, but in regard to
society it is utterly wrong. For no nation is more sympa-
thetic, humanitarian,devoted to kindness, andliberal towards
charitable objects than the Americans. Secondly, the con-
servatism and slowness of the Northmen is often mistaken
for clannishness. They settle in large bodies, not with
the intention of being exclusive, but because it is con-
venient, and often their only choice; here they attend to their
own affairs without thinking anything about Americaniza-
tion. Struggle for existence, in many cases, requires all their
strength.

But the American nation has nothing to fear in regard to
the foreignism of Scandinavians. They very rapidly adopt
the virtues as w^ell as the vices of their adopted country. It
is, perhaps, better that a people is a little slow in becoming
Americanized, than to hasten too much. A person who
takes out his naturalization papers on the day he arrives at
Castle Garden, either does not know his obligations to the
new country, or doesn't care to perform any duties to any
land ; in either case he is not likly to be a desirable citizen.
All the Scandinavian immigrants use American ftirnitureand
machinery, their style of dress and mode of living are essen-
l(t'41y American — all of which has a powerful influence in

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 73

Americanizing them. It is true that there are Northmen who
have lived in this country thirty years, yet are unable to
speak fifteen English words correctly ; but this class of peo-
ple are an exception, not the rule.

Of course theirmanners, customs, and language are ofben
a strange combination of Scandinavian-Americanism and
■would make an excellent theme for a novelist. They some-
times talk about, "spika English," "travla pa stimbaten,"
"maka monni," "mova avej," "go to mitingen," "been
chitad," "got a yobb," and, "sinja Yankee Doodle." But
most of them agree with H. Stockenstrom :

" Men jag mest prisar den nya Svenska,
Som ar sa olik den fosterlanska."

The bad habit of having a feast of eating and drinking at
funerals, w^hich is customary in the Scandinavian countries,
is sometimes practiced here also. For example, we read
about the early Norwegian settlers in Wisconsin how they
astonished the minister at a funeral by presenting to him a
glass of whisky between the singing of the first and second
stanza, saying: "It is customary in our country to take a
glass between the singing of each stanza." And with the
hymn book in one hand, a glass of whisky in the other, and
the corpse before them, themoumers shed tears over their de-
parted friend. Half-way between the house and the cemetery
they repeated the act. This, however, is an extreme case. Itis
seldom carried to such excess in the North, and far less — ^if
practiced at all, — among the Scandinavian -Americans. For,
on the whole, the Northmen in this country adopt American
manners and customs. The more progressive element of the
first generation speak English from choice, the second from

74 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

necessity, and the third knows little about the language
of their grandparents. Yet it is to be hoped that the Scandi-
navian-Americans of today will never become so completely
transformed that they lose their character, courage, earn,
estness, frankness, strong convictions, self-possession, and
indomitable will-power.

According to the United States census of 1870, 1880, and
1890 the Scandinavians have the best records of any nation-
alities in the country, either foreign or native, in regard to
crime, vagrancy, pauperism, deaf and dumb, and blind. In
addition they take most readily to farming, become quickly
Americanized, and possess a better education and have more
money at their arrival than any other immigrants. It is no
w^onder then that nearly every political economist admits
that they are the best immigrants which the country receives.

W. W. Thomas, United States minister to Sweden-Nor-
w^ay, wrote in 1891 as follows: "Probably not less than
2,000,000 Swedes and their descendants are now living in
our country and call themselves Americans. In fact the day
will soon come when the United States will contain more
citizens of Swedish descent than Sweden herself; and we will
be not only the newer, but the greater Sweden, as we
have already become the greater England." Col. Hans
Mattson, in his Minnen, published in 1890, says: "When
we take into consideration the numerous Swedish colo-
nists that settled in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New
Jersey in the seventeenth century, and their descendants,
together with the descendants of Scandinavian emigrants
of the last seventy years, I think it is safe to estimate the
total population of Scandinavian descent at over four mil-

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION. 75

Kons, or fully one-sixteenth of the entire population of
the United States." These estimations, however, appear
to be simply assertions and not based upon any kind of sta-
tistical figures or computations, and are, perhaps, too high.
Yet in 1900 there were in this country about one-fifth as
many Danes as in Denmark, one-third as many Swedes as in
Sweden, and one-half as many Norwegians as in Norway.
In 1890 one person out of every twenty -five in the United
States, was a Scandinavian, either by birth or by descent in
the second generation. By the most careful computation of
statistical figures, it is a conservative estimate to assume
that, in 1900, there are in this country three million Scandi-
navian-bom or having Scandinavian parents.

The Icelandic Discoveries of America.

S. SIGVALDSON.

The origin and cause of the movement that led to these
discoveries seems to have had their birth in Norway in or
about the year 872, when King Harold Fairhair, in a naval
battle, overcame the jarls, or independent princes, of that
country, and subdued them to his vassalage. Such a subjuga-
tion could not be tolerated by the haughty and heroic
Northmen, and they were forced to seek relief in other coun-
tries more congenial to their free and independent natures.
In support of this the histories tell us that a general move-
ment took place ; the jarls and Vikings took to their ships,
invoked their God of Storms and set sails for distant shores.
Some steered to the South and founded homes for them-
selves in the sunny climate of sourthem Europe. But we
are especially concerned with the northern branch of this
army, which discovered and settled on the islands in the
North Atlantic, especially Iceland.

This noble and historic island is said to have been first
discovered in 874 by the heroic Viking Ingolf. It was on
this island, especially, that a strong and free republic soon
grew up, and to its sturdy sons, we claim, belongs the im-
mortal honor of the discovery of America.

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78 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

This republic, entirely independent, and consisting of
the bravest and boldest of the Northmen, soon developed into
a community of wealth and culture; now renowned the
world over for its rich literature in old sagas, poetry, and
chronicles. It is thus evident that all these combined afford
the most reliable authority for the early settlements, achieve-
ments, and discoveries of the Northmen. Hence it is mainly
from these, as authorities, that we relate the following his-
torical facts, undisputed by the best modem historians.

In 876, about two years after the discovery of the is-
land, we are told by the chronicles, that a certain settler, by
the name of Gunnbjom, was driven on to the coast of Green-
land in a storm, that his ship was fettered in ice all through
the winter, but as soon as spring came they were able to
return to Iceland. A great many years after, about 983,
another settler, by the name of Erik the Red, got into a
quarrel with his foe, and a homicide was the result. For this
Erik was condemned by the court, according to the laws of
the land, and to escape punishment, as well as to satisfy his
nature for exploration and discovery, he fitted out a vessel,
and -with a few companions set sail for the land of Gunn-
bjorn. After a few days sailing he discovered Greenland and
explored it along the coast each side of Cape Farew^ell dur-
ing the next three years. He finally settled down on a
grassy plain near the coast, which he was pleased to call
Greenland, and from thence the whole country has derived
its name.

After three years, however, he returned to Iceland, but
only to induce a greater number of emigrants to embark for
Greenland. We are thus told that in re-crossing he had a

THE ICELANDIC DISCOVERIES OF AMERICA. 79

fleet of twenty-five ships, but, unfortunately, eleven of them
perished in the high seas of the North, and but fourteen
reached Greenland. However, the remainder built up a pros-
perous colony in the country, which lasted for 400 years.

One of the men who came over to Greenland with Erik,
Hjerulf by name, had the distinguished honor of being the
father of the first white man, who saw the main land of
North America. This man's name was Bjami. The event
came about thus : during the summer that Hjerulf went
over to Greenland with Erik, his son Bjarni had been absent
in Norway ; and being unconscious of his father's journey,
Bjami sailed home to Iceland the following autumn to pass
the Christmas with his father. But on arriving in Iceland he
found that his father had emigrated to Greenland ; he there-
fore immediately set sail to follow his father to that country.

On the way over, a cloudy sky and foggy weather at-
tended his voyage, the crew lost their way, and were for
many days borne before the wind without knowledge of their
course. At length the weather brightened up somewhat, and
Bjami sighted land in the distance, but to his disappointment,
he soon discovered that it w^as a coast without mountains,
covered with woods, instead of the great mountains of ice
that he had been told he would see on the coast of Green-
land. They therefore put the ship about and sailed for two
more days, when they again sighted land, but neither this
answered the description of Greenland. Again they went to
sea, and having sailed for four days more with the same
wind, the coast of Greenland was seen to loom up in the dis-
tance. Fortunately enough, Bjarni landed on the very
promontory where his father lived. He then assumed control

80 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

of his father's estate, and dwelt with him the remainder of
his life.

This accidental finding of land by Bjami excited little
curiosity until it came to the ears of the famous Leif, the son
of Erik the Red, who at this time, about 999, came over to
Greenland from Norway. This Leif Erikson, the real discov-
erer of America, bought the vessel of Bjarni and manned it
with a crew of thirty-five men, leaving Greenland in the
autumn of the year 1000, and sailing to the South, for the
express purpose of discovering the lands previously seen by
Bjarni. Good fortune attended. Some distance to the south-
ward, Leif discovered a barren coast, now know^n to be the
northern coast of Newfoundland. Having rested here for
some time, the discoverer again put to sea, sailing farther
southward, and in the space of a few days came upon anoth-
er coast, covered with thick woods. Here he landed and
inspected the country around, now known by the name of
Nova Scotia. But soon he once more set to sea, and, having
now sailed for two more days, with a northeast wind, he
for the third time sighted land, and pulled ashore "At the
estuary of a certain river." Here they found the country
pleasant, the river full of fish, and the land abounding in
grapes. With this Leif was so pleased that he called the
land he had discovered, Vinland. The location of the third
discovery corresponds the closest to that about Massachu-
setts Bay.

Pleased as they were with the country, Leif determined
to pass the winter here, his men accordingly built up some
huts at this place, and in them they dwelt through the
winter. In the spring Leif and his men started home for

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THE ICELANDIC DISCOVERIES OF AMERICA. 81

Greenland with a cargo of timber, and reached the abode of
his father, Erik, in safety. This discoveryofLeif created much
talk in Greenland, and Thorvald, his brother, thinking the
land had been "too little explored," begged leave of Leif,
and obtained his ships for another voyage, made in 1002.
Thorvald succeeded in finding the lands, and the huts that
Leif had built. Here it is said they made their winter quar-
ters, supporting themselves on fish through the winter of
1002-3.

In the spring they went on exploring along the coast.
But having sailed some distance they fell in with " savages,"
and in a fight that followed Thorvald was killed. Shortly
after that the remainder returned to Greenland.

Again it is said in the sagas, that in the summer of 1006,
there came from Iceland a noble and a wealthy man,
Thorfinn Karlsefui by name. This man, we are told, fell at
once in love with the beautiful woman, Gudrid, the widow
of Thorstein Erikson, brother to Leif, and as a natural con-
sequence they were united in marriage, and the event was
celebrated by a merry vpedding.

This woman Gudrid is said to have persuaded her hus-
band, Karlsefni, to sail for Vinland, and that she succeeded
to such a degree that Karlsefni left for Vinland in the spring
of 1007, with a sufficient force to found a colony, having
three or four ships, with 160 men, some women, and a cargo
of cattle on board. America was safely reached. In this
very year Gudrid gave birth to a child, and they named him
Snorro. He was thus the first white child bom in America.
By way of remark, it may be noted here that such men as
the learned antiquarian, Finn Magnusson, and the renouned

82 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

sculptor, Thorvaldsen, have taken pride in tracing their
ancestry to this first white American boy, Snorro. But to
continue : this company of Karlsefni is said to have dwelt
in the country for the three following years, but then to
have returned again to Greenland. Karlsefni had to give up
his enterprise on account of the hostility of the natives.
Many of their crew had lost their lives, when the remainder
returned home, 1010, with a cargo of timber, skins, and furs.
The latter [two of which they had obtained from the
natives.

Yet another party sailed for Vinland, 1011, but with
even less success. A quarrel arose among their number,
which ended in cruelty and bloodshed within their own flock.
After their return to Greenland, 1012, ends the account of all
the important attempts to explore and colonize Vinland, or
America, as far as the Northmen are concerned.

As previously stated, this gives the outline of discoveries
and voyages made by the Northmen in the tenth and eleventh
centuries, as related by the sagas and annals of Iceland.
And in saying this, as much is said, as if these great histor-
ical events were backed by the strongest authority.

Any one that is thoroughly acquainted with the spirit
of the old sagas, their simple and unambitious style,
together with their minute detail and accuracy of statement,
cannot for a moment hesitate to accept their narrative as
undisputable history. This in fact, is the conclusion that the
learned world has arrived at.

Besides this verifying power of the spirit and accuracy of
the sagas themselves, innumerable coincidental facts, and
important finds in Greenland and even in America, absolutely

THE ICELANDIC DISCOVERIES OF AMERICA. 83

prove that the Northmen were the first and last true discov-
erers of America. This seems a very strong statement to
make without giving sufficient arguments to prove the as-
sertion. But it is here taken for granted that a detailed ac-
count of all the coincidental proofs now revealed by the best
authorities on this subject, is unnecessary, and could not
come within the scope of this little essay. Let it rather be
sufficient to say that these discoveries of the Northmen were
known to some of the learned Europeans up to 1350, at
least. A passage here quoted from the Antiquitates Ameri-
canae, clearly proves that the native Indians, also, pos-
sessed some traditions about the Northmen in America.
This is the passage : " There was a tradition current with
the oldest Indians (in these parts) that there came a
wooden house and "men of another country in it, swim-
ming up the river Assoonet, as this ( Tonton river) was
then called, who fought the Indians with mighty suc-
cess, etc."

Besides all this, an appeal to common sense ought to tell us
that the Vikings, the boldest navigators of ancient times,
men who visited or plundered every nook and comer of Eu-
rope, so to speak, could not help but to discover America,
after once having discovered Greenland.

To support that the history of these disc o veries was known
through Europe, we have the account of the French author,
Gabriel Gravier, (together with many others,) in his work,
Decouverte de I'Amirique par les Normands, that Gudrid,
wife of Karlsefai, made a journey to Rome, where she was
w^ell received, and that she here certainly told about her
voyage in America, and it is also here said that the facts thus

84 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

revealed by Gudrid, although kept as a profound secret by
the papal authorities, had without a doubt a great influence
on subsequent discoveries.

We have thus shown that the discoveries in America by
Leif Erikson are proven by accurate records in Iceland, that
the history of these discoveries was known through Europe,
and especially in Rome, that this history of the Northmen is
verified by subsequent coincidental discoveries, and the re-
mains of ruins and relics, and finally, that the old traditions
of the Indians in America must necessarily remove every
shadow of a doubt.

What then can be the value of the so-called discovery of
Columbus? Columbus himself professes to have gone to,
and beyond Iceland, whether he got any information there
in regard to America is not certain, but a great sailor and
a rover that he was, together w^ith his genius for geography
and ambition for discovery, make it very probable, and
indeed almost certain, that he did obtain the necessary infor-
mation for his great subsequent voyage. If not, what did
he go to Iceland for? Two facts are certain, and that is, that
he would naturally endeavor to obtain anyinformation con-
nected with his conceived enterprise, and since there was
nothing to hinder him from getting this information, either
from the people in Iceland or their sagas, what are w^e to in-
fer but that he did? Secondly, if he did obtain some knowl-
edge there about America, it is equally certain that a man of
his ability and sagacity, would have sense enough to remain
tacit about it, if for his silence he would be rewarded with
the immortal glory of discovering the better half of the
world. Or how could the man help but to get the necessary

THE ICELANDIC DISCOVERIES OF AMERICA. 85

information from his advisors in Rome, who knew all about
it? This indeed is so strongly hinted at in one of the ac-
counts of Columbus that nothing but the blindest prejudice
can dismiss its significance. The fact of it all is that Leif
Erikson is the true discoverer of America, while Columbus
was merely the first emigrant to America from Spain.

The First Swedisli Settlement in America,

BMIlvIA SHEJR^?VOOD CHESTER.

[Published in the Scandinavia in 1884."]

To the human trait of avarice may be attributed the
■world's most rapid advance in every department of com-
merce and its subsequent arts. The alluring sparkle of gold
has led men to dare all latitudes and seas, however strange,
however obstinately closed, however strewn with dead men's
bones ; and from the new world of North and South America
there has streamed for centuries the light of a beacon such as
this. The Northmen, the Spanish, the French, the English,
the Dutch — an army of adventurers — have come, have seen,
have generally conquered. To their magnificent courage or
insatiable greed, the doors of knowledge and of wealth have
opened, and the majority of these early colonists have gained
their ends, — the acquisition of territory at any risk, the ex-
tortion of gold at any cost. But higher motives and more
enduring principles were brought to us across the seas when
religious intolerance drove the spirit of martyrdom to our
shores. The Puritans, the Huguenots, the Swedish fugitives
from the Protestant-Catholic wars colonized those states in

(87)

88 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

which slavery with its attendant evils found its most inse-
cure footing ; and on the banks of the Delaware, the only
humane policy ever devised for dealing with the Indian race,
was instituted by the pious Swedes. "Slaves," said Gustaf
Adolf, "cost a great deal, labor with reluctance, and soon
perish from hard usage; but the Swedish nation is indus-
trious and intelligent, and hereby we shall gain more by a
free people with wives and children." This would appear to
be a stroke of economy rather than a principle of morality,
but in the instructions of the Swedish government to Gov-
ernor Printz, w^ith regard to the Indians, the genuine piety of
the Swedish administration is exhibited. Article IX reads as
follows : "The wild nations bordering on all sides, the gov-
ernor shall treat with all humanity and respect, and so that
no violence or w^rong be done to them by Her Royal Maj-
esty, or her subjects aforesaid ; but he shall rather * * *
exert himself that the same wild people may be gradually
instructed in the truths and worship of the Christian relig-
ion, and in other ways brought to civilization and good gov-
ernment, and in this manner properly guided. Especially
shall he seek to gain their confidence, and impress upon their
minds that neither he, the governor, nor his people and sub-
ordinates are come into these parts to do them any wronger
injury, but much more for the purpose of furnishing them
with such things as they may need for the ordinary wants of
life."

Religious dissensions, the most bitter and cruel of all an-
imosities, had scattered broadcast over Europe, in the seven-
teenth century, the seeds of fermentation and unrest. So
that when William Usselinx, a native of Antwerp, Brabant,

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 89

proposed toGustaf Adolf in 1624, the despatch of a Swedish
colony to America, it was as if he had provided an outlet for
the bursting national heart. Gustaf seized upon the plan
with enthusiasm. He concentrated upon it all of his talents
as a statesman, and the result was a scheme which for bril-
liancy and liberality of design has had no parallel in the an-
nals of colonization projects. Usselinx was the founder of
the Dutch West India Company, of which he was also for
several years a director. Becoming dissatisfied for some rea-
son with the management of the company, he severed his
connection with it, and proceeded to Stockholm. He appears
to have been a man of more than ordinary ability, which
■was exhibited in the projection more than in the execution of
great enterprises. He was the agitator of more conserva-
tive men, and to him is accredited the first conception of a
Swedish colony in America, at a time when Europe was
absorbed in the seriousness of home affairs. The Thirty
Years' War was at its height, and Protestant Danes and
Germans were exposed to the fury of the storm. Gustaf
Adolf was as yet but a looker-on, conscious of the inevitable
part which he must soon assume, and burdened with anxiety
for his unhappy subjects. Usselinx appeared at an oppor-
tune moment. He proposed the founding of a trading com-
pany in Sweden, whose operations should extend to Asia,
Africa, and America, the territory included in the project
being, indeed, almost unlimited. He expatiated to the king
upon the advantages certain to accrue from the enterprise,
that carried objections before it. He appealed to his philan-
thropy by depicting the opportunities for spreading the
Christian religion among heathen nations. He asserted in

90 HISTORY OF THE SCANDIXAVIANS IN THE U. S.

positive terms the pecuniary gain which would eventually be
added to the Swedish crown ; and, as a clinching argument
in favor of the immediate undertaking of the scheme, he
pointed to the suffering condition of the Protestants in the
kingdom, and the horrors to w^hich they were exposed. The
king foresaw in it a benefit not to be defined by Usselinx's
terms. While he recognized in it the direct solution of a
problem w^hich had long vexed his mind, he also perceived
moral and political blessings as likely to arise from it, which
the eye of a great statesman only can descry through centu-
ries. In the warrant for the establishment of such a com-
pany, we find these words : " Know ye, that by a petition,
the honest and prudent William Usselinx has humbly shown
and proved to Us how a general trading company here from
our kingdom of Sweden, to Asia, Africa, America, and Ma-
gellan could be established," etc. » * * " Such being the
proposition which he made, we have taken it into considera-
tion, and that we cannot disapprove of it, nor do we
see, but what it is sure, that if God will give success, it shall
tend to the honor of His holy name, to our and the state's
welfare, and the advancement and advantage of our sub-
jects. We have, therefore, graciously received, and with
pleasure approved of it, and consented that the said com-
pany be organized and established," etc. * * * "Given
and signed in our royal palace at Stockholm, the 21st of
December, 1624. Gustavus Adolphus."

A commercial company endowed with the privilege of
foundingforeign colonies, was therefore incorported at Stock-
holm, May 21, 1627. The charter provided the existence of
the company for twelve years from May, 1625 to May, 1637,

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 91

during which time no capital was to be withdrawn, nor new
stockholders admitted. Usselinx was to have for his ser-
■vices, past, present, and ftiture, "one per mille of all goods
and merchandise which were bought and sold in the com-
pany." It was decided that the contributions of capital
should not proceed from any single country, but that all
Europe should be invited to share in the enterprise, both
with the subscription of means and the despatch of colonists.
Prof. Odhner regards this as a move of expediency rather
than disinterestedness, as the finances of Sweden were then
in a state of depletion. But the character of Gustaf Adolf
w^ould surely admit a more generous construction, namely,
that he wished all suffering people to share in its possible ad-
vantages.

The persons who took part in this remarkable company
were his majesty's mother, the Queen Dowager Christina,
the Prince John Cassimir, the Royal Council, and the most
distinguished of the nobility, the higest officers of the army,
the bishops and other clergymen, together with the burgo-
masters and aldermen of the cities, as well as a large num-
ber of the people generally. For the direction and execution
of the plan, there were appointed an admiral, vice-admiral,
chapman, under-chapman, assistants, and commissaries, and
a body of soldiers fully officered. Such was the plan pro-
posed by the greatest man of his time. But God disposed
otherwise. Upon the eve of the fruition of his designs, Gus-
taf was summoned to his supreme mission as defender of the
Protestant faith in Europe. Brilliant triumphs distinguished
him in other spheres, but through them all he preserved an un-
diminished interest in the plan which had been thus tempora-

92 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

rily, as he believed, frustrated. At thebattleof Liitzen he lost
his life, bequeathing to his chancellor, Oxenstierna, who was
also his beloved friend and cooperator, "the jewel of his
crown," i. e., the project w^hich had lain so near his heart.

Oxenstierna exerted himself to the utmost to carry out
the intentions of the king, but his efforts were unsuccessful,
chiefly on account of an impoverished treasury. The final
outgrowth of his exertions was a conception far inferior to
that of Gustaf. "I think it to be regretted," said Provost
Stille, upon the occasion of the presentation of a portrait of
Queen Christina to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
" I think it to be regretted that while we possess the portrait
of Queen Christina, we have not those of her great father,
Gustaf Adolf, and of Oxenstierna. I firmly believe that
those two men, in their scheme for colonizing the shores of
the Delaware, are entitled to the credit of the first attempt
in modern times to govern colonies for a higher purpose than
that of enriching the commercial and manufacturing classes
of the mother country. No doubt the expectation of extend-
ing Swedish commerce was one of the motives which led to
the founding of the colony, but it seems always to have been
a subordinate one." Some Swedish historians claim that an
emigration took place as early as 1627, under Gustaf Adolf;
but this is no where substantiated. The Cabots had sighted
Delaware as early as 1496, but they had in all probability
passed it by. That Hudson saw the Delaware Bay, on Aug-
ust 28, 1609, is confirmed by the log-book of his mate, Juet.
And in 1623 the Dutch took possession of the shores of the
Delaware. But there is no authority for stating that the
Swedes ever visited this locality before 1638. At the age of

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 93

six Christina succeeded her father, and from that time until
she was eighteen, the kingdom was under regency, thus giv-
ing to Oxenstiema an opportunity for deliberating upon the
best methods for advancing the plans of Gustaf. In May,
1635, he visited Holland on political business, and there saw-
Samuel Blommaert, Swedish commissary at Amsterdam, and
a partner in the Dutch West India Company. Prof. Odner,
of the University of Lund, had the good fortune a few years
ago to discover, in the Royal Archives of Sweden, a package
containing letters from Blommaert to Oxenstiema, concern-
ing the first expedition to Delaware. In these letters Blom-
maert broaches the subject of a Swedish expedition to the
coast of Guinea. About one year later a Dutchman named
Spiring visited Oxenstiema in Sweden. He had recom-
mended himself to the chancellor by a certain shrewd busi-
ness capacity, and was employed in the Swedish service.
Upon his return to Holland, after this visit, he wrote to
Oxenstiema regarding commercial matters, and the letter is
now in the Oxenstiema Collection of the Royal Archives at
Stockholm. He had talked with Blommaert of the Guinea
scheme, and had heard through him of a man who could give
reliable information on the subject. This man was Peter
Menewe, destined to become the second governor of the
State of Delaware. Menewe was a native of Wesel, in the
county of Cleves, Holland. He was a member of the Dutch
West India Company, and had served as governor of New
Netherlands, in America, from 1626 to 1632. This territory
of which the Dutch held stout possession, extended from the
Delaware to the Hudson, and in the capacity of governor,
Menewe resided at New Amsterdam (now New York City).

94 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

As the result of some disagreement, he was dismissed from
his office in 1632, and returned to Holland, where he was
brought to the notice of Blommaert by Peter Spiring. His
prolonged residence in America had no doubt given him a
thorough knowledge of the locality, and he was, of all avail-
able persons, the one best qualified to lead the enterprise now
proposed. These three Blommaert, Spiring, and Menewe,
met at the Hague, early in 1637, and held a consultation,
which it was deemed best, should be private, on account of
the possible interference of the Dutch West India Company.
It was found that the Guinea plan would involve too heavy
an expenditure of means, and they therefore turned their
thoughts to North America. Prof. G. B. Keen has trans-
lated in full a letter from Menewe to Spiring, then in Sweden,
in which he offers his services to the Swedish government, as
the founder of a colony in "New Sweden," on the banks
of the Delaware. The letter is extremely interesting, and
Prof. Keen's translation may be found in the Pennsylvania
Magazine, No. 4, Vol. VI. It is dated "Amsterdam, June 15,
1636," and contains an estimate of the expense of such an
expedition as was proposed; "half of which," he says, "I
myself, will guarantee, Mr. Spiring assuming the other half,
either on his own account, or for the crown, the same to be
paid at once in cash."

To this plan the Swedish government gave its cheerful
consent. Half of the money was subscribed by Menewe,
Blommaert, and their friends ; half by the three Oxenstiernas,
Clas Fleming (virtual chief of the admiralty), and Spiring.
"The consequences, of this design,"said the chancellor, "will
be favorable to all Christendom, to Europe, to the whole

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 95

world." He, too, like Gustaf Adolf, possessed the eye of a
seer. On August 9, 1637, the admiralty issued a passport
for two ships, the Kalmars Nyckel, and the Vogel Grip. The
former was a man-of-war, the latter a sloop. Both were
well supplied with provisions, and merchandise for traffic
with the Indians. Besides Menewe, the only person ex-
pressly named as taking part in the expedition are Henrik
Huyghen, probably Menewe's brother-in-law, a Swedish sur-
veyor named Mans Kling, and a religious instructor named
Reorus Torkillus. The remainder of the emigrants, in the
neighborhood of fifty, were largely composed of criminals —
Swedes and Finns. That New Sweden was used as a place of
banishment for miscreants, we have evidence in "A Proceed-
ing of the Fiscal against and sentence of Gysbert Cornelissen
Beyerlandt," in these words :

"Thursday being the 3d February, 1639, Ulrich Leo-
poldt, fiscal plaintiff, against Gysbert Cornelissen Beyer-
landt. Plaintiff demands that defendant be sent to
Fatherland and condemned, as quarrelsome persons usually
are, who wound soldiers in the fort, as defendant has lately
done in Fort Amsterdam.

"The fiscal's demand on and against Gysbert Corne-
lissen Beyerlandt having been seen, and everything being
maturely considered, he is condemned to work with the
company's blacks until the first sloop shall sail for the South
River, where he is to serve the company and paj^the wounded
soldier fl. 15, the surgeon fl. 10 for his fee, and the fiscal a fine
offl.lO."

Various causes conspired to hinder the embarkation of
the little company until late in the autumn, when bad weather

96 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

at sea still further opposed them, so that the voyage wasnot
continued until neartheclose of 1637. Little is known of the
details of this voyage. That it was very circuitous is im-
plied from the course taken by Governor Printz several years
later. Printz sailed south past the Portugese and Barbary
coast, until he found the " Eastern passage" when he veered
directly across toward America, landing at Antigua, where
he spent Christmas. He then proceeded on his voyage past
Virginia and Maryland, to Cape Henlopen, and landed at
Fort Christina about six months from the time of leaving
Stockholm. As Printz stopped at Antigua, it is probable
that Menewe, who is supposed to have come directly here,
was not so long in making the voyage.

In 1630 the Dutch had taken possession of the banks of
the Delaware, and early in the spring of 1631 planted a
colony of more than thirty persons, just within Cape Hen-
lopen, on Lewes creek. Here they built a little fort, and
erected the arms of Holland. They named the country
Swaanendale, and the water Godny's Bay. The care of the
little settlement was entrusted to Gillis Hosset, first gov-
ernor of Delaware. But Hosset soon fell into altercations
with the Indians, who revenged the murder of one of their
chiefs in the established Indian fashion, destroying the fort
and all its occupants. From which period the Dutch aban-
doned this particular locality of Delaware. Menewe landed
at Cape Henlopen, and purchased of the Indians the same
land which the Dutch, almost the same day, eight years
before, had bought. He named the cape Paradise Point.
The grant of land included all of that territory on the west
side of the river from Cape Henlopen to the Falls of San-

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 97

tickan, and extending several days journey inland, — accord-
ing to some authorities, " to the gi-eat falls of the river Sus-
quehanna, near the mouth of Conewaga creek." The land
was surveyed by Mans Kling, and stakes were driven into
the ground as landmarks. The deed was written in Dutch,
as the Swedes were not yet familiar with the Indian lan-
guage. It was subscribed to by five Indian chiefs, and sent to
Sweden for preservation. Unfortunately the deed was
destroyed by the fire of the royal palace in 1697. The Dutch
at Fort Nassau protested against the invasion of the Swedes,
and Governor Kieft, of New Amsterdam, formally objected,
saying: "The whole South River of New Netherlands has
been many years in our possession, and secured above and
below by forts, and sealed with our blood. Which even hap-
pened during your administration of New Netherlands and
is well known to you, etc. Thus done (Thursday being the
6th of May, Anno 1638." The South River trade was very
important. Two vessels, leaving there in 1644, are said to
have had a cargo of twenty-one hundred and twenty pack-
ages of beavers, and thirty-six thousand four hundred and
sixty-seven packages of tobacco. There was, therefore, con-
sidering the circumstances, reasonable ground for dispute in
the matter. Menewe, however, seems to have disregarded
the protest of Kieft, and to have made no allusion to it in his
letters home, for he says in a letter to Blommaert that he
"traveled some miles into the country to discover whether
there were any Christian people there, and made signals by
firing cannon, but received no response to indicate their pres-
ence." He continued his course up the river to a place called
by the Indians Hopockahacking, but named by the Swedes

98 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

Christina, after their queen, who was then eleven years old.
At this point, on Minquas (Christina) Kil, Menewe appears
to have determined to remain, from the first ; although Van-
der Donk states that he (Menewe) represented to Vander
Nederhorst, the agent of the Dutch West India Company in
the South River country, that he was on his way to the West
Indies, and had stopped to take in wood and water, after
which he should continue his voyage. But upon the return of
the Dutch, somewhat later, they found the Swedes cultivat-
ing a little garden, the seeds of which had already sprungup.
Upon their third visit they perceived Menewe's intentions to
be unmistakable, for he had commenced the erection of a
fort. In vain Governor Kieft protested, and at last suc-
cumbed. Various reasons are given for this submission, which
on the face of it is unaccountable, considering the superior
numbers of the Dutch. One writer states that the charter of
the Dutch West India Company forbade declaring war with
a foreign state or the native Indians, without the consent of
the states general of the United Netherlands. Another rea-
son given for Kieft's uncharacteristic mildness on this occa-
sion is the Protestant amity which existed between the
Dutch and Swedes, and which found a bond of vmion in that
period of disintegration.

The Kalmars Nyckcl cast anchor at a natural wharf of
rocks (foot of Sixth street, Wilmington), and upon these
rocks a fort was built, whose southern rampart extended
within a few feet of the creek. Directly under its walls, on
one side of the creek, was a basin called the harbor, where
vessels might lie out of the current, thecreek at this point be-
ing navigable for large craft. Owing to alluvial deposits.

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 99

this basin is now filled up, although the ojiginal outline as
drawn by Lindstrom, surveyor to the Printz's expedition, is
still perceptible, and accords with Lindstrom's plan. The
fort was built on an elevation, accessible, as has been said,
to large vessels on one side, but otherwise surrounded by
bogs and sand-banks. The siteis now occupied by theexten-
sive workshops of "Wilmington. The fort served for the
residence of the garrison, and there was also a structure for
the storing of provisions and merchandise. Both were of
logs. Subsequent investigations have brought to light an
iron bridle from which a portion of the head-stall is broken,
and an irregular fragment of a common tin plate. Both of
these articles are now in the possession of the Historical
Society of Delaware.

Here the Swedes seem to have prospered, for there exists a
letter from Governor Kieft, dated July 31, 1638, in which he
accuses Menewe of monopolizing the fur trade of the Dela-
ware by underselling the Dutch and conciliating the Indians ;
and, indeed, the Swedes are said to have exported thirty
thousand skins during the first year of their residence in New
Sweden. Upon the completion of the fort, and about three
months after entering the Delaware, Menewe prepared to re-
turn to Sweden. Kieft's letter mentioned above, also speaks
of Menewe's leaving, which would imply that he went some-
time in that month (July, 1638). He had taken all precau-
tions for the welfare of the colony in his absence, and left
twenty-three men under command of Mcins Kling, and Hen-
rik Huyghan. To Kling was consigned the duties of a mili-
tary commander, and to Huyghen the care of civil matters.
They were directed to defend the fort, and continviethe traffic

100 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

with the Indians. The Vogel Grip was sent to the West
Indies in advance to exchange a cargo brought from Gothen-
burg, and Menewe followed in the Kalmars Nyckel. He ar-
rived at the island of St. Christopher in safety, where he
exchanged his cargo, and, possibly, met his death. Con-
cerning his fate there is much conflicting evidence. Nearly all
writers agree in declaring that he returned to Fort Christina,
where, after serving the colony for three j'-ears, he died, and
was buried. But Prof. Odner has recently announced that
this is incorrect, for which statement he presents what he
believes to be indisputable evidence. In a letter to Blom-
maert, dated June 8, 1639, Clas Fleming speaks of the
necessity of providing a successor to Menewe at Fort
Christina; and for his theory that Menewe was lost at sea,
Prof. Odner refers to Blommaert's letters to the chancellor,
dated November, 13, 1638, and January 28, 1640. The
inferences are as follows : While exchanging his cargo at St.
Christopher, Menewe was invited to board a Dutch vessel
called The Flying Deer, and while thus entertained one of the
terrific hurricanes known to that country arose, dismantling
and foundering many ships. As neither The Flying Deer nor
any of her crew was ever seen again, it would seem that
Menewe perished in this manner. The Kalmars Nyckel
escaped, and took every means for the recovery of her com-
mander, but he was seen no more, and the vessel pursued her
way to Sweden. Encountering rough winds which disabled
her, she retired to a Dutch port, to await repairs and further
orders. The sloop Vogel Grip returned to Fort Christina,
took in a cargo of furs, and procceeded to Sweden, where
she arrived at the close of May, 1639, making the voyage

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 101

from Christina to Stockholm in five weeks. The little colony,
then left to itself, became discouraged, and was about to
abandon the settlement, when Peter Hollendare was ap-
pointed the successor of Menewe, and Clas Fleming assumed
the direction of the w^ork in Sweden.

In 1639, the ship Kalmars Njrckel, which had suffered
damages at sea,w^as repaired and equipped in Holland, with
the view of despatching a second Swedish colony to Am-
erica. Cornelis Van Vliet, a Dutch captain, who had been for
some time in the Swedish service, was selected as a man
well qualified to take command of the vessel ; but upon his
appointment, there arose an unexpected difficulty in obtain-
ing emigrants. This was supposed to be due to the fact that
the long and, at that time, dangerous voyage, antecedent
to settlement in a country inhabited by savages, presented
inadequate attractions. But there seems to have existed,
from the first, a personal prejudice against Van Vliet, which,
as v\ras eventually proved, was not without grounds. No
one volunteered to accompany him, and it was at last found
necessary to make a draught upon such married soldiers as
had evaded service, and others, guilty of evil offences, to-
gether with their wives and children. Thus provided with
emigrants, the perplexity of raising funds presented itself, the
country having been drained of its resources by wars. But
at this juncture, Blommaert and Spiring, with their custom-
arj' zeal, came forward, and advanced the requisite means.
The Kalmars Nyckel -was accordingly equipped, and provided
with another crew, concerning whom little is known. The
governor appointed to accompany the expedition, as succes-
sor to Menewe, was Peter Hollendare, who signs himself

102 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Bidder (knight). Having thus far vanquished her obstacles,
the Kalmars Nyckel left Gothenburg in the autumn of 1639,
destined, however, to meet with still further discourage-
ments. Upon entering the North Sea, she sprang a leak, and
was obliged to put into Medemblik for repairs; again she
started, only to encounter fresh disasters, until the growing
dissatisfaction with both crew and vessel w^as vehemently
oppressed. Van Vliet was accused of dishonesty in victual-
ling the ship, and was convicted of the charge, upon the exa-
mination which was immediately ordered by Blummaert.
Mr. Spiring thereupon commanded Van Vliet's discharge,
and appointed Pouwel Jansen (probably Dutch) in his place,
a new crew also having been hired. But continued misfor-
tunes beset them at sea, and it was not until February 7,
1640, that the Kalmars Nyckel made the successful effort to
sail from Texel. At this point, the name of Blommaert, so
distinguished in the records of the earliest exposition, dis-
appears from the current chronicles ; and it is supposed that
he either died, or retired from the Swedish service, the former
supposition being the more credible.

Hollendare's colony landed at Christina, April 17,
1640, a little more than two months after leaving the Texel.
They found the settlement left by Menewe in good condition
(Kieft's letters being the only authority to the contrary), but,
for want of an executive head, and having heard nothing
from home, they appear to have entertained doubts, at this
period, as to the expediency of trying to maintain their
national independence. It is probably that they would have
allied themselves to the interests of the Dutch, had it not
been for the Hollendare's arrival. Professor Odhner who has

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 103

prosecuted the search with much zest, declares that he has
been unable to discover any record as to the way in which
Menewe's colony occupied their time after his departure,
with the exception of a partially destroyed Schuldt Boeck,
kept by Henrik Huyghen, from the year 1838, the contents
of which are meagre and afford little information. Concern-
ing the people whom Hollendare found upon his arrival, and
he himself took with him, he says in a letter to the chancel-
lor: "No more stupid or indifferent people are to be found
in all Sweden than those which are now here." He appears
to have encountered the opposition of Mans Kling, whose
rough experience had taught him the impracticability of cer-
tain theories advanced by Hollendare for dealing with the
Dutch, and who may have found subordination to a novice
in these matters hard to brook. Hollendare purchased land
of the Indians for a distance of eight or nine Sw^edish miles
above Fort Christina, erecting three pillars for a boundary.
(These continually renewed purchases of land from the
Indians remind one of an American child-expression, "Indian-
giver," meaning one who presents a gift and then takes it
back) . Incipient protests were made, from time to time, by
the Dutch, but none of serious consequence. About this time
the Swedes also purchased of the Indians a considerable
tract of land on the east side of the river, having already
bought, as has been stated, the territory on the west side.
According to Hazard's Annals, a general sickliness prevailed
among both Swedes and Dutch, during Hollendare's ad-
ministration, and it was deemed expedient to take measures
at once for the strengthening of the colony.

In May, 1640, therefore. Mans Kling was sent to Swe

104 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

den in the Kalmars Nyckel, for the purpose of laying before
the government the necessities of the settlement; and in May,
1641, Kling left Stockholm in the Charitas, a vessel which
had been prepared at the above place, at a cost of about
thirty-five thousand florins. He took with him a company
of mining-people and "roaming Finns," the later being a race
inhabiting the Swedish forests. They numbered thirty-two
persons, four of whom were criminals, the remainder going
either as servants to the company, or to better their condi-
tion. Mans Kling was accompanied by his wife, a maid, and
a little child. He was appointed to serve as lieutenant on the
pay of forty rix-daler a month, beginning May 1, 1641, and
was also granted by Clas Fleming, as a present, fifty rix-
daler expectancy money. Sailing from Stockholm, Kling re-
paired to Gothenburg, where he was joined by the Kalmars
Nyckel, and (probably) other emigrants. The two vessels
left Sweden, in 1641, constituting the third expedition to the
Delaware. Soon after their arrival at Christina, a new com-
pany, under the name of the West India or America com-
pany, w^as formed, and it was decided that the crown should
pay the salaries of a governor and such other officers as might
be needed for the advancement of the colony. Hollendare's
last letter to the chancellorwas dated December 3, 1640, and
little more than the writer has stated is known of his admin-
istration.

The fourth expedition, under Governor Printz, proved to
be the largest, and in point of numbers, the most important
of the expeditions sent to Delaware. The chief personages
who took part in it were the governor, his wife, and daughter
Armgott, the Rev. Johan Campanius (Holm) , and MSns Kling,

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 105

who had returned to Sweden, in 1641. Johan Printz, lieut-
enant-colonel in the Swedish army, was appointed Governor
of Delaware, August 15, 1642. He was granted four hun-
dred rix-Daler for traveling expenses, and two hundred dol-
lars silver for his annual salary, to commence January 1,
1643. His " Instructions" were dated at Stockholm, August
15, 1642; and on the 30th of the same month, "a budget
for the government of New Sweden" was adopted. Herein
are mentioned a lieutenant, a surgeon, a corporal, a gunner, a
trumpeter, besides twenty-four private soldiers ; also, in the
civil list, a preacher (Campanius), a clerk ( Knut Persson), a
provost (Johan Olafsson) , and a hangman, the wholeestimate
of salaries amounting to three thousand and twenty rix-daler.
The Company's "servants, "and those who went to improve
their condition, were called freemen; while the malefactors
were retained in slavery, and occupied ground appropriated
for them, there being no intercourse between the two classes.
According to Campanius, it had proved greatly to the detri-
ment of the colony for criminals to be permitted to share in
its advantages, and theembarkation,for this purpose of any
person of bad repute was forbidden in Sweden. Such as had
already come out were required to return, many of whom
died at sea. The official " Instructions" instructed Printz to
go to Gothenburg by land, as being more expeditious.
Whether he did so, or whether he went in the ship Fatna,
which sailed from Stockholm and was joined at Gothenburg
by Sraaen and (acording to Acrelius) the Charitas, is un-
certain. He was instructed to be governed by the skippers
and officers of the ships, as to the course he should take;
whether " to the north of Scotland, or through the channel

106 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

between France and England." According to Acrelius, and
other authorities, he sailed south. The expedition left Goth-
enburg, November 1, 1642, and arrived at Christina, Febru-
ary 15, 1643. The first official report sent by Printz from
New Sweden is lost, but in a private letter to the chancellor,
dated April 14, 1643, he says: "Itis a remarkably fine land,
with all excellent qualities a man can possibly desire on
earth." Yet, during this first year, there was great mor-
tality among the Swedes, which Printz, in his report for
1647, attributes to hard work and insufficient food; for
upon receiving board and wages they did well enough. In
this year, on the 7th of September, Reorus Torkillus, the
clergyman who accompanied Menewe, died at Christina. In
this year also, came Johan Papegaja, with a letter to the
governor, recommending his "employment, protection, and
advancement." He afterwards married the governor's
daughter Armgott, a haughty lady, who exercised a tyran-
nous disposition over the Swedes. On the 6th of November,
1643, Queen Christina granted Tinicum Island to Printz, and
here he established his residence. His mansion, which he
named " Printz Hall," is said to have been "very handsome."
Adjacent to it were an orchard and pleasure house ; and here
also, Fort Gothenburg was erected, the whole Island being
frequently spoken of as New Gothenburg.

While the governor's arbitrary temper rendered him, in
time, odiusto the people, his executive ability must command
the highest praise. Neither Menewe nor Hollendare had
done more than to break the roughest ground of the enter-
prise, and it remained for their successor systematically to
establish means for the permanent protection of the new set-

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 107

tlement, Fort Christina having been repaired, and Fort
Gothenburg completed. Of the forts projected and finished
by Printz, the following are the chief:

(1) Elfsborg. This was on the eastern side of the river,
about two miles below Christina. It was usually garrisoned
by twelve men commanded by a lieutenant, and had eight
iron and brass guns. At this point of vantage, Printz is said
to have exercised great authority over the Dutch, whose
movements were thus worried and frastrated by him. The
statement of most historians that he weighed at this time,
Upwards of four hundred pounds, is regarded by Hazard as
a mistake, and probably refers to a relative of the govern-
or's. Certainly, -were it Printz himself, the active duties of a
soldier must have soon reduced the formidable bulk. Al-
though Elfsborg was considered a very valuable site, it
became uninhabitable on account of the mosquitoes which
infest New Jersey, and was soon abandoned.

(2) Manajunk. This was a "handsome" little fort on
the Schuylkill. It was made of logs, filled up with sand and
stones, and surrounded by palisades cut very sharp at the
top. It was mounted with great guns.

(3) Korsholm. This fort was at Passajunk, in the neigh-
borhood of Chinsessing, and was commanded by Swen
Schute. On the other side of it was a substantial house
called Wasa, built of hickory, and two stories high. It was
defended by freemen, although not strictly a fort. About a
quarter of amile further up, on the" Minquas Road," Printz
built a similar strong house, and also the first mill in Dela-
ware, calling the place Mondal. Private residences and plan-
tations rapidly sprang up, centering chiefly upon Tinicura

108 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Island. The place of Olaf Stille, a Swede who was much
beloved by the Indians, is indicated on Lindstrom'smap,and
was probably on the Schuylkill, southwest of Philadelphia.
From him is descended Provost Stille, of the University of
Pennsylvania, the name being one of the very few which re-
main uncorrupted. Thus the colony was strengthened and
enabled to control the Indian trade of the Schuylkill. That
Printz was not always scnjpulous in his methods of gaining
an end, is certain, but that he endeavored to serve his coun-
try in the best way compatible with his vindictive and
ambitious temperament must be conceded. This much may
at least be said of him. He was the first real pioneer which
the State of Delaware had seen, and upon his retiring from
the service the prosperity of the colony steadily declined.

The Indian policy pursued by the Swedes, in accordance
with the instructions given to Printz, cannot be over-
estimated. The important paragraph contained in Article 9
has already been quoted. Article 5 reads : " The governor,
God willing, have arrived in New Sweden, he must, for his
better information, bear in mind that the boundaries of
which our subjects have taken possession, in virtue of the
articles of contract entered into with the wild inhabitants of
the country, as the rightful lords, extend," etc., etc. That
this policy, steadily pursued by the Swedes, and afterwards
imitated by Penn, was ever abandoned by the American
nation, remains a lasting shame. In the financial burden
and moral obloquy attachingto our Indian Bureau, we have
the legitimate fruits of the course we have pursued.

In the year 1644, the ship Fama returned to Sweden with
a cargo, which we give in Printz's own words: "One

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 109

thousand three hundred whole beavers, 299 half beavers,
537 third parts of beavers ; great and small together, 2,139
beavers; again, tobacco, 20.467 pounds (Swedish), in 77
hogsheads ; again, my own tobacco — which partly I received
from foreigners and partly I planted myself — 7,200 pounds,
in 28 hogsheads, sent home to the shareholders in Sweden,
that they may either reimburse me at 8 sty fver -per pound, or
graciously allow me to sell it elsewhere." On the 25th of
November, 1645, a great calamity befell the colony, which
may best be described in the governor's words: "Between
10 and 11 o'clock, one Swen Wass, a gunner, set Fort New-
Gothenburg on fire; in a short time all was lamentably burnt
down, and not the least thing saved except the dairy. The
people escaped, naked and destitute. The winter immediately
setin bitterly cold" (as cold, he says elsewhere, as he had ever
experienced in northern Sweden). "The rivers and all the
creeks froze up, and nobody was able to get near us (because
New Gothenburg is surrounded by water) . The sharpness of
the winter lasted until the middle of March ; so that if some
rye and corn had not been unthrashed, I myself, and all the
people with me would have starved to death. But God
maintained us with that small quantity of provisions until
the new harvest. By this sad accident the loss of the com-
pany is 4,000 riks-daler." His personal loss was estimated
at 5,584 riks-daler. Whether his own house was destroyed I
am unable to discover. According to his own account it
would be inferred that it was, while Ferris states that it
remained standing for more than one hundred and twenty
years, "when it was accidentally destroyed by fire." What
might have been the motive of Swen Wass for committing

110 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

such a deed can only be surmised. He was sent home in
irons and remanded to the Swedish government for justice.
The buildings were reconstructed as soon as possible..

On the 1st of October, 1646, the Swedish ship Haij
(sometimes called The Golden Shark) arrived, bringing the
first news that had been received from home in two years and
four months. She was sent back in the following February
with a cargo of "24,177 pounds of tobacco, the whole in
101 casks, of which 6,920 pounds were planted in New
Sweden, 17,257 pounds were purchased." The governor and
other officers of the colony had received instructions to draw
their salaries from the duties on tobacco i but as the revenues
from this product had not been large, it was found necessary
for them to obtain their subsistence from other sources. It
was probably with regard to this period that Stuyvesant
wrote to the commissary at the Delaware River: "The
Swedish governor receives no succor, nor has he to expect
any for the present, as I have been informed, trustw^orthily."
During the year 1646, violent altercations with the Dutch
occurred, and, according to Acrelius, the arms of Holland,
which had been erected at Santickan, were torn down by
the Swedes. In this year also, a wooden church deco-
rated in Swedish fashion, and situated on Tinicum Island,
was consecrated September 4, by the Rev. Johan |Cam-
panius.

Concerning the year 1647, we obtain an inferential
account from Printz's Report, dated February 20th of that
year, and sent to the chancellor with Johan Papegaja. The
entire number of souls in the colony at that time w^as one
hundred and eighty-three. The quarrels between the Dutch

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. Ill

and the Swedes had continued, and Printz writes with exas-
peration : " It is of the utmost necessity for us to drive the
Dutch from the river, for they oppose us on every side. (1.)
They destroy our trade everywhere. (2.) They strengthen
the savages with guns, shot, and powder, publicly trading
with these, against the edict of all Christians. (3.) They
stir up the savages against us, who, but for our prudence,
would already have gone too far. (4.) They begin to buy
land from the savages, within our boundaries, which we had
purchased eight years ago, and have the impudence in several
places to erect the arms of the West India Company, calling
them their arms ; moreover, they give New Sweden the name
of New Netherland, and dare to build their houses
there." Hudde declares that when he sought to present the
earlier claims of the Dutch, the governor replied that "the
devil was the oldest possessor of hell, but that he sometimes
admitted a younger one." As to the English, the Report
says: "I have at last been able, with the authority of Her
Majesty, to drive them from hence." In the same Report he
announces that the trade has declined, and that some of the
most useful members of the colony have intimated their
wish to return home; among others, Henrik Huyghen,
whose services were very valuable, and the clergyman, Cam-
panius. He himself begs to be released from his post, and to
return to Sweden, in the next ship. The chancellor's reply is
to the effect that Printz could not yet be spared, and that it
would be advisable to raise the salary of Campanius, as an
inducement for him to remain. In this year, the Svanen ar-
rived with goods from home, although the chancellor had
been unable to fulfill all of the governor's requests thus soon.

112 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

The reply of the chancellor was brought back by Lieuten-
ant Johan Papegaja.

The 3'ear of 1649 recorded the murder of two Swedes by
the Indians, the first occurrence of the kind that had been
chronicled. As a rule the relations of the savages with the
Swedes were of the most friendly nature, although Printz
complained at times that when the latter no longer had
what the Indians wanted, they were liable to trouble with
them, there being, apparently, no other mode of expressing
amity. Campanius gives a quaint account of an Indian
council called to discuss the advisability of destroying the
Swedes, who no longer had "cloth, blue, red, or brown ;" nor
"kettles, brass, lead, guns, nor powder." The verdict, how-
ever, was, that "We, native Indians, will love the Swedes,
and the Swedes shall be our good friends. * * * We shall
not make war upon them and destroy them. This is fixed
and certain. Take care to observe it." The same writer
accords to Printz "a complete suit of clothes, with coat,
breeches, and belt, made by these barbarians, with their
wampum, curiously wrought with the figures of all kinds of
animals" — the extravagant cost being "some thousand pieces
of gold." For the next two or three years, the struggle be-
tween Swedes and Dutch for supremacy, was a pretty even
matter, the declining strength of the Swedes being supplied
by re-enforced aggressiveness, while the Dutch remained supe-
rior in numbers.

In 1G51 the Dutch built Fort Cassimer ( now New Cas-
tle, Delaware), against which Printz protested withont
effect. The name of the fort was a singular selection, inas-
much as it is Swedish rather than Dutch. The governor's

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 113

desire to return to Sweden had been steadily increasing, and
he renewed his appeal to be recalled. The colony was degen-
erating, less because of therelaxationof Printz's efforts than
of the insuflScient response from home. Clas Fleming died in
1644, and his successor had not been appointed. Queen
Christina, contemplating the abdication of her throne, and
inheriting none of her father's love for the enterprise, mani-
fested little interest in the welfare of the colony. In Stuyve-
sant, Printz had found his match for love of power and
unyielding determination. Under his administration, the
strength of the Dutch was augmented, and, impatient at the
delay of the government in recalling him from a situation
which was becoming highly preplexing, Printz sailed for
home before the arrival of his order to return, which was
dated December 12, 1653. He left his administration in the
hands of his son-in-law. Lieutenant Papegaja, who, from
prolonged residence there, must have been familiar with the
requirements of the office. Some of the colonists applied to
Stuyvesant for permission to come under the jurisdiction and
protection of the West India Company, a request which, for
reasons politic, was not granted. Upon his return to Swe-
den Printz was made a general, and in 1658 he was
appointed governor of the district of Jonkoping. He died in
1663. Johan Papegaja, Vice-Governor of Delaware for a
period of eighteen months, was succeeded by Johan Claudius
Rising, in 1654.

On the 12th day of December, 1653, the College of Com-
merce of Sweden nominated Johan Claudius Rising as Com-
missary and Assistant Councillor to the Governor of New
Sweden. Rising was a native of the then Swedish province

114 HISTORY OF THE SCANDIXAYIANS IN THE U. S.

of Pommerania, and had been court-martialed for some mili-
tary oflfense during the Thirty Years' War. He was accom-
panied on his expedition to New Sweden by Peter Lindstrom,

royal engineer, a clergyman named Peter , and various

officers, both civil and military. He was allowed 1000 rix
da/erfor traveling expenses, and an appropriation of 1,200
dollars silver per annum, together with such emoluments as
might be derived from the South Company. He was also to
have as much land in New Sweden as could be cultivated by
twenty or thirty peasants. Although appointed as assist-
ant-councillor, or lieutenant-governor. Rising at once
received precedence from Papegaja, who had served as vice-
governor since Printz's departure; so that in Rising was
vested the office of fifth governor of Delaware. He was
directed to strengthen the Swedish possessions on South
River, and to subjugate the Dutch by measures of amity, as
far as possible. He sailed from Gothenburg early in the year
1654, in the ship Aren, Captain Swensko. Acrelius states
that so great was the number of emigrants desirous of accom-
panying this expedition, that hundreds were left behind for
w^ant of sufficient passage-room for them.

They arrived in the Delaware, or Southriver, on Trinity
Sunday, in the latter part of May, 1654. Sailing up the
river as far as the Dutch Fort Cassimir — now New Castle,
Delaware — they fired a salute of two guns, in response to
which two men came dow^n to learn the character and inten-
tions of their visitors. They returned to their commandant,
one Gerrit Bikker, and informed him that it was a Swedish
vessel, with a new governor, who demanded the surrender of
Fort Cassimir, claiming that the ground upon which it stood

THK FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 115

was Swedish property. Astonished at this presumption,
Bikker took time to digest it, during which Rising informed
himself with more certainty as to the condition of the Dutch
garrison. Assuring himself that it was feeble he landed with
thirty men, who, dispersing themselves over the fort, again
demanded its surrender at the point of the sword. Bikker,
stupidly bewildered at the unexpectedness of the attack, and
commanding but ten or twelve men, yielded his side-arms,
and attempted no defence. The gallant Lieutenant Gyllen-
gren took possession of the guns, and, striking down the
Dutch flag, raised the Swedish colors in its stead. The fort
was named Fort Trinity, in memory of the day of its surren-
der. Bikker complained bitterly to Stuyvesant of the ruth-
less and inhuman manner in which he and his men were
driven from the fort; while Acrelius, on the other hand,
declares that a correct inventory of the property was taken,
and that each man was permitted to remove his ow^n at dis-
cretion. They were at liberty to leave the place, or to swear
allegiance to the Swedish crown. Fearful of the consequences
of falling into the hands of the Dutch, after his surrender,
Bikker took the oath of allegiance. Concerning this affair,
the Dutch records state: "We hardly knovir which aston-
ished us more, the attempt of the newly arrived Swedish
troops to make themselves masters of the Southriver and our
fort, or the infamous surrender of the same by our command-
ant." Of strategic genius Rising made no exhibition on this
occasion, but for prompt and audacious sang froid, he maybe
heartily commended. He rebuilt the fort, and a plan of it
was drawn by Engineer Lindstrom, a copy of which was,
and may still be, in the possession of Mr. Thomas Westcott,

116 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

of Philadelphia, although the original was destroyed in the
fire at Stockholm in 1697. Rising now found it incumbent
to renew the former treaties with the Indians, and a meeting
was therefore appointed for June 17, 1654, at Printz Hall,
on Tinicum Island; when, flattered and pacified with gifts,
the Indians reiterated their promises of friendship and the
council closed with feasting and firing of guns. The energies
of Rising and Lindstrom were largely directed to investiga-
tion and classification of the resources of the country, which
were duly reported to the home government. Rising, who
came to New Sweden without a wife, and subsequently
appealed to the chancellor for such a commodity, took up his
residence in the fort at Christina.

In August, 1654, Oxenstierna, Chancellor of Sweden, died ;
and, upon the abdication of Christina, the reins of govern-
ment fell into the hands of her cousin, Charles Gustaf. In
the meantime, the Dutch, who had never recovered from their
indignation at the seizure of Fort Cassimir, meditated re-
venge ; and it was not long before the instruments of retali-
ation were placed by auspicious circumstances in their hands.
In the latter part of September, 1654, the Swedish ship
Haij, a small and weather-worn vessel of forty t^ fifty tons
burthen, met with a curious misadventure. She was com-
manded by Hendrik Van Elswyk, of Liibeck, Factor of the
High Crown of Sweden, and by some error or culpable
intention of the pilot, was guided out of course into the
North River, to a position behind Staten Island. Elswyk
was compelled to send to New Amsterdam for a pilot to re-
lieve them of their difiiculty, and thus gave the Dutch infor-
mation of his presence. The Haij, with its cargo, was seized

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 117

on suspicion of evil intentions, and while the crew were per-
mitted to remain on the vessel, Elswyk was sent to the
Southriver with instructions to Rising to settle the difficulty
with the Governor of New Netherland. At a meeting of the
Director-General and High Council, at New Amsterdam, on
the 20th of October, 1654, a formal oiTerof the restitution of
the ship Haij, with its effects, was made to Rising, on the
condition that Fort Cassimir should be restored to theDutch.
Assurance was also given that in such an event, friendly and
neighborly intercourse would be resumed. A pass was
accordingly issued for Rising to visit New Amsterdam, but,
tenacious of Fort Cassimir, he refused to make such a settle-
ment. Elswyk addressed the following protest against the
seizure of the Haij, to the Director-General and Council :

"Noble, Honorable Director-General," etc : " On the 22d
of September last I landed, either through the carelessness,
or perhaps wanton malice of my pilot, in this river of New
Netherland, with the ship Hay, intrusted to me by the Royal
Swedish General Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the Hon-
orable South Company. I sent some of my people in a boat
here to New Amsterdam, as to good friends and neighbors,"
[The gloss of amity between the Dutch and Swedes at this
time appears to have been very thin, and an illustration of
the saying, " A man convinced against his will, is of the same
opinion still."], "to engage a pilot, who, for a money con-
sideration, would bring us to the Southriver. Arrived here,
my men, both bom Swedes, were taken to the guard-house,
and I was fetched from the place where I was by the Honor-
able Vice-Commander with eight musketeers, and placed
here in the house of Sergeant Daniel Litschoe, but the ship

118 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

itself was also brought up from the Raritan Kil, by the
Honorable Director-General, our flag hauled down, and the
ship continually occupied by soldiers and people. Now,
although it is asserted that his noble Honor, Johan Rising,
Director of the Government of New Sweden, had taken your
Honor's pretended Fort Cassimir, and that, therefore, your
Honors have seized this ship with its cargo, such a pretext
has no basis or foundation whatever, because the said Fort
was erected in 1651 by his noble Honor, your Director-Gen-
eral, rather by overwhelming force than with right and
equity, upon the territory of H. R. M. of Sweden, our most
gracious Queen; the then Swedish governor protesting
against it, so that the aforesaid Honorable Governor, Johan
Rising, has not taken it from your noble Honors, but has
only repossessed himself of what belongs to Her Royal Maj-
esty of Sweden, herself," etc., etc.

This the Dutch regarded as a mere begging of the ques-
tion, and they continued to reiterate their grievance in the
unlawful and insufferable taking of Fort Cassimir. They
relaxed none of their claim to their legitimate possession of
it, and openly expressed their suspicion that the ship Haij
had "lost her way" with no friendly intentions. Tlieynow,
accordingly, took measures for hostile advances against the
Southriver Swedes. The ship Balance, armed with thirty-
six guns, and commanded by Frederick de Coninck, was in-
structed to proceed directly from Holland to New Nether-
land, and there to await further orders. She arrived on
the 15th of August. On the 19th a call for volunteers was
issued. "If some lovers of the flourishing, well-being, and
safety of this newly -opened province of New Netherland are

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 119

willing and inclined to serve the Director-General and Council,
either for love or a reasonable salary and board money, they
will please address themselves to his Honor, the noble Direct-
or-General himself, or to one of the honorable gentlemen of
the Council, and inform them," etc. Signed,

"P. Stuyyesant,

"NiCASIUS DE SiLLE,

'Cornelius van Tienhoven."
An order to captains of vessels in the harbor was also issued,
to furnish men, ammunition, and provisions. Such as refused
were impressed. Van Tienhoven and Coninck were ordered
to board ships, and request amicably, or, if refused, com-
mand from each ship two men, two hundred pounds of cod-
fish, two or three small barrels of groats, one barrel of meat,
with one barrel of bacon, and three hundred pounds of
bread; also as much powder as they conveniently could
spare. The French privateer, UEsperance, was also char-
tered. Jews were exempted from service, owing to the
antipathy of other soldiers to do service in conjunction with
them. A tax of sixty-five stivers per month, "until further
orders," was, however, imposed upon each Jew over sixteen
and under sixty years. " When your Honors shall have car-
ried the expedition to a successful end," says a letter in the
Dutch Records, dated May 26, 1665, "the land upon which
Fort Christina stands, with a certain amount of garden
land for the cultivation of tobacco, shall be left to the peo-
ple, as they seem to have bought it w^ith the knowledge and
consent of the Company, under the condition that the afore-
said Swedes shall consider themselves subjects of this State
and Company. This for your information and government."

120 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

On the 5th of September the expedition sailed for the
Southriver. It consisted of seven vessels and between six
and seven hundred men. Upon arriving at Fort Cassimir
they at once took measures for seizing the fort. SwenSchute,
was the commander in charge, and had been informed of the
intentions of the enemy. Rising had instructed him to hold
the fort, and above all, not to allow the Dutch to pass with-
out firing upon them. Schute disobej'ed the latter injunc-
tion, and permitted the Dutch fleet to pass the fort without
molestation, the force of his own garrison convincing him
that discretion was the better part of valor. Upon being
commanded to surrender he begged time to consult with Ris-
ing, but this was refused. Meanwhile fifty Dutch sailors had
established themselves in the passes between Port Cassimir
and Fort Christina, thus cutting off Swedish communication
and hope of relief. At this, Swen Schute claimed the privi-
lege of sending an open letter to Rising, but this also was
denied, and accordingly, on Saturday morning, September
16, 1655, Schute boarded the Balance, and signed the capit-
ulation. He was severely censured by Rising for allowing the
Dutch to pass the fort, without firing, and for subscribing
to the capitulation on board a Dutch vessel, instead of in
"some indifferent place." The surrender was allowed to
be inevitable, owing to the overpowering strength of the
Dutch forces. The entire population of Swedes on the
Southriver at that time numbered something like four hun-
dred, including women and children, in opposition to whom
the Dutch presented six or seven hundred armed men. Swen
Schute, together with other Swedes, took the oath of alle-
giance to the Dutch.

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 121

Perceiving that designs were entertained against Fort
Christina, Rising sent Elswyk to remonstrate with Stuyve-
sant, for seeking to obtain possession of the entirely legiti-
mate property of the Swedes. Not to be dissuaded, how-
ever, the Dutch besieged Fort Christina, in the rear. The
Swedish garrison consisted of but thirty men, with insuffi-
cient ammunition and provisions. Hopeless of immediate
success, and unable to sustain a prolonged resistance, Rising,
therefore, after a gallant defence, surrendered Fort Christina
on the following terms :

1. "That all cannon, ammunition, provisions, and sup-
plies, together with other things belonging to the Crown of
Sweden, which are in and around Fort Christina, shall belong
to and be preserved as the property of the Swedish Crown
and the Southern Company, and shall be under the power of
said Governor, to take it away or deliver it to Governor
Stuyvesant, with the proviso that it shall be given up on
order.

2. " Governor John Rising, his superior and inferior offi-
cers, his officials and soldiers shall march out of the fort
with drums and trumpets playing, flags flying, matches
burning, with hand and side-arms, and balls in their mouths.
They shall first be conducted toTinnecuck [Tinicum] Island,
to which they shall be taken in safety, and placed in the fort
which is there, until the Governor sets sail upon the ship
Waegh, [ The Balance] upon which said Governor Rising, his
people and property, shall be conducted to Sandy Huck, situ-
ated five Holland miles the other side of New York, under
safe conduct, within at least fourteen days. Also the Gov-
ernor and Factor Elswyk shall in the meantime have allowed

122 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

them four or five servants for attending to their business,
whilst the others are lodged in the Fortress.

3. "All writings, letters, instructions, and acts belong-
ing to the Crown of Sweden, the Southern Company, or pri-
vate persons which are found in Fort Christina, shall remain
in the Governor's hands to take away at his pleasure, with-
out being searched or examined.

"4. None of the Crown's or Company's officers, soldiers,
officials, or private persons shall be retained here against
their wishes, but shall be allowed to go without molestation
along with the governor, if they so desire.

5. "That all the officers, soldiers, and officials of the
Crown and of the Southern Company, and also all private
persons shall retain their goods unmolested.

6. "If some officials and Freemen desire to depart, but
are not able to go with the Governor and his party, they
shall be allowed the time of one year and six weeks in which
to sell their land and goods, provided that they do not take
the oath of allegiance for the period that they remain.

7. " If any of the Swedes or Finns are not disposed to go
away. Governor Rising may take measures to induce them
to do so; and if they are so persuaded, they shall not be
forcibly detained. Those who choose to remain shall have
the liberty of adhering to their own Augsburg confession, as
also to support a minister for their instruction.

8. "Governor Rising, Factor Elswyk, and other supe-
rior and inferior officers, soldiers, and Freemen, with all
their property which they wish to take away, shall be pro-
vided by the Governor-General with a sound ship, which
shall receive them at Sandy Huck and convey them to Texel,

THE FIRST SWEDISH SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA. 123

and thence immediately by a coaster, galliote, or other suit-
able vessel to Gothenburg, without charge; with the proviso
that said coaster, galliote, or other vessel shall not be de-
tained, for which the said Governor Rising shall be an-
swerable.

9. "In case Governor Rising, Factor Elswyk, or any
other official belonging to the Swedish Crown, or the South
Company, has incurred any debts on account of the Crown
or of the Company, they shall not be detained therefor
within the jurisdiction of the Governor-General.

10. "Governor Rising has full freedom to make himself
acquainted with the conduct of Commander Schute and that
of his officers and soldiers in regard to the surrender of
Sandhuk Fort [ Fort Cassimir J .

11. "Governor Rising promises that between the 15th
and the 25th of September, he will withdraw his people
from Fort Christina, and deliver it up to the Governor-
General.

"Done and signed the 15-25th of September, 1655, on
the parade between Fort Christina and the Governor-Gener-
al's camp. "Peter Stuyyesant,

"John Rising."

SECRET article.

"It is further capitulated that the Captain who is to
convey Captain John Rising and the Factor Henry Elswyk
shall be expressly commanded and ordered to put the afore-
said Governor Rising and the Factor Elswyk on shore,
either in England or in France ; and that the Director-Gen-
eral shall lend to Governor Rising, either in money or bills of
exchange, the sum of three hundred pounds Flemish, which

124 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

the said GoYernor Rising engages to repay to the Govemor •
General, or his order, in Amsterdam, within six months after
the receipt. In the meantime he leaYes as a pledge and
equiYalent the property of the Crown and Southern Com-
pany now giYcn up. Hereof we giYe two copies signed by
the contracting parties.

"Concluded September 15-25th, on the parade between
Fort Christina and GoYernor-General Stuyvesant's camp.

"Perer Stuyyesant.
"John Rising."

Nineteen Swedes subscribed to the oath of allegiance to
the Dutch. Rising did not immediately return to Sweden,
and the arms and ammunition of the Crown were not re-
deemed.

Thus fell, after an independence of seventeen years, the
Swedish political power on the Delaware. Had it not been
for the rashness of Rising in stirring up the enmity of the
Dutch, it might still have survived. Yet the chief cause of
its subjugation, doutless, lay in the magnificent maritime re-
sources of Holland, as opposed to the poverty of Sweden in
that respect. Help came slowly and insufficiently to the
Swedes from home, at this time, while Holland had but to
beat the drum in her streets, and the colony of New Nether-
land was promptly re-enforced.

Not thus ignominiously perished the seeds of moral in-
tegrity and thrift planted by the Swedes upon the Delaware
river. Scattered broad-cast, they bloom today in countless
American homes.

The First Norwegian Immigration,

The Sloop Party of 1825.

—BY —

O. N. NELSON.

Many writers have discussed the origin, cause, and effect
of the first Norwegian immigration to the United States in
the nineteenth century. It would be difficult, indeed, to find
a subject which has been treated so extensively, and at the
same time in such an unsatisfactory manner, as that topic.
This is not to be wondered at, considering the chaotic condi-
tion of the material which had to be relied upon. Hardly
any of the very first Norwegian immigrants, say from 1800
to 1840, were educated men ; and, of course, they never
kept any kind of diaries or written memorandums. "Kleng
Peerson looked upon himself as the pathfinder and father of
the Norwegian immigration." But the "father" does not
seem to have left behind him any productions of his own in
regard to his relation with the early Norwegian immigrants;
and not a single one of the members of the Sloop family,

125

126 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

who sailed from Stavanger in 1825, appears to have pub-
lished anything with reference to the journey from Norway
to America until nearly fifty years later, and then only a
brief and unimportant communication in a Norwegian- Amer-
ican newspaper (1).

As far as is known, it was not until 1839, eighteen years
after Kleng Peerson's first landing in America, that any
account of the Sloop party appeared in print. This was
the little book by Ole Rynning, who came to this country a
couple of years before its publication. The work was in-
tended to be an emigrant guide rather than a history, and
hardly more than two pages are devoted to the Sloop folks.
The author asserts, however, that some of the people sent
letters to Norway during their first years of residence upon
American soil ; but none has ever been made public, and, in
all probability, not even preserved. From forty-five to
seventy years had passed before any serious attempts w^ere
made to gather materials with reference to the Sloop party,
and all publications dealing with the subject are based upon
the assertions of the immigrants themselves or their chil-
dren (2). The lack of documentary evidence in the case is so
obvious that no writer on the topic has been able to reproduce,
or even to mention, a single original document in support of
his assertions or theories. A few^ new^spaper notices referred
to the Norwegians at the time of their arrival in New York

(1) B. B. Anderson's "Fiiat Chaptei of Noiwegian Immigration," p. 79.

(2) Prof H. B. Anderson, in hia history, "The First Chapter of Norwegian ImmigrK-
tion,'* claims, on page 93, 'to have talked with eight of the Sloop passengers, and corres-
ponded with two more.' But some of these were infants when thay crossed the Atlantic,
and consequently their assertions in regard to the journey can only be taken as hearsay
eyidence. This volume was published in 1895, nearly three-quarters of a centnry after
the people had left their native land.

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 127

in 1825, and these notices are contradictory in detail. In
1896 the writer of this article received a letter from Rev.
Emil Riis, Lutheran clergyman at Skjold, who had examined
Kirke-bbgerne at that place and at Tysvar, from which
places several of the passengers on the sloop hailed. But
there is no record in these books of any persons having
removed to America during the years of 1820-28. The
entire absence of any official account of the movement is
remarkable, especially as it was not unlawful to emigrate
in those days. Could it be possible that the Quakers objected
to comply with the civil law of the land in regard to secur-
ing permission to discard their citizenship, which they con-
sidered to be a very heavy burden ? But, apparently, all the
emigrants were not Brethren, or even dissenters from the
state church ; and their motive for secretly deserting their
native land, as they must have done, is even more mysterious
than the conduct of the followers of George Fox. A copy of
Stavanger's Toldbog for 1825 has been secured through
the courtesy of N. R. Bull, secretary of the government
statistical department in Kristiania, who positively asserts
that there is no record in Toldbogeme of the sloop Restau-
ration after the year 1825. But the 27th of June of said year
the sloop, OAvned by Johannes Stene and belonging to the
Stavanger district, but built in Egersund, was registered to
sail for America and elsewhere with a cargo of iron, shipped
by three or four different firms. L. 0. Helland is reported as
being captain, but no mention is made of any passengers.
In this connection it should be observed that Helland is not
mentioned at all in Prof. Anderson's First Chapter of Nor-
wegian Iznmigratioxi, although all the people who are

128 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

supposed to have participated in the^voyage are enumerated,
and it is claimed that Lars Olson was captain, and Lars
Larson the principal owner of the sloop.

Under such circumstances it is not strange that the wri-
ters on the subject should disagree, at least in detail; for in the
absence of authentic records, and during the lapse of a quar-
ter to three-quarters of a century, what a chance for imagina-
tion and misrepresentation to supplant the real facts ! Per-
haps all who have had any experience in gathering historical
data on settlements, have found that different individuals,
who have all participated in the affairs of the settlement,
give conflicting accounts of comparatively recent events. A
large number of people are unable to recall incidents of
their own lives which happened a few years before. Several
of the men consulted by the writer of this article have for-
gotten when they were married, and some do not know
when or where they were born.

In 1807 Denmark and England were at war with each
other. During that year some Norwegians, who of course
were subjects of the king of Denmark, were captured by
the foe. During their confinement on a prison ship near
London they received pamphlets containing Barclay's Apol-
ogy ; and at one time, in 1814, Stephen Grellet preached to
seven hundred prisoners, most of whom were Danes and Nor-
wegians, and about forty of them appear to have been con-
verted to Quakerism. After peace had been declared in 1814,
the prisoners returned to their native land, and the Friends
began to advocate the humanitarian doctrines of George
Fox among the descendants of the savage Vikings of the
North, especially in and around Stavanger and Kristiania.

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 129

One of them, Lars Larson, had remained in London one year
after his release, employed in the family of the noted Quaker
and philanthropist, William Allen. Larson, on his return
to his native city, Stavanger, became very active in promul-
gating the new doctrines [in the vicinity of his birthplace.
During their seven years of harsh imprisonment by a pro-
fessedly Christian nation, the Norwegian Friends had become
attached to the religion of peace, which they tried to hand
down to their children, and to spread among their neighbors.
But in doing so they came in conflict with the civil and
ecclesiastical powers of the land. It must be remembered
thatrcHgious tolerance was just then becoming a virtue, or
a fashion, in Europe, and a necessity in America. Norway
had not quite reached that stage. Skandinaven, com-
menting on this subject, said, among other things: "The
fact that no state church was established in this country at
the time of the adoption of the constitution, was simply due
to an historical necessity, and was not the result of greater
reUgious toleration than was found in other countries at
that time. Most of the different church denominations
were represented in the colonies, and the only religious
dogma on w^hich they could agree, was that no state church
ought to be established."

The constitution of Norway, adopted in 1814, has been
much praised for its liberal and humanitarian principles.
But at least certain parts of it seem to have been prepared
with too much haste, and approved without due considera-
tion. This especially appears to have been the case in regard
to the stipulation about religion. By a large majority
the convention at Eidsvold adopted the following, which

130 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

was intended to be the constitutional creed of the na-
tion: "The Evangelical Lutheran religion shall remain the
official religion of the state. All Christian reHgious sects
shall be granted liberty of religious Tvorship ; but Jews and
Jesuits shall be kept excluded from the kingdom. Monastic
orders must not be tolerated. Those inhabitants of the
country w^ho profess the public religion of the state shall be
obUged to educate their children in the same."

But when the constitution became public property, article
II., w^hich contains the legal reUgious dogma of Norway,
reads as follows : " The Evangelical Lutheran religion shall
remain the official religion of the state. Those inhabitants
who profess it shall be obliged to educate their children in the
same. Jesuits and monastic orders must not be tolerated.
Jews shall be kept excluded from the kingdom." It may be
proper to remark that the prohibition in regard to the Jews
was removed in 1851, principally through the efforts of
Henrik Wergeland. But what became of the sentence, " AH
Christian religious sects shall be granted liberty of religious
worship ? " Who w^as responsible for the change ? Where
did the members of the convention have their ears -when the
constitution as a whole was adopted ? These questions have
been and are just as much of a conundrum in Norway as
what the Silverites call "the crime of 1873 " and " Section 22
of the Dingley bill" are in this country. In the absence of
any constitutional provision in regard to the free exercise of
religion outside of the state church, recourse was had to
older laws on the subject, which greatly perplexed the gov-
ernment and became a hardship to the few Friends who
resided in Norway. The Quakers, as is well known, not

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 131

only reject the sacraments and confirmation, oppose religious
ceremonies at weddings and funerals, and object to pay taxes
to the state church; but they also refdse to take judicial
oaths, to perform military duties, and to contribute to the
maintenance of military establishments. It is evident that
even if the constitution of Norway had granted full religious
freedom to every individual upon the face of the earth, yet
the Friends w^ould have come in conflict with the funda-
mental laws of the kingdom, which prescribe that every
citizen, without regard to birth or fortune, shall perform mili-
tary service in defense of his country. But it is natural that
the clash should first occur in regard to the mode of wor-
ship, rather than with reference to the oath and martial
duties. To many people religion is an earnest reality and an
every-day concern ; while judicial oaths and wars are gener-
ally considered to be more of necessary evils than indispen-
sable articles. It cannot be disputed that the Quakers
suffered considerably, especially during the years of 1830 to
1845, on account of their refusal to comply with the ecclesi-
astical and civil laws of the kingdom. They were compelled
to have their children baptized and confirmed, as well as to
observe all the outward requirements of church and state,
including the payment of taxes. They were forbidden to
propagate the doctrines of their sect, ordered to abstain
from all proselyting, and prohibited from allowing any con-
verts to join their society. On the failure to observe these
conditions they were fined, and even the dead who were not
buried in consecrated places were exhumed, and interred in
accordance with the legal prescriptions. On the other hand,
the Friends were often treated with leniency ; exempted from

132 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

paying the fines imposed upon them; and their marriages,
entered into contrary to la-w, permitted to remain in full
force. Their life and property received the same protection
as that of any other subject, notwithstanding that they
objected to pay the same taxes as other people. Perhaps
no country has been so little cursed with religious bigotry
and persecution as the Scandinavian peninsula. No institu-
tion of inquisition was ever planted among them, no blood
of heretics ever stained their soil. Nor does it appear that the
Norwegian government intended to oppress the few defense-
less Friends within its dominion ; for already in 1817 a com-
mission was appointed to devise means by which they could
be permitted to worship God in their own fashion. It took
many years, however, before that result was obtained ; but
what they suffered in the meantime seems to have been
more in consequence of meanness, on the part of certain
officials, than of any intended persecution on the part of the
government (3). Even if some of the Friends emigrated on
account of the lack of religious freedom in their native places,
they appear to have been more than w^illing to return to the
ills they knew of after having enjoyed the liberty of America
for only a few years. For according to Sandfa,idig Beret-
ning oza Ainerika.hy Ole Rynning, the emigrants who had
settled at Kendall, N. Y., suffered greatly during the first four
or five years for the very necessities of life, and desired to
return to old Norway, but did not have the means to do so.
By a large number of writers, notably Prof. R. B. Ander-

(3) Most of the facts mentioned in the two paragraphs above have been deducted from
" W. A. Wexels's Liv 6g 'Virken," by Kev. A. Man, pablished in Kristiania, 1867, and it
is considered to be very reliable by Prof. Georg Sverdrap, who has made a special
Btady of that interesting period of Norwegian history.

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 133

son, religious persecution has been given as the main cause of
the movement from Stavanger to America in 1825. Conse-
quently it was deemed wise to discuss that part of the emi-
gration problem somewhat extensively. But there is no
authentic record to show that a single man, woman, or child
of the fifty-two persons who emigrated in 1825, ever came in
conflict with the laws of Norway on account of their religion.
The only Quaker in the Stavanger district who suffered for
his belief, prior to 1826, was Elias Tastad, and he did not
emigrate. The main hardships of the Norwegian Friends
befeU them from 1830 to 1845. At the latter date religious
freedom w^as virtually established in the kingdom.

Stephen Grellet and William Allen were very zealous
•Quakers, and both became famous as philanthropists. The
former was a French nobleman, who had been compelled in
early life, during the French revolution, to seek refuge in the
United States, where, shortly after his arrival in 1795, he
joined the society of Friends. After having resided continu-
ously in this country for a period of twelve years, he for over
a quarter of a century wandered from one European coun-
try to another, visiting palaces and dungeons, and urging
everybody to practice "peace on earth and good will among
men." He even preached to the Pope in Rome, who listened
with respect to his exhortations. He kept a diary, which
afterwards was published in book form. In 1818 he writes :
" I had been under great apprehension as to how I could be
of the least service in the great work of my dear Lord in
Norway and Sweden, for neither dear Allen nor myself under-
stand their language." And again: " Enoch Jacobson, a
Norwegian, one of those I saw during my last visit to this

134 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

nation, on board the prison-ship of war, and who there
became convinced of the Friends' principles, having heard
that I proposed to return from America to visit Norway,
etc., has just arrived in London. He has come under the
apprehension that he would find me here, and that it was his
duty to come and render me any service in his power." This
Enoch Jacobson together v^rith another man had tried, but
failed, to organize a society of Friends in Kristiania. Grellet,
Allen, and Jacobson sailed directly from London to Stav-
anger, where they arrived in 1818. In their journals the
two former speak highly of the morals of the people, and of
the courtesy and intelligence of the officials ; but do not by a
single word refer to any persecution of their co-religionists
in Norway. The Lutheran clergymen received them with
open arms, and attended some of their meetings. They both
mention, as an illustration of the virtue of the people in the
vicinity of Stavanger, that during a quarter of a century
only one person had been sentenced to death, although
the district contained 40,000 inhabitants ; that the prison
was kept by an old woman, and she had only one man
in it, who was a perfect model of a culprit. Grellet and
his companions remained in Stavanger for about one
week, visited families, assisted the half a dozen or more
Quakers in securing a suitable hall to meet in, and helped
them in perfecting the organization. It should be remem-
bered that Lars Larson, the founder of the society of Friends
in Stavanger in 1816, had served for some time in the family
of William Allen. Considering the familiarity with which
Grellet for a whole week associated with the people, it is
almost impossible to conceive that they should not know

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 134A

that America was his adopted country, especially when, as
before noted, Enoch Jacobson was w^ell aware of the fact
that Grellet resided in the United States. According to
George Richardson's Society of Friends in Norway, Lars
Larson also, it seems, met in 1822 a young man from North
America, who probably was a Norwegian by birth. It is
hard to believe that the Quakers were so absorbed in think-
ing about heavenly things as to neglect to inquire of visitors
from beyond the Atlantic in regard to the location and con-
ditions of the continent to which they departed a few years
later. The Scandinavian common people are generally very
inquisitive about such matters. In fact B. L. Wick — his ar-
ticle appeared in The Friends, Philadelphia, 1894 — who in-
vestigated the subject a few years ago in London, maintains
that it was Grellet who first advised the peasants to emi-
grate, partly on account of their poverty, and told them '
that America offered many advantages; for example, a
better economical future, free exercise of religion, and relief
from military duties. The reason they did not at once act
upon his advice is easily explained. The cautious and some-
w^hat slow Norwegian peasants needed time to think about
the matter, and to arrange their small affairs. There were
persons in the North w^ho really decided to emigrate a
quarter of a century before the feat was actually accom-
plished. Perhaps the Norwegian prisoners during their con-
finement in London harbor, or some Norwegian sailors during
their travels, had heard something about America, and circu-
lated the rumor among their countrymen at home years before
Grellet's visit. At any rate it must be admitted that if the
Quakers at Stavanger selected, in 1821, Kleng Peerson and

134 b history of the Scandinavians in the u. s.

another man to go to America and investigate ^th a view-
to establishing a colony of Friends in the New World, as
some writers seem to believe, then it is absolutely certain that
thepeople must have had some information about the Western
continent, as it is purely nonsense to suppose that any
rational beings would try to send men in search of a suit-
able place in w^hich to locate a settlement, to a country
never heard of

But even though it is virtually certain that the Quakers
in Norway knew something about America before Kleng
Peerson emigrated in 1821, it does not necessarily follow-
that they sent him and another man thither for the pur-
pose of finding a suitable place to establish a Norwegian
settlement. Kleng was not a highly respected character in the
vicinity of his home, partly on account of his marriage -writh a
•very old but rich woman, -whom he expected to support him,
being too indolent to earn his own bread and butter. It was
the same shiftless individual, who during the greater part of
the remainder of his life wandered on foot through a large por-
tion of the Western states, living upon charity, sleeping
under the open arch of heaven, or cheating people for his
lodging; and w-ho in 1843 was thoroughly whipped in Ne-w-
York because he had defrauded some of his poor coun-try-
men, whom he pretended to assist (4). His companion on
the supposed trip of investigation had an exceedingly bad
reputation (5). Both of these men probably pretended and
were considered to be Quakers, or at least favoring the ten-
ets of that sect. But if they had any religious conviction

(4) J. E. Eeiersen's "VexTiser," p. XXVI.

(5) "BiUed-Magazin," -Vol. I., p. 102.

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 134C

at all, it did not, perhaps, in any way affect their thoughts
or actions, except "to imbue them with a strong belief in the
devil." Even assuming that most of the Friends around
Stavanger were not of a high intellectual order, yet they
could hardly have been so stupid as to expect to be able to
deduce honesty from the united action of two rascals — ^to use
one of Carlyle's expressions. But there are also other reasons,
besides probabilities, for believing that Kleng Peerson and
his companion were not sent out by any one to examine the
New World. It is positively asserted in Billed-Magazin
(6) that both Kleng Peerson and his companion secretly
deserted their families and went to Gothenburg, Sweden.
It may be proper in this connection to remark that at the ripe
age of sixty-five, Kleng also wedded, and again abandoned, a
Swedish woman at the Bishop Hill colony in Illinois, where
he remained a very short time as member of Eric Janson's
religious communistic organization (7).

In Gothenburg the two men heard about America, which
country they undoubtedly also knew something about before,
and proceeded thither on a merchant vessel. Kleng Peerson
returned to Stavanger in 1824, after having remained in the
state of New York for three years, and gave a glowing
description of the New World, by which he gained a reputa-
tion as an excellent story-teller, not to say as a perverter of
the truth. But in spite of his shortcomings, he, no doubt,
exercised some influence ia hastening the departure of some
of the peasants. On the other hand, it is claimed that Kleng
Peerson possessed many good traits, and evidently w^as a

(6) Vol. I., p. 102.

<7) Anderson's "First Chapter of Norwegian Immigration," p. 180.

134 D HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

fairly faithful guide to several parties of Norwegians in
search of suitable land where settlements could be estab-
lished. Prof. Th. Bothne, in his Latberske Kirkearbeide
blandt NordmsLtidene i Amerika, calls him a tramp, and
it cannot be denied that he possessed many of the faults and
virtues of a genuine tramp. But it should be remembered
that this class of people often treat each other with an
altruism that even a Tolstoi might admire, and possibly
Kleng Peerson gratified the better part of his nature by
enduring and enjoying his wanderings in order to serve his
compatriots on this side of the Atlantic. He died in Texas
in 1865, and it seems that the contradictions of his life fol-
lowed him to the grave. The inscription on the small stone
monument, which his countrymen in that state raised to his
memory, reads as follows: "Cleng Peerson, the first Nor-
wegian Emigrant to America. Came to America in 1821."
Now it is a fact, as has already been stated in the first vol-
ume, page 35, that Hans Hansen Bergen came to this
country as early as 1633, and there are many reasons
and some evidence for believing that other Norwegians also
came at the very dawn of the immigration period. At least
one Norwegian, Thomas Johnson, who had served under
the famous Paul Jones in his naval victories, was in Amer-
ica during the Revolutionary era, and sat among the gods
in the gallery in the congressional hall, Philadelphia, 1781
(8). In 1818 Soren Gustavus Norberg, a native of Kristian-
sand,came to the United States and settled at Salem, Mass.,
where he took out his naturalization papers five years
later, calling himself Andrew Peterson. He married an

(8) Anderson's "First Chapter of Norwegian Immigration," p. 27.

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 134E

American woman, and one of his sons, an American Metho-
dist clergyman, has produced copies of original documents
in regard to his father. Undoubtedly other Norwegians,
besides those mentioned, came to this country years before
Kleng Peerson arrived, but enough has been said to prove
that he was not "the first Norwegian immigrant to America,"
even in the nineteenth century.

Most authorities agree that on July 4, 1825, Restaura-
tion, a small sloop, loaded with emigrants, iron, and brandy,
left the wharf of Stavanger, destined for America. As has
been asserted on pages 107-11 in the second volume, the
first shipload of Norwegian emigrants who came directly
from their native land to the state of Wisconsin, embarked
at Skien the 17th of May, 1839. It seems rather strange
that the departure of these two noted emigration parties
should have occurred on the two great national holidays of
the United States and Norway. This coincidence might,
accidentally or purposely, have happened; but probably the
apparent agreement of dates is to be found in the human
desire to try to harmonize their past actions, no matter
how insignificant, with more important events. The Sloop
party consisted of 52 persons, including women and children.
The majority of them were probably Friends, although
there were in 1821 only six men and five women in the
whole vicinity of Stavanger, Skjold, and Tysvar (9)—
where all the Sloop folks hailed from-r-who professed to
believe in the doctrines of George Fox. But some of these
did not emigrate in 1825, notably, Elias Tastad, the only
person in that district of the kingdom of whom there is, up

(9) Mau's "W. A. Wexels's Liv og Virken," p. 174.

134 F HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

to 1826, any record of having come in conflict with the law
of the land on account of his religion. According to Prof.
R. B. Anderson, "Six heads of families converted their,
scanty worldly possessions into money and purchased a
sloop which had been built in the Hardanger ^ord, between
Stavanger and Bergen, and w^hich they loaded with a
cargo of iron. For this sloop and cargo they paid $1,800
(Norwegian money). While six of the party owned some
p-ock in the vessel the largest share was held by Lars
Larson, -who was in all respects the leader of the enterprise."
The forerunners of civilization, both in the eastern
and the western states of this country, have generally
been reckless men of questionable moral character.
The brute courage and vices of our trappers and hunters
have been more conspicuous than their virtue or
humanity. This does not imply that they have not
been useful and necessary elements; in fact, they have
been indispensable to a higher development of mind and
matter. They have been necessary vanguards of the
miners, loggers, and farmers; these, in turn, have been
followed by the merchants and professional men, who have
supplied the former w^ith luxuries, and attended to their
spiritual and intellectual needs. What has been said about
the trappers and hunters is also true, at least in most cases,
of the very first immigrants from every European country.
The cruelty and bloodthirstiness of the first Spaniards is too
well known to need repetition. The English Puritans came
to this country in order to be allowed to w^orship God in
their own fashion, and to deprive every one else of the same
privilege. The majority of the passengers on the first vessel

THE FIRST NORY/EGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 134G

which carried Swedish colonists to Delaware in 1638 were
transgressors of the law. During the whole emigration
period it has, in general, been the courageous and discon-
tented classes who have participated in the movement; for
the simple reason that the contented always stayed at home,
and the timid never dared to go. But before the movement
had become somewhat regular, and the knowledge about
America certain, the courage of the emigrants bordered upon
recklessness, and their discontent was closely allied to
anarchy. It was, with few exceptions, the extreme and
radical element of all countries, those persons who had little
to lose and everything to gain, who first cast the die in
favor of the New World. There is no reason for believing,
and still less for asserting, that the first Norwegian
emigrants, the Sloop party, were either above or below the
first emigrants from other countries at that time. One
vmter on the subject says: "They were men of the poorest
classes of the communities whence they came, but not
paupers or criminals. They were squeezed out from the
bottom of society, escaping, as it were, through cracks and
crevices. The average quality, however, steadily improved
from the first." Most of them were Quakers, and B. L. "Wick
claims that there were three classes of persons who had
accepted, or pretended to accept, the teachings of the Friends:
First, those who honestly believed in the doctrines;
secondly, those who did not care for Quakerism, but disagreed
with the teachings of the state church; thirdly, those who
were poor and hoped to be assisted, and were helped by the
society of Friends. He adds: "There are perhaps many
to-day in Norway who were not Friends, if it were not for

134 H HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

the pecuniary assistance derived." To the second class
should be added those who did not care for any religion, but
joined any new movement out of curiosity or to gain
notoriety; in other words, they were mere religious tramps.
It is, of course, impossible to ascertain the proportionate
number of these respective classes. But the second class,
especially, must have been quite large, considering that in
later years a great number of Quakers around Stavanger
joined the Baptists and Methodists when the latter denomi-
nations began their w^ork in Norway. In this country many
of the Friends became Mormons and infidels, and some
returned to the Lutheran fold. While there is no method by
which it can be absolutely ascertained which of the three
classes mentioned predominated on Restauration, yet the
actions of those people during the voyage indicated, at least
to a certain extent, their character. The Quakers have gen-
erally prohibited their members from using liquors or
tobacco, and they have in most cases practiced what they
preach. Not so, however, with Sloop party Friends. For,
they not only unlawfully sold liquor in the English harbor
Lisett in passing through the British channel; but after hav-
ing found a cask of wine floating in the ocean near the island
of Madeira, on the coast of Africa, they all became so drunk
that the vessel drifted into one of the harbors of the island
without any visible sign of life on board, and without
hoisted flag (10). The officials at the fort, supposing that
some dreadful contagious disease had killed all the people on
board, aimed their cannons at the sloop; but the party got a
chance to sober up before entering the other world, one of the

(10) "Billed-Magazin," vol. I., p. 71.

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 134 1

passengers staggering up and hoisting the Norwegian flag.
It is reasonable to assume that while in this intoxicated state
they did not address each other in the usual Quaker
language of thee and thou, nor answered all questions by
j^ea or naj^, but had recourse to some more forcible Norwe-
gian expressions. The stupidity and carelessness manifested
on this occasion by the so-called captain and officials deserve
the severest condemnation. Their negligence amounted to a
crime, and if such a case had been tried before any maritime
court in Christendom, the offenders w^ould undoubtedly have
been sentenced to several years' imprisonment. The leader and
principal owner of the sloop, Lars Larson, was the one who
had fished up the cask (11), notwithstanding that he had
been converted to Quakerism in England, and had been the
first one in Stavanger to open up his house for Friendly
meetings; but this time he, with the rest, seems to have
drowned, or perhaps intensified, his religious enthusiasm
with some excellent wine.

It is generally maintained by all writers on the
subject that before the party left the harbor of Pun-
chal, into which they had drifted during their state of in-
toxication, they were well supplied with provisions by the
American consul at that place, who also bestowed other
favors upon them. In Prof. R. B. Anderson's history, page
72, it is claimed that J. H. March, who w^as appointed con-
sul in 1816, was the man who showed the Norwegians such
courtesies. But in a recent letter to the writer of this article
from the department of state, Washington, D. C, it is
asserted that the consul at Funchal was absent from 1824

(11) Anderson's "First Chap, of Nor. Immigration," p. 68.

134j HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

to 1827, during wHch time the duties of tlie office were per-
formed by his brother, Francis March. Some authorities,
however, assert that the party were not at the island of
Madeira at all, but in the harbor of Lisbon, Portugal (12).
Fourteen -weeks after their departure from Stavanger they
reached New York. Here they attracted considerable atten-
tion, especially as the so-called captain was arrested for hav-
ing a larger cargo .and more passengers than the law per-
mitted such a small vessel to carry; but he was released.
They were also duly referred to by the American newspapers.
But they w^ere in such destitute circumstances that the New-
York Quakers had to assist them financially before they
could proceed any farther. Besides the Friends, some other
persons, who came to the wharf out of mere curiosity, gave
the impoverished Norwegians some money. The sloop and
cargo had cost them nearly $2,000; they sold it all in Ne-w
York for about a quarter of that amount.

Most stories, real or fictitious, have a hero or a heroine;
and a large number of writers have represented Kleng Peer-
son to be the hero of the Sloop party. Although no
mention has been made of the means by which he first
found out that such a continent existed; yet from the
general trend of the presentation it appears as if these
authors wanted mankind to believe that Kleng Peerson in
some mysterious way, perhaps by his "inner light," dis-
covered some information about the Ne-w World, and then
imparted part of his -wisdom to some Norwegian peas-
ants, who at once dispatched him thither. After three years
of thorough study of the new country, he, according to the

(12) Wist's " Norske Indvandring," p. 15.

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 134<K

general version, returned and conquered a portion of the
kingdom of Norway with his tongue, and then again
hurried across the Atlantic ocean to make final preparation
for the arrival of the Sloop party. It is the unpleasant duty
of the historian to cut through and destroy the delicate
veils which have been woven around events and individuals,
and present them to the world in their naked truthfulness, as
far as it is possible to do so. The Improbability, and even
impossibility, of Kleng Peerson having been the evangelist
who first preached the new gospel about America to the Nor-
w^egians, and the object of his first visit there, have already
been discussed. But the meager and questionable evidences
in regard to what part he played, after his return to Norway
in 1824, in efiecting or hastening the organization of the
Sloop party, are neither positive nor negative, being about
so equally balanced as to prevent any certain conclusion. He
came to Norway one year before the party sailed, and prob-
ably returned to New York shortly after, without having
any knowledge whatsoever of the preparations lor depar-
ture going on in the vicinity of Stavanger. When the Sloop
folks arrived in New York in the fall of 1825, they appear to
have met him there by accident, rather than by previous
arrangement. If he had been the real instigator of the
movement and the chief organizer of the party, it seems he
would have accompanied the emigrants across the
ocean. They needed him. Prof. R. B. Anderson says: "In-
stead of risking his life in the sloop he had again gone by the
way of Gothenburg, Sweden, and was already in New York
ready to receive his friends and to give them such assistance
as he was able," But whatever might have been the motive

134 L HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

of Kleng in proceeding before the other emigrants, cowardice
or prudence could hardly have been the cause. His whole
life is a protest against the assumption. The same author
cites a New York newspaper notice of 1825, which appears
to justify the theory that Kleng was sent in advance. But
for historical accuracy newspapers are, in general, not very
reliable, and this seems to be the case at the beginning of the
nineteenth century as much as at the beginning of the twen-
tieth century, because all the newspaper citations which said
writer quotes in regard to the Sloop party are contraditory
in detail. On the other hand, some of the ablest Norwegian-
American scholars who have studied the subject, question
the justice of the honor accorded to Kleng Peerson,
refusing to ascribe to the Sloop party any special credit for
having promoted the subsequent Norwegian emigration.
For example, J. B. Wist not only doubts the particulars, as
generally stated, about Restauration, but boldly asserts that
the passengers on the same had little or no influence, either
directly or indirectly, on the Norwegian immigration, or in
any way directed its course. Nicolay Grevstad says : " What
^ave the first impetus to emigration from Norway may be
put under the category of historical accidents. It was also
an accident that the first emigrants w^ere dissatisfied w^ith
the religious conditions under which they had been Hving.
At that time rumors about America began to spread among
the people along the coast of Norway. And if Kleng Peer-
son had not emigrated, others would have done so, either at
that time or a little later on. Popular migrations always
have an economical root. The emigration from Norway, as
well as from other European countries, is a result of the

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 134 M

strained economical conditions prevailing in the Old World,
and the hope of doing better in the New World. All other
conditions are only tributary circumstances of compara-
tively subordinate importance."

From New York harbor the majority of the Norwegians
proceeded, late in the fall of 1825, to Kendall, then called
Murray, in Orleans county, N.Y., where, it is asserted, most
of them bought land. Prof. Anderson says : " Kendall is in
the northeast comer of Orleans county on the shores of
Lake Ontario. Here land was sold to the TSIorwegians by
Joseph Fellows at five dollars an acre ; but as they had no
money to pay for it, Mr. Fellows agreed to let them redeem
it in ten annual installments. The land was heavily wooded,
and each head of a family and adult person purchased forty
acres." In order to be absolutely certain in regard to this
transaction, the writer of this article sent a list of names,
which included most of the adult males of the Sloop party,
to the district attorney of Orleans county, Thomas A.
Kirby, and requested him to make a careful investigation of
the county records in relation to the supposed real estate
deal between Joseph Fellows and the first Norwegian immi-
grants. He answered as follows : "From my examination
of the records of the Orleans county clerk's office I do not
find that Joseph Fellows ever deeded any property about
the year 1825, situated in the town of Kendall, or Murray, to
any of the individuals named in your communication to me
of October 15th, 1898. Later on, in 1835, a Joseph Fellows,
of Geneva, deeded property to different individuals, but not
any of them corresponded with any of the names that you
have given me. The records do not disclose, as far as I can

134 N HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

ascertain, that Kleng Peerson bought any land or had any-
thing to do with the transaction ; but our early records, of
course, are not absolutely accurate." It is useless to theo-
rize about the failure of the Norwegian settlers at Kendall to
secure proper titles to their farms, or to discuss their trials
and triumphs at that place, as nearly everything in regard to
them is clouded in obscurity. Joseph Fellows, who was a
Quaker, appears to have been very generous to them, and it
would be unfair to assume that he tried to defraud them out
of their property. Consequently, they themselves must have
been unable to comply with the stipulations about the bar-
gain, and probably he, on that account, sold the land to other
parties in 1835, and at about that time several of the
original settlers sought new homes in some of the Western
states, especially in La Salle county. 111. With probably one
or two exceptions, not a single descendant of the Sloop folks
now reside at Kendall. There are some Norwegians today,
but they are later arrivals.

In conclusion it must be said that the real historical facts
about the Sloop party are few and contradictory. Taken all
in all, the sum and substance of the whole affair seems to be
this : The Stavanger Quakers had through Grellet, as well
as by other means, learned about America and discussed the
desirabiUty of emigrating some time before Kleng Peerson's
first departure or return; but, being poor and slowto decide,
the execution of their wishes had of necessity to be delayed.
Parts of the story, at least, have apparently been invented
by the participants for the sake of gaining notoriety. Judg-
ing from the course vrhich they pursued, it would be more
reasonable to believe that the Cape of Good Hope was their

THE FIRST NORWEGIAN IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 134 O

intended destination, instead of New York. Considering
their unlawful trade in England ; their idiotic conduct at the
island of Madeira; and their extreme poverty, it is useless to
argue about, or specify, the cause or causes which led to the
departure. The Sloop party desired to get out of Norway in
order to improve, in some way, their material condition, and
to taste the sweet experience of adventure — exactly the
same motives which underlie the whole Viking and emigra-
tion periods. Religious persecution may have been the pre-
text, but in reality was not the cause. The temperament of
most of the people on the Restauration was such that they
would have tried to emigrate, even if the w^hole universe had
been blessed with the utmost religious freedom. The pro-
geny of the Sloop people seem to have been as completely
lost in the ocean of cosmopolitanism as the doings of their
forefathers are obscured by uncertainties. Even the com-
monly strong cohesive power of religion has been unable to
hold any number of them together either in regard to faith
or habitation. Considered as a unit, the immigrants of 1825
have practically exercised no influence ; as individuals they
and their offspring have, no doubt, been peaceful citizens and
desirable subjects ; but, apparently, hardly any of them have
possessed those marked characteristics of push and energy
so common to the Norwegians in the nineteenth centtrcy.
Many Norwegian-Americans have made a wide reputation
for themselves in a few years. But with the possible excep-
tion of Col. Porter C. Olson, a brave Illinois soldier during
the Civil war, not a single descendant of the Sloop party
appears to have distinguished himself in any line during the
seventy-five years that have passed since the Restauration

134 P HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN TPIE U. S.

sailed from Stavanger to America with the first party of
Norwegian immigrants.

Swedish Colony at BishopsMU, Illinois.

— BY-
MAJOR JOHN SWAINSON.

[Published in Scandinavia in iSS5.]

In a spirit of patriotic exultation one of the poets of
Sweden proclaims his native land the " Homestead of free-
dom on earth." In a political sense this boasting expression
may be justified. From the earliest dawn of fable-mixed
history, when Sigge Fridulfson first founded the embryo
Swedish commonwealth, up to the present time, the king-
dom of Sweden proper has never been conquered by a foreign
foe. Provinces beyond the sea were won and lost, but the
sea and mountain-girt eastern part of the Scandinavian
peninsula, the ancient Swea and Gotha-land was, from time
immemorial, inhabited and possessed by a people governed
by laws of their own making and by constitutional kings
either of their own choosing or inheriting the throne by con-
stitutional succession. The practice of entailing estates —
that pernicious inheritance from the feudal middle-age —
which at onetime prevailed to a rather alarming extent, was
checked in its growth by the "reduction" of Charles XI., and
was finally abolished by legislation in the beginning of this

(135)

136 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

century. As a consequence, the bulk of the land always re-
mained in the hands of a class of independent yeomen, the
owners in fee simple of small freeholds, subject only to taxes
to the crown and to the municipality, and the owners them-
selves entitled to representation in the national legislature.

But in this so much praised and cherished freedom of the
Swedish people, there was one essential element wanting.
Religious liberty did not exist. According to the law of the
land every native Swede must belong to the established Lu-
theran church, whether or not his religious convictions
agreed with the doctrines of that denomination. The pen-
alty for apostacy was exile. It may seem surprising, almost
incredible, that such a law — until within the last twenty
years, when it was abolished, or, at least greatly modified —
could prevail among such an enlightened and progressive
people, but such was nevertheless the fact, and to explain
how such a law could remain in force so long is both diificult
and would require a more extended review of the history of
the reformation in Sweden than space here will permit. It
may, however, not be out of place to say a few words on the
subject.

Gustavus Vasa, the father of modern Sweden, also be-
came its religious regenerator. Under his auspices, at the
Diet in Westeras, in the year 1527, the Swedes severed their
connection with the Church of Rome, and adopted the prin-
ciples of Martin Luther. This was eifected quite peaceably,
'the only opponent being the primate of Sweden, Gustavus
TroUe, archbishop of Upsala, who made war on the king,
but was speedily put down, captured and sent out of the
country. With this exception the whole clergy, more or less

SWEDISH COLONY AT BISHOPSHILL, ILLINOIS. 137

■willingly, it may be supposed, consented to the change. Ro-
manism was done away with, but the church organization
was retained. The bishops and clergy, now suddenly trans-
formed into good Lutherans, were in most instances permit-
ted to remain in charge of their offices ; a new archbishop, a
disciple of Luther, was appointed, and thus the church of
Sweden became the oldest Protestant Episcopal church in the
world, with its clerus comitialis, successio apostolica, and
every other concomitant for a complete organization .

During the reign of Gustavus Vasa and that of his old-
est son and nearest successor, Ericus XIV., the work of
strengthening the reformation went on peaceably. Monas-
taries and nunneries were abolished and their rich estates
turned over to the crown ; the Bible was translated into the
Swedish language, and every measure adopted to put the
new-born Protestantism on a firm basis. But King Ericus,
being taken prisoner dethroned and finally murdered by a
conspiracy headed by his own brother, John, the latter
ascended the throne. His spouse. Queen Catherine, a Polish
princess, was a devoted Roman Catholic, and by hei: influ-
ence the king became a secret convert. Their son and heir,
Sigismund, was educated in the Roman church, and strenu-
ous efforts made to re-establish Romanism in the kingdom.
In the meantime Prince Sigismund, on account of his
mother's family connections, had been elected king of Poland,
and at the death of his father returned to Sweden at the
head of a Polish army with the avowed purpose to crush
Protestantism and once more put the Swedes under the rule
of the papacy. The designs, however, were frustrated. The
Protestants gathered under his uncle, Duke Charles, the

138 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

youngest and most able son of Gustavus Vasa, and after
several bloody encounters Sigismund had to return to Po-
land, having been unable to effect his purpose, was debarred
from the Swedish succession and lived and died as king of
Poland. Duke Charles, a staunch and devoted Lutheran,
was now elected king, and the Lutheran Protestant church
with an episcopal organization, became the established
church of the kingdom. But against the secret machina-
tions of the court during the long reign of John III. and the
open attempts of Sigismund to re-establish the dominion of
the papal power, the young Protestant church doubtless had
a hard struggle to maintain itself, and since it issued from
the ordeal victorious, it is reasonable to suppose that strin-
gent measures were taken forever to prevent a recurrence,
and to this source, in our opinion, must be traced the laws
against religious freedom in Sweden, which until quite re-
cently, have remained in force and both at home and abroad
have attracted so much criticism ; mostly, however, abroad,
for the Swedish people were, and we think, are yet, most de-
voted Lutherans. Any apostasy from the established
church finds little favor or sympathy among the Swedish
community at large, and there is not in the whole Roman
calendar a saint, whose memory is held in higher veneration
among the faithful than is among the Swedish Lutherans
that of the Great Reformer. But while these laws were
still in force, they were in reality a dead letter and almost
unknown, because there was no occasion for their atJplica-
tion ; and we cannot remember many instances w^here the
penalty of exile has been inflicted. Public worship among
the Swedes in any other form than according to the estab-

SWEDISH COLONY AT BISHOPSHILL, ILLINOIS. 139

lished church, or conducted by other persons than the regu-
lar clergy, was forbidden, and if attempted, would doubtless
be prohibited.

While such a state of things existed, there lived, some
forty years ago, in one of the Middle Provinces of Sweden, a
man by the name of Eric Janson. He was born December 19,
1808, the son of a small farmer. On account of the poverty
of his parents he w^as prevented from attendance in the pub-
lic schools, and consequently his book learning was of the
most limited kind, being principally acquired by the aid of
the minister of the parish w^hile preparing for his first com-
munion. The tendency of his mind was religious. He main-
tained that already at an early age he had experienced a
deep repentance of sin and become a convert, feeling at the
same time the greatest desire to gain knowledge in matters
spiritual. For this purpose he read with avidity all books on
such topics within his reach, but he soon threw them all
away as unsatisfactory, and thenceforward the Bible became
his only study for guidance and consolation.

Eric Janson remained with his father until he was twen-
ty-seven years old, when he married and first rented but
afterward purchased a small farm. He was distinguished
for honesty, sobriety, and the most untiring industry, and in
the whole neighborhood he was recognized as the hardest
worker in the field. During this ceaseless toil his interest in
religious matters, far from diminishing, was constantly in-
creasing. He felt an unconquerable desire, a glowing enthu-
siasm, which exhorted him to make known his thoughts out-
side the immediate circle of his home. With this end in view,
in the spring of 1842, he made an excursion to the adjoining

140 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

province of Helsingland, where he put himself in communica-
tion with some piously disposed people and held a number of
religious meetings. This visit he repeated and in the course
of two years he returned time and again to the field of his
missionary work without any molestation. Those who
heard him, among whom often were found several of the
more progressive of the regular clergy, assert without hesi-
tation that Janson was a most forcible preacher, that his re-
ligious tenets in no essential respect were different from the
fundamental principles common to all Evangelical churches,
and that his style of delivery and mode of teaching and ex-
hortation nearest resembled those of the Methodists. The
movement swept over the Province with the strength of a
tornado. People by thousands flocked to hear the new-
preacher; the churches stood empty; families became sun-
dered, some adhering to the old church, others following the
new, and finally the Jansonites, as they were called, disdain-
ing any other book but the Bible, publicly burned all other
books of religious content, including the Common Prayer-
book of the Church of Sweden. This brought matters to a
crisis. The authorities, fearing serious disturbances, had
Eric Janson arrested in the spring of 1844, After a short
imprisonment and a hearing before the governor of his Prov-
ince, he was discharged with instructions to again appear
whenever wanted. During the following two years he made
repeated attempts to continue his religious work among the
people, but was each time arrested and suffered imprison-
ment on three or four occasions. Finally, disheartened and
despairing of success in his native land, Eric Janson, with a
few faithful followers, escaped over the mountains into Nor-

SWEDISH COLONY AT BISHOPSHILL, ILLINOIS. 141

way, in January, 1846, from whence he repaired to Copen-
hagen, where he embarked on a vessel which landed him in
New York in the spring of the same year. In the month of
July following he finally arrived in the hamlet of Victoria,
Knox county, Illinois.

Prompted by these repeated annoyances and persecutions,
Eric Janson and his followers resolved to forsake their native
jand and find new homes in America, for it was not Eric
alone who suffered. Several of his adherents had been sub-
ject to fine and imprisonment for the most trifling offenses
against the old and obsolete "Conventicle-law." Eric, pre-
vious to leaving the country, had made all necessary prep-
arations, and appointed four trusty friends as leaders of the
movement. But it is safe to say, that in his colonization
plan, did not enter any of those communistic and socialistic
principles, which afterwards found a practical application in
the colony. These were the fruits of necessity. In preparing
to leave, those of the Jansonites possessed of any property,
converted this into ready cash, retaining only necessary
clothing and bedding. But now it was found that one thou-
sand one hundred persons wished to join the intended col-
ony, and of these only a smaller number were able to defray
the necessary expenses. The aggregate of their means was
now made a common fund and put in the hands of trustees,
with the object of assisting the needy to follow their breth-
ren. Every one contributed his all, some as much as from
two thousand to six thousand dollars. Some of the emi-
grants had debts, and these were paid from the common
treasury. Some were soldiers, and their release from the
army was purchased with means from the same source.

142 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

In our days of perfect communication by rail and
steamer, -when a trip from Sweden to America can be easily
and comfortably made in about two weeks, it is hard to
imagine the hardships of such a voyage forty years ago.
Emigration was then unknown and no vessels found fitted
for that purpose. The only Swedish ships trading on
America carried cargoes of iron and were often old hulks of
inferior quality. In several such vessels, temporarily fitted
up to receive emigrants, the first parties of Jansonites left
their native land in the spring and summer of 1846. One of
these vessels, with fifty passengers, was never heard of;
another was wrecked on Newfoundland, but the people saved ;
a third was five months on the way, during which time the
unhappy emigrants suffered greatly from both sickness and
famine.

But one after another these several parties joined their
leader in Victoria, Illinois, so that by the end of the year
1846 their number amounted to about four hundred.

In the meantime, Eric Janson, anticipating the arrival of
his friends, had purchased several pieces of land in the neigh-
borhood, some of which had improvements ; but as town-
site for the new settlement was selected the southeast quar-
ter of section 14, in Weller township, Henry county, which
was bought of the government for two hundred dollars, and
the intended town was named Bishopshill, which is a literal
translation of Eric Janson's native place (Biskopskulla) in
Sweden.

The first care now was to prepare shelter for all this peo-
ple. For this purpose were built several large log houses and
two tents of large dimensions, besides which a turf house

SWEDISH COLONY AT BISHOPSHILL, ILLINOIS. 143

served as a kitchen and dining-room; but these accommoda-
tions proving inadequate, resort was had to what in the
vsrest is popularly called "dug-outs," which are merelycellars
w^ith a roof over, and a door and window in front, the most
suitable place for such a resort being a sloping hillside. Of
these twelve were built, generally twenty -five to thirty feet in
length, eighteen in width, furnished with bunks on the sides,
a fire-place in the rear, and rooming twenty-five to thirty
persons.

It may easily be understood that among a people with
whom religion w^as paramount, the first thought was to pre-
pare a place of worship, if ever so primitive. With this end
in view they first dug a ditch two feet deep, and in this, on a
foundation of timber, a middle wall of logs was built, from
which a roof of canvas was stretched to both sides. On the
north side was the pulpit and entrance ; on the south the fire-
place ; the whole seating eight hundred to one thousand peo-
ple. In this tabernacle, during the fall and winter, service
■was held twice a day on week days, and three times on Sun-
days. Eric Janson himself rose at five o'clock in the morn-
ing and roused the people to morning prayer, which often
lasted two hours. The second service was in the evening.
During the summer these meetings were discontinued and
supplemented by an open-air midday meeting in the grove.

Nor was school instruction neglected. At such times,
when the weather did not permit outdoor work, instruction
by competent teachers, was given to the full-grown people,
of whom many were ignorant in reading and writing, the
above church-tent being used as a school-room, while for the
children school was kept in one of the dug-outs. Besides

144 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

these there was also another institution of learning of far
greater pretentions. The Jansonites, being convinced that
the depository of all the saving truths of the Christian re-
ligion was found within their little community, considered it
their duty to let their light shine before men by missionaries
sent out from the colony. For this purpose twelve of their
brightest young men were selected to devote themselves to
the ministry and put in system the Jansonian theology, but
first and foremost to learn the English language, their
studies being led by the more advanced members of the
society.

One of the earliest difficulties the colonists had to con-
tend with was to provide flour for bread, the nearest grist-
mill being twenty-eight miles distant, and this, as well as
some others, still farther out of the way, often out of order.
To obviate this trouble a watermill with a large wheel was
built at the creek running through Bishopshill. Unfortu-
nately, however, the w^ater supply in the creek was often
so small that it could not furnish the mill with necessary
power. This new trouble was overcome in a manner both
ingenious, simple, and practical ; the health of the young
theologians, the elders thought, might suffer by the effects of
a too sedentary life, and to obviate this they were, at inter-
vals between their studies, invited to step inside the wheel of
the mill, and put this in motion by tramping at such occa-
sions when the water supply was short in the creek. Some-
what later a windmill was put up in the other end of the
village, and between the wind power on one side and the
tramping theological candidates on the other, the needs of the
people for bread were pretty well filled. Some years after-

SWEDISH COLONY AT BISHOPSHILL, ILLINOIS. 145

wards, however, a line steam mill was built which supplied
not only the colony, but the whole surrounding country with
breadstuff.

Several additional pieces of land were now purchased for
the colony, and on two of these were found timber as well as
sawmills, so that hereafter the colony had ample supply of
lumber. Nor was the farming interest neglected. Three
hundred and fifty acres of prairie land was broken the first
year, of which part was sowed with flax, and the remainder
with wheat. In the native province of a majority of these
people the cultivation of flax and the manufacture of linen is
one of the leading industries, and soon became of the same
importance to the colonists in their new home.

In the summer of 1847 the colony received an addition
of four hundred adult emigrants, besides children. To pro-
vide shelter for these became of prime necessity, and several
more dug-outs were built. But the consequences of living in
the unhealthy, ill-ventilated dwellings, showed themselves
soon. Sickness set in, mostly chills and fevers, and many
fell victims to these diseases. But better buildings were, after
some time, provided — first small frame tenements and houses
of sun-dried brick, and later, large and substantial brick
houses. In the summer of 1849 a party of Norwegians, on
their way to join the colony, was attacked by cholera be-
tween Chicago and Bishopshill, and brought with them the
disease, to which one hundred and forty-three fell victims,
among them Eric Janson's wife and children. The following
year another party of Jansonites, numbei-ing one hundred
and fifty, was assailed by the same fell destroyer, on a
steamer between Buffalo and Milwaukee, and hardly one-

146 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

half of the number reached their destination. But while the
number of colonists was thus increased by accessions from
the old country, their ranks were constantly diminished by
the influence of Jonas Hedstrom, a Swede, and zealous Meth-
odist missionary, who persuaded between two and thi'ce
hundred of the Jansonites to leave the colony and join his
communion.

We have above alluded to the cultivation of flax and
the manufacture of linen by the colonists. The weaving was
the exclusive work of the women, who devoted themselves
to the work with the most untiring energy, as evidenced by
the fact that during a period of ten years, from 1847 to
1857, 130,309 yards of linen and 22,569 mats, besides what
was used for home consumption, were disposed of at highly
remunerative prices, the manufacture finding a ready sale in
the surrounding country. After the last named period the
manufacture was discontinued, except for their own use, on
account of competition from the eastern states.

Another and still more important industry was the
cultivation and adaption for sale of broom-corn, which has
proved one of the greatest sources of income for the people
of Bishopshill.

Even to this peaceful and religious community did the
California gold fever penetrate. Their old fundamental prin-
ciple, "Godliness with a content mind is winning enough,"
had given way for a desire to make money, and in the spring
of 1850 an expedition consistingof nine men, with necessary
outfit, was sent to dig gold in California. After many hard-
ships the party reached the gold-land, but all, except one
who died and another who remained on the Pacific coast.

SWEDISH COLONY AT BISHOPSHILL, ILLINOIS. 147

returned the year following, the trip merely paying expenses.

In the fall of 1848 there arrived at Bishopshill a man
who called himself Root, although many suspected that this
was an assumed name. He was a man of education and
good address, but a base adventurer and desperado withal.
Having gained the good will of the community, he applied to
be received as a member of the society, which was granted.
Later on he married a young woman of the colony, a cousin
of Eric Janson, the express ante-nuptial agreement being,
that if Root ever wanted to discontinue his connection with
the society, he should also part with his wife and the latter
be allowed to remain at Bishopshill. Dissatisfaction with the
new member soon was apparent. In this industrious hive
he was a drone, and spent his time either in hunting or
absenting himself from the colonj^ at short intervals. On his
return from one of these trips he found that his wife had pre-
sented him with a son. He w^ished now to take her away
from Bishopshill, which was resisted. Thwarted in an
attempt of forcible abduction, and after twice without suc-
cess attacking the colony at the head of a mob, he finally
sued Eric Janson for the possession of his wife. One day,
while the litigation was going on, at the May term, 1 850, of
the court in Cambridge, while all had left the court-room for
dinner except Eric Janson, Root entered, and calling Janson
by name, shot him dead. The murderer was arrested, and he
was sentenced to three years in the penitentiary. Having
served out his term he went to Chicago, where he soon after
died in great misery.

The gloom which the death of Eric Janson had thrown
over the colony did not slacken its industry. The material

i'48 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINATIANS IN THE U. S.

■progress hastened forwai'd with large 'Strides. The "anriuAl
earnings -were considerable. Large tracts of land were pur-
chasied, but the colony hot being incorporated, ^ch lands
inust be bought in the name of some member, which, in case
of death of the nominal purchaser, often caused great trouble
at the probate court. In the meantime everything re-
mained without any legal organization. The same men who
had been nominated as leaders by Eric Janson upon leaving
Sweden, still had charge of all the affairs of the colony, and
administered the same according to their own sweet will. It
had, how^ever, always been considered only a temporary ar-
rangement, which in time must be supplanted by sorhething
permanent.

In the year 1853 the colony was incorporated under a
charter of the legislature of Illinois. By its provisions the
management of all the temporal affairs of the colony was
vested in seven trustees, who w^ere to retain their offices for
life, or on good behavior. It seems the community, w^hose
interests were at stake, was never consulted or even given an
opportunity to express a wish in regard to the choice of
these trustees. As a matter of course the same persons who
had in their keeping all the resources of the colony ever since
they left Sweden, had their names put in the charter to fill
these responsible positions. They were: Jonas Olson, Olof
Johnson, Jonas Erickson, Jacob Jacobson, Swan Swanson,
Peter Johnson, and Jonas Kronberg. Of these five were
from the parish of Soderala, and related ; and the rest of the
parishes from Sweden were represented by the other two trus-
tees. Nobody at the time seemed to understand the danger
6f this charter. At least nobody protested. The men had

SWEDISH COLONY AT, BISHOPSHILL, ILLINOIS. 149

hitherto enjoyed unlimited confidence, why not hereafter?
Besides, the spiritual interests were paramount in the hearts
and minds of the colonists. Temporal matters were of sub-
ordinate importance to the religious idea which was the
foundation of the colony, and kept its members together.

We had occasion this year to visit the colony, and were
received with the greatest kindness and hospitality. Every-
thing, seemingly, was on the top of prosperity. The people
lived in large, substantial brick houses. "We had never before
seen so large a farm, nor one so well cultivated. One of the
trustees took us to an adjacent hill, from which we had in
view the colony's cultivated fields, stretching away for miles.
In one place we noticed fifty young men with the same num-
ber of horses and plows cultivating a cornfield, where every
furrow was two miles in length. They moved with the regu-
larity of soldiers. In another part was a field of a thousand
acres in broom com, the product of which, when baled, was
to be delivered to Boston parties at Peoria, and was sup-
posed to yield an income of fifty thousand dollars. All their
live stock was exceptionally fine, and apparently given the
best care. There w^as a stable of more than one hundred
horses, the equals of which would be hard to find. One
evening I was brought to an inclosure on the prairie, where
the cows were milked. There must have been at least two
hundred of them, and the milkmaids numbered forty or fifty.
There was a large w^agon, in which an immense tub was sus-
pended on four posts, and in this each girl, ascending to the
top by a stepladder, emptied her pail. The whole process
was over in half an hour. On Sunday I attended service.
There was singing and prayer, and the sermon, by one of the

150 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

leaders, contamed nothing that a member of any Christian
denomination might not hear in his own church. Altogether,
I retain the most agreeable remembrance of this visit.

It would be pleasant to stop here, for the rest of this lit-
tle sketch is a mournful tale, and I shall pass through it as
quickly as possible.

The first account of the affairs of the colony was given
by the trustees in the year 1855. According to the same the
real and personal property amounted to about $500,000,
and the debts to $18,000. Now the trustees, havingunder
their absolute control all the resources of the colony, gave
themselves up to speculation. They made the new town of
Galva, a station on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy
Railroad, near BishopshiH, the principal place of their oper-
ations. Here they built a large warehouse and also opened
a store of general merchandise. They dealt in grain and
lumber, speculated in railroad and bank stock, and carried
on a large pork-packing house. On all these different under-
takings, it is asserted, they lost heavily ; on the pork-pack-
ing alone about $60,000. Thus the resources accumulated
by the hard labor of the colonists "were squandered in a short
time.

The next report of the trustees, delivered in 1860,
showed assets to the amount of $846,277, from which must
be deducted debts of $75,645, leaving a balance of $770,-
632 This statement was not satisfactory to the colonists,
and the accounts being given in the hands of a special Mas-
ter in Chancery, he discovered a further liability of $42,-
759.33, which the trustees tried to conceal. This discovery,
of course, made the colonists lose confidence in their trustees.

SWEDISH COLONY AT BISHOPSHILL, ILLINOIS. 151

Added to this came religious dissensions. A party of Shak-
ers from Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, had gained entrance in the
colony and found not a few adherents to their peculiar doc-
trines. Marital relations were interfered with, the young
people were forbidden to enter matrimonj^ families were sun-
dered, the whole colony was broken up in warring factions,
and of the strong religious feeling that kept them together
in the days of Eric Janson, hardly a vestige was left. Disso-
lution was inevitable and was at hand. It took place on
February 14, 1860, and was still further perfected in 1861.
Property to the value of $592,793 was divided among 415
shareholders. The remainder of the property, according to
the statement of 1860, amounting to $248,861, was put in
the hands of the old trustees to pay the accrued debt of
$118,403.33, and five years time given them to effect the
liquidation ; but it being soon apparent that the sum thus
put aside for paying the debt was not sufficient, on account
of a number of worthless items, a further amount of $52,-
762 was delivered to the trustees by the colonists. At the
expiration of five years the trustees informed the people that
$100,000 were still needed to pay the debt, and actually col-
lected in cash $56,163.71. Time rolled on. The trustees
never gave any statement about payment of the debt, but
instead of this, in the beginning of the year 1868, came no-
tice that a still larger amount was required to settle the
obligations of the colony. This brought matters to a crisis.
Forbearance ceased to be a virtue. The unfortunate colon-
ists appointed a committee to wait upon the trustees and
demand an account, and the latter flatly refused anything of
the kind, litigation commenced, which lasted five years,

152 HISTORY QF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

when a verdict was given by which the colonists were made
to pay $57,782.90, of which amount $46,290 were expenses
for the suit and lawyers' fees. Besides this the colonists dur
ing the litigation assumed responsibility for the whole of the
old colony debt with interest amounting to $158,000 minus
the amounts paid in between the years 1860-1868. Thus, to
pay a debt in 1860 of $118,403.33, these ill-fated people
have actually expended in cash $413,124.61, and in prop-
erty $259,786, or in the aggregate $672,910.61. This seems
absurd and increditable, but the above are all official
figures.

Finally, it may be remarked that the majority of those
now dwelling in this at the outset so ultra-religious colony,
do not belong to any church organization. That they are
utterly indifferent to theological dogmasis hardly to be won-
dered at when we remember the chaos in this respect prevail-
ing and the number of schools they have passed through
without finding anything tenable. But from this we must
not conclude that the moral standard is low. It may, on
the contrary, truly be said that the general morality is no-
where better, and that the population in and around Bish-
opshill is distinguished for honesty, strict sobriety, peaceful-
ness, and enduring industry.

This article, published in "Scandinavia" in 1885, was carefnlly revised, especially
in regard to facts, by Skordalsvold and myself in 1899, We foand it was largely based
npon, often being a literal translation of, a chapter of "Svenskarne i Illinois," by John-
son and Peterson. The same is true of M A. Mikkelsen's history, issned in 1892. In the
latter work it is asserted that the majority of the Jansonists became Methodists ; that
the shors, mills, and factories in the town are empty ; that everything presents the
appearance of a deserted village, with only abont 330 inhabitants. The third volume
will contain a biography of Eric Janson, and additional information on the colony. —
Ediiob.

The Fifteenth Wisconsin, or Scandinavian,
Regiment.

p. Q. DIBTRIOHSON.

[Published in Scandinavia in 1884.]

Already from the very outbreak of our late civil war, a
great many Scandinavians in the northw^estern states enter-
tained the idea of forming a volunteer regiment, and, as
soon as the public appeal had been issued by the Governor
of Wisconsin, Honorable Alexander W. Randall, our coun-
tryman, responded with hearty promptitude. The formation
of this regiment, which became known as the Fifteenth In-
fantry of Wisconsin, was commenced at Camp Randall,
Madison, in December, 1861. Its members were chiefly com-
posed of the Scandinavian population of that state. The
Honorable Hans Heg, formerly state-prison commissioner,
was appointed colonel of the regiment, and, under his super-
vision, the organization was effected. He had previously
been renominated as commissioner, but a desire to serve his
country in the field led him to choose the duties of a soldier.
The regiment roster was as follows :

(1S3)

154

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Hans C. Heg, Colonel.
Lieut.-Colonel. Charles M. Reese, Majoi-.

Ole Heg, Quartermaster.
S. I. Hansen, 1st Assist. Surgeon.
C. L. Clausen, Army Chaplain.

HEST LIEUTENANTS.

Company A— Emanuel Engelstad.
B— Joseph Mathiesen.

K. K. Jonea.

Hans C. Borchsenius, Adj.

Stephen O. Himoe, Surgeon.

G. F. Newell, 2d Assist. Surgeon.

CAPTAINS.

Company A — Andrew Thorkildson.

B— Ole C. Johnson.

C— Prederik R. Berg.

D— Charles Campbell.
" E— John Ingmundson.

" P — Charles Gustavson.

" G— John A. Gordon.

H— Knud J. Sime.
" I — August Gasman.

' ' K — Mons Grinager.

C — Hans Hansen.
D— Albert Skofstad.
E— William Tjentland.
F— Thor SimonsoQ.
G— Henry Hauff.
H — Andrew A. Brown.
I — Reynard Cook.
K — Ole Peterson.

SECOND LIEtlTENANTS.
Company A— Oliver Thompson. Company F — Svend Samuelson.

" B— George Wilson. " G— Will. A. Montgomery.

C— John T. Rice. " H— John L. Johnson.

D— Christian E. Tandberg. " I— Martin Russell.

" E— John M. Johnson. " K — Olaus Solberg.

On the 2d of March, 1862, the regiment left Madison
amid the cheers of the people, having been escorted to the
depot by the Sixteenth Regiment, Colonel Allen, who gave
them their good wishes and an earnest farevsrell with the
voice of a booming cannon. The Fifteenth had nearly nine
hundred men, a few of them Americans, while some of the
Norwegians had been in America less than a year.

The material of the regiment looked hardy and active,
and some of its number had served in foreign armies. On
their route to Chicago, they encountered a snow-storm, and,
at one point, were obliged to shovel their way through it.

THE 15th WISCONSIN, OR SCANDINAYIAN, REGIMENT. 155

but, at their arrival in Chicago, they were cordially met by
the Scandinavian society, Nora Lodge, and by them pre-
sented with a flag, having, on one side, the American colors,
and on the reverse, the American and Norwegian arms
united, the Norwegian being the picture of a lion with an
axe, on a red field. The committee that made the presenta-
tion consisted of Messrs. S. T. Gunderson, G. Roberg, A. An-
derson, A. Loberg, and C. Dietrichson. From Chicago they
proceeded to St. Louis, where they were ordered to Bird's
Point, Mo., opposite Cairo, and at that place they disem-
barked for the purpose of going into encampment. How-
ever, the regiment did not engage in any action of import-
ance until they joined an expedition of fifteen hundred men
to Union City, Tenn., where a force of rebels were to be cap-
tured. They left Hickman, Kentucky, on the 11th of June,
in the afternoon, and went to within four miles of Union
City, where they camped for the night. The march was very
rapid. Everybody was arrested on the road who was likely
to advertise their approach. The next morning, shortly be-
fore seven, the first shots of the pickets were heard, and soon
after our forces opened on the rebels, who fired their camp
and fled, leaving swords, pistols, and much clothing behind
them. Among other trophies taken was a secession flag,
captured by Company G, on which was inscribed: "Hill's
Cavalry; Victory or Death," from which it would be legiti-
mately inferred that the whole regiment was killed, since
that was the only alternative of victory.

Thence the regiment moved to join Davis' division, and
entered Florence, Alabama, on the 26th of August. But,
already on the twenty-eighth they joined in the march to

156 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Nashville, to intercept General Bragg in his raid into Ken-
tucky, and his threatened invasion across the Ohio. Beyond
Nashville they proceeded with Buell's army through Bo-wl-
ing Green and Murfordsville, reaching Louisville late in Sep-
tember, wearied, worn, ragged, and hungry, on account ot
their long and trying march, during a part of which they
had subsisted on half-rations, and suffered greatly for want
of water.

In common with the Union army, they moved next to
Chaplin Hills, near Perryville, and of their part in that bat-
tle a brief relation will be in order. The Fifteenth Wisconsin,
of General Gilbert's corps, formed in line of battle in the
woods, at some distance from the severest fighting. One
company was sent forward as skirmishers, and was soon
engaged with the enemy in force. The brigade, which was
commanded by Colonel Carlin, supported Sheridan's division.
They had scarcely emerged from the woods before the rebels
begin a retreat to the protection of their artillery. The sur-
face of the country being broken, some shelter was afforded
to the brigade, and, by passing exposed positions with
rapidity, it suffered but little loss. This advanced regiment
continued to press the enemy, who were constantly retreat-
ing, and planted their batteries where they found it conven-
ient. After the advance had been made in this manner for
about a mile.a brief halt was ordered, but, upon ascertaining,
that the rebels were yet in retreat, the Union soldiers again
rallied and pursued them. Another halt was ordered within
a quarter of a mile of the village, and the men lay down
behind a small elevation of ground. The rebels kept up their
fire upon them with canister and shell,while the Union troops

THE 15th WISCONSIN, OR SCANDINAVIAN. REGIliENT. 137

replied with their rear artillery, which threw shell over the
heads of their advanced troops into the line of the enemy.
At len^h, after a running fire of about two hours, the bri-
gade was ordered to retire. In accomplishing this they cap-
tured thirteen wagons loaded with amunition, and succeeded
in bringing with them over one hundred prisoners. The bat-
tle continued until darkness closed the scene, being extremely
fierce in the latter part of the afternoon. But, as daylight
passed away, our flag was triumphant, our troops Occupy-
ing the ground held by the enemy in the morning, with Ms
right wing turned. The destruction of life had been apalliHg.
The woods, cornfields, and open spaces were, in many places,
strewTi with the slain. The remaining soldiers slept on their
'arms, with their dead comrades around them, and the next
inorriing only the rear gaurd of the enemy w^as within reach
of our guns.

The Fifteenth Regiment was next employed at Crab
Orchard, as a provost guard, for a week, and thence pro-
ceeded to Edgefield Junction, where, in November, they joined
an expedition, commanded by Lieutenant McKee, fifty miles
down the Cumberland river, in search of Morgan's guerrillas.
They returned, after five days, with half a hundred prisoners,
many horses, mules, and wagons, having destroyed guerrilla
premises, a distillery, whiskey, salt, and grain. General
McCook complimented them in high terms on their success.
The regiment moved then to Nashville, where they were
occupied with skirmishing and guarding forage trains until
December 25th.

On Christmas eve, 1862, the decision was made to
'advance the next day. At dawn the troops broke up camp,

158 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

and poured along tlie highways with shouts of joy, the great
mass little thinking how many of them, or who, were soon
to fall in battle. McCook's three divisions advanced on the
Nolinsville pike, meeting the enemy's artillery and cavalry,
skirmishing all the way, and closing the day with a sharp
fight. The Fifteenth Wisconsin was in this force, and gradu-
ally drove the rebels to a strong and nearly impregnable
gorge in a mountain (Knob Gap), which they had fortified
byaforce of dismounted cavalry and eight pieces of artillery .
The order was given to Colonel Carlin to capture that bat-
tery. He commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel McKee, of the
Fifteenth regiment, to undertake the desperate task. Accord-
ingly, Colonel McKee led the brigade line of skirmishers.
They approached to the very mouths of the artillery, which
opened upon them with shot and shell. But these intrepid
men steadily advanced, followed by the brigade, which soon
poured in a tremendous fire, which caused the rebels to yield,
leaving one brass six-pounder behind, marked "Shiloh,"
they having captured it in that battle. In this charge Col-
onel Heg was conspicuous in his gallant attempt to reach
the before-mentioned cannon ; and he took possession of it
in the name of the Fifteenth Wisconsin. On the morning of
the 30th, the regiment was formed in line-of-battle, made a
cautious advance, and Company E, under Captain Ingmund-
son, w^as sent out to skirmish, and encountered the enemy
about noon. The regiment was soon ordered to support the
skirmishers, and in the engagement Captain Ingmundson
was slain. Colonel Heg retreated slowly, and his men, tak-
ing refuge behind a fence, held the position until dark, and
rested upon their arms during the night, in the severe cold,

THE 15th WISCONSIN, OR SCANDINAVIAN, REGIMENT. 159

"without fire. Oh the next morning, at four o'clock, the regi-
ment was in line-of-battle. They first supported a battery,
and then took a position from which they at length were
forced to retire, the rebels advancing upon the Fifteenth in
solid columns. At this point. Colonel McKee and some others
were killed, and several wounded. Colonel Heg then with,
drew his men to avoid an overwhelming force of the enemy.
Again he posted his troops behind a fence, within four or five
hundred yards of the Murfreesboro' pike, and poured some
destructive volleys into the rebels. Still they were too many
for him to withstand, and he crossed the turnpike, rallied his
men, and remained there the rest of the day. The losses on
the 30th and 31st of December were: Killed, fifteen;
wounded, seventy ; missing, thirty-four ; total, one hundred
and nineteen men. The report of Brigadier General Carlin
testified to the great bravery, both of privates and ofiicers,
in these engagements. The Scandinavian blood was thor-
oughly tested, and found to be inferior to none in point of
courage and endurance.

After the Stone River battle the regiment partook of the
suffering of Rosecrans' army for want of clothing, provis-
ions, and tents. January 31, 1863, they went on a scouting
expedition against Wheeler's and Forrest's forces, tarried a
few days at Franklin, and returned. Other expeditions and
outpost and picket duties engaged them until the movement
of Rosecrans' army, June 24th, toward Chattanooga. In
August they crossed the Cumberland mountains, and en-
camped at Stevenson, Alabama. Their brigade laid the pon-
toons across Tennessee river, and they were the first to pass
over. They crossed Sand and Lookout mountains, and

1'60 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

joined the main part of the artny, near Chicamatiga Cfeek,
on the 18th of September. The next morning, at eight
o'clock, they were in motion, and soon after noon hurried
forward at a double-quick into line-of-battle, to fill a gap
through which the rebles were striving to pass and cut out
armyin two. ColonelHeg's brigadewas formed in two lines,
the Fifteenth Wisconsin and Eighth Kansas in front, the
former having the right. They were at once pushed forward
through dense underbrush, and had not advanced more than
fifty yards when they met and drove the rebel skirmishers.
Still advancing, they encountered a heavy fire from the
enemy's main line. After a severe fight, the Eighth Kansas
wavered and left the Fifteenth unsupported, which was soon
compelled to fall back also, bearing with them most of their
wounded. Captain Johnson, of Company A, was killed in
this action. An Illinois regiment was now sent forward, with
the Fifteenth for its support. After a short but hard strug-
gle, the Illinois regiment was forced back, and retreated over
the Fifteenth, which was lying down. The regiment now
became hotly engaged. The troops in line of their rear, sup-
posing that the regiment which had fallen back was the last
of the Federals in front, opened fire upon the Fifteenth.
Thus, placed between the fire of friends and foes, there was
no alternative except to break up the regiment and escape as
they best might manage. The enemy now attacked and
routed the rear line, continuing the pursuit across a field,
where the Federals rallied, reformed, and checked the elated
foe. The regiment was, however, not organized again that
day, but the men in detachments joined other commands
near them and remained On the field. At night. Lieutenant-

THE 15th WISCONSIN, OR SCANDINAVIAN, REGIMENT. 161

Colonel Johnson collected his scattered men. Throughout
the day Colonel Heg was intensely active in encouraging his
brigade, and himself set an example of noble valor. Unfortu-
nately he was /Wounded by a shot in the bowels, near the
close of the day, and died in the field hospital during the
night. In his report, General McCook mentions with special
honor the name of this fallen hero.

Theregiment was called up next morning at three o'clock,
and placed in a commanding position on the Chattanooga
road, to the right, and in reserve. At ten o'clock in the morn-
ing the battle commenced with terrible fury. The brigade,
now commanded by Colonel Martin, was ordered to fill the
gap made by the withdraw^al of General Wood. Hardly had
they got into line before they were hotly attacked. The men,
protected by rude defenses of logs and rails, twice repulsed
the rebels, with great slaughter, after which, both flanks
being turned, thej^ still held out, hoping lor reinforcements,
until nearly surrounded, when they broke and attempted to
save themselves. They w^ere the last to leave their position.
Many were captured, including Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson.
All efforts to rally the men near the Chattanooga road prov-
ing fruitless, the retreat was continued a mile, when a tena-
ble position was reached, and the scattered men of the regi-
ments were gathered and consolidated into one force. They
held a position here until five o'clock in the afternoon, when
they were ordered five miles further to the rear, where they
bivouacked for the night, and the fragments of their regi-
ment were brought together. Captain Johnson, of Company
A, and Captain Hauff, of Company E, were killed. Major Wil-
son and Captain Gasman had received some severe wounds.

162 HISTOHY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Captain Hansen, of Company C, and Second Lieuten-
ant C. E. Tandberg, of Company D, were both fatally
wounded.

The Fifteenth Regiment subsequently engaged on the
fortifications at Chattanooga; a part escorted a supply train
to Stevenson, the rest cut and rafted timber for pontoon
bridges, and, all united, moved out of Fort Wood, at Chat-
tanooga, under command of Captain Gordon, on the 25th of
November, tc engage in the assault on Missionary Ridge. On
the same morning, Hooker set out for Lookout Mountain
toward Rossville, driving the enemy before him down its east-
ern declivity, and across the valley toward the ascent of Mis-
sionary Ridge at our right. He was detained three hours by
building a bridge across the Chattanooga creek, but at half-
past three in the afternoon was approaching on the Rossville
road. That approach was to be the sign for the other forces
to move. At twenty minutes to four o'clock, six signal guns
are fired, and the long-waiting, ardent troops leap forth first
to carry the rifle-pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge. As
they arrived at the base of the mountain, the rebel pickets
swarm out of their pits in great amazement, and flee before
them. As yet no command had been given to go beyond the
base, but they stop not for orders. A few moments' delay is
caused to re-form the line, and then they start up the ascent.
Front and enfilading shots from musketry and fifty cannon
are plunging down upon them. Some fall; the rest press
dauntlessly on; they clamber up the side, leaping ditches,
jumping logs, advancing in zigzag lines, rushing over all ob-
stacles, dodging, if they can, the missiles of heavy stones
thrown upon them by the rebels, and thrusting aside their

THE 15th WISCONSIN, OR SCANDINAVIAN, REGIMENT. 163

bayonets, until they reach the top, beat back the enemy, and
take the ridge.

The Fifteenth Wisconsin then proceeded to reinforce Burn-
side, at Knoxville, marching one hundred and ten miles with
scanty rations. From that place they made various short
marches, and December 25th moved to Strawberry Plains,
seventeen miles from Knoxville, and there aided in building a
railroad bridge. January 15th, 1864, at Dandridge, they
were joined by a party of convalescents, who, on their route
from Chattanooga, had just taken part in a severe engage-
ment with Wheeler's cavalry at Charleston, Tennessee, rout-
ing the rebels, w^hose loss was ten killed and one hundred and
sixty-seven wounded and prisoners. In January they had
orders to proceed on a veteran furlough to Wisconsin, but
the threatening movements of the enemy forbade their going,
and they still kept at duty in the field. Early in April they
moved southAvard to join the Army of the Cumberland, and,
encamping at McDonald Station, Tennessee, made prepara-
tions for the spring campaign. The first design was to reach
Atlanta, one hundred and thirty-eight miles southwest of
Chattanooga, one of the most important towns of Georgia,
a large manufacturing place, where an immense amount of
arms, amunition, and clothing for the rebel army was made.
The route to Atlanta lay, in part, over a rough, mountain-
ous country, but the charm of spring w^as then upon it, and
the desolation of war had not yet come. On the 8th of May,
Howard's corps (Fifteenth and Twenty-fourth Wisconsin
Infantry) carried a ridge near Buzzard Roost, but found it
too narrow for operation in order to carry the pass near it.
The Rebel-General Johnson soon saw that if he remained in

164 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

the entrenchment around Dalton,his communications would
be cut off, and he therefore left his cherished position on May
12th, retreating on a short line to Resaca, which was eight-
een miles farther toward Atlanta. On the morning of the
14th, the Federal spies set upon the enemy in their entrench-
ment at Resaca. During the battle two of the enemy's guns
were silenced by the Fifteenth Wisconsin, and a desperate
charge made by the rebels was repulsed with heavy loss to
them. Five of the regiment were killed and twelve wounded.
Yet our troops were making such inroads upon the enemy's
works that, during the night of the 15th, they quietly evacu-
ated Resaca, and retreated toward Kingston, thirty-two
miles farther south, and thence to Dallas.

The cavalry division, under Sherman and McCook, pur-
sued the enemy on their retreat from Resaca, and the whole
army quickly followed, crossing the Ostanula river. The
roads were very rough, the marching careful and slow.
Johnston, meanwhile, took a shorter route, and, with the
larger part of his army, reached Dallas first. The Fifteenth
became engaged in the heavy skirmishing and fighting on the
27th, and, as they were crossing a ravine, exposed them-
selves to a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery. They made
a desperate charge, and came so near the rebel breast-works
that some w^ere killed w^ithin a few feet of them. They found
it impossible to dislodge the enemy, but succeeded in estab-
lishing our line within fifteen yards of their fortifications.
They held this position for more than five hours, although
exposed to a severe fire of musketry. The enemy, having
been reinforced, charged upon their weakened ranks, until at
length they were forced to retire, leaving the dead and

THE 15th WISCONSIN, OR SCANDINAVIAN, REGIMENT. 165

wounded on the field. On the next day, May 28th, the Fed-
erals, having thrown up defenses four miles from Dallas, were
attacked by the enemy in force. Our men saw the attack as
it was coming, and, throwing up some slight defenses, re-
served their fire until the rebels were within sixty feet of
them. The heavy shot of the enemy crushed through the
Union ranks, but they firmly held their ground. At given
signal, a thousand muskets sped their deadly bullets with
unerring aim at the yelling, exulting foe, and volley after vol-
ley, in rapid succession, mowed down their deep and thick
ranks. The Federal artillery joined their fire, and the ground
occupied by the foe w^as soon strewn with the mangled, the
dying and the dead. Once driven back, they rallied and
rushed forward again; three times they came, three times
they w^ere repulsed, and then fled, leaving a great number of
wounded and dead. This was the principal battle of Dallas.
On June 23d the Fifteenth Regiment was actively engaged
in the assault upon the rebel position at Kenesaw mountain,
w^here it suffered a loss of six killed and wounded. From this
time to the 3d of July, when the enemy evacuated, it partici-
pated in advancing, skirmishing, and driving the enemj^ from
line to line of their works on Pine, Lost and Kenesaw mount-
ains. Afterward they pressed forward in pursuit of them
toward the Chattahooche river, and captured a number of
rebels. Again, and sadly, the rebels took up their retreat,
leaving their perfected and expansive defenses on the Chata-
hooche, removing their heavy guns seven miles to Atlanta,
and falling back w^ith their main army toward the fortifica-
tions of that city. Then Sherman moved a part of his own
forces across the river, took possession of the rebel works,

166 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

and of certain important strategic points in that direction^
The Fifteenth was in reserve at the battle of Peach Tree
Creek on July 20th, and marched then toward Atlanta, and
joined in the siege. The regiment w^as engaged in picket and
fatigue duties until August 25th, when they joined in the
movement to the south of that city, and participated in the
engagement at Jonesboro, returning to Atlanta the 9th of
September. During the fall they were ordered to perform
provost guard duty and various functions of a similar na-
ture, until their final muster out, February, 1865, at Chat-
tanooga.

The recruits and veterans of the regiment, seventy-two
in number, were transferred to the Twenty -fourth, and sub-
sequently to the Thirteenth Wisconsin.

Three hundred Scandinavian soldiers, or just one-third
of the entire Fifteenth Regiment were killed on fields of bat-
tle or died in our army hospitals. Their names will be a roll
of honor in all times to come !

As tar as facts are concerned, this article was carefnlly revised by Skordalsrold and
myself in 1899. In regard to other Scandinavian Oivil War soldiers from Minnesota,
Iowa, and Wisconsin, see pp. 3034, Vol. I., and pp. 66-8 and 119-21, Vol. 11. Soldiers from
Illinois and some Eastern states will be referred to in the third Tolnme.— Editoe.

Historical Review of the Danish Evangel-
ical Lutheran Church in America.

REV. ADAM DAN.

The Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is
an independent organization, and not connected with any
of the Scandinavian, German, or American synods in this
country. The church has its own government and constitu-
tion ; but as many of her ministers have received their edu-
cation in Denmark, and have been assisted financially, by an
annual sum appropriated by the Danish Parliament, as w^ell
as by private contributions of some church people at home,
the Danish-American Lutheran Church considers herself as a
branch of the Church of Denmark, and is so considered by
her. And in the interest of our church in this country a com-
mittee exists in Denmark called Udvalget, consisting mostly
of theological professors from the Royal University of Den-
mark, and clergymen of high rank. But no laws are dictated
to us from abroad, the mother church has never made any
attempt of ruling in purely local matters ; yet it has always
been our practice to regard Udvalget as the highest au-

(167;

168 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

thority from which we look for a decision in all matters of
controversy, in fact the authority of Udvalget is recognized
by our church constitution. Consequently the church govern-
ment of the Danish-American Lutheran Church is neither
episcopal nor synodical.

The first beginning of our church in this country was
made in 1871. Many Danish- Americans had previously sent
letters home wherein they had stated their longing after
church services in the mother tongue, which at that time
could not be satisfied, as there existed no Danish Lutheran
church in this country.* Norwegian ministers tried to meet
the religious wants of the Danes, but only a few could be
reached by them, and the Norwegian clergymen joined the
Danes in sending a "Macedonian cry " to the mother church
at home. This gave the impulse to the formation of Udvalget
in 1869, with the purpose of helping the Danes in this
country to secure ministers. In 1871 one clergyman and
two laymen were sent to the United States. The clergyman
visited and held meetings in many Danish settlements, and
investigated other matters in regard to the Danes in this
country, then returned to his native land.

One of the laymen, A. S. Nielsen, was ordained shortly
after and became pastor at Cedar Falls, Iowa, then preached
in Chicago for fourteen years. The other layman, R. Ander-
sen, became a student at Augsburg Seminary, was ordained
in 1872, and has for many years been pastor and missionary
among the emigrants and seamen in New York and Brook-
lyn. In 1871 both Rev. N. Thomsen and the writer of this
article arrived and took charge of Danish Lutheran congre-
gations in Indianapolis, Ind., and Racine, Wis., respectively.

♦Apparently, two or three pnrely Banish Lutheran congregations existed before
1871. For example, Eev. M. F. Wiese, a Dane, organized one at Indianapolis, Ind., in
connection with the Norwegian Synod, April 17, 1868.— Editoh.

HISTORY OP THE DANISH LUTHERAN CHURCH. 169

Both these men had been missionaries, the former in East
India and the latter in Jerusalem, in the Holy Land. The
above named four persons were the first clergymen of the
Danish Lutheran Church in this country.

In 1872 the Danish ministers, together with some lay-
men, organized the Church Mission Society, at Neenah, Wis.,
and at the same time commenced the publication of Kirkelig
Samler, w^hich has ever since been the official organ of the
church. In 1874 the society changed its name to The Danish
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, effected a stronger
organization, and adopted a constitution.

At first the work was missionary in its nature, and the
ministers often had to make long and troublesome journeys on
foot or on horseback, in order to reach the scattered Danish
settlements. In latter years the clergymen have had more
regular charges.

In 1880 the church became the owner of a school, pat-
terned after the Danish high schools, which had been founded
at Elk Horn, Iowa, two years before; but in 1887 the whole
plan of the institution was changed, and we lost control of
it in 1890. Two or three smaller schools are controlled by
members of our church. For some years we had a theological
seminary at WestDenmark, Wis.,but in 1896 we established
a theological seminary and college combined in Des Moines,
la., at a cost of about $20,000. We have also an orphans'
asylum in Chicago, where many poor children are cared for
and educated.

During the twenty-nine years of church life of our church
there have been many controversies of different nature. The
first and one of the most important disputes arose about
1872, between the Church Mission Society and the Norwe-

170 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

gian-Danish Evangelical Lutheran Conference, together with
other Norwegian Lutheran church organizations, in regard
to some local church property, but more especially in regard
to theological questions. The property question was settled
by the judicial courts in Racine, Wis. But the teaching of
Grandtvigianjstn, the doctrine held by the renowned Danish
bishop and poet, N. F. S. Grundtvig, permitting, among
other things, a more liberal interpretation of the Bible — as ad-
vocated especially by the writer of this article — has never died
out.* For in late years the same question has been agitated
in our church and has called forth many articles in thepapers
and hot words at the aunual meetings. Today there are two
factions among us, the followers of Bishop Grundtvig, and
the so-called Mission People; both are recognized by the
Church of Denmark as belonging to the Lutheran church,
and they are about equal in strength.!

Our church as a body is small, having only in 1900 about
50 ministers, 80 congregations, and 8,000 communicant
members, more than half of whom are to be found in the
states of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Yet
we have organizations in all the central Northwestern as
well as some of the Eastern and Western states. The value
of the church property amounts to about $250,000. We
have a mission among the Mormons in Utah, where a great
number of Danes have settled and believe that faith. We in
this country do not have any mission of our own among the
heathens, but we contribute annual^ a fair sum to the dif-

* It should be observed tbat the well-known Rev. C. L. Clausen, also a Dane, who
for many years was one of the most prominent Lutheran clergymen among the
early Danish- Norwegian settlers in this country, leaned also, at least at first, to-
wards Grundtvigiaaism . — Editor.

{The coatroveisy and separation of the two parties are discnased in Vol. II., pp. 52-5.
The statistics on this page are brought up to date by myself, and the last half of page
109 has been rewritten for this edition.— Editoe.

HISTORY OF THE DANISH LUTHERAK CHURCH. 171

ferent Danish missions in East India and among the Jews iu
the Holy Land.

Every congregation has a Sunday school. Some congre-«
gations support permanent teachers who every day give re-
ligious and secular instruction, both in Danish and English,
to the children. In other places Danish students teach dur-
ing the summer vacation, and in some instances the clergy-
men keep school every Saturday the whole year round.

The church has successfully tried to establish Danish
colonies or settlements in Shelby county, Iowa; in Lincoln
county, Minn.; in Clark county, Wis.; and in the southern
part of Texas.

Historical Review of Hauge's Evangelical
Lutheran Synod in America.

— BY-
PROF". Q. O. BROHOUGH.

Every effect has its cause. When the church had the
most temporal power, the distinctive Christian doctrines
were the most neglected . This seeming paradox becomes clear
when we remember that Christ's kingdom, though in the
world, is not of the world. Religion is an individual rela-
tion and cannot be forced into existence by the mandate of
a temporal ruler. During the Dark Ages church life had sunk
to its low^est ebb. Bishops robbed, priests swore, the Bible
was replaced by the" Picture-book," and prayers were mum-
laled in a foreign tongue. The lethargic soul could not liftits
drowsy gaze beyond the symbol. But the onward sweep of
the glad tidings was not to be stopped, only retarded.
" Truth crushed to earth shall rise again." The great move-
ments of the crusades had given an opportunity to compare,
and comparison educates. The people had become conscious
of their own strength and the scarecrows of the tyrants had
become exposed. Scholasticism, which for centuries had

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174 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

skirted the ocean of free thought, breaking every wave of
advancing opinion, was rapidly giving veay. There was
seeming uniformity and peace, but not the quiet that results
from the equipoise of the elements. It was the calm that pre-
cedes the storm. The ship of progress simply drifted. The
ominous storm-swallow circled about the mast-head. The
sky was overcast by portentious clouds, and the dark but
quiet sea gave indications of an approaching storm. Tide
after tide came rolling shoreward, until finally, at the close
of the fifteenth century, the crashing wave of the Reforma-
tion burst with a terrifying roar against the time worn in-
stitutions, tumbling them out of the way. This cleared the
close and stifling atmosphere. As the dead- weight of igno-
rance and superstition was lifted, the human mind expanded.
Thought advanced and colossal figures came upon the stage
to give direction to that thought.

The Reformation gave to the world an open Bible. The
effect was wonderful. When that Bible was again in danger
of being closed, Gustavus Adolphus, "the greatest Teuton of
them all," on the plains of Liitzen, sealed with his own blood
the religious liberties of Teutonic Europe.

The pendulum of progress swings from one extreme to
another. During the Middle Ages, the "Age of Faith," an
appeal lay to authority only. At the close of the eighteenth
century, reason and experience ^vere considered supreme
arbiters. This tendency is called rationa/ism. The term was
first used by Kant. " Rationalism is that tendency in modem
thought which claims for the unaided human reason the right
of deciding in matters of faith. It asserts the prerogative of
the intellect to be supreme arbiter in all departments of re-

HISTORY OF HAUGE'S SYNOD IX AMERICA. 175

vealed truth. It requires certainty as the condition of its
favor, and, with Wolf, promptly rejects what does not come
before it with all the exactness and clearness of a mathemat-
ical demonstration." The sources of rationalism were va-
rious, embracing different countries as well as different de-
partments of investigation. The pantheism of Spinoza was
a welcome substitute for the heartless doctrine by which God
was excluded from his own creation. The deism of England
was industriously propagated in Germany, where the works
of Herbert, Hobbes, Tyndal, and Woolston were circulated
among the people. In Prance the influence of Voltaire and
the encyclopedists was unbounded. It was not till the latter
half of the last century that a reaction set in, heralded by
such men as Jacobi and Schleiermacher.

Rationalism, Kke a huge billow, had swept over the
whole of Christendom attacking everything that impeded its
progress, leaving moral slime and desolation in its wake. It
even dashed up against the rock-ribbed shores of old Nor-
way, lashing its filthy scum far into her peaceful valleys.
The clergy of Norway enjoy the reputation of being hospit-
able and intelligent ; but at this juncture they seem to have
partaken of the" deep sleep "that had fallen on the Christian
church. Rationalism was rampant at the University and
thence spread to the country districts. On Christmas morn-
ing, the worthy pastor took occasion to inform his flock on
improved methods of constructing stables and mangers. In
expounding the text about the "sower and seed " new or im-
proved methods for tilling the soil came in for consideration.
This was excellent information, no doubt, but it was not
the Gospel of Christ, w^hich he was commissioned to preach.

176 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

As the last century drew to its close, a peasant lad,
Hans Nilsen Hauge (pronounced Howgey) appeared on the
scene. Being thorough^ aroused and converted at an early
age, he felt impelled to preach the Gospel to his kinsmen and
neighbors. For a layman to preach was not only unusual,
hut unlawful. He was warned — he wavered. Being of a mod-
est and retiring disposition, he seriously doubted his own fit-
ness. His conscience, however, would give him no peace, and
soon his fearless and persuasive testimony had been heard
in every hamlet and valley in the country. Persecutions
followed thick and fast. Meetings were broken up, the
worshipers were rudely dispersed, and Hauge himself was
dragged into prison. Ten times was he incarcerated; he
literally rotted in a common jail. All this for no other crime
than admonishing his countrymen to lead a Christian life
according to the teachings of the established church, and
assisting his followers to gain a livelihood by developing the
resources of the country. In our age of toleration, we are
astonished that such a man should be persecuted. And yet,
humanity has always been prone to abuse its benefactors.
Every age has starved its Homer, poisoned its Socrates,
banished its Aristides, stoned its Stephen, burned its Savano-
rola, or imprisoned its Galileo. The imprisonment of Hauge
did not have the desired eifect. The spark soon kindled into
flame. Other laymen arose to continue the work and a
mighty impulse, that no human power could check, swept
over the land. This persecuting attitude of the church
toward the revival movement created a wide cleft between
the state clergy and the more zealous Christian element of
the laity. The difficult j- was augmented by the fact that

HISTORY OF HAUGE'S SYNOD IN AMERICA. 177

many of the clergy held the tenets of Grundtvig, a Danish
divine of considerable influence, who differed from the estab-
lished faith in many points. This naturally created distrust,
as the laity were sticklers for pure doctrine as well as for
holy living.

It should be stated, however, that in spite of these diffi
culties Hauge and his friends never entertained the idea of
leaving the state church. They did not desire to form a new
and separate church organization. All they wished was a
spiritual revival — the introduction of spiritual life into the
dead forms. Consequently, in Norway, they all worship and
commune in the same church. The revival movement, on the
other hand, has had a salutary influence on the state church
and the chief professors of theology at the University of
Norway have of late been the friends and allies of the
movement.

In 1839, EUing Eielsen, a lay preacher and a staunch
supporter of Hauge, came to the United States and settled
in the Fox River settlement. 111. In Chicago, then but a
traders' post, he preached his first sermon on American soil.
The first Norwegian Lutheran " meeting house " w^as erected
under his care at Fox River, shortly after his arrival in this
country. Eielsen was an energetic man and a zealous
preacher. The burden of his discourse w^as, "Repent and
believe." Soon he had visited all the places in the Northwest
where his countrymen had settled. As an itinerant he suf-
fered untold hardships, but his zeal never flagged. As an
evangelist, he was emrainently successful; and had he pos-
sessed the talent for organizing that he had for preaching,
the future church historian might have had a different story

178 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

to tell. As an organizer he was sorely deficient. The peo-
pie, however, soon began to feel the need of a formal orga-
nization. His friends at Fox River, therefore, requested
Eielsen to " seek holy orders." Accordingly, Eielsen repaired
to Chicago and was ordained, Oct. 3, 1843, by Rev. F. A.
Hoffman, D. D., pastor of a German Lutheran congregation
at Duncan's Grove, 20 miles north of Chicago.*

The ordination of Eielsen satisfied a long felt want of a
clergyman, and, save Eielsen's uncompromising warfare
against sin, peace and order reigned throughout the congre-
gations. This condition of affairs, however, was not long to
continue. Soon after Eielsen's ordination. Rev. J. W. C.
Diedrichsen, ordained in Norway, and C. L. Clausen, a Dane,
and ordained by Rev. L. Krause in this country, appeared on
the field and commenced preaching among the Norwegian
and Danish settlers. Both of these men leaned, more or
less avowedly, toward the teachings of Grundtvig,t Clausen,
however, renouncing these tenets in later years. Diedrichsen,
in a patronizing way, offered to "affirm" Eielsen's ordina-
tion. This was rejected as an imposition. t Eielsen and his
followers did not seem to trust the late comer who appeared
in the insignia of state church, vaunting its authority. Eiel-
sen soon regarded Diedrichsen as a rationalist and the lat-
ter retorted by accusing Eielsen of fanaticism. As to the
truth of these mutual accusations, future historians will
have to judge. It seems plain, however, that the two op-

• See copy of credentials of ordination at Chicago, Cook county, 111., under date

of October 3, 1843.
tSee Wiscoasinisme, by H. A. Preiis, p. 5, also Syv Foredrag by him ; quoted

by O. I. Hattlestad in Historiske Meddelelscr, p. 32.
J See El. Eielsen^ s Lir., by Brohough and Eistensen, p. 65.

HISTORY OF HAUGE'S SYNOD IN AMERICA. 179

posing factions of Norway had been transplanted to Ameri-
can soil where the contest between true piety and stifling
formalism was to be continued. If this be true, it gives us a
reasonable clue to the schism in the early Norwegian Lu-
theran church in America.

In 1846, on Jefferson Prairie, Wis., Rev. Elling Eielsen
and his friends organized a society called The Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, adopting what has been called
the "Old Constitution." In 1875 this constitution was
somewhat modified and the name changed to Hauge's Nor-
wegian Evangelical Lutheran Sjmod in America. But Eiel-
sen and a few of his friends, being displeased with the new
name and the new constitution, withdrew, continuing to
labor in accordance w^ith the " Old Constitution " and re-
tained the old name of the organization.

The need of a school was soon felt, and in 1854 some
property was bought at Lisbon, 111., with a view of found-
ing an institution of learning. On account of disagreement
among the leaders, however, the project was abandoned. In
1865, another effort was made in the same line in Dane
county, Wis., and cand. theol. Aaserod w^as engaged as prin-
cipal. He did not seem to possess the sympathy of the peo-
ple and the school failed for want of support. In 1867 the
Synod purchased three acres of land in Red Wing, Minn., and
commenced breaking ground and procuring materials for a
school building. Meanwhile flattering offers were made by
parties at Chicago, and operations were transfered to that
place. A feeble attempt was made at setting the machinery
of the school in motion, but the wheels soon clogged and the
Synod lost whatever means it had invested. During all this

180 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

time the Synod had grown, and the increasing demand for
ministers and teachers made the want of a school more
keenly felt from j'car to year. In 1878, by the aid of H. M.
Sande, of Goodhue county, a handsome and convenient
school property was bought at Red Wing, Minn. It had
formerly been a first class boarding school, and owned by a
corporation. In the fall of 1879 Red Wing Seminary opened
its doors to students, and classes were organized both in the
collegiate and theological departments. During the school
year of 1898-9 there were seven instructors and about 150
students. Since the school opened, 180 young men have
graduated from the two departments. This is the only
school controlled, directly or indirectly, by the synod.

During its nearly 55 years of existence the Synod has
given freely to the cause of missions. A modest but steady
stream of contributions from its congregations and mission-
ary societies has poured into the coffers of the Mission Society
of Norway to be distributed over a not insignificant mis-
sionary field. Of late a great interest has been aroused in
the missionary work in China. Several persons are already
in the field and are supported wholly, or in part, by contri-
butions from the Synod. The home mission work has also
come in for a modest share of attention.

It is difiicult to give accurate statistics as the officers
are remiss in sending in the required reports. The last
United States census has palpable errors. According to the
official report of 1899 there are about 100 ministers and pro-
fessors in the Synod. It numbers nearly 230 congregations,
scattered over several of the states in the Union, but one-
third of the members reside in Minnesota. The Synod has,

HISTORY OF HAUGE'S SYNOD IN AMERICA. 181

in 1900, in the neighborhood of 30,000 members ; probably
18,000 of them are communicant members, the remaining
being children not yet confirmed. The total value of the
church property amounts to about $600,000.

Budbaereren is the official paper of the Synod ; a child-
ren's paper is also published.

Sunday schools are maintained in nearly every congre-
gation and three or four months parochial school is usually
taught during the summer season.

Oflate the aspect of the Synod has somewhat changed.
Many peculiarities have been modified. From the seminary
at Red Wing have come many able and earnest young men
to fill up the serried ranks of the clergy. With these young
clergymen have come renewed zeal, more liberal ideas, and
broader views. In the main, however, the organization has
maintained the characteristics of its youth — a vigorous on-
slaught, both from pulpit and in private, on the common
foibles of humanity and the popular forms of vice; such as
drunkenness, swearing. Sabbath breaking, etc. Lay preach-
ing, under proper safeguards, week-day prayermeetings, and
great simplicity in the forms of worship, are favored. The
old questions, however, so hotly contested in earlier days,
have lost their spell. It is doubtful if the magical words of
Slavery, Predestination, Priestly Robes, etc., can ever again
become the rallying cry of any Lutheran body in America.
The dream of the younger element in all these bodies is a
strong, united, Lutheran church, lifting up the war cry,
" Christ is risen! " — advancing in solid phalanx to do battle
for Christ and His Kingdom.

Historical Review of the Norwegian Evan-
gelical Lutheran Synod in America.

— BY —

REV. JOHN HALVORSON.

Although a few persons had previously arrived in this
country from Norway, the regular Norwegian emigration
to the United States did not commence before 1836, when
two ships from Stavanger brought about 160 people who
settled at Fox River, La Salle county, 111. From this year
onward the emigration continued steadily and most of the
immigrants settled in Illinois and southern Wisconsin ; later
in Iowa and Minnesota. For a number of years, however,
they were without religious instruction, and had no minis-
ters of the Gospel who could preach to them in the language
they understood, and according to the faith in w^hich they
had been baptized and confirmed. The first ordained Nor-
wegian Lutheran clergyman w^ho came to attend to the
spiritual w^ants of his countrymen in the Northwest was
Wilhelm Dietrichson. He arrived in 1844. C. L. Clau-
sen, a Dane, who had previously studied theology in
Denmark, was ordained by a German Lutheran pastor. Rev.

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184 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Krause, of Milwaukee, and commenced to serve Norwegian and
Danish congregations in 1843. The next arrivals of ordained
ministers were H. A. Stub, and A. C. Preus, from Norway.

In 1851 the first endeavors were made to combine the
scattered Danish and Norwegian congregations into one or-
ganization; but as the first constitution which had been
adopted was found to contain Grundtvigianism, then preva-
lent in Denmark, the organization was dissolved the follow-
ing year. A new constitution w^as adopted in 1853, at
Koshkonong, Dane county. Wis. The Synod of the Norwe-
gian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was thus or-
ganized. Seven ministers and 28 congregations united in
forming the new body. The constitution was revised in
1865, and ratified two years later.

The Synod adheres to the old biblical faith and Chris-
tianity as taught in the Holy Scripture and confessed in the
three ancient symbols, the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the
Athanasian creeds, in the unaltered Augsburg Confession, and
in Luther's smaller catechism. It is strictly orthodox and
conservative in matters of faith, and no friend of new forms
of doctrine. It holds to the plenary inspiration of the
Bible, not only as to contents, but also as to its words, and
believes that it is the only perfect rule and guide of faith and
conduct. The total depravity of man by the fall in Adam,
justification by faith in Christ alone without the works of
the Law, and the efficacy of the Word of God and the two
sacraments as means of grace, by which the Holy Spirit
potently calls, regenerates and sanctifies sinners, are the
three distinctive doctrines which it constantly holds forth
without fear and without compromise.

HISTORY OF THE NORWEGIAN SYNOD IN AMERICA. 185

Although the first clergymen m the Synod were grad-
uates of the theological department of the University of
Norway and were ordained ministers in their native land,
the Synod was never financially supported by, nor was it
organically connected with, the church in the fatherland. It
at once became independent in its management. In matters
of church government the Synod is democratic ; the congre-
gations alone have the right to call and depose pastors ; the
pastor is called not for a definite term of years, but to serve
for life or during good behavior, unless called away to places
of greater need or importance. The Synod in its relation to
the congregations is purely advisory. Its object is, accord-
ing to the constitution, " To keep w^atch over the purity and
unity of doctrine, as well as of the development of Christian
life ; to superintend and examine into the official conduct of
its members, ( professors, pastors, and religious instructors)
as well as into the religious standing and work of the con-
gregations ; to reconcile in matters of dispute in regard to
church questions ; to erect and manage institutions of learn-
ing for the education of ministers and religious instructors;
to establish and carry on home and foreign missions; to pro-
mote the use and distribution of the Bible, religious text-
books, hymn-books, and devotional literature."

Owing to the union of church and state in Norway,
many different religious tendencies were held together by
external ties in one church. When these tendencies were
transplanted to a free soil, they soon caused the formation
of distinct church parties, or synods, all claiming to adhere
to the Evangelical Lutheran faith and confession. Lay
preaching, quite prevalent in Norway in the early part of

586 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

this century, was first carried on among the Norwegians in
this country by Elling Eielsen, who became the founder of
Hauge's Synod; but the Norwegian Synod, in accordance with
Article XIV of the Augsburg Confession, beheves , "That no
man should publicly in the church teach or administer the
sacraments, except he be rightly, or regularly, called."

During the Civil War, when the slavery question was
everywhere agitated, the question arose in the Synod, if
slavery, or the relation of life servitude, was an injustice and
sin in itself, or if it ever could exist, or had existed in a
lawful manner. The Synod took the position, accepted at its
annual meeting in 1861 : " That, although according to the
Word of God, it is not sin in itself to hold slaves, still
slavery is in itself an evil and a punishment from God, and
we condemn all the abuses and sins connected with it, as we
are also willing, when the duty of our calling requires it,
and when Christian love and wisdom demand it, to work
for its abolition." This biblical question concerning the life
servitude, permitted according to the Old and New Testa-
ments, could not be quietly considered in such a time of na-
tional agitation ; and much excitement with accusations and
threats, especially against the ministers of the Synod, was
the result. Hauge's Synod and the Swedish-Norwegian
Augustana Synod held the view that slavery was sin in
itself. On account of the controversy arising out of this dis-
cussion, the Norwegian Synod suffered the loss of Rev. L. C.
Clausen and several congregations.

In the controversy regarding the Christian Sunday the
Synod adhered to Art. XXVIII of the Augsburg Confession,
which explains the Lutheran view. In the controversy on

HISTORY OF THE NORWEGIAN SYNOD IN AMERICA. 187

absolution the Synod held that absolution is the proclama-
tion of the Gospel, to many or to one individual, potently
administering forgiveness of sins to sinners, but requiring
faith for its acceptation and proper effect. In connection
with this doctrine the question was also raised if forgiveness
of sins was prepared for all sinners, in Christ Jesus, and the
whole world thus might be said to be justified in him. This
expression the Synod defended according to the Bible: Rom.
5, 18, "Even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came
upon all men unto justification of life." The other bodies
claimed that justification could only be used with regard to
those who accepted Christ by faith, which is the generally
accepted meaning of justification. The doctrinal controver-
sies on these questions were carried on in conferences and
public meetings as well as in the secular and religious press.
In 1871, the parties dissatisfied with the strictly conserva-
tive policy and confessional rigor of the Synod, together with
seceders from the Augustana Synod, organized a new relig-
ious denomination, the Danish-Norwegian Evangelical Luth-
eran Conference.

But even during these years of controversy the Synod w^ as
constantly increasing. Numerous congregations were or-
ganized all over the Northwestern states, especially in Wis-
consin, Iowa, and Minnesota. The number of ministers also
increased rapidly, and it was found expedient to divide the
Synod into three districts. This was effected in 1876 at the
meeting of the church held inDecorah,Ia. The districts com-
prise within their limits all the states and territories in w^hich
Norwegian Lutherans have settled.

At the district meetings each congregation is represented

188 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

by one lay delegate and by its minister, as voting members ;
only such ministers having the right to vote as serve a con-
gregation formally united with the Synod.

Every third year the Synod holds its meetings, presided
over by Rev. H. A. Preus, who has held the office of president
uninterruptedly for thirty-two years,* being first elected in
1862. Between the synodical meetings the management is
exercised by the church council, consisting of the four presid-
ing officers, and of four lay members, elected by the three dis-
tricts, and one member elected by the Synod at large.

During the first years of its existence the Synod was
dependent for its pastors and instructors upon the university
and seminaries of Norway ;' and from 1848 to 1858 received
fourteen theological candidates from the university at Kris-
tiania, who accepted charges as pastors in the Northwestern
states. Three of them, however, returned to Norway, and
during the troubled times of the w^ar but few accessions
v/ere made from the mother country. For this reason, and
also in order to obtain men better acquainted with the con-
ditions and needs of our church in America, it was found
necessary to provide a theological seminary for the educa-
tion of ministers in our midst. As both the means and men
for such an undertaking were scarce, the Norwegian Synod
in the year 1855 sent delegates to visit and confer with sev-
eral English and German Lutheran synods in the United
States. In the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Mis-
rouri, Ohio, and other states, they found a church that
adhered strictly to the Lutheran faith and principles, with a
college and theological seminary at St. Louis, Mo., under
the management of the noted Prof C. F. W. Walther- Here

•At his death in 1894, Kev. \. Koren succeeded him.

HISTORY OF THE NORWEGIAN SYNOD IN AMERICA. 189

the delegates met with a hearty welcome, and the German
Synod invited the students of the Norwegian Synod to at-
tend their seminary on the same conditions as their own.
With great love and fraternal good feeling the German
brethren assisted and encouraged the struggling Norwegian
Lutherans in the infancy and poverty of their church ; and
their aid was gratefully accepted.

In 1859 Rev. Laur. Larsen, then a pastor in Wisconsin,
was appointed by the Norwegian Synod as its professor at
Concordia College and Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. When the
classical department of Concordia College was removed to
Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1861, the Norwegian Synod had so far
gained in strength that it determined to conduct a college of
its own, which began its w^ork the same year in the parson-
age at Half Way Creek, near La Crosse, Wis. Prof. Laur.
Larsen was appointed president, which position he has filled
with great fidelity through all the changes and improve-
ments in the college till the present date. In 1862 the college
was removed to Decorah, Ia.,whereland had previously been
secured. In 1864 the cornerstone was laid to a large build-
ing, and the next year the present Luther College was dedi-
cated with imposing ceremonies in the presence of 6,000 Nor-
wegian Lutherans from far and near. This was the first
higher institution of learning erected by the Norwegians in
the United States. That a building of such proportions, at a
cost of $75,000, could be completed during a period of such
internal and external strife was due mainly to the untiring
faith, energy, and self-sacrifice of Prof. Laur. Larsen, and
Rev. V. Koren, as well as to the joint efforts of the Lutheran
pastors and church members in the Northwest.

190 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

The insti-uction at the college was at first given by two
professors, but as the number of students rapidly increased,
others were appointed, and in 1874 we find seven professors
and over 200 students. In 1874 a new addition w^as com-
pleted at a cost of $23,000. Residences for the professors,
and a large brick church were also provided, and the grounds
were greatly improved. As the Norwegian people American-
ized, the college endeavored to keep up with the transition.
English became more and more the medium of instruction,
and other branches of stud3' were added, so as to give all
the facilities of an American college and still retain the
thorough linguistic and historic training of a European
gymnasium. In 1881 the course of study was extended to
seven years, with a preparatory, a normal, and a classical
department, and the number of professors and instructors
was increased to nine. In 1889 the college buildings were
destroyed by fire, but at the meeting of the three districts the
same year it was resolved immediately to rebuild them.
The next year they were again completed at acost of $56,000.
The attendance, which, during previous years of doctrinal
controversies, had dwindled down to 118, now again in-
creased, so that since 1890 it has averaged about 200
Luther College has received four legacies, amounting to
$9,500.

It had originally been the intent to add a theological de-
partment to the college at Decorah, but men and means
were not at once available, and the Norwegian students still,
for a number of years, studied theology at the German Con-
cordia Seminary at St. Louis, although this seminary had,
for a number of years, no Norwegian professor, after Prof.

HISTORY OF THE NORWEGIAN SYNOD IN AMEKICA. 191

Larson removed. As many as twenty Norwegian students
at one time pursued their studies here, and the graduates
from this seminary form the main body of the clergy of the
Nowegian Synod.

In 1872, to further promote the spirit of Christian fellow-
ship, the Norwegian Synod joined with four German Luth-
eran synods in organizing the Synodical Conference, which
at one time intended to erect and support a theological semi-
nary for all the synods connected with it ; but the plan was
frustrated. The Norwegian Synod then, in 1876, bought
the Soldier's Orphan's Home, Madison, Vvis., for a theologi-
cal seminary. This institution, called Luther Seminary, be-
gan with a practical, and afterward added a theoretical
department ; the first accepts students of Christian knowl-
edge and experience, who, on account of advanced age or
other circumstances, are debarred from pursuing a college
course, but still possess abilities and a desire to enter the
ministry ; the latter requii'ing a classical, or college education
for admission. In 1888 the seminary was removed to Rob-
binsdale, near Minneapolis, Minn., where fine buildings had
been erected at the cost of $30,000. The faculty consists of
three professors, who also edit the oificial organ of the
Synod, Evangelisk Lutbersk Kirketidende. In 1893, 47
students attended the seminary.

Thus the Synod took charge of the academic and theo-
logical training of its adults, but a still more difiicult task
was found in how to provide relgious instructors for the
children. There w^as a manifest necessity of having schools
where more extensive and systematic religious instruction
could be given than that offered in the Sunday schools. As

192 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

no such schools were provided for by the state or by the
American churches, the need and the difficulty of this work
was seriously felt. Instructors for the parochial schools
were sometimes taken from Norway, or men were employed
w^ho had received an academy training in this country.

A normal department for the educating of instructors in
religion was attempted in connection with Luther College,
and a special professor was called for this department in,
1878 ; but the connection with the classical department did
not work well, and the normal department at Luther Col-
lege was given up in 1886. After several unsuccessful at-
tempts a normal school for preparing teachers, both for the
English common school and for Lutheran parochial schools
was built in Sioux Falls, S. D., at the cost of $16,000. It
commenced work in 1889, with three professors, and in the
winter term of 1898-9, had a total attendance of 115 stu-
dents, of both sexes.

Besides these schools, owned and controlled directly by
the Synod, a number of academies and high schools have
sprung up within the last ten years, owned and controlled
by private corporations within the Synod. Among such can
be mentioned : Willmar Seminary, established 1882, which
in 1892 had an attendance of nearly 400 students ; Albert
Lea Lutheran High School, with an attendance of 200 in
1892; Lutheran Ladies' Seminary, Red Wing, Minn., of
which the cornerstone was laid in 1893. This is the first in-
stitution of its kind among the Scandinavians in this coun-
try. It is to be exclusively for lady students who desire
instruction in all branches of knowledge especially useful to
women; business, art, housekeeping, dressmaking, eto., to-

AUGSBUKG SEMINARY, MINNEAPOLIS. MINN.

ST. OLAF COLLEGE, NORTHFIELD, MINN.

HISTORY OF THE NORWEGIAN SYNOD IN AMERICA. 193

gether with instruction in religion. Stoughton Academy,
Stoughton,Wis.,has an attendance of 140 students; Bruflat
Academy, Portland, N. D., 90; Aaberg Academy, Devils
Lake, N. D., 80; and Park Region Luther College, Fergus
Falls, Minn., 200. The Pacific Lutheran University, Ta-
coma, Wash., completed in 1894, has buildings amount-
ing to $100,000.

The Synod also owns and supports Bethany Indian Mis-
sion, Wittenberg, Wis. This institution obtains Indian
children from the Winnebago tribe, and civilizes and Chris-
tianizes them. This school is also partly supported by the
United States government.

Martin Luther's Orphans' Home at Madison, Wis., con-
tains 36 orphans, who are cared for and instructed by the
Synod.

Missions, supported partly by the Synod, in connection
with other branches of the Lutheran. Church, are : The Jew-
ish Mission, in Montreal, Canada; the Negro Mission, in the
Southern states ; the Zulu Mission, in South Africa ; the mis-
sion among the Mormons, in Salt Lake City, Utah; and
Sailors' Mission, in New York and Brooklyn. The greatest
mission work, however, is the Home Mission among the
scattered Norwegian immigrants.

While the Norwegian Synod was in its greatest pros-
perity, a time of great strife and trial came upon it. In 1880
a controversy arose between Dr. F. A. Schmidt, of the
theological seminary at Madison, Wis., and Dr. C. F. W.
Walther, and others, in the German Missouri Synod, about
the doctrine of election and predestination; the former
claiming that the Missouri Synod taught a Calvinistic

On pp. 317-35, VoL I., and pp. 23-37, 129-34, and 145-51, Vol. 11., more recent statistica
and more detailed accounts may be found in legard to most of the institutions referred
to on the last fire pages, which practically remain as they were published in 1893.—
Bditob.

194 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

theory concerning election ; the latter maintaining Schmidt
and his followers held synergistic views. The controversy
which thus began in the German, soon found its way into
the Norwegian Synod. The question was discussed at min-
isterial conferences and annual synodical meetings, but no
agreement between the contending factions seemed possible.
Excitement ran high, and public discussions were held by
representatives of both parties, all through the Synod. At
the theological seminary and at Luther College the faculties
were divided; the majority, however, adhering to the views
of Walther and the Missouri Synod, while Prof. Schmidt had
the greatest following among the lay people. At a confer-
ence in Decorah, la., in 1884-, each faction drafted a full state-
ment of their faith, with proofs and testimonies attached, for
the consideration of the people. The Confession of Schmidt
and his followers was signed by 72 ministers and professors
in the Synod; the Explanation of the " Missourians " by
107. The Schmidt faction declared that they could no
longer support or attend the institutionsof the Synod, which
were controlled by "Missourians." An opposition college
and theological seminary was established at Northfield,
Minn., where the opponents of the Synod controlled the St.
Olaf School. Hither Prof. Schmidt removed with some of
the theological students, and Luther Seminary at Madison
was almost deserted ; but instruction was still continued
with tAvo professors and seven students in 1886. The at-
tendance at Luther College also dwindled down to 118, and
the finances of the church were in a bad condition.

At the next joint synod in Stougton, Wis., it was re-
solved, " That the establishment of an opposition seminary

HISTORY OF THE NORWEGIAN SYNOD IN AMERICA. 195

at Northfield was in violation of the constitution of the
Synod, a breach of agreement, a virtual division, and could
not be tolerated; therefore, the members, who had sup-
ported this work, were advised to acknowledge their error
and desist from it." Fifty-seven members signed a protest,
declaring their intention to continue the seminary at North-
field, and seceded from the Synod. This example was soon
followed by the congregations, and in the following two
years fully one-third of the ministers and congregations
seceded and organized The Anti-Missourian Brotherhood.
Before the division, the Synod, according to the parochial re-
ports, for 1886, numbered 194 clergymen in ofiice, 77,399
communicants, and 143,867 souls.

During the last years of the predestination controversy
the proper work of the Synod had been almost at a stand
still. The debt had increased, and missionary work had
languished. But v^rhen the division was effected, and confi-
dence and internal peace restored, new energy was awakened
and successful attempts were made to restore finances to a
better condition. The contribution of the churches for the
different synodical and missionary-purposes amounted, in the
year ending May 1st, 1892, to $34,830, but has frequently
exceeded $50,000.

According to the reports fo'- 1899, the Synod contained
nearly .'300 clergymen and professors, '800 congregations,
70,000 communicant members, and about 125,000 souls.
The total church property is valued at about 3,000,000.

From 1885 to 1891 annual meetings were held with the
other denominations of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, dis-
cussing the questions which divided them, with a view to fur-

196 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

ther an agreement and union. Although the efforts have not
been void of good, they have been temporarily given up,
pending the internal strife in the United Church.

Another matter seriously discussed at present is the
transition from Norviregian to English. At all the institutions
of learning the greater part of the instruction is given
through the medium of the English language, excepting at
the theological seminary, where a chair in English has been a
long-felt want. English Lutheran missions have been estab-
lished at Chicago, and Minneapolis, and many of the clergy
do part of their work in English. The Epiphany English
Lutheran Conference, organized in St. Paul, Minn., in 1892,
consists of both Norwegian and German pastors. Its aim is
to cultivate and promote the use of the English language in
the Lutheran churches of foreign extraction, in order to re-
tain the old orthodox faith and establish it on American
soil. For, while the Norwegian Synod is noted for its conser-
vatism as to doctrine and church principles, it endeavors to
promote the education and influence of its people in all good
objects.

Historical Review of the Scandinavian Bap-
tists in the U. 8. and in the North.

—REVISED AND APPROVED BY—

REV. FRANK. FETBRSON.

The Baptist faith was introducedanto Denmark as early
as 1839. In that year Rev. John Gerhard Oncken, a Ger-
man, came to Copenhagen, where one of his assistants had
succeeded in gathering a few believers. These w^ere baptized
by Oncken and organized into a church; the first of its
kind among the Scandinavian people. These proceedings,
very innocent in their nature, created quite an excitement in
Denmark, w^here the Lutheran state church was looked upon
as the only orthodox Christian body. The Baptist mission-
aries were denounced and persecuted as a dangerous element
promulgating heresy and disorder. The members and pas-
tor of the newly organized church were summoned before
the magistrates and admonished to desist from their work.
A decree was passed by the department of state whereby
they were forbidden to hold meetings, to baptize, or to ad-
minister the Lord's Supper. But persecution since the day
of Christ has always been a means of spreading the teach-

(197)

198 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

ings which it has been endeavoring to stamp out. It proved
so here. Private meetings were held, and the attitude of the
state and church towards the believers in the faith only
served to make them more zealous and devoted. The Bap-
tist church in Copenhagen soon numbered thirty-two mem-
bers, and several churches w^ere organized in other places.
Meanwhile the persecutions went on. Oncken, and the min-
ister of the church in Copenhagen, Peter Moenster, were
hunted by the police, and a reward w^as offered for their ap-
prehension. In 1840 Moenster and his brother were ar-
rested and imprisoned. The latter was banished from the
realm, and, upon his refusal to leave his native land, was
sentenced to a long term of imprisonment. The persecution,
not confined to the leaders, but carried on against their fol-
lowers as w^ell, soon became unbearable, and Oncken resolved
to go to England to enlist the sympathies of his brethren
in that country in their behalf. He obtained a recognition
for these as being regular and w^ell ordered churches of Christ,
established upon apostolic basis. A deputation of English
Baptists went over to plead with the Danish government for
•a milder treatment of their brethren, but to no avail. An-
other attempt to aleviate tlie harsh condition of the Danish
Baptists was made by the American and Foreign Publishing
Societj', which sent Professors Conant and Hackett over to
petition the King. Through their efforts the King was at
last persuaded to grant what was called the Law of Am-
nesty, by which certain privileges were granted the Bap-
tists, among others that they could assemble privately, and
administer the Lord's Supper. But they were still forbidden
to administer baptism, and were required to have their chil-

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN BAPTISTS. 199

dren baptized by the regular ministers within the age re-
quired by law. They were still subject to fine and imprison-
ment, and their children were often taken by the clergy
to be baptized into the state church, for which they were
compelled to pay, or if they refused their goods were
seized. To these persecutions the Danish Baptists were
subject until 1850, when they at last obtained religious lib-
erty. The church, however, during these years of adversity,
had prospered, and in 1900 we find about 25 Baptist
churches and 3,700 members in Denmark, in spite of the fact
that a great number had emigrated to America during the
long period of religious persecution.

The beginning of the Baptist church m Norway is of a
more obscure origin. This faith was first introduced into
that country by German colporteurs, probably about the
years 1845 or '50, but it gained little ground at first, and
was subject of no general attention until 1868. About
1857, F. L. Rymker, a Dane, arrived in the northern
part of Norway and began his fruitful missionary work
there. Rymker, at first a Danish sailor who through some
ill fortune had lost one leg, was led to his view of Baptism by
Mr. Isaac T. Smith, a member of the Baptist Church for Sea-
men in New York. After his conversion Rymker was sent
as a missionary to Denmark, where he worked for some
years among the wounded and crippled of the navy. He
then went to Norway, and after ten years labor in that
country he had ordained two ministers and organized six
churches, with an aggregate membership of two hundred.
In 1869 a Swedish basket maker, O. Hanson, also entered upon
the missionary work in Norway, and through his preaching

200 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

twenty-eight persons were soon converted, and a church was
organized. In 1900 there were about 2,200 Baptists in
Norway. The various churches scattered throughout the
country have of late years been organized into the Norwe-
gian Union of Baptist Churches. In 1892 the American
Baptist Missionary Union took charge of the missionary
work in Norw^ay, and steady accessions are being made to
the church.

In Sweden the Baptist mission began its work a Httle
later than in Denmark, and here, as in the other countries,
the field was first entered by independent missionaries.
Capt. G.W. Schroeder, who had embraced the Baptistfaithin
New York, was the first to bring the faith to Sw^eden. In 1847
F. O. Nilsson, also a sailor, who had been brought to the
same views by Schroeder, was baptized, and the first Baptist
church was organized in 1848. The following year Nilsson
was ordained in Hamburg, Germany, and returned to Sweden
to preach the Gospel to his countrymen according to his
faith. But being opposed by the authorities, he was put in
prison. Upon being released he renewed his preaching and
was again imprisoned. Three different times Nilsson was
thrown into prison, and twice he appeared before the High
Court. At last, in 1851, he was banished from the country,
when he went to Denmark, and from thence to America. In
Copenhagen he met and baptized Rev. A. Wiberg, who was
destined to continue the missionary work in Sweden. Wi-
berg was an educated man, and a minister in the state
church in Sweden. After his conversion and baptism he
went to America and engaged in colporteur work. While
there he published a book on Baptism, which gained a

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN BAPTISTS. 201

wide circulation in his native land, and through which quite
a number were converted to the faith. In 1855 the Publica-
tion Society of Philadelphia established a system of colport-
age in Sweden, and Wiberg was sent as superintendent. On
his return he found about five hundred Baptists in Sweden,
despite the fact that they had been, and still were, subject to
considerable hardships. In 1856 Wiberg began to edit a
paper called Erangeliaten, which soon gained a wide cir-
culation. Ten years later he built a chapel in Stockholm
with money which he had raised in England and in America.
The work progressed rapidly, many more workers entered
the field, among whom w^ere Rev. G. Palmquist and his
brothers, and soon the faith gained entrance into higher
circles. After a visit to America, Wiberg returned to Sweden
in 1866 and started a theological seminary in Stockholm,
called the Swedish Bethel Seminary, which began its work
with two professors and seven students, and, under the
presidency of K. O. Broady, D. D., still continues. In 1900
there were about 570 Baptist churches and 40,000 members
in Sweden.

As far as is known, the first Swedish Baptist in the world
was John Asplund, who for some time had served in the
British navy ; but he deserted and came to North Carolina
in the latter part of the eighteenth century. In this country
he was immersed, ordained, and drowned in 1807. He
traveled on foot through all the original thirteen states and
gathered materials for a statistical Baptist year-book, which
was published in 1790 and re-issued in new editions for some
years afterwards. It is claimed that two copies of this
remarkable book are in Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y.

202 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

But it is very doubtful if Asplund ever tried, or had a chance,
to propagate his faith among the Swedes either in the old
country or in America. Although the before mentioned Capt.
G. W. Schroeder had been immersed in East River, N. Y., as
early as 1844, thus becoming the second Swedish Baptist in
the world, and perhaps some other Swedish-Americans had
accepted his views before 1852; yet no organization of
Swedish Baptists existed in this country before that year.
Consequently, the missionary work among the Swedish peo"
pie began a little earlier at home than in the United States,
but in both cases it was commenced by Swedish- Americans,
and the American Baptists have during the last thirty years
paid out, nearly one million dollars in order to convert the
Scandinavians on both sides of the Atlantic. Owing to the
hardships to which the Baptists in Sweden were subjected
during the fifties and sixties, many of them were compelled
to emigrate as soon as they had accepted this faith. This
may partly explain why there are about twice as many
Swedish Baptists in the United States, in proportion to the
population, as there are in Sweden. One person out of every
60 Swedes in this country is a Baptist, but only one person
out of every 125 in Sweden confesses that faith.

The first Swedish Baptist church in this country was organ-
ized at Rock Island, 111., the 13th of August, 1852, by Gustaf
Palmquist. Shortly after, mainly through the efforts of
Palmquist and F. O. Nilsson, organizations sprung into exis-
tence in different parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois, so
that in 1860 the various churches had a total membership of
about two hundred and fifty communicants. The mission-
ary viTork among the scattered settlers was often attended

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN BAPTISTS. 203

■with serious difficulty, but the zeal and faithfulness of the
missionaries seldom flagged. Most of them were men who
were used to hard manual toil, and few had received the ad-
vantages of a higher education. But in a new country such
men can generally accomplish more than persons of great
learning, the former being nearer to the people. The pioneer
preachers went on foot long distances and often suffered
privations, but the faith was preached to the people even in
the remotest settlements. The church grew rapidly and has
always continued to do so. Excepting the Lutherans, the
Swedish Baptists in the United States are today more num-
erous and conservative than any other religious organization
among the Swedes in this country. Not including those who
are members of purely American congregations, there were
about 12,000 Swedish Baptists in 1890 ; ten years later they
numbered in the neighborhood of 21,500, being the greatest
percentage of increase which any Swedish church in the land
has had during this period. The value of the property
amounts to nearly $800,000 in 1900, having doubled in a
decade. There are about 310 congregations, grouped in a
dozen conferences. Of these conferences the one in Minnesota
is the largest, next in size comes the Illinois conference.

The Danish-Norwegian Baptists in the United States are
not numerous ; no attempt has been made to write their his-
tory : consequently, facts in regard to them are not easily
obtained. It appears that Hans Valder, who lived among
the American Baptists at Indian Creek, 111., accepted the reli-
gious views of his associates in 1842. He was licensed to
preach, and in a couple of years about twenty Norwegians
in La Salle and Kendall counties were immersed, consti-

204 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

tuting a kind of society without being regularly organized.
Valder was ordained in 1844, and for some time received a
salary of $50 a year from the American Baptists and $13
from his countrymen. He worked at manual labor part of
the time, and was soon compelled to quit preaching alto-
gether in order to support his family. The society was only
a temporary affair, as most of its members seem to have
moved to Iowa and Minnesota in the early fifties. It is
claimed that the first regularly organized Danish-Norwegian
Baptist church in this country came into existence at Ray-
mond, Racine county. Wis., the 10th of November, 1856.
Rev. L. Jorgensen, a Baptist from Denmark, who was sup-
ported by the Americans, organized this church as well as
several others. During the latter part of the fifties, some
Danish Baptists settled at New Denmark, Brown county,
Wis., among whom was Rev. P. H. Dam, who, under the
auspices of the American Baptist Home Mission Society,
began, in 1863, to organize congregations in eastern Wiscon-
sin. But even where the cradle of the Danish-Norwegian
Baptists stood, the progress of the work has been very slow,
for in 1900 they had only about 1,000 communicant mem-
bers in the whole state of Wisconsin. In 1880 the total
number of congregations in this country was about 25,with
1,700 communicants and twenty ministers. Today (1900)
in the neighborhood of 5,000 persons belong to the 80
Danish-Norwegian Baptist churches, grouped in seven con-
ferences. The value of the property is about $110,000.
Hardly more than one person out of 300 of the Danes and
Norwegians in the United States is a Baptist.

The Scandinavian Baptists in this country can hardly be

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN BAPTISTS. 204A

said to exist as independent associations, because they co-
operate in organic connection with the American Baptists,
through whom all missionary work, home and foreign, is
carried on. Yet the dozen Swedish Baptist conferences have
united in forming the Swedish Baptist General Conference,
which holds meetings once a 3'ear. The Danish-Norwegian
Baptists have not effected a union of their different confer-
ences. The general conference among the Swedes was organ-
ized in 1879. It has no authority over the conferences or
individual congregations composing the same, but is merely
a union of the Swedish Baptists for the purpose of facilitat-
ing the work, such as missions, Sunday school work, and
the distribution of religious literature. Each congregation
sends one or more delegates to the meeting of the general
conference. The same close connection with the American
Baptists is manifest in regard to the education of the young
men who intend to become ministers. The Scandinavian
Baptists in this country have, generally speaking, never
operated a school of their own, but in 1871 Rev. J. A. Edgren,
a brother to the learned linguist, Hjalmar Edgren, began to
teach the Swedish students in the American Baptist theo-
logical seminary, Chicago, and in 1881 Rev. N. P. Jensen, a
Dane, became his assistant. In 1884 a regular Danish-
Norwegian department was established in connection with
the seminary. At the same time the Baptists in Denmark
and Norway decided to have their candidates for the minis-
try educated at this institution, and about thirty-five young
men have during the last fifteen years come directly from
those countries to pursue studies at the school. In 1884
the Swedes had their own school in St. Paul, Minn., and then

204b history of the Scandinavians in the u. s.

for two or three years it was kept at Stromsburg, Neb. But
in 1888 they again united with the American institution in
Chicago. When the seminary, in 1892, became a part of the
University of Chicago, regular Swedish and Danish-Norwe-
gian departments were established in connection with the
divinity school of this institution. From 1871 to 1900
about 275 Swedish and 125 Danish-Norwegian students
have pursued theological courses, only a part of them, how-
ever, having completed their studies. In later years three
Swedish professors and an equal number of Danish-Norwe-
gian instructors are employed in the school, and the com-
bined annual attendance averages about fifty in the two
departments. Besides the attempt to prepare young men
for the position of clergymen, several Scandinavian- Ameri-
can Baptist newspapers and religious tracts are published in
the interest of the work.

Owing to the scarcity of historical docaments with reference to the Baptist work in
the Scandinavian conutries, most of the facts were gleaned from the histories of O. W.
Kerrey and T. Armitage, both American publications. In the second edition I have per
sonally corrected all mistakes of facts that conld be detected ; but did not change the
language of the article, except pages 201-4, which were rewritten by myself, and rerised
by Rev. Frank Peterson. In making corrections and additions, official church reports
haTemostly been relied upon, bat in a few case? I have consulted newspaper articles
and Qt. W. ^chroeder'a history of the Swedish Baptists.— Edixob.

Historical Review of the Swedish Evan-
gelical Mission Covenant of America.

— BY —

REV E. A. SKOOSBERGH.

In order to fully understand the origin, development, and
history of the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant of
America, it is at first necessary to glance at the religious
condition in Sweden in the nineteenth century. In the first
part of this century rationalism' swayed the religious
thought of the majority of the Swedish clergy. Many of the
ministers in the Lutheran state church were negligent,
and spiritual life had in most cases been supplanted by stale
forms. In 1842, a pious but uneducated peasant, Eric Jan-
son, commenced to hold devotional meetings in Helsingland,
in the northern part of Sweden. About the same time Rev.
George Scott, an English Methodist minister, began to
preach in Stockholm, and shortly after the Baptists com-
menced to introduce their faith around Gothenburg.

All these movements were more or less hostile towards
the Lutheran state church of Sweden, and the majority of

1 Prof. G. O. Brohaugh's history of the Hauge*s Synod, -which commences on
page 173 in this volume, contains a discussion on rationalism in Europe in gen-
eral, and in Norway in particular, -which, no doubt, applies to the Swedish clergy
as -well.— [Editor. (211)

206 HISTORY OF THK SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

ous movement at that time became intense and swept
over parts of the kingdom with the strength of a tornado.
In Helsingland the Jansonites, who in their style of delivery
and mode of teaching and exhortation resembled the Metho-
dists, publicly burned all the religious books, except the
Bible. For this great excitement and fanaticism Scott was not
responsible ; yet the opposition, in their passion and hatred,
drove him by force, at the risk of his life, from Sweden in
1842.

In 1825 O. G. Hedstrom, a Swede, landed in New York.
He was converted to Methodism, and for some time preached
for American congregations. But when the Scandinavian
emigrants, in the early forties, commenced to arrive in New^
York by the hundreds and thousands, annually, he attended
almost exclusively to their spiritual wants. He was the
founder of the Swedish Methodism in America, and to a cer-
tain extent, also, of the Norwegian-Danish, for in 1847, 0. P.
Peterson, a Norwegian, was converted to that faith by him.
Peterson visited his native country two years later, and for the
first time, introduced Methodism into Norway. He returned
to America in 1850, and the following year began missionary
work among his countrymen in the Northwest. Chr. B. Wil-
lerup, a Dane, was the first who introduced Methodism
among the Nowegian-Danish people in this country, in 1850;
for five years he preached for the Norwegian pioneers in Wis_
consin. It is a notable fact that although the emigration
from Norway preceded the Swedish by ten or fifteen years,
yet the Metliodistic missionary work among the former immi-
grants began five years later, at least, than ij did among the
latter.

HISTORY OF SCANDINAVIAN METHODISM. 207

As a general thing the Methodists are noted for their
earnestness and strong religious convictions. The early
Scandinavian-American Methodists, although most of them
were uneducated, were not slow in appealing to their Ameri-
can brethren for aid in carrying on missionary work in their
native lands. The Americans, with their usual sympathy
and liberality, granted their request.* In 1855 Willerup was
sent as superintendent of the work in the Northern countries,
which commenced at once in Norway, shortly after in Den-
mark, but not in Sweden until 1865. Soon a few other
Scandinavian- American missionaries followed him; yet it was
not until V. Witting was appointed superintendent of
Sweden, in 1868, that the work progressed in that kingdom.
After the severity of the religious laws had been relaxed —
which was done in Sweden in 1873, and in Denmark and
Norway a little earlier — Methodism spread rapidly over the
Northern countries. In 1876 conferences were organized,
both in Sweden and Norway, but the work in Denmark has
progressed very slowly, until recent years. According to the
report of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the year ending
1899, there were about 16,000 members in Sweden, 5,800 in
Norway, and 3,200 in Denmark, or totally 25,000, distri-
buted among a population of about nine and a half million
people. Each country has a small theological school. The
value of the church property in all the Northern countries
amounts to nearly $800,000.

The Methodists from the North have done their full share
in developing the material resources of the country and at-
tending to the religious, social, and moral uplifting of their
countrymen in the New World. They are, perhaps, the most

* According to the annual reports of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, said organizatioa has paid out over two and a half million dollars during
the past forty years for missionary work among the Scandinavians. One miUion dollars
has been devoted to the Scandinavians in this country ; the balance of the sum has be«a
spent in the North.— Editob.

208 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THK XJ. S.

ardent temperance workers of any of the Scandinavian-
American religious organizations. Even their opponents ad-
mit that the two Hedstrom brothers in many ways assisted
the immigrants and directed the whole Scandinavian move-
ment toward the Northwest.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the GreatLakesto
the Gulf of Mexico, where any Scandinavians are to be found,
there are also Scandinavian Methodist churches. As a gen-
eral thing the Swedes, Norwegians, and Danes, in a new set-
tlement, unite and erect a common church, where they all
worship God together ; the dififerences in their languages be-
ing so small that they easily understand each other. But as
the membership increases they usually divide into Swedish,
and Norwegian-Danish congregations. A Norwegian- Ameri-
can historian says : "The Scandinavian Methodist Church
in America is not a unity, not any undivided whole. It is
made up of two separate branches, vis., the Swedish and the
Norwegian-Danish." Yet, in nearly all the new and smaller
localities, the two branches generally have churches in com-
mon.

In 1877 the Northwestern Swedish Methodist Confer-
ence was organized, and in 1892 it was agreed to divide said
organization into three conferences. The Norwegian-Danish
Methodist Conference was organized in 1880. Each confer-
ence is divided into districts, each district is presided over by
an elder. An American bishop is chairman at the annual
conferences. In fact, the Scandinavian Methodists are closely
connected with their American brethren. In the Eastern and
Western states the Scandinavian congregations belong to
American conferences.

HISTORY OF SCANDINAVIAN METHODISM. 209

Not including those who belong to purely American con-
gregations, there are about 16,000 Swedish Methodists in
this country in 1900, and 8,000 Norwegian-Danish. Not one
person out of every 300 is a Methodist in Sw^eden, vsrhile over
one out of every 100 Swedes in this country belong to this
organization. In proportion to the population there are
more than twice as many Norwegians in America who are
Methodists as there are in Norway. The Swedish Methodists
in this country have about 170 churches, valued at $800,000 ;
the Norwegian-Danish have 115 churches, valued at $330,-
000. This valuation of the church property does not, how-
ever, include the parsonages, which may be estimated to be
worth $130,000 and $70,000, respectively.

Several newspapers are published in the interest of the
w^ork, Sa,ndebudet being the Swedish church organ, and
Den Cbristelige Talsmand the Norwegian-Danish. There
are two Methodist theological departments connected with
the Northwestern University at Evanston, 111., one Swedish,
and one Norwegian-Danish, where young men are prepared
for the ministry.

Some of the assertions in the first parafirraph of this article are evidently based upon
weak and questionable evidence. To alfirm that Pro Fide et Christianismo was
organized npon the advice of Wesley, thereby indicating that he was the originator of
the foudamental principles of said society, does not appear to coincide with the actual
facts. The society in Stockholm was modelled after the Society For Promoting Chris-
tian Knowledge, the oldest and one of the grcateat associations connected with tho
Church of England, which was founded in 1698, five years before the birth of Wesley. All
the Swedish Methodist historians on both sides of the Atlantic, and perhaps some
others, seem to have misinterpreted the position of Dr. Wrangel, even going so far as to
call him a. de facto Methodist. For example, T. M. Erikson, in his history of Metho-
dism in Sweden, styles Wrangel "thepioneer of Methodism in Philadelphia," and asserts
that at his death the influence of that sect ceased in Sweden, at least for a time. The
same sentiments are expr; ssed ly the authors of the semi-official history of Swedish
Methodism in this country, Th::se writers assume that because C. M. Wrangel was a
pietist, a friend and admirer of Wesley and his work, therefore the former must have
accepted the religious views of the latter and become a converted Methodist. But
would not the following syllogism he equally correct : John Wesley, being a pious man

210 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S,

and friendly towards Wrangel and his work, therefore the former must have accepted
the faith of the latter and become a good Lutheran? The relation between these two
men, as far as religious co-operation is concerned, appears to be as follows: Wesley
endeavored to reform the abuses, real or supposed, of the Episcopal Church of England
—with which he never severed his connection, Wrangel, being a progressive man,
sympathized with all movements of this nature, and on his return from the United
States visited Wesley, Oct, 14, 1768, and requested him to send some piously inclined
persons thither to preach the Gospel, which was granted. Considering the need of
devout instructors in America and the friendly relation existing between the churches
of Sweden and England, such request was very natural, especially as separation from
the state organizations had not at that time become a general practice. Afterwards
they corresponded with each other. But not a single letter or document has been pro-
duced to indicate that the socle fcy in Stockholm was the result of Wesley's advice, or
that Wrangel had become a Methodist. It may be that Wrangel was influenced by
Methodism, but so was also Wesley by the teachings of Luther; for, according to Wes-
ley's own assertion, quoted in "Johnson's Cyclopedia," he became converted through
the writings of the German reformer.

The opposition to Rev. George Scott was not so much against his Methodism as
against hia ingratitude. At first he had been exceptionally well received in Stockholm,
some of the Lutheran clergymen even assisting him In his missionary efforts. But dur-
iag a journey in the United States, in 1841, he had several times severely criticized the
morals and religion of the Swedes, who resented this by driving him out of the city.

The following are some of the authorities which have been consulted in regard to the
above note, or notes: "International" and "Chambers's" cyclopeedias, "Nordisk Famil-
jebok," C. A. Cornelius's "Svenska Kyrkans Historia efter Reformationen," "Wesley's
Journal," T, M. Eriksou's "Metodismen i Sverige," and "Svenska Metodismen i
Amerika . ' '— Ed iToa.

Historical Keview of the Swedish Evan-
gelical Mission Covenant of America.

— BY —

REV. B. A., skoqsbergh:.

In order to fullyunderstand the origin, development, and
history of the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant of
America, it is at first necessary to glance at the religious
condition in Sweden in the nineteenth century. In the first
part of this century rationalism^ swayed the religious
thought of the majority of the Swedish clergy. Many of the
ministers in the Lutheran state church were negligent,
and spiritual life had in most cases been supplanted by stale
forms. In 1842, a pious but uneducated peasant, Eric Jan-
son, commenced to hold devotional meetings in Helsingland,
in the northern part of Sweden. About the same time Rev.
George Scott, an English Methodist minister, began to
preach in Stockholm, and shortly after the Baptists com-
menced to introduce their faith around Gothenburg.

All these movements were more or less hostile towards
the Lutheran state church of Sweden, and the majority of

1 Prof. G. O. Brohatigh's history of the Hauge's Synod, "which comtnences on
page 173 in this volume, contains a discussion on rationalism in Europe in gen-
eral, and in Norway in particular, which, no doubt, applies to the Swedish clergy
as well.— [Editor. (211)

212 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

the clergy naturally resisted any and all encroachments upon
their field. They had also the civil law on their side. For,
ever since the introduction of Lutheranism into Sweden in the
earlypart of the sixteenth century,it had been, and still was,
unlawful to worship God in any other form than in accord-
ance with the rites of the established church ; nor could re-
ligious meetings be legally conducted by other persons than
the regular clergy. That such a law could exist among such
an intelligent and free people as the Swedes is mainly due to
the fact that shortly after the teachings of the great German
reformer had become their national religion, strenuous efforts
were made to re-establish the Catholic faith among them.
To protect the Swedish people from relapsing into Catholi-
cism, the government made it a criminal offense to teach
or preach any doctrine except the Lutheran. But the Swedes
have always been such devoted Lutherans that for centu-
ries there was little occasion to apply the severe religious
laws ; nor, perhaps, would they have been applied now, if it
had not been for the unwise, not to say fanatical, procedure
of some of the dissenters themselves. In Helsingland, for ex-
ample, the Jansonites publicly burned all religious books ex-
cept the Bible. Janson vv-as arrested, imprisoned, and
escaped to America in 1846, where he became the founder of
the well-known Bishop Hill Colony, in Illinois ; Scott was
mobbed in 1842, the Baptist leader banished from the king-
dom in 1851, and more than one of the separatists and re-
vivalists had to suffer longer or shorter imprisonment. It
was not until 1873 that the harsh religious laws were abol-
ished in Sweden.

The persecution, however, did not have the desired effect.

THE SWEDISH EVANGELICAL MISSION COVENANT. 213

Yet, as has been stated before, the Swedes have always been,
and are, very devoted Lutherans. Any other form of wor-
ship finds little favor with them, consequently the Metho-
dists, the Baptists, and all other dissenters from the estab-
lished Lutheran church, have, on the whole, not been verj-
successful; while the Mission movement within the state
church itself has exercised a great influence.

This movement, which began about 1840-50, was a
spiritual awakening within the Lutheran church. It sprang,
as has often been the case in all ages and in all countries in
regard to religious and social reforms, from the lower stratum
of society. The regular clergy and upper circles generally
kept aloof, often opposed the whole movement. It was the
laymen who commenced to read and interpret the Bible for
themselves. It was a continuation amongthe Swedes of the
spiritual aw^akening which had been originated in Norway
by Hans Nilsen Hauge half a century before. It was the
strong individuality of the Northmen, who had drenched in
blood the classical civilization of Rome and western European
Christendom, and sealed with their blood on the battlefield
of Liitzen the cause of Reformation, that in religious mat-
ters asserted their rights as freemen.

In the middle of this century FosterlandsstiRelsen w^as
organized in Sweden by C. 0. Rosenius and others. Rosenius
had previously co-operated with George Scott, and had con-
ducted revival meetings in different parts of the kingdom.
He was also editor of Pietisten, a religious paper which has
to this day exercised quite an influence in religious matters.
The object of Fosterlandsstiftelsen, which was composed
mostly of laymen although a few of the regular Lutheran

214 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

clergymen also belonged, was to conduct a religious revival
movement within the state church. For this purpose piously
inclined laymen were sent to every part of the realm, where
they held religious meetings among the farmers and labor-
ing people, and distributed devotional literature. These
meetings resembled very much an ordinary Pietistic
prayer meeting, and were called Liksaremoten (Reading-
meetings) or Missionsmoten (Missionmeetings) ; those
who participated w^ere at first called Lasare (Readers),
later MissionsveLZiner {Mission Friends). After a while,
however. Dr. P. Waldenstrom — an ordained Lutheran min-
ister and professor in one of the colleges of Sweden, who,
after the death of Rosenius, had become the leader of the
Mission movement, and is now well-known as a preacher
and author, having also for a number of years been a mem-
ber of the Swedish Parliament — withdrew from Foster-
landsatiftelsen. In 1878 he together with others organ-
ized Srenska Misaionsfbrbundet, an independent organ-
ization, which a large proportion of the Mission Friends
joined. Others remained with Fosterlandastiftelsen. The
former society has, in 1900, about 100,000 members, sup-
ports a theological seminary, and conducts missionary
work in foreign countries.

Although several Mission Friends had emigrated before
1868, it was not until that year that C. O. Bjork and J. M.
Sanngren began at Swede Bend, Boone county, Iowa, and in
Chicago, respectively, to gather together the Mission folks.
At the former place an organization may be said to have been
effected July 4, 1868, which was the first society of its
kind in America; but similar societies in a short time sprang

THE SWEDISH EVANGELICAL MISSION COVENANT. 215

up in dififerent parts of the country. The ministers and lay-
men of some of these churches met at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1873,
and organized the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Mission
Synod, of which Sanngren became president. A similar or-
ganization, The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Ansgary
Synod, was eifected in 1874; Prof. C. Anderson being the
chief promoter. Both these synods called themselves Luther-
an, and their constitutions contained the Augsburg Confes-
sion ; yet the tendency of Dr. P. Waldenstrom was the pre-
dominent feature. As is well known Waldenstrom differed
from the Lutheran Church in regard to the doctrine of atone-
ment, mode of worship, and church government. For
awhile they both prospered. The Ansgary Synod started a
school in Knoxville, 111. In 1876-77 the Mission Synod,
which was the truest specimen of the Mission movement in
Sweden, received great accession in membership. In 1884-85,
however, they both ceased to exist. ^ At the dissolution each
of them numbered about 35 ministers and 4,000 members.

In 1885 several of those who had formerly been connected
with the Ansgary and Mission synods organized the Swed-
ish Evangelical Mission Covenant of America. This organi-
zation has — like the Svenska Missionsforbundet in Sweden,
which it resembles in name, religious belief and practice, and
government, although they are not officially connected — no
formulated creed ; the Bible being the only authority. Each
congregation manages completely its own affairs, resembling

1 It is claimed that the dissolution -was partly caused by the fact that most of
the tnembers of the two synods objected to requiring people to subscribe to the
Augsburg Confession before they could become members of the congregations. —
[Editor.

216 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

in this respect the Congregationalists.^ The different con-
gregations do not allow any person to join them except
those who confess that they are converted and are willing
to live a Christian life, resembling in this respect, as well
as in mode of worship, the Methodists. According to the
statistics of the year ending 1899, the Swedish Evangelical
Mission Covenant of America has about 135 congregations,
12,000 communicants, and church property valued at $500,-
000; but there are at least twice as many Swedish Mission
Friends in this country, who have independent church socie-
ties not officially connected with the Covenant. The organi-
zation has had a school of their own since 1891, supports
missions in China and Alaska, and several papers are pub-
lished in the interest of the work.

1 In fact the Swedish Missioti Friends in this country had, for a couple
of 3'ears, a school in Chicago in connection with the Congregational theological
seminary; and many of the ministers claim to be Congregationalists, being admit-
ted and considered as such at the yearly meetings of that organization. — [Editor.

Historical Review of the Swedish Lu-
theran Augustana Synod.

REV. C. J. PETRI.

In 1638 the Swedes founded a colony on the banks of
Delaware River. The same year these colonists erected, where
Philadelphia now stands, the first Lutheran church buildinof
in America. Ever since, Swedish immigrants have settled in
this country, but up to the year 1840 they were few and
came at irregular intervals, and both religiously and socially
became completely intermixed with other nationalities.
Prom this time on immigration became regular, but it was
not heavy, nor was its direction definite till about 1850,
when it assumed immense proportions, and poured in a
steady stream into the states and territories of the North-
west. During this early period, when the life of the immi-
grants was chieflj^ migratory, religious aifairs were naturally
in a similar unorganized and unsettled condition.

In 1850 Prof. L. P. Esbjorn, the father of the Swedish-
American Lutheran church, organized congregations at
Andover, Moline, and Galesburg, 111. But two years previ-

(217)

218 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

ous a Swedish Lutheran church had been organized at New
Sweden, Iowa.* On Sept. 18, 1851, The Synod of Northern
Illinois was organized, which shortlj' afterwards effected a
connection with the General Synod. Esbjom and some Nor-
wegians had been invited to unite their congregations in
forming the new body. They accepted. But Esbjorn, who
was sent by the Swedes as one of their delegates, did not
reach Cedarville, 111., where the conference was held, until
Sept. 19th, when the constitution had already been adopted.
Most of the American members believed in the New-Lather-
aiiism, a less strict Lutheranism, which accepted the Altered
Ausburg Confession. The constitution of the Synod of North-
em Illinois contained the following sentence in regard to
faith: "This synod regards the Word of God as the only
infallible rule of faith and practice, and the Augsburg Con-
fession as containing a summary of the fundamental doc-
trines of the Christian religion, mainly correct." Esbjom
was no disciple of the New-Lutheranism, but he believed in
union, thinking that people holding different view^s in relig-
ious matters could co-operate together in Christian fellow-
ship. He joined, but insisted on having a reservation for
himself and his congregations in the records in regard to the
article of faith, which was granted. In a short time many
Scandinavian immigrants and some ministers arrived, who
organized churches in different parts of the country, and Es-
bjorn became the Scandinavian professor at the seminary
of the Northern Illinois Synod, in Springfield, 1858. It had
been deemed necessary, in order to attend to the religious
needs of the Scandinavians to educate in this country men of
their own nationalities, as a sufficient number of clergymen

*For a more detailed discussion of this church, see Rev. M. F. Hokanson's >iiography
in Ynl. II, p. 21S.— Editoh.

THE SWEDISH LUTHERAN AUGUSTANA SYNOD. 219

could not be secured from home.^ But Esbjorn could not
agree with the president of the seminary, who adhered to the
New-Lutheranism, and in 1860 he resigned his position. In
order to carrj' on the work among the many arriving im-
migrants, the Scandinavians had special conferences, namely :
The Chicago conference which v/as composed of Swedes and
Norwegians ; the Mississippi conference, Swedes ; and the
Minnesota conference, mostly Swedes.

On account of the existing difference in view^s in regard
to the Augsburg Confession, and also owing to differences
in language between the various elements composing the
Northern Illinois Synod, the Swedes and Norwegians met, in
the month of April, 1860, in Chicago, for the purpose of es-
tablishing a new sj'nod. As a result of this meeting, what is
now called the Swedish Lutheran Augustaiia Synod w^as or-
ganized, June 5, 1860, at a meeting on Jefferson Prairie, Wis.
Dr. T. N. Hasselquist was elected as the first president, and
served for several years in that office. The name Augustana.
was adopted at the instance of Dr. E. Norelius. At this meet-
ing 49 congregations were represented by 27 ministers and
15 lay-delegates. These were, of course, not all Swedes, some
were Norwegians, and the meeting was held in a Norwegian
church at Jefferson Prairie, near Clinton, Wis. Swedes and
Norwegians were united in one synod, and hence the original
and incorporated name of the organization was the Scandi-

llt should be observed that althougli several ordained Lutheran clergymen
from Sweden have, during the whole immigration period, settled in this country
and become pastors of Swedish-American Lutheran churches, yet the Swedish
Lutherans in America and Sweden have not been, nor are, officially connected with
each other. But the Augustana Synod and the Lutheran church in Sweden have
always been on the most friendly terms. The synod considers herself as a daughter
of the mother church in Sweden, and is so regarded by her.— [Editor

220 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

navian Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North
America; it was not until 1894 that the word "Scandinavian"
was dropped. According to their own statistics of 1860, 49
congregations, with 4,967 communicants, and 27 clergymen
united to form the Scandinavian Synod. Of these, 17 clergy-
men, 36 congregations, and 3,747 communicants were
Swedes. The union of the Swedes and Norwegians continued
until 1870, when the latter, on account of the difference in
thelanguages, withdrew and organized themselves into a sep-
arate organization. This was considered a wise movement,
and since that time a strong and zealous work has been car-
ried on by the different Scandinavian Lutherans. The Augus-
tana Synod has been a member of the General Council of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America^ from the beginning
of the Council, which met in its first regular convention at
Fort Wayne, Ind., Nov. 20-26, 1867. It is at present one of
the largest synods belonging to the Council.

From the very beginning the Swedish Lutherans have
taken great interest in educational work. Every congrega-
tion within the Augustana Synod endeavors to maintain
good parochial schools and energetic Sunday schools. Higher
education has received a hearty support, and the success and
progress of the Augustana Synod in this country must be
said to have depended in no little degree upon the early and
great enthusiasm toward higher education, which made
itself manifest among the Swedes. No sooner had the vener-
able" fathers " of our synod, such men as Prof. L. P. Esbjorn,

2 The General Council, like the General Synod and similar organizations, is com-
posed of several Lutheran synods which have united for the purpose of advising
each other. The Council has no authority over the synods, congregations, or indi-
viduals. — [Editor.

THE SWEDISH LUTHERAN AUGUSTANA SYNOD. 221

Dr. T. N. Hasselquist, Dr. E. Carlson, Rev. Jonas Swenson,
Dr. E. Norelius, etc., begun their church work, than they
began to work for the establishment of colleges and schools.
The people in the churches were ready and quick to respond.
In 1860 the oldest and largest of the Swedish-American col-
leges, Augustana College and Theological Seminary, was
founded at Chicago; moved to Paxton, 111., in 1863, and
permanently located at Rock Island, the same state, in 1875.
In 18&2 Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., was
founded. Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan., was founded in
1881. Since then several academies have been organized,
namely: Luther Academy, Wahoo, Neb; Hope Academy,
Moorhead, Minn. ; Emanuel Academy, Minneapolis, Minn.;
and in 1893 two more were organized, namely, Martin
Luther College, in Chicago, 111., and Upsala College, in
Brooklyn, N. Y. All these institutions are annually attended
by 1,500 students, have had a remarkable progress, and have
developed themselves in all directions. The [property of
these different institutions is estimated to be worth about
$500,000. They have been a source of great blessing and in-
fluence to the members of the Augustana Synod. The great-
est number of the 450 ministers of the synod and many of
the school teachers have received their training attheseinsti-
tutions. Augustana College and Theological Seminary, how-
ever, is the only college where a full theological training is
given; it is also the only college dii-ectly controlled by the Au-
gustana Synod. The other schools are managed, either by
some conference within the synod, or byprivate corporations
composed of Swedish Lutherans.

In the work of education the synod has realized the

222 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

power and influence of the press. Dr. T. N. Hasselquist
started in 1855 the first Swedish newspaper in America, a
religious w^eekly, now called Augustana, which is today the
largest Swedish weekly church-paper in the world. The
synod publishes also Sunday school papers in the Swedish
and English languages. The English papers published by the
synod proves that the Augustana Synod is a'wake on the
question of language. The Augustana Synod in America
does not expect always to use the Swedish language. The
time w^ill come when the English language will be commonly
used in our churches, and even now most of the young men
who enter the ministry have received such an education that
they are able to preach in English as well as in Swedish.
The aim of the synod is, therefore, to furnish the people with
English preachers and Lutheran literature in English. The
Lutheran Augustana Book Concern at Rock Island, under
the supervision of the synod, is doing a grand and noble
work in sending forth good Lutheran literature in the Swed-
ish and English languages.

In 1860 the first' Swedish Lutheran orphans' home in
America was established by Dr. E. Norelius, in Vasa, Good-
hue county, Minn. At present the sj-^nod supports six orph-
ans' homes and three hospitals. The value of the property
of these institutions is put at $350,000. At the orphans'
homes 300 orphans are supported and educated annuallj-.
A deaconess institute is also maintained at Omaha, Neb.

The synod is at present divided into eight conferences,
viz.: The Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, New York,
Nebraska, California, and Columbia. Each conference car-
ries on its special misssion work within its ow^n territory.

THE SWEDISH LUTHERAN AUGUSTANA SYNOD. 223

The missionary work in territories outside the conferences is
carried on by the synod through its general board of mis-
sions. At present this board superintends the mission work
in Utah, gives aid to churches in Florida, Maine, and on the
Pacific Coast. The Church Extension Society has been organ-
ized within the synod, the duty of which is to assist small
and weak congregations in building churches. The aim of
the mission has been to gather the thousands of Swedes in
this country around the Word of God ; with this object in view,
many large congregations have, during the 50 years past,
been organized and maintained. The synod also supports a
special immigrant mission in New York City. In Chicago
the immigrant mission is carried on by the Illinois con-
ference.

Since the organization of the synod numerous churches have
been organized so that Augustana Synod churches are today
to be found in almost every state and territory w^ithin the
United States and in different parts of Canada. The synod,
according to the statistics of the year ending 1899, numbers
about 900 congregations, with 200,000 members, of which
115,000 are communicant members. The value of thechurch
property ow^ned by these churches is by a moderate estimate
considered to be $4,200,000, and it may safely be said that
during the past 40 years the people of the Augustana Synod
have used no less than $12,000,000 in building and support-
ing churches and carrying on missionary work. Adding then
thereto the amounts raised for schools, colleges, the theologi-
cal seminary, orphans' homes, and hospitals, it becomes clear
to every unbiased observer that the Augustana Synod has
shown itself as an active and wide awake institution, well

224 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

deserving the confidence of the Swedes in America and the
love of all Christian people.

The synod has always without fear and with fervent de-
votion defended the pure Lutheranism in theory and prac-
tice, planted itself on the foundation of a pure Gospel as set
forth in the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, has carefully
guarded the pulpit and the altar, has taken a firm stand
against secret societies and questionable practises, and has
as a result, without doubt, made some enemies ; yet, by the
blessing of God, the synod has carried on a noble and success-
ful work and is today, by far, the leading and most influen-
tial religious body among the Swedes of America.

The history of the Augustana Synod during the past
forty years shows what can be done by a united effort.
The Swedish Lutherans have been a unit from the beginning.
No strifes and contentions of any serious nature have existed
among the people. The members of the synod have been
surrounded by God's favor and united in a true faith, zeal-
ously doing their work with a sacrificing love. The synod
has had a glorious past but it expects a more glorious future.
Long live the Augustana Synod !

Historical Review of tlie United Norwegian
Lutlieran Cliurcli of America.

—BY —

KNUTE GJERSET, Ph. D.

The higlier unity of soul and spirit did not exist among
the Norwegian Lutherans at the time the immigration to
America commenced, a fact for which we have the best evi-
dence in the movement originated by Hauge. The church of
Norway was itself in the throes of a bitter conflict between
two widely different tendencies, which, when they were
transferred to American soil, only assumed more definite
shape and expression. These tendencies merit a brief atten-
tion, since they have had such marked effects upon the reli-
gious life of the Norwegian people in America.

Hans Nilsen Hauge was a poor, but talented and pious
country lad, springing from the yeomanry of Norway.
Through pure reHgious zeal he began to preach to the people
of the neighborhood, not any new doctrine, but the teach-
ings of the state church. His voice was raised against the
godlessness and unbelief which had seized both clergy and

225-7

22S HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

lay people by the introduction of rationalism. He de-
nounced the worldliness and extravagance of the ministers
of the state church, and urged the people to repent. A re-
vival movement sprang up, which soon spread over the en-
tire country. A strong religious zeal, which was often mis-
taken for fanaticism, characterized the followers of Hauge.
They forbade the wearing of any ornaments. Even works
of art in the home were classed among the vanities. They
held that any one who felt an inner calling had a right to
preach, without any regulation or interference by thechurch.
In severity of life, as well as in religious practice, they much
resembled the Puritans in England. Even after a reaction
against rationalism had begun in the state church, and the
ministers within it were characterized by zeal and devotion
in Christian life, as well as by purity of doctrine, this move-
ment went on. The state church, however, which looked
upon the movement as a revolt against its authority, now
tried to put a stop to it. Hauge was imprisoned and his fol-
lowers suffered many hardships. But this procedure only
increased the bitterness of the struggle and put new hin-
drances in the way of understanding and reconciliation.
"When the two parties met on American soil, where there was
no compulsion or pressure, the chasm which divided them
merely widened. EUing Eielsen, who arrived in this country
in 1839, was the first preacher of the Gospel to the Norwe-
gian settlers. Eielsen was a faithful disciple of Hauge, and
already in 1846 he and his followers organized what they
called The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the first
church organization among the Norwegians in this country.
As emigration continued to increase, several ordained minis-

THE UNITED NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 229

ters came over. They attempted to come to an understand-
ing with Elling, and several meetings were held for the pur-
pose, but no results could be reached. The old differences
soon made themselves manifest. The entirely different views
in regard to church life, as well as to internal and external
church organization, represented by the two parties, made it
impossible for them to come to an agreement. Moreover,
the differences in education, in mode of life, and in general
training of the representatives of the two tendencies, also laid
hindrances in the way, as they found it difficult, much on
that account, to really understand and appreciate even each
others better qualities. Union was, of course, impossible.
The ministers who came from Norway then organized the
Norwegian Lutheran Synod in 1853.

But everything did not work smoothly in the Evangel-
ical Lutheran Church in America, established by Elling Eiel-
sen and his followers. Elling conspicuously lacked all talents
of an organizer. The constitution which they had adopted
was deficient in many important respects, so that there
w^as often no real connection between the congregations.
Dissatisfaction with the condition of things was general, and
Elling, who was pre-eminently an evangelist, was unable to
remedy it. Consequently the clergymen, Paul Anderson and
Ole Andrewson,left Elling's church and effected a temporary
union with the Frankean Lutheran Synodof New York, until
a Norwegian synod could be organized in the West. After a
short time these ministers again left the Frankean Synod and
joined the Northern Illinois Synod with which they were con-
nected till 1860. To this synod belonged also a number of
Swedish ministers and congregations. On the 5th of June

230 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

of the last named year the clergymen, Paul Anderson,
Ole Andrewson, 0. J. Hatlestad, and others, Norwegians;
and Hasselquist, Carlson, Esbjorn, and others, Swedes, met
on Jefferson Prairie to consider the organization of a Scandi-
navian synod. The Scandinavian ministers and congrega-
tions in the Northern Illinois Synod now left that church
and organized the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Au-
gustana Synod, consisting of both Swedish and Norwegian
ministers and congregations. According to their own statis-
tics of 1861, 60 congregations, with 5,600 communicant
members, and 32 clergymen belonged to the new body.
Of these, 11 clergymen, 17 congregations, and 1,400 com-
municants were Norwegians. The synod erected a school
for educating young men for the ministry, at Paxton, 111.
This school, which consisted of both a theological and a col-
legiate department, had for some time only two professors,
and was financially largely supported by the people of Swe-
den. The synod grew rapidly, and it was found necessary to
have a Norwegian professor at Paxton. A call was extended
to Rev. A. Weenaas, of Norway, who accepted, and entered
upon his duties as professor of theology in the seminary at
Paxton in 1868. Weenaas, however, soon grew dissatisfied
with his new surroundings and urged upon the Norwegians
to erect a school of their own. In 1869 the Norwegian wing
of the Scandinavian Lutheran Augustana Synod, following
the wish of Prof. Weenaas, bought a school building at Mar-
shal, Wis., where work was begun in the fall, with Prof.
Weenaas as president, and the Norwegian students who now
moved thither from Paxton.
The difference in language had always been a serious

THE UNITED NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 231

diiEculty within the synod, and in 1870 it w^as thought
best, on account of this difficulty, for the Norwegians and
Swedes to separate. The Norwegians then withdrew and
organized the Norwegian-Danish Augustana Synod, while the
Swedish branch of the old synod continued under the old
name. The two organizations, however, were on the friend-
liest of terms, and promised to co-operate and aid each other
as far as possible. Shortly after the Norwegian-Danish Au-
gustana Synod was organized, certain leading professors
and ministers within it began to negotiate a union with Rev.
C. L. Clausen, who a few j'ears previous, with the congre-
gations in his charge, had left the Norwegian Synod, because
of the controversy regarding slavery, or the condition of life
servitude. In order to effect this union with Clausen, and
his, at that time, quite large congregations, a few ministers
and lay delegates at a meeting in St. Ansgar, Iowa, resolved,
without asking the congregations, to dissolve the Norwe-
gian-Danish Augustana Synod and reorganize it under a new-
name. A new organization was effected, called The Norwe-
gian-Danish Evangelical Lutheran Conference, of which Rev.
C. L. Clausen was elected president. But this action was
not favorably received by all the people of the Norwegian-
Danish Augustana Synod. At a church meeting on Jefferson
Prairie in the fall of the same year the synod declared the St.
Ansgar resolutions null and void. This led to a division of
the synod ; about half of the congregations and their minis-
ters leaving it and joining the Conference. Among those who
thus seceded from the Augustana Synod was also Prof.
Weenaas, of the seminary at Marshall, together with a ma-
jority of the students. This was a hard blow to the Augus-

232 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

tana Synod. There was a heavy debt on the school build-
ing ; Prof. Weenaas and the students were gone, besides so
many of the congregations whose financial aid had been
counted on. The school at Marshall was now^ able to con-
tinue work only in the academic department. This, however,
w^as of no direct benefit to the synod, and involved consider-
able expense ; consequently attempts were again made to
put the school into condition for educating ministers. Rev.
D. Lysnes w^as chosen professor and president, and w^ith his
arrival a new epoch began in the history of the school. The
theological department again resumed its work ; the number
of students increased rapidly, and the debt on the school
buildings was paid. In 1881 the school was moved to Beloit,
lowa.w^here 20 acres of land and commodious buildings had
been secured. The college department was afterward moved
to Canton, S. D., where buildings to the amount of $8,000
were provided. The growth of the synod, however, owing
to repeated discouragements, continued to be slow. Accord-
ing to statistics it comprised, in 1887, 30 ministers, 90 con-
gregations, and 3,500 communicant members.

After the organization of the Conference the school at
Marshall w^as divided, so that the Conference got the theo-
logical department, and the Augustana Synod retained the
academic department. The theological department was re-
organized by the Conference in 1871 into what is now Augs-
burg Seminary, of which Prof. Weenaas became president. It
was moved to Minneapolis, Minn., in 1872. The following
year Sven Oftedal, from Norway, became professor at the
seminary, and in 1874 Georg Sverdrup, who two years later
became its president, arrived. The whole subsequent history

THE UNITED NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 233

of the institution is closely connected with the energetic ef-
forts of these two men. The seminary was badly in debt till
1877, when Prof Oftedal organized committees throughout
the congregations of the Conference, who by personal solici-
tations raised the sum of $18,000, which was more than
enough to liquidate the existing debt. The seminary has
been constantly growing, in extent and thoroughness of the
courses of study, as well as in numerical strength. The course
of study for ministers is no-w five years preparatory work,
and three years theological training. In 1891 the seminary
had 10 professors and instructors, and 188 students in at-
tendance. The property, including, besides the seminary build-
ings, also a dormitory and professor's residence, and the
block on w^hich they stand, is valued at $150,000. The Con-
ference w^as, undoubtedly, better financially situated than any
of the other Norwegian Lutheran bodies. It was without
debts, and had large funds at its disposal. It enjoyed a
steady growth, and exhibited a remarkable vigor in church
life. According to statistics the Conference had, in the year
1887, 101 clergymen, 383 congregations, and 30,000 com-
municant members.

In 1880 a new church controversy broke out, this time
within the Norwegian Synod itself, more serious in character
than any of the preceeding. The controversy first arose in
the Missouri Synod between Dr. C. F. W. Walther, of the
theological seminary, at St. Louis, Mo., and Dr. F. A.
Schmidt, of the theological seminary, at Madison, Wis., re-
garding the doctrine of election and predestination. The con-
troversy, involving very fundamental tenets of the Lutheran
faith, soon found its way into the Norwegian Synod, which

234 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

for a number of years had been friendly related to the Mis-
souri Synod. From year to year the struggle grew more in-
tense, inYolving not onlytlie ministers, but also the lay people
in the contest. Discussions were held throughout the Synod
at private conferences, and at the yearly synodical meetings,
but no agreement was reached. At a church meeting held in
Decorah, Iowa, in 1884, each party drafted a statement of
their position in the controversy. Redegjorelsexi (The Ex-
planation) of the Missourians, as the followers of Dr.
Walther were called, was signed by 107 ministers. Bekjen-
delsen (The Confession) of the Anti-Missourians, as Dr.
Schmidt's followers were called, was signed by 72 ministers,
which number was afterward increased to 97. Dr. Schmidt
and his followers, who considered the difference in the doc-
trine of the two contending parties a fundamental one, now
established a theological seminary of their own at North-
field, Minn., and hereworkwas begun in the fall of 1886 with
Dr. Schmidt and Prof. Bockman as theological professors.
This step, however, was not tolerated by the Synod. At the
next joint synodical meeting held in Stoughton, Wis., it was
condemned as an act of secession and a virtual separation.
The Anti-Missourians, however, claimed a right to continue
the seminary, and 57 of their ministers signed a protest
against the resolutions passed upon them by the meeting,
and seceded from the Synod. This step was soon followed
by a large number of congregations. According to reliable
reports about 100 ministers and over one-third of the con-
gregations left the Norwegian Synod.

These ministers and congregations did not, however, de-
sire to organize themselves into a new permanent church

THE UNITED NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 235

denomination, which would constitute the sixth distinct body
among the Norwegian Ltitherans in America. They met in
Northfield, Minn., in 1886, and effected a temporary organiza-
tion, known as The Anti-Missourian Brotherhood, of which
Rev. L. M. Biom was elected president. It was their pur-
pose and hope to bring about a union with the other Norwe-
gian Lutheran churches, as soon as possible. For this pur-
pose a series of Fri-Konferenser, or conferences for a general
consideration of the subjects w^hich divided them, ■were held,
in which all the bodies belonging to the Norwegian Lutheran
church in this country took part. Six of these conferences were
held during the years preceeding and following the organ-
ization of the Anti-Missourian Brotherhood; in Roland, Iowa,
1882; Holden, Minn., 1883; St. Ansgar, Iowa, 1884; Chi-
cago, 111., 1885; Gol, Minn., 1886, and in Willmar, Minn.,
1887. These conferences, where discussion was thorough
and earnest, and conducted in a brotherly spirit, helped the
different parties to come to a better understanding of each
others true position, and were largely instrumental in bring-
ing about the union which was soon afterwards effected.
The first meeting for the purpose of considering the possi-
bility of union was held by the Anti-Missourians in Minne-
apolis in February, 1888. Another meeting for the same pur-
pose was held by all the parties, in Scandinavia, Wis., in
November, of the same j'car. At the meeting in Scandinavia
the articles of union were adopted for the first time by the
denominations which afterward united. They were then
submitted for consideration to the congregations, and to
each of the organizations in particular. They were approved
of by all, not a single congregation raising any objections to

236 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

the stipulations made. At this same meeting Opgjor (Settle-
ment) -was also made in regard to the various doctrinal con-
troversies which from time to time had been carried on
among the Norwegian Lutherans in America, and an agree-
ment was reached concerning the points in dispute. In the
early part of June, 1890, the three organizations. The
Norwegian-Danish Conference, The Norwegian Augustana
Synod, and The Anti-Missourian Brotherhood, held a meet-
ing in Minneapolis for again to consider the subject of union.
At first the organizations held separate meetings. But a
strong sentiment in favor of union soon became predomi-
nant. They v^ere all tired of the bitter controversies which
for so many years had divided into hostile camps those that
ought to stand united. On the 13th the delegates, minis-
ters, and professors of the three organizations met in the old
Trinity Church, belonging to the Conference, but as this
structure was too small to hold the large assembly, they
formed in procession and proceeded to the church belonging
to the Swedish Augustana Synod, where they organized
themselves into The United Norwegian Lutheran Church in
America. The articles of union, adopted at the meeting in
Scandinavia, Wis., and sanctioned by all the congregations,
and by each of the organizations separately, were made the
basis of the union. Some of the stipulations in these articles
are as follows :

"In order that the contracting parties can organize them-
selves into a church, they jointly and separately agree to the
following stipulations :

"1. The church shall erect and operate one theological
seminary.

THE UNITED NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 237

"2. This seminary shall be Augsburg Seminary, in
Minneapolis.

"3. The professors at this seminary shall be paid by the
interest from a fund.

(a) The Augustana Synod shall contribute a fund of
$15,000.

(fe) The Conference shall contribute a fund of $50,000.

$50,000.

(d) The fund is to consist of cash, or notes drawing in-

terest, or other safe property.

"4. At said seminary there shall be 5 theological pro-
fessors.

(a) The Anti-Missourians shall employ two theological
professors.

(fo) The Augustana Synod shall employ one theological
professor.

"5. The constitution for said seminary shall be drawn
tip as soon as the union is effected.

" 6. Theological students already admitted to the theo-
logical seminaries of the different organizations shall by
■virtue of this admission be entitled to admission in the new
theological seminary.

"7. The church shall be incorporated as soon as pos-
sible.

"8. To this church shall be transferred all school prop-
erty — as well real estate as funds — which said organizations
may be in possession of, at the time of union.

238 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

"9. This real estate shall, when it is transferred to the
church, be free fi-om debt.

" 10. The preparatory departments at Augsburg Semi-
nary, and at Canton Academy, shall be operated as usual,
at least one year after the union is effected. InBeloit, lo-wa,
the school shall also continue at least one year after the
union is effected.

"23. The board of trustees for the respective organiza-
tions, such as they have previously been elected by said or-
ganizations, shall continue in their office, after the union is
effected, until the new church is incorporated, when they
shall immediately deed all property, w^hich they hold as
board of trustees, to the new corporation."

The part of the contract relating to the transfer of pro-
perty was fulfilled in due time by the Augustana Synod and
the Brotherhood ; but Augsburg Seminary, held in trust by
its board of trustees, was never transferred according to
article eight above.* Within a year after the organization
of the United Church a number of newspaper articles began
to create a feeling of distrust among the people, and Augs-
burg Seminary and St. Olaf College were pitted against each
other as rival institutions by their most devoted patrons.
It was also contended that the United Church had violated
the stipulations of its organization bypassing the following
resolution a couple of days after the date of its origin : "St.
Olaf College at Northfield shall be the college of the United
Norwegian Lutheran Church." Resolutions of a similar na-
ture were also passed at the annual meeting in 1891, while
the college department of Augsburg Seminary was to be

* See the articles oq the schools and the churches in Minnesota.

THE UNITED NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 239

maintained "for the time being." This only made the Augs-
burg faction the less inclined to transfer the property, their
stock arguments being, in a nutshell, about as follows: " The
founders of Augsburg Seminary intended it to be a theo-
logical seminary and a college combined under our board.
If it is transferred to the United Church, the college depart-
ment may be dropped. But that would be contrary to the
intention of the founders of the institution : therefore it
ought not to be transferred to the United Church." Prof S.
Oftedal, the president of the board, for a long time also con-
tended that the property could not be legally transferred. In
this controversy Oftedal was frequently characterized as one
w^ho w^anted to keep property to which he had no rights ;
while he and his followers made the countercharge that the
United Church intended to violate the agreement on which
that association was based. The feeling engendered by this
contention w^axed quite bitter during the years 1890-93,
and w^hen the United Church, at its annual meeting in 1893;
decided to abandon the Augsburg buildings in case the pro-
perty was not deeded over to the United Church in the sum-
mer of that year, there was nothing left but to fight to the
bitter end. The United Church "removed" its school,
thenceforth called the United Church Seminary, from the
Augsburg buildings to rented quarters ; the Augsburg Pub-
lishing House was wrested from the board of trustees of
Augsburg Seminary in the spring of 1894, by means of
recourse to the courts ; legal proceedings were begun in 1896
for the recovery of the Augsburg property ; in the fall of
1897 the district court handed down a decision which was
favorable to the United Church ; in the spring of 1898 this

240 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

decision was quashed by the state supreme court; the United
Church took steps to have the case tried in the court of
eqidty ; but in the summer of 1898 the matter was settled
out of court by mutual agreement. The main stiptdations
of this agreement w^ere that the United Church should have
the endow^ment fiind, nominally amounting to about $39,-
000 ; and that no more efforts should be made to dislodge
the old board of trustees of Augsburg Seminary. Thus
ended one of the most memorable struggles in the history of
the Norwegian Lutheran churches in America.

The lawyers' fees and other expenses directly connected
with the law suit to recover the Augsburg property entailed
a total outlay of $11,000 on the part of the United Church.
It is easy to appreciate this loss, because it may be expressed
in dollars and cents. But it is not so easy to estimate the
mental suffering and moral injury caused by the so-called
" Augsburg Strife ; " and much of the good work done in the
United Church during the years 1893-98 was marred by this
strife. But no reflection ought to be cast upon the sincerity
of the participants, for they believed they were struggling
for a good cause, the one party as well as the other.

From 1893 to 1898 the Augsburg faction in the United
Church w^as bent on antagonizing the work of the latter at
every point. But the real friends of the United Church, con-
sisting of the people from the Brotherhood, the Augustana
Synod and most of the Conference congregations in Iowa,
Wisconsin and southern Minnesota — were equal to the occa-
sion. The United Church was never seriously hampered by
lack of funds. The treasurer reported to the annual meeting
in 1898 : " We asked for $13,388 for general expenses, and

THE UNITED NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 241

we received $14,971.55." On Jan. 1, 1897, a dozen congre-
gations were formally expelled, and a number of others with-
* drew of their own accord.

The whole number of churches served by the 330 minis-
ters who were connected with the United Church in 1900
was 1,100. These churches embraced about 225,000 souls,
of whom 125,000 were communicant members. But the
whole number of congregations formally belonging was
only about 750, which had 100,000 communicant members
and 185,000 souls. The reports of the parochial schools
showed that on the average almost 30 days were taught in
each congregation. The finances were in a healthy condition.
The value of the church and school property directly or in-
directly controlled by the organization may be put at about
$4,000,000.

The Augsburg Publishing House issued about 120,000
books, tracts and other items. Latheraneren and Latb-
ersk Bbrneblad had a combined circulation of 26,000.

In 1899 the United Church owned and controlled a theo-
logical seminary, located in Minneapolis, Minn.; St. Olaf
College, Northfield, Minn.; Augustana College, Canton, S.D.;
a normal school at Madison, Minn.; and an orphans' home
at Beloit, Iowa. The institutions mentioned below were
either wholly or partly supported by members of the United
Church, and several of them were officially connected with
that body: Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.; St. Ans-
gar Seminary, St. Ansgar, la.; Mount Horeb Academy,
Mount Horeb, Wis.; Scandinavia Academy, Scandinavia,
Wis.; Pleasant View Lutheran College, Ottawa, 111.; a dea-
conesses' institute in Chicago ; orphans' homes at Lake Park,

242 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Minn., in Chicago, 111., and at Wittenberg, Wis.; and hospi-
tals at Austin, Crookston and Zumbrota, Minn, Steps have
been taken to establish a home for aged people, and to put
up new buildings for the theological seminary in or near the
Twin Cities.

Missionary work was carried on at several places in
southern Madagascar ; but since the French took possession
of that island the Catholics have somewhat hampered the
efforts of the Norwegians. Members of the United Church
also contributed quite liberally to the different missions in
Asia.

The Augsburg controversy and the withdrav/al of the
Free Church element subjected the United Church to a great
strain. But its honest supporters only rallied the more
energetically to her support. At this stage it seems reason-
able to anticipate that a body which could not be crippled
by passing through such a crisis wiU be fully able to weather
the storms that may rise on her future course, and whatever
may happen in the fiature, the organization of the United
Church is the grandest attempt ever made by Norwegiau-
Americans to neutralize the spirit of religious discord and
disintegration among them.

Pages 238-42 were TewrittoD tor the ssoond edition by J. J. Skordalirold,— XorroB.

Statistics Regarding the Scandinavians in
the United States.

O. N. NELSON.

Some one has said that figures never lie. But certainly
different statistics on the same subject disagree very much,
at least that is the case in regard to the reports of immigra-
tion and emigration, by the governments of the United States
and the Scandinavian countries. Therefore, I publish, in
tables I. and II., all the statistics regarding the Scandinavian
immigration and emigration which I have been able to se-
cure. Everything in the United States census which refers to
the Scandinavian-Amerians has been compiled in convenient
tables, or, when such an arrangement was impossible, the
facts have been stated in this article.

But the figures, as given in immigration and emigration
reports and in the census, are not altogether correct — far
from it — but they are, after all, the nearest approach to the
truth which can be had. And if anj' portion of this book de-
serves to be studied, it is, perhaps, the following tables ; thej',
for example, contain a good history of the great Scandi-

f243)

244. HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

navian movements toward the Northwest ; they show the
proportion of Scandinavian paupers, criminals, idiots, etc., in
comparison with other nationalities. In my opinion, hovsr-
ever, the Scandinavian statistics, as far as they go, in regard
to the Northern immigration into this country, are more re-
liable than those of the United States.

The United States statistics regarding immigration com-
menced in 1820. From the close of the Revolutionary War
up to 1820 it is estimated that 250,000 immigrants arrived,
although the accurate number is not known. BetAveen the
years of 1820-68 only the arrival of alien passengers were
indicated, no distinction being made between the real immi-
grants and transient sojourners, but it is estimated that 98
per cent of all the alien passengers remained in this country.
Prior to 1868 there vv^as no distinction made between the
immigrants from Sweden and Norway ; both countries were
considered as one. Since 1869 the sex of the immigrants has
been recorded by the United States; since 1873, the age;
since 1875, the occupation. Immigrants from the British
North American possessions and Mexico, comprising about
one per cent of the entire immigration into the country,
are not included in the United States statistics, from 1885 to
1893 owing to the absence of law providing for the collec-
tion of accurate data in regard thereto. The minister of agri-
culture of the Dominion of Canada reports that during the
years of 1885-91 over 500,000 European emigrants arrived
at Canadian ports en route for the United States. Of course
a large proportion of these immigrants were Scandinavians,
but their exact number cannot be ascertained.

It was not until 1869 that there was a law in Norway

STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICANS. 245

which required the taking of accurate data in regard to Nor-
wegian emigration. But from various sources the Norwegian
government has secured and published facts in regard to the
whole emigration, which, although not very correct, yet on
the whole are, perhaps, more reliable than those published by
the United States. The Norwegian statistics state that the
American statistics in regard to the Norwegian immigration,
prior to 1868, are very inaccurate.

The Swedish statistics of emigration date from 1851.
In a letter from the statistical bureau of Sweden it is stated
that the figures regarding the Swedish emigration to this
country are too lowup to the year of 1884, and whenever the
American statistics are lower, they are still more inaccurate.
Since 1884 the Swredish statistics are comparatively correct.
While in latter years, even before 1884, the American reports
regarding the Swedish immigration are too high, owing to
the fact that many thousand Finns, who pass over Gothen-
burg, are recorded as Swedes. But it must also be remem-
bered that several persons who live in Finland are Swedes by
race, and still more so by education and by language.

The Danish statistics regarding emigration began in
1869.

According to the United States statistics, there have ar-
rived from 1820-90 over 15,000,000 immigrants to this
country. Most of them have, of course, come from Europe.
For example, Germany has supplied about 4,500,000, Ireland
3,500,000, England 2,500,000, the Scandinavian countries
1,250,000, and the immigrants from no other single country
have exceeded 500,000. Taking into consideration those
who have been omitted from the official reports, it is fair to

246 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

estimate that 1,500,000 Scandinavians have settled in the
United States since the country began to be colonized, up to
1900

The Scandinavian emigration began very late. The Nor-
^vegian, which is the earliest, did not exceed 1,000 a year
until 1843, the Swedish not until 1852, and the Danish not
until 1857. The Scandinavian immigration reached its max-
imum in 1882, when nearly 65,000 Swedes, 30,000 Norwe-
gians, and 12,000 Danes arrived in this countrj'. Since then
the emigration from all Northern countries has declined.
From 1821-90 the Scandinavian emigrants constituted seven
per cent of the total immigration. Sixty -two per cent of the
Northern emigrants are male, 65 per cent arrive between the
ages of 15 and 40, 24 per cent are children under 15, and 11
per cent are over 40 years of age. During the years 1881-90,
one person out of 5,914 was a clergyman, one out of every
5,083 a musician, one out of 7,236 a physician and surgeon,
and one out of 3,034 a teacher — in other w^ords, only one
out of 1,017 had a profession, while one out of 12 was a
skilled laborer, and one-half of the Scandinavian emigrants
were either farmers, common laborers, merchants, or serv-
ants. '

Nor is there any reason to assume that they change their
occupations a great deal when they arrive in this country,
for, according to the United States census of 1870, 1880, 1890,
25 per cent of the Scandinavian-born population were en-
gaged in agriculture, and 50 per cent labored at what -was
called "All classes of work." It is a notable fact that one
out of every four Scandinavian engages in agriculture,
while onlj^ one out of six of the native Americans, one out

STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICANS. 247

of seven of the Germans, and one out of twelve of the Irish,
follow the same profession.

In 1890 only 32 per cent of the Swedes, 23 per cent of
the Danes, and 21 per cent of the Norwegians, in this coun-
try lived in cities of over 25,000 inhabitants.

When the first census of the United States was taken, in
1790, there were about four millions of people in the country ;
in 1830 the population exceeded three times that amount.
It was not until 1850 that the foreign elements were taken
into account by the census reports. In that year one out of
every 1,200 persons was a Scandinavian ; in 1860, one out
of 435; in 1870, one out of 160; in 1880, one out of 114;
and in 1890, one out of 66. But until recently the census did
not take into account the children born in this country of
Scandinavian parents. In 1880,* however, it was estimated
that 635,405 persons in this country, bom anywhere in the
world, had Scandinavian fathers, but about four thousand
less had Scandinavian mothers — these two sums must not be
added together, because most of the Scandinavian men and
w^omen have married among their own nationalities. About
84 persons out of 100 have both Scandinavian fathers and
mothers, 86 have both German fathers and mothers, and 91
have both Irish fathers and mothers. The fact that the
Scandinavians inter-marry more frequently with other
nationalities than either the Germans or the Irish, although
less with native Americans, must have a powerful effect in
Americanizing the former more quickly than the latter.

In 1880 there were 440,262 Scandinavian-bom persons in
this country ; adding these to those of Scandinavian parent-
age bom in the U. S. must equal 1,000,000. But this re-

* The cansas balletin enumerating the persons of Scandinavian parentage in the
United States for 1890, did not appear nntil the latter part of 1891, and the result of said
report has been tabulated on page 264<

248 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

suit is, virtually, also obtained by multiplying 440,262 by
2%. Therefore, if anyone desires to ascertain the exact num-
ber of Scandinavians and their children, in proportion to the
total population, of any year, state, territory, or city, he can
multiply the figures — as found in tables III., IV., V., VI ,
VII. and VIII., in this volume — by 2V^. But the census re-
ports are far from being correct, they omit many persons
of all nationalities, and frequently confound foreigners as
well as natives ; but, as a general thing, they fall below and
not above the real number. And, without doubt, the nearest
approach to the truth in regard to the number of Danes,
Norwegians, Swedes, and their children, in this country, can
be had by multiplying the Scandinavian-bom — as recorded
in the United States census for each year, and in each state,
territory, and city — by 3.

According to this method of calculation, one person out
of every 25 in the United States was, in 1890, a Scandinavian,
either by birth, or by parentage. It is, perhaps, a conserva-
tive estimate to assume that there are, in 1900, three millions
of Northmen in this country. In several of the Northwestern
states they are the controlling power. Two-fifths of the total
population in Minnesota are Scandinavians. There are in
this country about one-fifth as many Danes as in Denmark,
one-third as many Swedes as in Sweden, and one-half as many
Norwegians as in Norway.

The United States statistics in regard to the defective
population in the country, by nationalities, are very incom-
plete. In 1870, however, one out of every 670 of the Irish
in this country was either deaf and dumb, or blind ; one out
of 962 of bhe French; one out of 980 of the English; one out

STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICANS. 249

of 1,033 of the natiYe-born Americans; one out of 1,142
of the British-Americans ; one out of 1,480 of the Germans ;
and one out of 1,810 of the Scandinavians. In thesame year
one in 197 of the Irish was insane or idiotic, one in 380 of
the French, one in 465 of the Germans, one in 584 of the
English, one in 672 of the native-born Americans, one in 682
of the Scandinavians, and one in 1,075 of the British-Ameri-
cans.

In 1880, 1 in 165 of the Spaniards was a prisoner, 1 in
199 of the Chinese, 1 in 207 of the Mexicans, 1 in 2G0 of the
Italians, 1 in 350 of the Irish, 1 in 411 of the Scotch, 1 in 433
of the French, 1 in 456 of the English, 1 in 590 of the British-
Americans, 1 in 813 of the Portugese, 1 in 916 of the Rus-
sians, 1 in 949 of the native-born Americans and Germans,
1 in 1,033 of the Poles, 1 in 1,173 of the Welsh, 1 in 1,195
of the Belgians, 1 in 1,231 of the Swiss, 1 in 1,383 of the
Hollanders, and 1 in 1,539 of the Scandinavians.

The census of 1890, in regard to the defective classes, is
very faulty. Yet it appears that one in 132 of the Irish in
this country was a pauper, one in 356 of the Germans, one
in 387 of the English, one in 690 of the Bohemians, one in
792 of the Scandinavians, and one in 974 of the British-
Americans.*

Considering the excellent record of the Scandinavians in
regard to crimes and pauperism, the readiness with which
they take to farming and become Americanized, the com-
mendable educational and religious training they have re-
ceived in the North, and it is no wonder that they are by
American economists considered to be the best immigrants.

*For a complete discussion of criminality and insanity see pp. 1-22, Vol. II.

250 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

About 50 per cent of the Scandinavian emigrants arrive
by prepaid passage tickets secured by relatives here. During
each year between 1890 and 1900, the postal money orders
issued in the United States, payable in the Scandinavian
countries, amounted to about $2,250,000, and it is estimated
that something like $6,500,000 besides was in one year sent
to the North through banks and by other means. During
the same period only about $500,000 was annually sent
from the North to the United States by means of postal
money orders. Of course, part of these sums were settle-
ments for business transactions ; yet the United States post-
office reports assert that the excess noted is mainly due to
the fact that the immigrants contribute liberally to the sup-
port of their friends across the ocean.

It is impossible, however, to arrive at anything like a
correct conclusion in regard to w^hat amount of w^ealth in
the shape of presents, prepaid passage tickets, and actual
cash which Scandinavian-Americans have transferred from
the United States to the North. Smith, in his excellent book,
Emigration and Immigration, estimates that each immi-
grant sends to his native country $35, and from 1820-99,
according to the United States statistics, not far from 1,500,-
000 Northmen have settled in this country. If each of them
returned $35, the total sum transferred would amount to
$52,500,000.

Each immigrant, however, brings with him a certain
sum, which Smith estimates to average from $68 to $100 ;
but no accurate statistics on this subject have ever been
published. "It costs," to quote the same authority,
"about $562.50 to bring up a child in Europe till

STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICANS. 251

15 years of age, and twice that amount in the United States.
But this estimate does not mean the real value of men ; they
are not valued in dollars and cents. But every immigrant
must represent labor capacity, worth at least the value of a
slave, which was $800 or $1,000 before the war, but being
a free man he may not choose to work. But it is figured that
each immigrant is worth $875." Assuming that each Scan-
dinavian immigrant has brought $75, which added to $875,
the value of his labor capacitj^, amounts to $950, and multi-
plying this by the whole number of immigrants, we find that
the Scandinavian countries have sent — or rather permitted
to be transfered — to the United States one billion four hun-
dred and fiftymillion dollars (1,450,000,000) worth of prop-
erty in the form of human beings and what valuables these
have brought with them. Even subtracting the $52,500,000,
which have been returned in the shape of prepaid tickets,
presents, and cash, it yet leaves the United States in a debt
of $l,397,500,000.to the Scandinavian countries.*

The different Scandinavian churches in this country have
always exercised a great influence. But it is impossible in
this article to give very elaborate statistics in regard to
them; nor is it necessary, because this volume contains his-
torical sketches of several of the leading Scandinavian- Ameri-
can church organizations, and each of these sketches deals
more or less with the statistics of each denomination. Table
X., however, contains some facts in regard to the Scandi-
navian churches in this country. These facts have mostly
been gathered from their own published reports, but in a few
cases from the United States census of 1890 ; and, although
they are incomplete, and in some cases inaccurate, they are

♦According to the immigration report of 1898. the Scandinavian immigrants, who in
wealth averaged more than the total Earopean immigrants, had only $20 each.

252 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

unquestionably a fair estimate of the strength of the Scandi-
navian-American churches. Of course, there are other Scan-
dinavian church organizations in this country, besides those
enumerated in table X. ; but they are small, their union gen-
erally loose, and I have been unable to secure any data in
regard to them. But I doubt if any one of the church or-
ganizations "which have been omitted in table X. exceeds
1,000 in membership. Yet there are a great number of Scan-
dinavian churches which are independent, and not connected
with any synod, or general organization of several churches;
besides, many Scandinavians are members of purely American
churches ; and it is, perhaps, fair to assume that one-half, or
at least one-third, of the Scandinavian-Americans are mem-
bers of some religious society. During the last fifty years the
Scandinavian churches in this country have, no doubt, ex-
pended for religious, educational, and charitable purposes,
between fifty and one hundred million dollars. Besides the
churches, there are in this country many Scandinavian tem-
perance, benevolent, and secret organizations, which have ex-
ercised quite an influence, but it has been impossible to secure
any statistics in regard to them. It is a notable fact that,
although the Swedish population, first and second genera-
tions, in this country, exceed, in 1900, the Norwegian by
130,000, yet the different Norwegian-American church or-
ganizations have at least 50,000 more communicant mem-
bers than the Swedish. Strange as it may seem, the various
church strifes among the Norwegians appear to have been
the main cause of this great difference, because there is no
reason to assume that the Swedish people are less religious
than the Norwegian.

STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICANS.

253

TABLE I.
Showing the number of Scandinavian passengers and immigrants, togkther

WITH THE total NUMBER OF ALL ALIEN PASSENGERS AND IMMIGRANTS, ARRIVED

IN THE United States during each year from 1820-68.

Passengers And immigrants — According to the statis-
tics OP THE United States.

Emigrants— Accord-
ing TO THE statis-
tics OP THE Scan.

NAVIAN COUNTRIES.

Year.

Denmark.

Sweden

and
Norway.

Total

Scandi-
navians.

Total Aliens.

Norway.

Sweden.

1820

189

173

416

109

152

1,063

■a5

114

210

539

691

528

173

1,035

252

499

542

3,749

234

1,658

1,492

712

1,149

1,862

1,436

819

9,363

313

250

324

1,161

195

553

1,748

1,311

928

1,916

1,307

903

3,473

1,569

13,903

2,424

4,103

3,364

3,531

821

1,157

1,712

2,430

1,091

298

20,931

616

892

1,627

2,249

6,109

12,633

7,055

11,166

43,357

383

334

189

473

359

112

380

207

3,324

226

588

1,777

1,336

982

2,030

1,320

1,113

3,481

1,589

14,443

2,438

4,306

3,396

4,223

1,349

1,330

2,747

2,682

1,590

840

34,700

850

2,550

3,119

2,961

7,258

14,495

8,491

11,985

51,619

8,385

9,127

6,911

6,354

7,912

10,199

10,837

18,875

27,382

22,520

23,322

153,034

22,633

60,481

58,640

65,365

45.574

76,242

79,340

38,914

68.069

84,066

599,134

80,289

104,565

52,496

78,615

114,371

154,416

234.968

226,527

297,024

369,980

1,713,351

379,466

371,603

368,645

427,833

200,877

200,436

251,306

123,126

121,282

153,640

3,598,214

91,918

91.985

176,282

193,418

248,120

318,568

315,722

142,023

1,578,036

1821

1822

1823

1824

1825

1826

1827

1828

1829

1830

Total '30-30.

1831

1832

1833

1834

1835

'206 '

200

100

400

300

1,300

400

700

1,600

1,200

1,100

1,300

1,600

1,400

4,000

3,700

17,000

2,640

4,030

6,050

5,950

1,600

3,200

6,400

2,500

1,800

1,900

36,070

8,900

5,250

1,100

4,300

4,000

15,455

12,829

13,211

6.5,045

1836

1837

1838

1839

1840

Total Ml -40.

1841

1842

1843

1844 .

1845

1846

1847

184S

1849

1850

Total '4l-.'yO

1851

1852

1853

934
3,031
2,619

1854

1855

1856

3,980
586
959

1857

1858

1,762
512

1859

208

1060

Total >51-60

1861

266
14,857

1.087

1862

1863

1,206

1 ,485

1864

2,461

1865

3,180

1866

4,466

1867

5,893

1868

21,472

Total '61-68

41,3.'->0

The United States statistics include only six months of the year 1S68, and
afterward every statistical year ends June 30.

254

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

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STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICANS. 255

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256

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

TABLE III.

Showing the number of Scandinavians born in the Scandinatiak
countries, together with the total population, in each state
and territory in the united states — according to the united
States census of 1850.

States and Territories.

Denmark.

Alabama

Arkansas

California

■Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

'Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kentucky

l^ouisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota Territory....

Mississippi

Missoiiri

New Hampshire

Newjersey

New Mexico Territory.,

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon Territory

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Utah Territory

Vermont

Virginia

Wisconsin

Total .

7
93
36

6
21
24
93
30
39

288

•47

181

1
24.
55

3
28

2
429

6
53

2
97
15
24

8
49

IS
14fi

Norway.

1
124

2,415

361

110

15.'i

392

105

8,651

12,678

Sweden.

Total
Scandi-
navians.

163

1,123

231

249

253

753

133

378

3,631

611

601

134

103

503

139

^12

247

1,671

12S
5

257
57
6(1
36

202

3.T

8,885

18,075

Total Popu-
lation.

771,623
209.897

92,597
370,792

91,518

61,687

87,445
906,185
851,470
988,416
19-', 214
982,405
617.761
683,169
683.034
994.514
397,654
6,077
606.526
682.044
33 7.978
489,555

63,547

3,097.394

869.039

1,980,329

13.294

2.31 1,786

147.545

668,507

1,002,717

213.592

11.380

314,120

1,421.661

305,391

23,191,876

STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICANS.

257

TABLE IV.

Showing the number of Scandinavians born in the Scandinavian
countries, together with the total population, in each state
and territory in the united states — according to the united
States census of 1860.

States and Territories.

Alabama

Arkansas

California

Connecticnt

Delaware

Florida

Geor^a

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachnsetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

New Hampshire

Newjersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Vermont

Virginia

Wisconsin

Colorado Territory

Dakota Territory

District of Columbia

Nebraska Territory

Nevada Territory

New Mexico Territory..

Utah Territory

Washington Territory..

Total

Denmark,

1,328

91
5

21
712
109
661

44
309

67
213
192
170

464

175

1,196

11
164

50
234

150

41
1,150

150

1,824

9,962

Norway.

713

4,891

6,688

223

171

440

8,425

146

539

326

21,442

129

103

159

43,995

Sweden.

155

1,405

6,470

329

1,465

122

193

685

266

3,178

239

1,678

117

448

1S3

673

16
70
41
3
196
33

18,625

Total
Scandi-
navians.

298

3,448

155

12,073

476

, 7,814

415

565

160

122

1,069

89S

-11,773

849

328

3,413

300

149

765

629

106

23,265

129

323'

2,179

72,582

Total Popu-
lation.

964,201

4,33,450

379,994

460,147

112,216

140,424

1,057,286

1,711,951

1,850,428

674,913

107,206

1,155,684

708,002

628,279

687,049

1,231,066

749,113

172,023

791,305

1,182,012

326,073

672,035

3,880,735

992,622

2,339,511

52,465

2,906,215

174,620

7O3,r08

1,109,801

604,215

315,098

1,596,318

775,881

34,277

4,837

28,841

6,857

93,518

40,273

11,594

75,080

31,443,321

258

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

TABLE V.

Showing the number op Scandinavians born in the Scandinavian
countries, together with the total population, in each state

AND TERRITORY IN THE UNITED StATES-

States census OP 1870.

■According to the United

States and Territories.

Alabama

Arkansas

California

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey.

New York

North Corolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Vermont

Virginia

"West Virginia

Wisconsin

Arizona Territory

Colorado Territory

Dakota Territory ;..

District of Columbia....

Idaho Territory

Montana Territory

New Mexico Territory..

Utah Territory

Washington Territory. .
Wyoming Territory

Total .

Norway.

1.8S7

116

-t2

3,711

315

2,827

502

290

120

106

267

1,354

1,910

193

665

1,129

208

510

1,698

284

561

1S9

5,212

115

4,957

30,098

1,000

11,880

123
17,554

588
16
76
58
17

302

1,516

35,940

297

506
80
55
90

975

115
22

403

40,046

1,179

613

104

114,243

Sweden.

105

134

1,944

323

29,979

2,180

10,796

4,954

112

358

100

1,384

2,406

20,987

970

2,302

2,352

217

554

5,522

252

205

2,266

106

349

364

2,799

180

380

141

1,790

1S8

109

97,327

Total
Scandi-
navians.

206

208

4,781

511

44,570

2,618

31,177

6,044

181

724

251

223

1,953

5,276

,58,837

1,241

3,264

3,987

505

108

1,154

8,195

600

368

2,942

152

110

472

926

138

48,057

297

1,674

240

324

7,360

346

191

241,668

Total Popu-
lation.

996,993

484,471

560,247

537,454

125,015

187,748

1,184,109

2,539.891

1,680,637

1,194,020

364,399

1,321,011

726,913

626,913

780,894

1,457,351

1,184,059

439,706

827,923

1,721,295

122,993

42,491

318,300

906,096

4,382,759

1,071,361

2,665,260

90,923

3,521,931

217,353

705,606

1,258,520

818,579

330,551

1,225,163

442,014

1,054.670

9,658

39,864

14,181

131,700

14,999

20,593

91,874

86,786

23,955

9,118

38,558,371

In this census nine Danes, three Norwegians, and five Swedes are classified as
Colored. Ofcourse these persons do not properly belong to the Scandinavian people.

STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN- AMERICANS.

259

TABLE VI.

States and Territories.

Denmark.

Norway.

Sweden.

Total
Scandi-
navians.

Total Popu-
lation.

Alabama

Arkansas

California

CoU'rado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio ,

Oregon ._

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Vermont

Virginia

"West Virginia

Wisconsin

Arizona Territory

Dakota Territory

District of Columbia...

Idaho Territory

Montana Territory

New Mexico Territory

Utah Territory

Washington Territory
WyomingTerritory...,

Total

3,748

507

428

259

6,029

583

6,901

1,838

285

273

128

576

3,513

6,071

970

4,511

350

1,264

3,145

642

385

945

489

8,797

131

1,447

586

190

7,791

296

188

1,765

354

168

16,970

182

21,586

1,358

108

639

3,520

62,521

373

2,010

119

229

2,185

178

574

381

880

49,349

13,245

276

174

1,214

580

119

211

4,209

2,172

2,086

231

138

42,415

3,121

17,559

11,207

270

988

177

4,756

9,412

39,176

302

3,174

10,164

317

131

1,622

11,164.

1,186

983

7,557

776

2S1

1,293

8,138

106

3,177

323

280

3,750

648

249

212

342

9,722

3,033

2,682

113

569

214

65,414

3,886

46,046

14,403

633

1,360

413

5,971

16,445

.107,768

457

4,517

16,685

786

230

3,115

16,494

2,006

1,942

8,883

887

128

374

2,662

118

138

66,284

282

17,869

115

1,185

644

12,755

1,524

611

1,262,505

802,525

864,694

194,327

622,700

146,608

269,493

1,542,180

3,077,871

1,978,301

1,624,615

996,096

1,648,690

939,946

648,936

934,943

1,783,085

1,636,937

780.773

1,131,597

2,168,380

452,402

62,266

346,991

1,131,116

3,082,871

1,399,750

3,198,063

174,768

4,282,891

276,531

995,577

1,542,359

1;591,749

332,286

1,512,565

618,457

1,315,497

40,440

135,177

177,624

32,610

39,159

119,565

143,963

75,116

20,789

64,196

181,729

440,262

50,155,783

260

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

TABLE VII.

Showing the number of Scandinavians born in the Scandinavian
countries, together with the total population, in each state
and territory in the united states ^according to the united
States census of 1890.

States and Territories

Alabama

Arizona Territory

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia —

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico Territory..

New York

North Dakota

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma Territory., ..

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Dakota

South Carolina

Tennessee

Utah Territory

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Denmark.

180

125

7,764

1,650

1,474

105

1,241

• 12,044.

718

15,519

3,136

332

696

130

1,512

6,335

-14,133

1,333

683

■ 14,345

332

2,991

6,238

2,860

956

1,288

2,010

154

4,309

649

9,023

108

2,807

13,885

680

Norway.

3,702

893

523

179

741

/" 30,339

285

.^ 27,078

1,786

120

136

311

164

2,519

7,795

► 101,169

526

1,957

3,632

251

1,317

8,602

X 25,773

Sll

2,271

2,238

285

/ 19,257

1,313

1,854

102

8,324

/ 65,696

345

Total 132,543 322,665 478,041 933,349 62,622,250

Sweden.

294

168

333

10,923

9,659

10,021

246

128

529

191

1,524

r 86,514

4,512

/ 30,276

17,096

184

328

1,704

305

18,624

27,366

A 99,913

305

5,602

3,771

28,364

314

1,210

4,159

149

X28,430

5,583

2,742

138

3,774

19,346

3,392

7,746

332

2,806

5,986

870

215

10,272

20,157

1,357

Total
Scandi-
navians.

412

407

518

22,389

12,202

12,018

301

270

813

340

3,506

,'128,897

5,515

72,873

21,998

396

796

2,711

599

22,655

41,496

.■215,215

449

7,461

6,411

y 46,341

715

1,4,25

8,467

245

<■ 43,270

34,216

4,209

211

7,333

23,594

3,831

31,372

119

465

4,768

16,863

966

425

21,413

123

• 99,738

2.382

Total Popu-
lation.

1,513,017

59,620

1,128,179

1,208,130

412,198

746,258

168,493

230,392

391,422

1,837,353

84,385

3,826,351

2,192,404

1,911,896

1,427,096

1,858,635

1,118,587

661,086

1,042,390

2,238,943

2,093,889

A- 1,301,825

l,2iS9,600

2,679,184

132,159

1,058,910

45,761

376,530

1,444,933

153,593

5,997,853

182,719

1,617,947

3,672,316

61,834

313,767

5,258,014

345,506

328,808

1,151,149

1,767,518

2,235,523

207,905

332,422

1,655,980

349,390

762,794

1,686,880

60,705

STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICANS.

261

TABLE Yin.
Showing the number of Scandinavians born in the Scandinavian
countries, together with the total population, in every city
IN THE Union having a population of 25,000 or more, and where
THE Scandinavians exceed 1,000 — According to the United States
CENSUS OF 1890.

Cities.

Denmark.

Norway.

Sweden.

Total
Scandi-
navians.

Total Popu-
lation.

Boston, Mass

Brockton, Mass

Brooklyn, N, Y

Cambridge, Mass

Chicago, 111

Denver, Col

Des Moines, Iowa

Duluth, Minn

Grand Rapids, Mich.,

Jersey City, N.J

Kansas City, Mo

La Crosse, Wis

Milwaukee, Wis

Minneapolis, Minn...,

New York, N. Y

Oakland, Cal

Omaha, Neb

Philadelphia, Pa

Portland, Org

Providence. R. I

Salt Lake City, Utah
San Francisco, Cal....

Seattle, Wash

Sioux City, Iowa

St. Louis, Mo

St. Paul, Minn

Tacoma, Wash

Worcester, Mass

353
18

1,839
SI

7,087
470
227
301
149
195
294
56
341

1,542

1,495
413

4,242

704

300

1,041

1,785
457
464
285

1,445

544

861

4,873

226

21,835

297

301

2,389

128

316

119

2,707

1,821

12,624

1,075

242

624

1,500

704

163

415

1,396

1,353

1,758

134

3,521

1,702

194

3,413
1,282
9,325

746

. 43,032

3,622

1,952

4,102

791

558
1,556

193

320

19,398

7,069

648
6,265
1,626
1,312
1,339
1,328
3,594
1,525
2,227

876

11,787

1,983

4,658

4,627

1,310

16,037

1,033

i 71,954
4,389
2,480
6,792
1,068
1,069
. 1,969
2,956
2,482

<■ 33,564
9,739
1,303

/, 11,131
3,830
2,316
1,567
2,784
6,775
3,335
4,449
1,295

<Kl6,753
4,229
4,816

448,477
27,294

806,343

70.028

1,099,850

106,713
50,093
33,115
60,278

163,003
38,316
25,009

204,468

164,738

1,515,301

48,682

140,452

1,046,964

46,385

132,146
44,843

298,997
42,837
37,806

451,770

133,156
36.006
84,655

262

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

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STATISTICS REGARDING SCANDINAVIAN AMERICANS. 263

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264

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

TABLE XI.

Showing the number of persons in the United States having Scandi-
navian parents; bdt the persons enumerated below may have been
BORN in Scandinavia, America, or anywhere else — According to
THE United States census op 1890, published in 1894.

States and Teeeitohies.

Denmark

Alabama

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecfcicut

Delaware ,

District of Columbia

Florida ,

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Dakota

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Dakota

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Total

ill

229

11,863

2,515

2,018

137

179

2,665

17,090

1,200

25,240

5,581

162

536

1,099

230

2,057

10,180

22,182

184

2,470

1,014

22,267

658

4,339

8,182

:,032

1,487

1,967

2,677

142

7,199

159

1,216

19,736

129

3,949

23,882

1,074

213,036

Norway

102

5,421

1,299

543

272

115

1,313

48,091

478

59,822

3,444

240

433

253

3,082

11,451

195,764

113

948

2,662

6,997

355

1,530

9,444

47,877

659

3.267

1,458

310

38,897

2,526

3,247

139

11,591

130,737

519

596,131

Sweden

Total
Scandi-
navians.

423

273

586

15,248

12,975

13,378

388

215

833

337

2,332

131,966

7,910

52,171

31,492

477

698

2,546

496

24,664

37,941

153,089

526

9,537

4,465

47,318

421

1,418

5,739

215

39,768

7,974

4,875

219

5,235

27,840

4.227

12,233

143

591

4,655

10,321

947

299

12,868

137

29,993

1,940

726,430

642

777

917

32,532

16,789

15,939

462

434

1,284

563

6,310

197,147

9,588

137,233

40,517

682

1,474

4,078

979

29,803

59,572

373,035

823

12,955

8,141

76,582

1,071

1,855

11,608

379

57,394

69,883

148

7,021

378

10,469

31,975

4,679

58,329

243

826

8,397

33,304

1,064

567

28,408

196

184,612

3.533

1,535,597

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

— OP THE —

Scaiidinavian-American Historical literature of
tlie Nineteenth Century.

— BY—

0. N. NELSON.

It has been the aim to enumerate in these notes all of the most
important books, pamphlets, shurch reports, and magazine articles which
relate to the Scandinavian- American historical literature of the nineteenth
century. In order to make the collection as complete as possible, all the
leading libraries in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as
some in the Scandinavian countries, have been consulted; a thorough
search has been made of a large number of book stores and publishing
houses, both in Europe and in this country, and even private libraries
have been ransacked. But all these establishments together do not by
any means contain all the matters enumerated in this list. There is not a
public library in the world that has a fairly complete collection of Scandi-
navian-American historical literature. The Royal Library in Stockholm
and the Angustana College Library in Bock Island have a large number of
books, etc., in relation to Swedish-Americans, and Luther College in
Decorah has begun to collect materials in regard to the Norwegians. But
even these collections are defective. Consequently this bibliography has
been compiled from various sources. The voluminous "Sabin's Dictionary
of Books" has been carefully examined; and for several years back, I
have corresponded with hundreds of Scandinavian-American writers and
book collectors. As a result of all this, I have collected in my private
library a large number of books and pamphlets, written by Scandinavian-
Americans, on various subjects. But even my collection, although very
comprehensive, does not contain all the works enumerated in this biblio-
graphy.

Besides the books, pamphlets, church annuals, etc., which are men-
tioned in this list, a large number of emigration reports, school catalogues,
legislative manuals, county histories, newspapers, and statistics of various
kinds have been consulted in the preparation of the first and second
volumes. All the volumes of the U. S. Census from 1790 to 1890, and
several state census reports of the Northwestern states, have been
carefully examined. But it is, of course, impossible to enumerate all of it
here. Hundreds of Scandinavian-American newspapers have been pub-
lished during the last fifty years, and most of them have contained more
or less matter of an historical nature. I have searched the flies of several of
the most important of such publications, and collected some valuable
newspaper articles. Most journals in the North and many English papers

265

266 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

in America have at one time or another referred to the Scandinavian-
Americans. Millions of private letters have passed between the Scandi-
navian countries and the United States, and many of them have been
valuable historical documents. Evidently, it is beyond the power of
mortals to enumerate all historical materials in regard to the Scandi-
navian-Americans, and I have, rightly or wrongly, limited the list to
books, pamphlets, magazine articles, and church reports.

Often it is difHcult to determine whether a book ia historical, theo-
logical, poetical, or simply the product of some crank or stupid fanatic.
Nor has it always been possible for me to scrutinize all of the materials
enumerated in this bibliography, and I am undecided whether I have
sinned most by commission or by omission in this connection. Considering
the various church disputes which have been carried on among the Nor-
wegian-Americans, it was deemed wise to include some productions which
can hardly be called historical. In fact, some of these so abound in truth
and falsehood, personal abuse and religious bombast, as to deserve to
be classified as "insane or malicious" literature. The Danes and Swedes
have issued less of this class of brain product. The Swedish-Americans
can boast of a fairly solid historical literature, which in point of quality
excels by far that of the other two nationalities put together. Some
works of fiction often paint the social life and customs of a people with
a brilliancy and a clearness which surpass most historical productions. In
this line of literature the Norwegian-Americans have produced some
masterpieces, but none of them have been enumerated in this connection.

It has been deemed unnecessary, in this connection, to deal with the
bibliographies regarding the discovery of America by the Northmen and
the Swedish settlement on the Delaware Kiver, because the tv;o articles on
these subjects have been published in this volume only to make the
Scandinavian-American history complete; otherwise the main object of
this work is to relate the story of the Scandinavians in the United States
in the nineteenth century. Besides, P. B. Wataon has published, in the
fourth edition of Prof. K. B. Anderson's "America not Discovered by
Columbus," a very complete bibliography regarding the Northmen's dis-
covery of America, and Marie A. Brown, in her work, "The Icelandic Dis-
coverers of America," treats the same subject; while the fourth volume of
the "Narrative and Critical History of America" contains a very extensive
bibliography regarding the Swedish settlement on tha Delaware Kiver, by
Prof. G. B. Keen.

In the preparation of this work, the following authorities have mainly
been relied upon in regard to the history of the Vikings and the history of
the Scandinavian countries: Odhner's "Sveriges, Norges och Danmarks
Historia"; Geijer's "Svenska Folkets Historia"; Montelius's "Sveriges
Historia"; Sars's "Udsigt over den Norske Historie"; Boyesen's "Story of
Norway"; Worsaae's "Danes and Norwegians in England, Scotland, and
Ireland"; Gibbon's "Roman Empire"; Green's "History of the English
People"; Prederiksen's articles in "Scandinavia"; Cornelius's "Svenska
Kyrkans Historia."

Pages 267-76 were electrotyped for the first edition, and it was not
deemed necessary to rearrange them, although a few publications enumer-
ated there might have been omitted. The rest of this bibliography
treats of works omitted in the first edition, which appeared in 1893, and of
publications issued since that time.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 267

1841. Om Amerika samt om Emigrant-Foreningen i
Stockholm. Stockholm, Sweden.

"Intended to fctmisTi Swedisli emigrants with the necessary informa-
tion abont the United States. It contains also a short historical introduc-
tion in "which the fate of the Swedish settlements in North America is re-
lated."

1846. Reise blandt de Norske Emigranter i de Forenede
Nordamerikanske Fristater. Rev. J. W. Dietrichson, Sta-
vanger, Norway.

1847. Erik Jansismen i Nord Amerika.

This little pamphlet is an anonymous account given forth as '* Bref frSll
en af Utvandrame," and is in reality a most violent attack upon the beliefil
of Janson and his methods in conducting the party of emigrants.

1848. Beretning om de Norske Setlere i Amerika. C.
Rudolf, Bergen, Norway.

1851. Nogle Ord fra Praedikestolen i Amerika og Norge.
Rev. J. W. Dietrichson, Stavanger, Norway.

1851. Jenny Lind in America. C. J. Rosenberg, New
York City.

1853. The Homes of the New World ; Impressions of
America. Fredrika Bremer, New York City.

These two volumes are mostlymade up of letters, written by the author-
ess during her visit to America, in 1849-52, and contain some information
regarding the early Swedish pioneers in this country, as -well as descriptions
of the places she visited.

1853. Geografisk Politisk Beskrivelse over de Forenede
Nordamerikanske Stater, i saerdeleshed for Emigranter. J.
Bollin, Kristiania, Norway.

1862. Minnen. Rev. Gustaf Unonius, Stockholm, Sweden.

This -work is bound in two large volumes. Rev. Unonius came from
Sweden to the Northwest in 1841JJ remained in America for seventeen years,
then returned to Sweden. His work is, perhaps, the best and the most ad.
mirable description of the early pioneer life that has yet been published ia
the Swedish language.

268 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

1865. Protocoll och Handlingar rorande Prestmotet i
Upsala kr 1865. Upsala, Sweden.

This volume contains a lecture delivered by Prof. L. P. Esbjom, at the
conference of the Swedish Lutheran clergy, held in Upsala in 1865, in -which
he gives a good historical review of the early Swedish- American Lutheran
Church. The lecture is also published in "Korsbaneret" for 1885,

1865. The Emigration from Europe during the present
century; its Causes and Effects. A. Jorgensen, Quebec,
Canada.

Translated from Norwegian statistics and reports, and from extracts
of other authorities.

1866. The Bergen Family; or the Descendants of Hans
Hansen Bergen. T. G. Bergen, New York City.

This volume gives a complete biography of H. H. Bergen, a Norwegian,
who came to America in 1633 and settled in New Amsterdam. His name
has probably been identified with the supposed Norwegian settlement at
Bergen, N. J., in 1624-, w^hich is referred to in Nordmaendene i Amerika, by
Knud Langeland, but undoubtedly never existed.

1867. Syv Foredrag over de Kirkelige Forholde blandt
de Norske i America. Rev. H. A. Preus, Kristiania, Norway.

Containing a great deal of valuable information in regard to the early
history of the Norwegian- American Lutheran churches.

1869. Det Skandinaviske Regiments Historic. J. A.
Johnson, La Crosse, Wis.

This volume is one of the first histories of the famous Fifteenth Wiscon-
sin Regiment, besides it contains biographies of the leading officers in the
regiment.

1868-70. Skandinavisk Billedmagazin. Madison, Wis.

This magazine contains, among other things, quite an extensive account
of the first Norwegian settlements in "Wisconsin and Illinois, as well as a
history of the early Norwegian emigration; w^ritten by Prof. Svein Nilsson.

1872. Beskrifning ofver America. Alex Nilsson, Gothen-
burg, Sweden.

A pamphlet containing some valuable information in regard to emigra-
tion, being, in fact, only an emigration guide-book.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 269

1874. Ty& Ir i Amerika (1872-1874). Hugo Nisbeth,
Stockholm, Sweden.

This volume contains descriptions, by ttie author, -who was a ncTvs-
paper correspondent traveling' through the country, of several Swedish
settlements, especially in the North w^est and in California.

1876. Fra Amerika. Y. C. S. Topsoe, Copenhagen,
Denmark.

The author traveled through the United States, describes the country,
and sometimes refers to the Scandinavian-Americans, especiallj the Danes.

1876. Wisconsinismen belyst ved Historiske Kjendsgjer-
ninger. Prof. A. Weenaas, Chicago, 111.

This book contains a lengthy discussion of the different theological
questions which have divided the Norwegian-American Lutherans. The
w^ork is rather an attack upon the teachings of some of the ministers of the
Norwegian Synod, and w^as answ^ered by Rev. H. A. Preus in his book,
Professorerne Oftedals og Weenaas' s Wisconsiniszne betragtet i Sandhedeas
Lvs,

1876. Professoreme Oftedals og Weenaas's Wisconsin-
isme betragtet i Sandhedens Lys. Rev. H. A. Preus, Decorah,
Iowa.

This is an answer to Prof. A. Weenaas' book, Wisconsinismen, and de-
fends the teachings of the Norw^egian Synod and discusses the diiferent
theological questions which have divided the Norwegian-American Luther-
ans.

1877. HistoryofHenry County, III. Chicago, 111.

This book contains a concise history of Bishop Hill Colony.

1879, Svenskarne i St. Croix-dalen, Minnesota. Rob-
ert Gronberger, Minneapolis, Minn.

A small pamphlet containing a good description of the early Swedish
settlements in "Washington and Chisago counties, where the first Swedish
settlements in Minnesota w^as made. It also contains a long biography of
Jacob Falstrom. Gronberger maintains that Oscar Roos, who came to
Minnesota in 1850, was the first Swedish settler in the state ; but Rev. E.
Norelius, in his great and valuable work, De Svenska L,aterska Forsan2~
lingarnas och Svenskames Historia i Amerika, asserts that the first Swed-
ish settlement occured in 1851. But in a letter to the editor of this work,
Roos affirms Gronberger's statement.

270 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE Tj. S.

1880. GenomDenStoraYestern. J. Stadling, Stockholm,
Sweden.

This volume contains a very good description, especially of the Pacific
Coast and the West, where the author traveled through. He was very friend-
ly towards America, but the -work contains little or nothing in regard to
Scandinavian- American history.

1880. Svenskame i Illinois. Capt. Eric Johnson and
C. F. Peterson, Chicago.

This book is one of the largest and most reliable Swedish-American
histories. It contains descriptions of the different Swedish settlements in
Illinois, and biographies and pictures of hundreds of Swedes in that state.
It also contains some new matter in regard to the Swedish settlement on
Delaware River. It is the oldest, and among the best authorities on the
Swedish settlement at Bishop Hill. The work is w^ell w^ritten and impartial.

1882. Svenka Nationaliteten i Forenta Staterna. Tan*
cred Boissy, Gothenburg, Sweden.

A small pamphlet containing information in regard to the social, religi-
ous, and economical conditions of the Swedes in the United States. The
main value of the work is the fact that the author looks at most things
from a purely Swedish standpoint.

1883. Ole Bull. Sara C. Bull, Boston, Mass

This volume contains a biography of Ole Bull and a short mention of
his Norwegian colony in Pennsylvania.

1883. EUing Eielsens Liv og Yirksomhed. Rers. Chr.
O. Brohaugh and I. Eisteinsen, Chicago, 111.

This book contains a complete biography of Rev. E. Eiclscu, giving a
good review of the religious conditions in Norway and among the early
Norwegian settlers in this country in his time. It contains also much valu-
able information in regard to Hauge*sSynod,Norwegian-AmericanL,utheran
church disputes, and in regard to the hardships of the early pioneers.

1884. Amerika; Sect Fra et Landbosstandpunkt. H.
Andreasen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The author traveled through this country, described it, and sometimes
refers to the Scandinavian-Americans, especially the Danes.

1884. Det Fcmtende Wisconsin Regiments Historic og

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 271

Yirksomhed Under Borgerkrigen. P. G. Dietrichson, Chi-
cago, 111.

A small pamphlet containing a history of the Fifteenth Wisconsin, or
Scandinavian, Regiment, and a list of all the persons -who ■were enlisted in
the regiment.

1885. Rockfords Svenskar. Geo. Kaedeiig, Chicago, 111.

A pamphlet containing a sketch of the Swedes and their biographies in
Rockford and of the business enterprises in which they are engaged.

1883-86. Scandinavia. Chicago, 111.

This magazine contains several lengthy and important articles on
Scandinavan-American history. The last two numbers of 1886 contain
historical information about and biographies of the Scandinavians in St.
Paul and Minneapolis, Minn. This Magazine, published and edited by
N. C. Frederiksen, w^as among the best literary productions in the English
language that has yet been attempted by the Scandinavian- Americans.

1886. Svenska Tidningar och Tidskrifter titgiiha inom
Nord Amerikas Forenta Stater. Bernhard Ltindstedt,
Stockholm, Sweden.

This work is very valuable and was published under the direction of the
Royal Library of Sweden. It contains a complete history of all of the
Swedish newspapers and periodicals that have been, and are, published in
the United States. ,

1886. The History of the Baptist Mission. Rer. G. W.
Herrey, St, Louis, Mo.

This Tolume contains a. history of the Baptists in Denmark, Norw^ay,
and Sweden, and refers to the Sw^edish Baptists in this country,

1887. The Scandinavians in the United States. Dr. Al-
fecrt Shaw.

This article, published in The Cbautauquan in Dec., 1887, contains a
great deal of valuable statistics regarding the Scandinavian-Americans, as
well as other information. The calm and judicious views of the writer, re-
garding the topic of the paper, make it of great value.

1887. Historiske Meddelelser omdenNorskeAugustana
Synode. Rev. O.J. Hatlestad, Decorah, Iowa.

This volume contains not only a history of the Norwegian Augustana
Synod, but also touches upon the history of the other Norwegian-American
Lutheran churches, as well as on the settlements. It is the most complete
NQrwegian-Anaericoa history that has yet appeared.

272 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

1887. Scandinavian Studies in the United States. Dan-
iel Kilham Dodge.

This article, published in Science in May, 1887, contains a good, bat
rather incomplete, historical review of the studies of the Scandinavian.
langTiages in American and Scandinavian-American colleges and universi-
ties. Prof. J. P. Uhler, in a letter published in the same magazine shortly-
after, adds some new facts on the subject.

1887. Appletons* Cyclopedia of American Biography.
James Grant Wilson and John Fiske, New York City.

This great and valuable work contains a few biographies of Scandi-
navian-Americans.

1888. Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the
First Swedish Settlement in America. Col. Hans Mattson^
Minneapolis, Minn.

Containing nothing nev?, except a letter from the Hon, T. F. Bayard, in
which he acknowledges that one of his ancestors, on the maternal side, was
a Swede.

1888. Praedikener over Kirke-Aarets Evangelier holdte
of Prester i den Norske Synode i Amerika. Rev.Einar Wulfs-
berg, Decorah, Iowa.

This volume contains several sermons and a few short biographies of"
ministers of the Norwegian Synod.

1888. Norwegian Emigration. Prof. H. H. Boyesen.

This article was published in American, in 1888.

1888. Den Evanglisk-Lutherske Kirkes Historic i
Amerika. Rev. R. Andersen, Brooklyn, N. Y.

This volume contains a history of all the American Lutheran churches^

as well as biographies of some of the Swedish- American Lutheran ministers
in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The last ten pages contain a.
brief historical review of the Scandinavian- American Lutheran churches.

1888. The "Foreign Element" in New York City. Geo.
J. Mason.

This article, publisbed in Harper's Weekly, Sept.l, 1888, contains some
information regarding tlie Scandinavians in the United States, especially in
New York City.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 273

1889. History of Utah. H. H. Bancroft, San Fran-
cisco, Cal.

The sixteenth chapter and foot-notee on page 411 contain some matters re-
garding the Scandinavian immigration to Utah.

1889. Den Norske Indvandring til 1850 og Skandinav-
eme i Amerikas Politik. Jobs. B. "Wist, Madison, Wis.

A small pamphlet containing a, good history of the Danish and Nor-
■wegian immigration, and of the Norwegian settlement in Texas.

1889. Nordmaendene i Amerika. Knud Langeland, Chi-
cago, 111.

This work contains some valiaable information in regard to the Norwe-
gian immigration, the first settlements, and the early Norwegian-American
press; but, on the w^hole,it is more of an autobiography of Kntid Langeland
than a history of the Norwegians. The author is unquestionably mistaken
w^hen he asserts that a Norwegian colony existed at Bergen, N. J., in 1624;
but for a full discussion on this point consult O. N. Nelson's article on Hans
Hansen Bergen, published in The North, Dec. 21, 1892, and in Nordvestea
about the same time. A brief statement of the facts regarding this point ia
also made on page 35 in this volume.

1887-90. Norges Laeger i det Nittende Aarhundrede.
Dr. F. C. Kjaer, Kristiania, Nor-way.

Contains biographies of the Norw^egian physicians of the 19th century,
some of whom now reside in this country.

1890. Norsemen in the United States. Rev. Kristofer
Janson.

In this article, published in The Cosmopolitan in October, 1890, the
author makes some assertions in regard to Norwegian- American history
which hardly coincide with the actual facts; yet his discussion is valuable,
both from a literary and historical standpoint.

1890. The Norwegico-Danish M. E. Church in America.

A small pamphlet containing some valuable information in regard to
the early history of the Norwegian-Danish Methodist Church in this coun-
try. No date or place of publication is mentioned, the author's name does
not appear. But the work was written by Rev. A. Haagensen, of Chicago,
and, perhaps, published in 1890.

1890. American Lutheran Biographies. Rev. J. C. Jens-
son, Milwaukee, Wis.

A large volume containing biographies of over 350 Lutheran-American
ministers, a large proportion of w^hom are Scandinavians. As a. work of

274 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

reference it is -^ery valuable, tliro-wing much light upon the church history
of the different Scandinavian-American Lutheran denominations.

1890. Emigration and Immigration. R. M. Smith,
New York Citj.

This .volume contains a very able discussion upon the immigration
question, audlfrequently refers to the Scandinavian immigrants.

1890. Life of John Ericsson. W. C. Church, New York
City.

This -work, bound in t-wo Tolumes, contains a complete biography of
John Ericsson, the greatest Scandinavian-American.

1890. The Swedes in America. Rev. C. A. Swensson,
Topeka, Kan.

A lecture published in pamphlet form.

1890. De Svenska Luterska Forsamlingarnas och
Svenskarnes Historia i Amerika. Rev. E. NoreHiis, D. D.,
Rock Island, 111.

This is a large volume containing an extensive history of the Swedish-
American Lutheran Church, and biographies of the ministers, as well as
a history of the different Swedish settlements, from the earliest time of the
immigration in the nineteenth century up to 1860. The -work, on the whole,
is fairly accurate, intensely Lutheran, but not bigoted. The author is, no
doubt, mistaken w^hen he asserts that the j&rst Sivedish settlement in Min-
nesota occured in 1S51„ Both Robert Gronberger, in his STrenskarne i St.
Croix-dalen, Minnesota, and Oscar Roos, who was the first Swedish set-
tler in the state, contradict him. Norelius's description of the early settle-
ments is especially excellent and vivid,

1890. Pastor S. Newmans Sjelfbiografi. Rev. S. B. New-
man, Chicago, 111.

This volume contains an autobiography of the author, as well as a great
deal of valuable information in regard to the history of the Swedish Metho-
dist Church in this country,

1890. Det Norske Luther-College. Rev. J. Th. Ylvisaker,
Decorah, Iowa.

Contains ». history of Luther College, at Decorah, Iowa., and bio-
graphies of the professors and instructors connected with the institution

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 275

1890. The Lutherans in America. Rev. E. J. Wolf, D. D.
New York City.

This Toliame contains short, bxit quite good historical sketches of the
different Scandinavian-American Lutheran organizations, including the
Swedish Lutherans on the banks of the Delaware Ri rer in the ,seTenteenth
century.

1890. Genom Norra Amerikas Foreuta Stater. P. Wal-
denstrom, Stockholm, Sweden.

A large volume containing a chapter relating to the Swedes in America,
giving some good specimens of the Sw^edish- American language. The
author is unfriendly towards America, and the w^ork as a whole is very
unreliable,

1890. Svensk-Amerikanska Poeter. Ernst Skarstedt,
Minneapolis, Minn.

This volume contains biographies and pictures of eighteen Swedish-
American poets, together with well selected specimens of their poetical
productions. From a literary standpoint, it is one of the best Swedish-
American compilations; from a historical standpoint, it shovirs the tendency
and mode of thought of the Swedes in this country, and gives some good
examples of the Americanization of the Swedish language. Especially is
Det Nya, Modersm^let, by H. Stockenstrom, an excellenf illustration of
Swedish- Americanism,

1890. Oregon och Washington. Ernst Skarstedt, Port-
land, Ore.

This volume contains a great deal of information in regard to the his-
tory of the Scandinavian settlements, churches, and societies in Oregon and
Washington, as well as biographies of about a hundred Northmen in those
states. The work is very reliable.

1891 . United Scandinavian Singers of America Souvenir.
Hj.rry Randall, Minneapolis, Minn.

A small pamphlet containing a short history of the organization, and
biographies and half-tone pictures of some of its leading members.

1890-91. Minnen. English translation: The Story of
an Emigrant. Col. Hans Mattson, Lund, Sweden; and St.
Paul, Minn.

This volume is not a mere autobiography of the author, which, how^ever,
forms the principal part of the work, but as he was one of theearlySwedish

276 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

riioneers in this country, being for years one of the leading* Scandinavian^
Americans, his -work contains much valuable information in regard to
Scandinavian- American history. The Swedish edition is the best and most
ccmplete, although the last chapter of the English edition contains certain
statistical information in regard to the Scandinavian- Americans -which
is not contained in the Swedish.

1892. The Scandinavians in the United States. Prof.
H. H. Boyesen.

In this article, published in Tbe North American iJeWew in Nov., 1892,
the author, among other things, criticises the Scandinavians for their clan-
nishness. But the article contains also much valuable information in re-
gard to the Northmen.

1892. Scandinavians in the North^vest. Prof, Kendric
C. Babcock.

This article, published in The Forum in September, 1892, contains valu-
able information in regard to the Scandinavian- American population,
especially in regard to statistics. The author being a native Amer can, his
opinions about the Northmen have a specific value,

1892. The Bishop Hill Colony. Dr. M. A. Mikkelsen,
Baltimore, Md.

This pamphlet is the most complete history on the subject that has yet
appeared. It contains also a discussion of the religious movement in Hels-
ingland, -which finally caused the colonists to emigrate.

1892. Augustana College Album. Rock Island, 111,

A pamphlet containing a history of the school, and biographies of all
the professors and instructors who have been, or are, connected with the
institution, together with several half-tone pictures.

1892. Ett Hundra Ar.; En Aterblick pa det Nittonde
Seklet. C. F. Peterson, Chicago, 111.

A large volume. Only the 6th chapter is devoted to the Sw^edish im-
migration and biographies of noted Swedish-Americans.

1892. Sweden and the Swedes. Hon. W. W. Thomas,
Chicago, 111.

The last two chapters contain some original matter in regard to Swed-
en's commerce with the United States, the Swedish settlement on Dela-
ware River, the Swedes in America in the nineteenth century, and a report
of John Ericsson's funeral.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 277

1839. Sandfardig Beretning om Amerika. Ole Rynning,
Kristiania, Norway.

This little volume was the first book which was published iu the Norweerian
language in regard to America. It was extensively read, and created quite a
sensation which resulted in a heavy emigration from Norway to this country in
the early forties,

1844. Veiviser for Norske Emigranter. J. R. Reiersen,
Kristiania, Norway.

It is mainly an emigration guide, although the first part of the work con'
tains some valuable matters in regard to the early Norwegians in this country.

1846-. Beretning om Hauges Norsk Ev. Luth. Synode.

It is doubtful if any statistics were issued, or even kept, before the reorgani-
zation of the synod in 1875. Since that date annual reports, more or less imper-
fect, have been printed.

1849. Wagledning for Emigranter. Theodor Schytte,
Stockholm, Sweden.

This is an emigrant guide, but contains also a description of the condition of
the Scandinavian settlements in America.

1851. Walkomst-Helsning till den Swenska, Norska och
Danska Emigranten. Rev. L. P. Esbjom, New York.

Every evidence seems to indicate that this four-paged pamphlet was the first
Swedish publication printed in America in the nineteenth century. It contains
religious advice to the Scandinavian immigrants, with directions how to reach
theSwedish settlementsin Illinois. Four thousand copies were published.

1851-60. Minutes of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod
of Northern Illinois.

These reports contain statistics and other informations concerning the Swed-
ish and Norwegian congregations connected with this organization.

1852. Scandinavians in the Northwest. Rev. W. M.
Reynolds, D. D.

This article was published in the '^Evangelical Review."

1853. The Mission of the Lutheran Church in America.
Rev. S. W. Harkey, Springfield, 111.

This pamphlet refers to the Sea adia avians in connection with church work.

278 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

1853-. Beretning om det Ordentlige Synode-mode af
Synoden for den Norsk-Evang.-Luth. Kirke i Amerika.

It doas not appear that any re^lar church statistics were published by the
Norwegian Synod until about 1863, and it is to be regretted that this conservatiTe
organization has not issued any first-class reports. All other Norwegian and
Danish Lutherans appear to have modeled their statistics after those of the
Norwegian Synod, at least as to defects and omissions. Consequently^ none of
them keep any record of the value of church property, and omit many other
things of importance. All the reports of the Norwegian and Danish Lutherans
are poorly classified and badly summed up.

1853-55. Bref om Amerika till Hemmavarande Lands-
man. C. E. O. Svalander, Halmstad, Sweden.

It was published in two parts, and intended as an emigrant guide-book.

1854. Protocol!, H411et vid ett Gemensamt Mote af
Chicago och Mississippi Evang. Lutherska Conferensen i
Chicago.

This is the first church report published in the Swedish language in America
in the nineteenth century. It may be of interest to many people that in this
pamphlet of a dozen pages, some space is devoted to the discussion of temper-
ance.

1855-. Kirkelig Maanedstidende and Evangelisk Luth-
ersk Kirketidende. Decorah, Iowa.

The last mentioned magazine is a continuation of the first, both being the
official organs of the Norwegian Synod, It contains a vast amount of historical
data concerning aU the Scandinavian- American churches, especially as long as it
was issued only monthly or semi-monthly.

I860-. Protokoll af Skandinaviska Ev. Lutherska Au-
gustana Synoden.

This was the official name of the annual reports of the Augustana Synod for
over thirty years. The statistical tables in the reports of this organization have
always been and are master productions, covering every subject of church work,
and having, perhaps, no superior in the world in the line of perfect statistics,
other matters of importance are also included in these publications. Kev.
Erland Carlsson was the man who first systematized this work.

1862. Forhandlinger paa det 3die Skandinaviske Kirke-
mode i Kristiania 29-31 Juli, 1861.

It contains a lecture delivered by Rev. O. C. T. Andren about tLe Angnstana
Synod,

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 279

1863. Her Fremtrader atter en Skare af Troende Sjale.
Kristiania, Norway.

This little work contains a number of letters endorsingr the miBsionary labor
of Elling Eielsen. The greneral bombast of the contents resembles the recom-
mendations of a mnch advertised patent medicine.

1865. Amerika og de Danskes Liv Herovre. Ivev. L.
Jorgensen. Copenhagen, Denmark.

This pamphlet is virtually valneless.

1867. Hvad Jeg Oplevede under de Sex Forste Aar af
Min Virksomhed i Amerika. Rev. C. I. P. Pedersen, Madison,
Wis.

The author gives an extensive review of the Norwegian Lutheran church
disputes in Chicago during 1861-67.

1867. Skandinaveme i de Forenede Stater og Canada.
Johan Schroder, La Crosse, Wis.

It is intended as an emigrant guide, but refers also to the Seandinavian set-
tlements in the United States and Canada.

1868. Historisk Fremstilling. Madison, Wis.

This pamphlet contains a history of the disputes concerningr the slavery
question which was agitated among the Norwegian Lutherans in 1861-8, espe-
cially by Rev. C. L. Clausen and some Norwegian Synod ministers. It waa pub-
lished under the auspices of the church council of the synod, and called forth
Clausen's book "Gjenmale."

1869. Gjenmale. Rev. C. L. Clausen, Chicago, 111.

In this work the author defends himself in regard to his position on the
slavery question, on which he could not agree with the majority of the ministers
of the Norwegian Synod.

1870. Ev. Lutherska Augustana Synoden i Nord-Amer-
ika och dess Mission. Rev. E. Norelius, Lund, Sweden.

A very concise and impartial history of the Augustana Synod. In many
respects it is superior to the larger work by the same anthor.

1870. Markelige Tildragelser. Rev. T. A. Torgerson,
La Crosse, Wis.

It deals only with some local church disputes.

280 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

1870-89. Beretning om den Norsk-Dansk Evang. Luth.
Konferentse.

Most of these reports are, like those of other Norwegian Lutherans, rather
defectiTe.

1871. En Rejse i Amerika. Rev. A. C. L. Grove-Rasmus-
sen, Odense, Denmark.

The author traveled in this country in the interest of "TJdvalget," Denmark*
and the above is a report of his investigation, which led to the establishment ol
Lutheran missionary work among the Danes in this country.

1872-. Referat af Forliaudlingeme ved Frikonferen-
ser og Fallesmoder.

A number of reports have been published in regard to meetings held by the
various Norwegian-American Lutheran church associations for the purpose of
uniting them or discussing certain subjects. Such reports have been issued con-
cerning conferences held at Rock Prairie, Wis., 1872 ; St. Ansgar, Iowa, 18S1 ;
Decorah, Iowa, 1881; Chicago, 111., 1885; WiUmar, Minn., 1887 and 1892; Lanes-
bore, Minn., 1897 ; Austin, Minn., 1899, and no doubt at other places.

1873. Anteckningar frS,n en Svensk Emigrants Yistelse
i Amerika 1871-72. J. E. Wennstrom, Upsala, Sweden.

1874. Aaben Erklaring. A. Weenaas and S. Oftedal,
Minneapolis, Minn.

This is one of the fiercest attacks upon the Norwegian Synod imaginable,
being virtually a declaration of war, and it called forth numerous replies.
Weenaas. in his book "Wisconsinismen," witbdrew his name from it; bat
Oftedal never took back a single word in it,

1875. Tale ved Femti-Aarsfesten for den Norske Ud-
vandring til Amerika. Prof. R. B. Anderson, Chicago, 111.

This small pamphlet contains very little concerning the Norwegian emi-
gration.

1875-9. Kvartal-Skrift for den Norsk Lutherske Kirke
i Amerika. G. Sverdrup and S. Oftedal, Minneapolis, Minn.

This magazine contains some valuable articles in regard to the various
Norwegian-American Lutheran churches.

1876. Yore KIrkelige Modstanderes Vaaben. Rev. V.
Koren, Decorah, Iowa.

It cites quotations from A. Weenaas's book "Wisconsinismen,** as well as
comments on them.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 281

1876. Vor Tids Muhamed. John Ahmanson, Omaha,
Neb.

The first two chapters contain a brief history of the beginning of Mormoo-
ism in Denmark and Norway, and the immigration of some Scandinavians to
Utah in 1856.

1876. Om Absolutionen. Rev. N. C. Ylvisaker, Bergen,
Norway.

This pamphlet contains short definitions of the subject by various Nor-
wegian-Americans.

1876. Reseminnen frAn Amerika. C. J. N., Kristi-
nehamn, S^?sreden.

The author, Rev. C. J. Nyvall, who traveled in this country in 1875, refers to
the religions condition among the Swedes in the United States.

1876-93. ProtokoU af Metodist Episkopal Kyrkans
Nordvestra Svenska Arskonferens,

These reports of the Swedish Methodists in this country are fairly well pre-
pared and quite complete. No statistics, however, are compiled concerning the
annual appropriations which the Swedish-American Methodists have for many
years received from the American Methodists, sometimes amounting to over
$30,000 in one year. Complete information on this point may be found in the
annual reports of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In comparison with other denominations, the Swedish Methodists value their
church property too high. Since the division of the conference in 1893, their
statistics have been very unsatisfactory. , But for most purposes, the reports of
the Missionary Society can be safely consulted.

1876-94. Nordisk Familjebok. Konversationslexikon
och Realencyklopedi. Stockholm, Sweden.

This masterly cyclopedia in eighteen volumes contains biographies of some
* Scandinavian-Americans, especially such as have returned and settled in Scandi-

navia. The article on emigration, "Utvandring," is one of the ablest on that
subject that has ever appeared in any language, and is superior to those on the
same subject in the English and American cyclopedias. It is boldly asserted
that the early Scandinavian emigrants were mostly adventurers, unsuccessful
individuals, and criminals ; but it is admitted that in later years the emigrants
are the cream of the middle and working classes. In 1896 an addition to the
original work was issued.

1877. Frin Nya Verlden. Ernst Beckman, Stockholm
Sweden.

Only a few pages refer to Swedish-Americans, and none of it is of any great
importance.

282 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

1878. Minnen. Rev. J. A. Edgren, Chicago, 111.

It contains an interesting autobiography of the author, as well as other
matters of interest, especially to Swedish-American Baptists.

1878. De Kirkelige Partier blandt vort Folk i Amerika.
Rev. Y. Koren, Decorah, Iowa.

A pamphlet giving an excellent review of the various Norwegian Lutheran
church organizations in this country.

1878. Om Splittelse i Kirken. Decorah, Iowa.

In this pamphlet the predestination question is discussed.

1878. Missourisynoden og den Norske Synode. Rev.
O. Asperheim, Brooklyn, N. Y.

This work was written, apparently, for the purpose of showing that the Nor-
wegian Synod has been wrong in most of its disputes with other Lutheran
organizations. Bat it contains also some other matters of historical value.

1879. Trende Breve. De Forest, Wis.

It deals with the schism of Hangers Synod and EUiug Eielsen in 1875,

1879. Falskt Yidnesbyrd af Prof. A. Weenaas. Rev. B.J.
Muus, Decorah, low^a.

In this pamphlet the author defends the teachings of the Norwegian Synod
against the attacks of Prof. Weenaas.

1880. Om den Lutherske Kirke i Amerika. Rev. P.
Andersen, Chicago, 111.

This pamphlet refers mostly to the Norwegian Augustana Synod.

1880—. Korsbaneret. Edited by various AugustanS,
Synod clergymen, Rock Island, 111.

This annual publication is vury valuable, containing an immense amount of
historical and biographical information concerning the Augustana Synod and
its men.

1880-. Protokol af den Norsk- Danske Methodist Aars-
konference.

These reports are fairly well prepared and quite complete. But no statistics
are compiled concerning the annual appropriations which the Norwegian-
Danish Methodists in this country have for many years received from the Amer-
ican Methodists, sometimes amounting to over $20,000 in one year. Complete

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 283

infoTmatioQ oa this subject, as well as oq many others, caa be secured by cod-
Bultiug the annual reports of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. In comparison with other denominations, the Norwegian-Danish
Methodists value their church property too high.

1881. Naadevalg-Striden. Prof. F. A. Schmidt, Chi-
cago, 111.

It contains lectures on predestination, and some historical facts concerning
the Norwegian Lutherans during the great predestination controversy.

1881. Celebration of the Decennial Anniversary of the
Founding of New Sweden in Maine. Portland, Me.

It contains a review of the Swedish colony in Maine, founded in 1870 by W
W. Thomas, U. S. Minister to Sweden-Norway.

1881-2. I Amerika. C. E. H. Gestrin, Stockholm, Sweden.

The author resided in this conn try for twelve years, and refers to the Swedish-
Americans.

1882. The Scandinavian Immigration, Rev. W. K.
Prick.

This article appeared in *'The Lutheran Church Review" for Jan. and April,
]882» and deals with the Northmen principally from a religions and statistical
standpoint.

1882. Mormonismen. Rev. J. Telleen.

This small pamphlet refers very briefly to the Scandinavian Mormons.

1882. Fri Menighed i Fri Kirke. Svar paa de 30's Er-
klaring. Prof Georg Sverdrup, Minneapolis, Minn.

This pamphlet advocates individual and congregational liberty as against
high church principles and practices.

1883. Forhandlinger ved Synodalkonferensen i Chi-
cago.

Most of the report is devoted to the position of Prof. F. A. Schmidt in regard
to the predestination question.

1883. Amerikanska Studier. Ernst Beckman, Stock-
holm, Sweden.

It is composed of two parts, one referring to the Swedes in America, and the
other describing the press in the U. S.

284 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE TJ. S.

1883. Foredrag cm Amerika. Isidor Kjellberg, Stock-
holm, Sweden.

A small pamphlet referring to Swedish- American conditions.

1884. Emigrantmissionen. Rev. R. Andersen, Brooklyn,
N. Y.

As an emigrant guide, and as a treatise on the Lutheran work among the
Banish immigrants, it is considered to be quite valuable.

1884. Den Gamle og Nye Retning. Rev. J. A. Bergh,
Chicago, 111.

This pamphlet ia a protest against the free, new, or loose tendency within the
Norwegian-Danish Lutheran Conference.

1884. Betragtninger og Meddelelser fra Amerika. Rev.
P. C. Trandberg, Minneapolis, Minn.

It is virtually an autobiography.

1884-96. Beretning om det Danske Evangeliske Luth-
erske Kiricesamfund.

These reports do not contain any statistics until 1892, but after that time they
are fairly complete.

1885. Bidrag till Utvandringsfr^gan. Gustav Sund-
barg, Upsala, Sweden.

This large volume is a statistical compilation in regard to the emigration
from Sweden, a subject on which the author is recognized as a high authority.

1885-. Svenska Ey. Missions-Forbundets Arsberattelse.

The statistics of the Swedish Mission Covenant of America are undoubtedly
among the worst in Christendom. Up to 1895 unsuccessful attempts were made
to include in the annual reports the ordinary church statistics, but since that
date only the number of ministers and congregations have been mentioned, the
former being about twice as numerous as the latter.

1886. Minne. Rock Island, 111.

This pamphlet contains orations and poems in Swedish, English, German,
Latin, and Greek, all delivered in honor of Br. T. N. Hasselquist on his seventy-
first birthday.

1886. Svenska Kyrkans Historia efter Reformationen.
C. A. Cornelius, Stockbolm, Sweden.

The second volume of this valuable work conlains a history of Eric Janson^s

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 285

sect and of the Angnstana Synod, and refers to many other matters in connection
with the Swedish emigration.

1886. Hvad Jeg Vil. Rev. P. C. Trandberg, Chicago, 111.

It is a general harangue about himself, the Lutherans, and the Congrega-
tionalists.

1887. Fra mit Besog blandt Mormoneme. Rev. And-
reas Mortensen, Kristiania, Norway.

The latter part of the booli: refers to the Scandinavian Mormons.

1887. Skal der Blive Fred? Rev. H. Halvorsen, Chicago.

This pamphlet treats of the disputes in regard to predestination

1888-9. Beretning om det Antimissouriske Broderskab.

These reports do not contain any statistics at all, and apparently are of littls
vaine.

1888-. Statistik ofver Svenska Baptist Forsamlingama.

These reports of the Swedish-American Baptists are fairly well prepared and
quite complete. No statistics, however, are compiled concerning the annual
appropriations which the Swedish Baptists in this country for many years have
received from the American Baptists, sometimes amounting to about $25,000 in
one year. Some information on this point can be secured in the annual reports
of the American Baptist Home Mission Society.

1889. Vitus Bering. Peter Lauridsen, translated by
Prof. Julius E. Olson, Chicago, 111.

This is a biography of the great Banish explorer, the discoverer of Bering
Strait, who was iu the service of Peter the Great.

1889. Address. Rev. C. A. Swensson, Topeka, Kan.

This pamphlet refers to the Swedish-American institutions of learning.

1889. Minnesotas Historia. Robert Gronberger, Min-
neapolis, Minn.

This volume contains nothing in regard to Scandinavian-American history,
except biographies and pictures of about sixty Scandinavians in Minnesota.

1889. Ett HaMr i Nya Verlden. Alexandra Gripen-
berg, Helsingfors, Finland.

The authoress was a delegate to the international woman's congress at
Washington, D. C, in 1888, and afterwards traveled extensively through the
United States, visiting and describing some of the Finnish and Swedish settle-
ments, especially in Pennsylvania and California.

286 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

1890. Vid Hemmets Hard. Rev. C. A. Swensson, Chi-
cago, 111.

This immense volume is, like most of Swensson's productiona, virtually value-
less to an bistoriaUf often being incorrect and misleading. The same is true of
his books "I Sverige" (1890), "Forgat Mig Ej" (1893), and "Again in Svpeden"
(1898). Yet they may be consulted, as several subjects relating to Svpedish-
American history are referred to.

1890. Minnen fr4n en Fard genom Amerika. Axel E.
Lindvall, Karlskrona, Sweden.

The author traveled through this country, and refers to the Swedish-Ameri-
cans.

1890. Frugter fra Northfield-Skolen, og lidt fra Augs-
burg Seminar. M. Shirley, Minneapolis, Minn.

This pamphlet is a ma^s of rambling and bitter tirades against some prom-
inent members of the United Church.

1890. Mindeblade eller Otte Aar i Amerika. Rev. A.
Weenaas, Volden, Norway.

The author gives an historical review of the religious condition of the Nor-
wegian-Americans during 1868-76, especially in regard to the separation of the
Swedes and Norwegians in the Augustana Synod and the formation of the Nor.
wegiaU'DaBish Conference.

1890. Afskeden ogdens Grunde. Rev. P. C. Trandberg,
Chicago, 111.

It contains something concerning the work of the Congregationalists among
the Scandinavians in America.

1890. Festtaler. Chicago, 111.

This pamphlet contains the speeches delivered at the dedication of Luther
College in 1890.

1890. Hvad den Norske Synode Har Villet og fremdeles
Vil. Rev. V. Koren, Decorah, Iowa.

This pamphlet contains the main principles of what the Norwegian Synod
teaches.

1890-. Beretning om den Forenede Norsk Lutherske
Kirke i Amerika,

The statistical tables in the reports of the United Church treat of about half
as many topics as those of the Augustana Synod, but the former occupy almost

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 287

twice as much space as the latter. In half a dozen diSerent places, the Tarions
subjects have beea tablulated ia alphabetic order according to the names of the
pastors, covering nearly 150 pages. All of which could easily have been put
under two headings, thereby saving much space. Besides, on account of the
statistics being classified on a single basis, it is very difficult to find any informa-
tion in regard to a certain congregation if the name of the officiating clergyman
is not known. To ascertain the strength of the United Church in a given state
would require as much labor as to search in a waste-basket for a. pin. Many of
the ministers report as members all the children they have baptized, notwith-
standing that the parents do not belong to the church, and that some of these
children will never attend any service. In fact it is impossible to tell the strength
of the United Church until their methods of keeping statistics have been thor-
oughly reformed.

1891, Amerika. K. Zilliacus, Chicago, 111.

This is only an emigration guide, full of patent medicine advertisements.

1891. Svenskame i Minnesota. Axel A. Ahlroth, St.
Paul, Minn.

Two small pamphlets, containing historical matter regarding several of the
Swedish settlements in Minnesota. The work is unreliable. The writer has
quoted several pages from ^'Svenskame i St. Croix<dalen, Minnesota,'''' by Bobert
Gronberger, without crediting the latter, or in any way indicating that it is not
the writer^s own production.

1891. Den Stora Skilnaden emellan Svenska Stats-
kyrkan och Augustana Synoden. Rev. 0. A. Toffteen, Min-
neapolis, Minn.

This pamphlet contains a general harangue about the merit of the Apostolic
Succession and the shortcomings of the Augnstana Synod.

1891. Hand-Book of Lutheranisra. Rev. J. D. Roth,
Utica, N. Y.

It refers to the Scandinavian-American Lutherans.

1891. En Sommer i Amerika. Anton Nielsen, Odense,
Denmark.

Only a few pages in the beginning of this small book refer to the Danish-
Americans.

1892. Svenskhet i Amerika. Prof. D. Nyvall, Minne-
apolis, Minn.

A small pamphlet referring to various matters concerning Swedish-Americans.

288 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

1892. Amerika-bok. Isidor Kjellberg, Linkoping,
Sweden.

The author traveled in this country, and his pamphlet refers briefly to some
Swedish'American affairs.

1892. Yalda Skrifter. John A. Enander, LL. D., Chi-
cago, 111.

This volume contains some historical information regarding the Swedish-
Americans, especially in regard to the Swedish-American press.

1892. Brydninger i den Forenede Kirke. Rev. K. B.
Birkeland, Minneapolis, Minn.

It is written from the standpoint of a Free Church man, and contains a
history of the disputes in the United Church up to the time of the publication of
the book.

1892. Geschichte der Lutherischen Kirche in Amerika.
Prof. A. L. Graebner, St. Louis, Mo.

It refers to the Scandinavian-American Lntherans.

1892-3. Aterblick ofVer den Fria Missionsverksamheten
bland Svenskame i Amerika. Rev. C. M. Youngquist.

This valuable article, ffiving a complete history of the Swedish Mission
movement in this country, was published in "Hem-Missionaren" in 1892-3.

1892-5. The Alumnus, or the Augustana Journal. Rock
Island, 111.

This magazine, when issued monthly, contained some valuable matters in
regard to the Augustana Synod and its men.

1893. Jubel-Album. Revs. C. A. Swensson and L. G.
Abrahamson, Chicago, 111.

This large volame contains some valuable historical matters conceriiiDg: the
Angustana Synod. It has been severely criticised by some of the leading men of
said organization.

1893. Lutherans in All Lands, Rev. J. N. Lenker, A. M.,
Milwaukee, Wis.

Contains a great deal of valuable historical and statistical matter in regard
to the Scandinavian Lutherans in all countries-

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 289

1893. Courts of Conciliation. Nicolay Grevstad.

Only the last part of this excellent article, published in "The Atlantic
Monthly," November, 1893, relates to the Norwegians in America,

1893. Kort Uddrag af den Norske Synodes Historic.
RcY. Jacob Aall Ottesen, Decorah, Iowa.

• A small pamphlet, but contains a fairly complete history of the Norwegian
Synod.

1893. Blik paa Amerikanske Forhold. H. I. S. Astrup,
Kristiania, Norway.

A small work of little importance.

1893. Augsburgs Historic. Rev. C. Saugstad, Min-
neapolis, Minn.

It contains a brief history of Augsbnrg Seminary,

1893. A History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in the United States. Rev. H. E. Jacobs, New York.

It refers to the Scandinavian Lutheran associations in this country.

1893—. Beretningom Augsburgs Venner and Friklrken.

In these reports no attempt has been made in regard to statistics, excepting
that everything is avoided that might give a cine to the strength of the organiza-
tion.

1894. En Emigrants Resa. A. G. Carlsson, Chicago, 111.

The author's observations are narrated, but the pamphlet is of little value.

1894. Ar Episkopalkyrkans Mission bland Va.ra Lands-
man i Amerika Berattigad? Dr. C. A. Blomgren, Rock
Island, 111.

This pamphlet is a protest against the attempt of the Episcopalians to
proselyte among the Swedes.

1894. Hemlandstoner. K. H. Gez. von Scheele, Stock-
holm, Sweden.

It contains many valuable facts concerning the Augustana Synod and the
Swedish-Americans.

1894. Bland Svenskar och Yankees. Hj. Cassel, Stock-
holm, Sweden.

The author, being a newspaper editor and spending much of his time among
20

290 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

the Swedes in St. Paul, Minn,, has painted in fine colors the virtties and faults of
the people he came in contact with, Ernst Skarstedt says : "This author has
given a better description of the religious, social, and political conditions of
the SwedesJ residing in the American cities than any other writer."

1894. Minde fra Jubelfesteme paa Koshkonong. De-
corah, Iowa.

This volume gives much information about the Norwegian Synod, especially
in regard to its work in Wisconsin, In it is published Kav, A, Bredesen^s
address, containing, besides other matters, an excellent summing up of the
peculiar social conditions prevalent among the Norwegian pioneers.

1894. A Norwegian-American College. Prof. Andrew
Estrem.

This article, published in "The Midland Monthly," June, 1894, contains a good
history of Luther College,

1894. Det Femtende Regiment. O. A. Buslett, Decorah,
Iowa.

This is the most extensive historical and biographical work ou the Scandi-
navian Begiment that has yet appeared. But it is not compiled with the best
care and judgment.

1894. Den Norsk-Danske Methodismes Historic. Paa
Begge Sider Havet. Rev. A. Haagensen, Chicago, 111.

It is supposed to be a complete history of the Norwegian-Danish Methodist
churches, but a large portion of the book is, virtually, only a reproduction of the
annual church reports of the Norwegian-Danish Methodists in this country.
Consequently, it is not a critical or carefully prepared production.

1894. Thomas Brown's Scandinavian Newspaper Di-
rectory. H. O. Oppedale, Chicago, 111.

It contains quite an extensive historical review of several Scandinavian-
American newspapers, as well as some other matters. Some of the informations,
* however, are not very reliable.

1894. Den Forenede Kirke. Rev. T, H. Dahl, Stough-
ton, Wis.

It is written from the standpoint of the "majority," and contains a history
of the disputes in the United Church up to the time of the publication of the
book.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 291

1894. The Norwegians in the United States. Nils P.
Haugen, Washington, D. C.

This speech, containing some valuable hints, w»s delivered at the World's
Fair in Chicago, in 1893,

1894. Redegjorelse for Mine Anker mod Prof. H. Bergs-
land. Rev. 0. S. Meland, Red Wing, Minn.

The object of this pamphlet is to prove Prof, Bergsland's incapacity, and
God is called upon to witness the assertions. Personal spite and religions bom-
bast are the predominant features of this publication,

1894-8. Legal documents in regard to Augsburg Semi-
nary YS. the United Norwegian Church, Minneapolis, Minn.

This collection includes various published briefs and decisions, some of
which give a minute history of some of the Norwegian Lutheran associations
and of Augsburg Seminary,

1895. Den Norsk-Lutherske Kirkes Grundlaggelse i
Amerika. Rev. S. M. Krogness, Kristiania, Norway.

This article was published in "Luthersk Kirketidende" for January 26th,

1895, and appears to be quite valuable.

1895. Gjensvartil Pastor Melandsi?ede^ore/se. Prof.
H. H. Bergsland, Red Wing, Minn.

This is an answer to Eev. O. S, Meland's attack upon the author,

1895. The First Chapter of Norwegian Immigration
(1821-1840). Prof. R. B. Anderson, Madison, Wis'.

The main value of this volume consists of a somewhat minute information
in regard to the doings of each individual of the Sloop party and his or her
descendants. A large portion of the work is virtually a translation of Prof.
Svein Nilsson's articles, published in "Billed-Magazin" in 1868-70. The optimistic
view which the author takes of the Sloop party is hardly, it seems, warranted by
facts. From an historical and literary point of view, the book is lacking in
generalization, and an nnexpectedly large amount of space is devoted to the
author himself and his relatives,

1895. Metodismen i Sverige. Rev. T. M. Erikson,
Stockholm, Sweden,

This voJ.pme refers also to the Swedish Methodists in thisconntry.

292 HISTOEY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

1895. Svenska Metodismen i Amerika. N. M. Liljegren,
N. O. Westergreen, och C. G. Wallenius, Chicago, 111.

This is quite a large volume, and gives a detailed accouat of nearly all
Swedish-American Methodist congregations and clergymen. If the work had
been better generalized, it would have been more valuable. As has already been
stated on pages 209-10 ia this volume, the authors have no authority for asserting
that Dr. C. M. Wrangel was a Methodist.

1895. Enskilda Skrifter af Pastor A. A. Sward. Ernst
Skarstedt, San Francisco, Cal.

This pamphlet contains some brilliant expressions concerning the merits and
shortcomings of some of the Swedish-American poets.

1896. The Scandinavian Contingent. Prof. K. C.
Babcock.

This article was published in "The Atlantic Monthly," May, 1896, and is
well written, but contains nothing new concerning the Scandinavians.

1896. Afholdssagens Historic. Prof. J. L. Nydahl,
Minneapolis, Minn.

The author does not pretend to give a full history of the Scandinavian-
American temperance movement, yet abo it one-sixth of the volume is devoted to
that subject.

1896, Amerika i Vor Tid. Carl W. Moller, Helsingor,
Denmark.

It is only a large emigration guide.

1896. Knute Nelson. L. A. Stenholt, Minneapolis, Minn.

It contains an extensive biography of Enute Nelson, which the author claims
is based upon the authority of Knute Nelson himself.

1896. Immigration. Knute Nelson, Washington, D. C.

This speech, delivered in the United States Senate, contains some valuable
bints in regard to immigration in general.

1896. Samfunds Haandbog. Rev. J. C. Jensson, Min-
neapolis, Minn.

This volume enumerates the institutions conaected, directly or indirectly,
with the United Norwegian Lutheran Church.

1896. A History of the Danes in America. John H.
Bille, Madison, Wis.

This pamphlet is rather incomplete and sometimes unfair ; but at the same

BIBLIOGRAPHY 293

time it is very valnablOf being the only work of its kind, containiDgr also a biblio-
graphy.

1896. Nodvendige Bemarkninger. H. Hjertaas and H,
H. Bergsland, Red Wing, Minn.

It is one of those numerous Norwegian pamphlets dealing with theological
and personal disputes.

1896. Bihang till Minnen, Rev. Gustaf Unonius, Stock-
holm, Sweden.

This pamphlet is a reply to some of the statements made by Rev, E. Norelins
in his large history of the Swedish Lutherans in America. Unonius accuses the
latter author of unfairness, partiality, and misrepresentation. In the first num-
ber of "Tidskrift," 1898, Norelius answers Unonius, and the two old men, both on
the brink of eternity, shake their fists at each other across the Atlantic ocean.

1896-. Beretning om den Forenede Danske Evangelisk-
Lutherske Kirke.

The statistics of this organization are very incomplete and badly generalized

1897. Fra Amerika. Henrik Cabling, Copenhagen,
Denmark,

These two large volumes were written in haste by a Danish editor who
» traveled in this country. From an historical standpoint, the work is more
conspicuous for its faults than for its merits. Nor do the hundred odd pages in
the second volume, dealing with the Norwegians in America and written by P.
Groth, Ph. D., appear to be any better. The latter writer has translated several
of our biographies of Scandinavians in Minnesota, without giving us proper
credit. A Swedish translation by Petrus Hedberg was published in Stockholm,
in 1898.

1897. Det Norske Luther College. Prof. Gisle Bothne,
Decorah, Iowa.

Only a small portion of this volume of nearly 500 pages is an original produc-
tion, the remaining part of the book being a reprint of some catalogues and
other works. Apparently, this publication has not been prepared with care and
good judgment, although the author, who is considered to be a man of ability,
has been working on it for over ten years. Only fourteen pages are devoted to
the biography of Prof. L. Larsen, who for over a third of a century has been the
soul of Luther College, and nine-tenths of the biography relates to the celebra-
tion of his twenty-five years' jubilee, in lS8i ; but some twenty pages are devoted
to men who have been connected with the institution only for a few years. The
author quotes liberally from the expressionaof different individuals, but not a
single one of Prof. Larson's utterances has been mentioned, and virtually no clue
is given In regard to the trials, triumphs, and make-up of this important man*

294 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

who, it aeema, should be treated at consideiable length in a history of an insti-
tution of "which he has been the chief man ever since it was founded.

1897-. Valkyrian. New York.

This excellent magazine, published by 0. K. Johansen and edited by E.
Sundell, contains several articles, in relation to the Swedish-Americans, of great
historical and literary value,

1897. vara Pennfaktare. Ernst Skarstedt, San Fran-
cisco, Cal.

This volume contains biographies of nearly all the Swedish-American editors
and writers, living and dead, with specimens of their productions. It is virtually
the only attempt ever made to produce a history of the Swedish-American litera-
ture, a subject on which the author is undoubtedly the highest authority. The
introductory chapter, especially, gives an excellent and masterly summing up of
the Swedish-American literature.

1898. Pennteckningar och Reseskildningar. F. A. Lind-
strand, Chicago, 111.

It contains some sketches in regard to Swedish-American history.

1898. Svenskame i Worcester, 1868-98. Hj. Nilson and
Eric Knutson, Worcester, Mass.

Contains an historical and biographical review of the Swedes in Worcester.

1898. Red Wing Seminarium. M. G. Hanson og H. H.
Elstad, Red Wing, Minn.

This pamphlet contains a brief and good history of the school of Hauge's
Synod.

1898. Norge i Amerika. L. A. Stenholt, Minneapolis,
Minn.

The presentation is somewhat original, but otherwise no new historical mat-
ters have been produced.

1898. Kort Udsigt over det Lutherske Kirkearbeide
blandt Nordmandene i Amerika. Prof. Tli. Bothne, Chicago,
111.

This ia the first attempt ever made to write a critical history of the different
Norwegian-Americaa Lutheran organizations. Considering the many strifes
which have divided the Norwegian- American Lutherdom into different factions*
in which some of the ablest minds and some of the most stupid simpletons have
participated, it is doubtful if any mortal ever can rightly interpret the pas-

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 295

slons and motives of all the men who have fonght theae theological battles ; and
the author, as he says himself, ia not even a theologian. The constant harangne
againat the oiBoial clasa of Norway is out of place in a church history ; and the
baneful influence which this class has, according to the author, exercised upon
Norwegian-American church affairs, is undoubtedly much exaggerated. Every-
thing considered, it ia no wonder that the book has been saverely criticised, even
by men who can speak with authority, and many errors have been pointed out.
Yet the work appears to have been written in a manly and fearless spirit, and
deserves to be carefully studied by persona who are interested in Norwegian.
American church history.

1898-. Tidskrift. Edited by Dr. E. Norelius, Rock Island,

The reproduction of historical documents in relation to Swedish-Lutheran
congregations, which existed before the Augustana Synod was organized, in 1860,
appears to be the main object of thia magazine, although the first number con-
tains a lengthy discussion in regard to Bev. Gr. Unonius.

1898. History of tlie Swedish Baptists in Sweden and
America. Capt. Gustavus W. Schroeder, New York.

This is the first work of the kind that has appeared so far, but only about
one-fifth of the book deals with the Swedish Baptists. Throughout moat of the
remaining 250 pagea the author carpa at the religious, political, and social con-
ditions of the Swedish people.

111.

1898. Fr4n Canada. Rev. Svante Udden, Rock Island,

This pamphlet gives a history of the work of the Swedish Lutherans in
Canada.

1898, Sverige i Amerika. C. F. Peterson, Chicago, 111.

This large volume is more of a history of civilization in regard to the
Swedish-Americans than a history of facts, being about the only attempt ever
made in that line. It contains also a number of biographies and some statistical
tables ; the latter, however, are not very accurate. Most of the chapters dealing
with Swedish-American churches, schools, laoguage, press, arts, political infla-
ence, etc., constitute a masterly and original presentation of those subjects.

Autobiography of Rev. A. Cedarholm,

This is a small pamphlet translated from the Swedish language into English,
by Mrs. Caroline Cedarholm, It contains no date or place of publication. Eev.
A. Cedarholm appears to have been one of the early Swedish Methodist mission-
aries, both in the American Northwest and in Sweden, The worlc is written in
the most unsystematic manner imaginablOt and as a specimen of religious
enthusiasm and fanaticism it is valuable.

Historical Review of tlie Scandinavians in
Minnesota.

— BY —

0. N. NELSON.

Minnesota occupies the exact center of the North Ameri-
can continent, being located midway between the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans, and between Hudson Bay and the Gulf
of Mexico. In area it is the ninth state in the Union, con-
taining about 84,000 square miles, or nearly fifty-four mil-
lion acres, being half as large as Sweden and six times the
size of Denmark. There are, it is estimated, ten thousand
lakes in the state, and nearly four million acres of land is
covered with water. Minnesota has numerous rivers and
water-courses which drain the country, make navigation
practicable, and furnish power for manufacturing purposes.
One of the w^orld's greatest rivers, the Mississippi, rises in
the northern part of Minnesota. The natural resources of
the state are great and various, mineral and timber abound,
the soil is rich and productive, the scenery is beautiful and
diversified.

I. PlONKERS AND SETTLEMENTS.

It may be said that the history of Minnesota commenced

297

298 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

yesterday. About 200 years ago the Jesuits visited the state,
but at the beginning of the nineteenth century not a single
settlement of the whites existed. In 1823 the first steam-
boat ascended the Mississippi as far as Fort Snelling, which
w^as just then built ; yet, for years after, the savage Indians
^vere, virtually, the sole occupiers of the land on w^hich now
over one and a half million civilized people dw^ell. In 1850
there were only 6,000 inhabitants in the state.

But if the history is brief, the development has been
rapid, and the Scandinavians have, during the whole period,
been powerfiil agents in developing the natural resources and
promoting the intellectual and religious w^elfare of the state.
The marvelous material development of the state is largely
due to the industrious Scandinavian immigrants. Their great
love and fitness for farming, their frugality and energy, have
subdued a wilderness and made it inhabitable for civilized
people. It is true that the Northmen have been the greatest
gainers themselves, for as a general thing they arrived poor,
while they now often live in wealth and splendor. Yet a
state, or a nation as a whole, is always benefited by the
prosperity of its citizens. And an American educator, who
has made special study of the Scandinavians in the North-
west, believes that he can prove that in counties where many
Scandinavians have settled, a more rapid material develop-
ment has occurred than in counties occupied by other
nationalities. His conclusion is perhaps correct. At any
rate, the state and the coming generations are under great
obligations to the Northern immigrants, who by struggle,
hard toil, sufiering, and self-sacrifice laid the material, social,
political, intellectual, and religious foundations of the State

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 299

of Minnesota ; and who, when the Civil War threatened to
destroy the nation, enlisted in the defense of the Union and
of human freedom.

As it is utterly impossible to give the fall facts concern-
ing all the Scandinavian settlements, or even of one-half of
them, only a few of the earliest will be mentioned. At the
end of this article, how^ever, the population of each county
has been enumerated, which maybe of some value in tracing
the migratory movements. But it is to be regretted that
the state census reports for 1865 and 1885 did not enumer-
ate the various nationalities in the different counties of Min-
nesota, and most of the national census reports are also
defective in this respect.

Danish. The man who established the first bank in
Minnesota, in 1853, was a Dane, Dr. C. W. W. Borup, who
settled permanently in St. Paul, in 1848, although he un-
doubtedly had been in the state years before that time,
having been in the far West before 1830. The well-known
Rev. C. L. Clausen is said to have visited that part of Min-
nesota w^here St. Cloud now is located, in company with a
dozen Norwegians, in 1850. The biographies of both these
important men can be found in this volume. But no Danish
settlement seems to have been started in the state very
early, as in 1850, according to the United States census,
there were only one Dane in Minnesota, and 170 ten years
later. Since 1880, however, their number has materially in-
creased, and in 1900 there were in the neighborhood of
40,000 Danish-bom or having Danish parents within the
state.

Norwegian. It is claimed that several Norwegians

300 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

settled below St. Paul on both sides of the Mississippi river
in 1851. In 1852 and 1853, ho-wever, the Norwegians com-
menced to settle in Houston and Fillmore counties, and
Tosten Johnson and Hans Valder were among the very first
Norwegian settlers in Minnesota. According to the United
States census, there were, in 1850, seven Norwegians in the
state, and they numbered nearly 10,000 ten years later.
Since they have greatly increased, and undoubtedly have
exercised a greater power and influence in the commercial
and public affairs of the state than any other single foreign
nationality. In several counties they are the controlling
element in regard to business, politics, and society. South
of an imaginary line drawn due w^est from the Twin Cities,
there is hardly a single city or village of over 500 inhabit-
ants in w^hich there is not some Norwegian merchant or
business man. With some exceptions, especially in the dis-
tricts lying between Minneapolis and Willmar and betw^een
St. Paul and Duluth, where the Swedes greatly predominate,
this is also true of other portions of the state. There must
be at least 300,000 Norwegians of the first and second gen-
erations residing in Minnesota in 1900.

Swedish. One of the first pioneers and Protestant mis-
sionaries among the Indians in Minnesota was a Swede,
Jacob Falstrom, w^ho came to the state before 1819,
in which year Fort Snelling was established ; and, although
he did little or nothing in promoting civilization because he
had degenerated into savagery himself, yet he was a noted
character. He was the Erst Northman in the Northwest.
The first Swedish settlement in the state was commenced
at Marine, Washington county, in 1850, by Oscar Roos and

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIA.NS IN MINNESOTA. 301

two other Swedes. Dr. E. Norelius, in his great work,
De Svenaka Luterska Forsamlingarnas och Svensk-
arnes Historia i Amerika, asserts that the first Swedish
settlers arrived in 1851; this, however, is a mistake. Both
Roos himself and Svenskarne i St. Croi^-dalen, Minne-
sota — the latter is a small but excellent pamphlet by Robert
Gronberger — contradict Norelius. By settlers, in this con-
nection, we refer especially to those who either located in
certain places in company with other Northmen, or tried to
form Scandinavian colonies there. Falstrom and Borup
were traders and adventurers, not settlers.

It may be of interest to notice that a family from the
neighborhood of Motala, Sweden, made a trip exclusively
by boats from that place to Taylor's Falls as early as
1850—51, making one of the most remarkable journeys ever
performed by a Scandinavian immigrant in the nineteenth
century. It took eight weeks to cross from Gothenburg to
New Orleans, and when the party reached St. Louis they
were destitute and starving, but at this juncture they met
the famous Jenny Lind, who assisted them so they could
proceed to their destination.

In no state in the Union, with the probable exception of
Illinois, have the Swedes played such an important part as
they have done in Minnesota. This they have done mostly
because they have been more numerous than the Swedes in
any other state. According to the United States census
there were four Swedes in Minnesota in 1850, twenty years
later they numbered over twenty thousand, and in 1900
there must be at least 280,000 Swedes of the first and
second generations in the state. Excepting the Germans,

302 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

the Sw^edish-bom people in the state are more numerous
than any other foreign-bom nationaHty, but the Norwegians
outnumber them by about 20,000 when both the first and
second generations are taken into account.

II. Causes of iMMIGRATIONjTO-MlNNESaTA.

It is impossible to determine the causes w^hich have been
operative in directing the Northern immigration to Minne-
sota. The great resources of agriculture, timber, and min-
ing ; the varied and beautifiil scenery — all of which resemble
the resources and scenes of the North — might have had some-
thing to do with the movement. The climate of Minnesota,
on the other hand, is extremely dry, and often severe, while
the climate of the Scandinavian countries, on the w^hole, is
moist and temperate ; consequently that could be no induce-
ment. But the chief reason has been, perhaps, the same as
that which directed the movement towards the Northwest
in general, namely, the Scandinavian immigration on a large
scale and the opening of the state for settlement occurred
about the same time. Then add the great impulse and the
direction which the early Scandinavian pioneers gave to the
whole movement, and the question is undoubtedly solved.
Such well-known pioneers as Col. H. Mattson and Rev. E.
Norelius have done a great deal in directing the Swedish
immigration towards the state. The Danish-Norwegian-
American historical literature is very limited, in comparison
with the Swedish, consequently it is no easy task, on account
of lack of materials, to determine who were the real leaders
in directing the Norwegian immigration into the state.
F. S. Christensen undoubtedly did much to draw the atten-

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 303

tion of the Danes towards Minnesota. But the honor and
credit of setthng the state with a good class of people does
not belong exclusively to one or a few, but to hundreds and
thousands of Scandinavian immigrants who induced their
relatives and friends to join them.

III. The Civil and Spanish Wars.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Colonel Hans Mattson
organized, in Goodhue county. Company D, which became
part of the Third Regiment of Minnesota. This company,
containing about 100 men, was composed exclusively of
Scandinavians. Not a single one of them had been drafted,
nor did any of them desert. But the Northmen who en-
listed in that company are small in number in comparison
with the total number of Scandinavians from the state who
fought against the Rebellion. According to the Annual
Report of the Adjutant General of the State of
Minnesota, published in 1866, not less than 1,500 North-
men from the state participated in the defense of the Union,
and fought against the enslavement of men. Of these,
about 25 were Danes, 800 Norwegians, and 675 Swedes.
As the Norwegians were more than twice as numerous in
the state at that time as the Swedes, it is evident that the
latter nationality enlisted in much greater proportion than
the former. In numerous instances the nativity of the sol-
diers is omitted ; and it is not easy to count correctly all the
names in such publications ; hence it is fair to estimate that
2,000 Scandinavians from Minnesota enlisted under the
Stars and Stripes. According to the United States census of
1860, Minnesota had a population of 172,000. Twenty-

304 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

three thousand soldiers, or one-eighth of the total popula-
tion of the state, enlisted under the Union flag ; while at the
same time one out of every six Scandinavians in Minnesota,
as -well as in Wisconsin, fought for his adopted country.

The state of Minnesota has the distinguished honor of
having offered the first volunteer regiment to the federal
government and of having enlisted the first volunteer soldier
in the United States. The Scandinavians in the state flew
to arms at the very beginning of hostities. Nearly fifty
Northmen served in the First Regiment, and more than
three ,times that number fought in connection with the
Second Regiment, in which A. R. Skaro, a Norwegian, was
captain of Company E. But excepting him and Col. H.
Mattson, not a . IBffl? S candinavian from Minnesota rose to
the position even of captaincy, although several held minor
commands.

Attempts were made in Minnesota, chiefly through the
efforts of Christian Brandt, to muster into service a full-
fledged Scandinavian regiment at the outbreak of the Span-
ish War in 1898, but the regiment was not accepted by the
authorities, and the undertaking came to naught. About
ninety Danes, five hundred Svredes and Norwegians, equally
divided between the two nationalities, and a few Icelanders
enlisted in the four volunteer regiments which the state fur-
nished. Many other persons bom in this country of Scan-
dinavian parents also participated, but their number cannot
be ascertained. One person out of every three hundred in
the state enlisted against the Spaniards, and about one out
of every four hundred of the Scandinavian-bom individuals
was engaged in that occupation. Minnesota supphed 5,313

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 305

soldiers, among -whom were some influential Northmen,
notably John Lind, afterwards governor of the state.

IV. Political Influence.

The Northmen have always exercised a great influence
upon the political afiairs of the state. They have often been
able to run politics according to their own sweet will, not
because they have specially excelled in intelligence or politi-
cal sagacity, but on account of their numerical strength.
There is no reason to assume that they, on an average, are
brighter than the Northmen in other portions of the Union;
yet most states might safely try to manage their politics
without much regard to the Scandinavian-Americans. In
Minnesota such an attempt would wreck' any party or
poUtician; and the real or supposed hostility to the Scandi-
navians on the part of the Republican candidate for gov-
ernor in 1898, was one of the causes which defeated him by
over 20,000 votes, although the rest of the state ticket
went Republican by about 40,000 majority. Many of the
Scandinavian politicians in the state are very ordinary
mortals. Some of them cannot write a correct letter either
in their own language or in English. It applies to the
Scandinavians, as w^ell as to the other nationalities, of
course, including the native Americans, what a member of
the state legislature said on the floor of the house of repre-
sentatives: "The first I came here I wondered how I got
here, but'the longer I stay the more I wonder how the rest of
you got here." For it is certainly a surprise to some of the
Scandinavian politicians themselves and to everybody else
"how they got there." There are only a few of the 255

306 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

Scandmavians who have represented their districts in the
two bodies of the state legislature that have had more than
a common school education — some of them have not even
had that — although many of them are men of more than
ordinary ability. For several years past the so-called
leader of the house of representatives has been J. F. Jacob-
son, of Lac Qui Parle county, a coarse-grained, boisterous,
uneducated, bankrupt individual, who "among his col-
leagues was feared rather than trusted." In later years,
however, there has been considerable improvement in regard
to the Scandinavian legislators.

We, of course, do not in any sense intend to say or indi-
cate that the Scandinavian politicians in Minnesota have
not been, both in regard to educational qualifications and in
regard to natural abilities, equal to any other politicians
in the state. On the contrary, they have, perhaps, been
superior to many others, especially as they have had experi-
ence in more than one country, w^hich ought to have a
tendency to make a person broad-minded. And certainly
some of them have made a most excellent record during
their political career, and their names are inseparably con-
nected with the history of the state and nation. Others,
again, have received the highest scholastic training both in
the North and here.

Minnesota was organized as a territory in 1849, and a
state constitution was adopted in 1857. During that time
not a single Scandinavian w^as elected to any of the terri-
torial legislative bodies. Ret . P. A. Cederstam, a Swedish
Lutheran minister, was the only Northman who sat in the
constitutional convention and signed the constitution of

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 307

Minnesota. But the Norwegians were not much behind the
Swedes in regard to Minnesota legislation. For in 1857-8,
Hans Hanson and T. G. Fladeland — both Norwegians —
were in the state legislature, being, therefore, the first Scandi-
navian law-makers in Minnesota. Since over 255 descend-
ants of the Vikings have exhibited their wisdom or ignor-
ance in the arena of the capitol. Of these, 5 were Danes,
170 Norwegians, and 80 Swedes. Some of them, however,
have been re-elected several times. In some years, one out
of every six of the representatives and senators was a
Northman. But the Scandinavian population in the state
constitutes two-fifths of the total, consequently they were
not represented according to their due proportion. The
Norwegians have been more numerous in the state, their
immigration is older, they settle more in the country dis-
tricts, and they take a greater interest in politics than the
Swedes; that is, no doubt, the reasons why they have had a
larger representation. Today (1900) the Germans-born
persons outnumber by far the Norwegians, and the Swedes
nearly equal them; but taking the history of the state as a
whole, the Norwegians have wielded a more powerful politi-
cal influence than the Swedes and Germans put together.
L, J. Stark, in 1865, was the first Swede who served in the
state legislature. Soren Listoe, being the first Dane, entered
ten years later. J. Lindall, Die Peterson, and A. Railson
were in the state senate in 1872, being, therefore, the first
Northmen who r^resented their districts in that body.

There are many counties in the state which have for
years elected Scandinavian county oificials, and in some
counties all the officials are Northmen. In a lecture de-

308 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

livered in 1897, Prof. D. Magnus said: 'Today the Scandi-
navians in Minnesota hold 338 county ofl&ces, and if we
count 16 offices to a county, there is enough of them to fill
every office in 21 counties. In 18 counties they hold the
office of county superintendent of public instruction; in 26,
that of auditor; in 33, that of register of deeds; and in 36,
nearly one-half of all the counties in the state, that of treas-
urer.' There is enough of Scandinavian officials in Minne-
sota to govern a fair-sized kingdom in Europe.

As has been related, they have ever since the state
constitution was adopted been well represented in the two
legislative bodies. But it was not until 1869 that any of
them was elected to a state office. F. S. Christensen seems
to have conceived the idea, and commenced to agitate the
same in his paper, in 1869, which resulted in calling a
Scandinavian convention at w^hich Col. Hans Mattson was
nominated for secretary of state, being shortly after en-
dorsed by the Republicans, and was elected in 1869. At
the Republican state convention where Col. Mattson was
nominated he made the following speech, in w^hich he
undoubtedly echoed the sentiments of the majority of
Scandinavians at that time as w^ell as today: "The time
does not admit of any extensive remarks upon my part,
yet so much has been said lately regarding the Scandi-
navian element that the subject, perhaps, requires an
explanation from me; and as the chosen representative of
the Scandinavian people of this state in the present cam-
paign, I am authorized to express their views, and I do so
from a thorough knowledge of them. It is true that we
have left our beloved land; we have strewn the last flowers

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 309

Upon the graves of our forefathers, and have come here to
stay, come here to live, come here to die. We are not a
clannish people, nor do we desire to build up a Scandinavian
nationality in your midst. You have known us here for
many years; you have seen us corae among you unac-
quainted with your language and your customs, and yet I
know that you will bear me witness how readily and fra-
ternally we have mingled with you, learned your language
and adopted your ways, and how naturally our children
grow up as Americans, side by side with yours. We have
been cordially received in this great West by your own
pioneers, and have become prosperous and happy. Yes, we
love this great country of freedom, and we wish to be and
remain Americans."

Col. Mattson was, of course, elected secretary of state,
being, therefore, the first Scandinavian state official in Min-
nesota, and was re-elected eight years later. Besides him,
John S. Irgens and Frederick P. Brown, both Norwegians, and
Albert Berg, a Swede, have been elected to the same position.
The following Scandinavians have also held high official
positions in the state: for example, Charles Kittelson was
elected treasurer in 1879; A. E. Rice, lieutenant-governor
in 1886; Adolph Biermann, auditor in 1890; and Knute
Nelson and John Lind, governors in 1892 and 1898,
respectively. Knute Nelson was re-elected in 1894, but
resigned the follovring year when he was elected to the
United States senate.

It will thus be seen that the Scandinavians have held
nearly all the important state offices, and generally filled
them with credit. But it will also be observed that the

310 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

positions they have been elected to have not required any
Special training or high scholastic educational qualifica-
tions; natural abilities and experience could fill the bill.
While, for example, the ofiices of attorney-general, superin-
tendent of public instruction, and chief and associate
justices of the supreme court, -which require the highest
college and professional training, have never been held by
any Northmen. They have men in the state who could fill
these places, yet so far they have failed to do so. Knute
Nelson, who w^as elected in 1882, has the honor of being the
first Scandinavian who sat in the United States Congress,
and John Lind, who was elected in 1886, is the first and
only Swede who has ever been elected to that body.
Both these men have represented their constituencies well,
and have been an honor to the race from which they sprung.
Since, Kittel Halvorson and H. E. Boen, both Norwegians,
have also been elected to Congress.

Most of the Scandinavians in Minnesota, as well as in
other states, have been and are Republicans, yet no party
has a mortgage on them, for some of their best educated
men belong to the Democratic, People's, or Prohibition
parties.

It is not our purpose in this article, nor in this volume
for that matter, to advocate any theory of Scandinavism,
yet it is an historical fact that the Danes, Norwegians, and
Swedes in this state have always been on very intimate
terms with each other. In some states the three nationali-
ties live at sword's point. In Minnesota, on the contrary,
they join hands in nearly all great social, financial, political,
and religious undertakings. Many social affairs on a large

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 311

scale are neither Swedisli, Norwegian, nor Danish, but
Scandinavian. At the RepubUcan national convention in
Minneapolis, in 1892, all the Northmen of all political par-
ties organized a Scandinavian club in order to entertain
their visiting countrymen. It is true that petty strifes and
jealousies sometimes occur betw^een them, but, on the whole,
the Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes in Minnesota consider
themselves to be closely related and to have common inter-
ests. A forcible illustration of this was had in 1896,
when John Lind ran for governor on the fusion ticket. He
received by far more Norwegian votes than Swedish, even
in Norwegian Republican counties, as compared with Swed-
ish Republican counties. Many Norwegian Republicans,
no doubt, voted for Lind partly because they admired the
man, and partly because they desired to return a favor to
the Swedes, who had always stood by the Norwegian
Republican candidates.

V. Occupation.

Of course, most of Minnesota's Scandinavians have been
and are common laborers, servants, and farmers. Yet
today there is not a single learned profession in which they
cannot be found, and in some they have distinguished them-
selves and become famous both in this country and abroad.
Some of the Northmen in the state do business amounting
to millions of dollars annually, and pay out thousands of
dollars every year in taxes. There are Scandinavian busi-
ness men in nearly every fair-sized city and village in the
state, and hundreds of lawyers and physicians of Scandi-
navian extraction, especially Norwegian, practice their pro-

312 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

fessions in Minnesota. Literarily the Nortlimen in Minne-
sota are -well supplied. About thirty Scandinavian weekly
newspapers, a feAV monthly publications, and several books
are published in the state. Some of the Scandinavian
editors and writers in the state are famous in the literary
world, both in this country and in Europe. Over one-
fourth of all the Scandinavian-American newspapers and
periodicals are published in Minnesota. Here the North-
men have had intellectual advantages and connections with
their native lands which their countrymen in many other
parts of the Union have never enjoyed. They have had the
pleasure to hear and come in contact with some of the
greatest and noblest men and w^omen that the North has
ever produced. For example, Fredrika Bremer, Ole Bull,
Bjomstjeme Bjomson, Kristina Nilsson, P. Waldenstrom,
and Bishop K. von Scheele visited the state in 1850, 1 877,
1880, 1884, 1889, and 1893, respectively.

VI. Statistics.

According to the census of 1850, there were twelve
Scandinavians in Minnesota. That is, one out of every fifty
persons was bom in the North. In 1860 one out of every
seventeen persons in the state was bom in the Scandinavian
countries; in 1870 and 1880 one out of seven; and in 1890
one out of six. But taking into consideration those who
have Scandinavian parents, two-fifths of the entire popula-
tion of the state are Northmen. Today (1900) there are
in Minnesota about 620,000 Scandinavian-bom or having
Scandinavian parents. No state in the Union has such a
great number or large proportion; in fact, nearly one-fourth

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 313

of all the Northtnen in the United States reside in Minne-
sota, which has seven Scandinavians to each square mile,
while Norway has only thirteen persons to the square mile.
There are more Northmen who reside in Minneapolis than
in any other city in the world, save Copenhagen, Stock-
holm, Kristiania, Gothenburg, and Chicago. Taking into
consideration only the first and second generations, there
are about 40,000 Danes, 300,000 Norwegians, and 280,000
Swedes in the state. In most cases a fair estimate of the
Scandinavian-American population of the first and second
generations may be obtained by multiplying the number of
Scandinavian-born by 2%. In Minnesota, however, this is
not exactly true in regard to the Swedes and Norwegians.
According to the United States census of 1890, each of these
nationalities in the state numbered about 100,000 persons
born in the old country, but counting also those w^ho had
Norwegian parents, the number was 195,764, against 155,-
089 Swedish-bom or having Swedish parents. Considering
the omission which all census reports are guilty of, and the
increase of population since 1890, it is undoubtedly a con-
servative estimate to add about 100,000 to each of the two
nationalities. The greater number of persons bom in this
country of Norwegian parents, in comparison w^ith the same
class among the Swedes, is due mostly to the earlier immi-
gration of the former people; and this fact is one of the
main causes why the Norwegians in the Northwest have
been able to exercise a greater influence than the Swedes in
the public affairs. A large proportion, probably a majority,
of the leading public and professional men among the Nor-
wegians in this state and elsewhere were bom in this

314 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

country of Norwegian parents who w^ere able to give their
sons a good start in life. The second generation of the
Sw^edes in the state are just beginning to come to the front.
Ten years ago they were virtually an unknown quantity as
far as political and professional activity is concerned.
According to the state census of 1895, there w^ere 16,143
Danish-born persons residing in Minnesota; 107,319 Nor-
wegian-bom; and 119,554 Swedish-bom. No statistics or
even estimates can be given in regard to Scandinavians of
the third generation w^hich, especially among the Norwe-
gians, is quite numerous. A fourth generation of Scandi-
navian-Americans cannot be said to exist yet. According
to the state census of 1895, there resided in Minnesota
7,652 Finns and 457 Icelanders. Most of the former nation-
ality have settled in the northern part of the state, espe-
cially in St. Louis county, where nearly half of the total
number lived. Of course, a large proportion of these Finns
are virtually Svredes. Nearly all the Icelanders in Minne-
sota seem to reside in Lyon and Lincoln counties. But as
an illustration of the defectiveness of statistics, it may be
mentioned that although about fifty or sixty Icelanders live
in Minneapolis, no one is put down for that place in the
state census of 1895.

HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 315

TABLE XII.

Showing the Number of Scandinavians Born in the Scandinavian
Countries, and the Total Population in Each County of Min-
nesota.

U. S. CENSUS OF 1860.

Counties.

Aitkin

Anoka

Becker

Beltrami

Benton

Big Stone ,

Blue Earth

Brown

Carlton

Carver

Cass

Chippewa

Chisago

Clay

Cook

Cottonwood. ..

Crow "Wing

Dakota

Dodge ,

Douglas

Faribault.

Fillmore

Freeborn

Goodhue

Grant

Hennepin

Houston

Hubbard

Isanti

Itasca

Jackson

Kanabec

Kandiyohi

Kittson

Lac qui Parle.

Lake

Le Sueur

Lincoln

Lyon ■. .

McLeod

Marshall

Martin

Meeker

Mille Lacs

Hi BH

2
2,106

627

4,803

2,389

6,106

150

1,7<3

269

9,093

3,797

195

. 1,335

13,542

3,367

8,977

STATE CENSUS OP 1875.

12,849
6,645

284
51

181
30
76

248
5,318

151

928

108

319

16
40

29
9

20
151
104

66
801

153

1
123

570

22
76
798
629
22
72

1,140
25
367

420
28

530
1,'

942
1,018
6,753
8,004
5,192

474
2,
2,922

'i26

117

579
3
31
95
394
246

120
551
64

304
195

23
43
452
114
114
1,312

193

365
32

960

3,856

124
2,676

257

2,006

151

1,719

74
1,454

■<■<

205
5,709
2,256

1,974

305

20,942

9,815

495

13,033

239

2,977

6,046

1,451

215

2,870

1,031

17,360

10,045

6,319

H,131

28,337

13,189

28,500

1,191

48,725

16,566

3,901

3,506

311

8,083

1,428

161

13,237

412

2,543

8,651

3,738
8,626
1,300

STATE CENSUS OF 1895.

253

892

242

157

211

267

258

209

1,945

116

1,917

250

71
19

8
820
196
610

73
148
268

27 1

257
315

1,616
225
127
607
969
781
295
53
133

2,054
90

8,186
103
931
511
898

1,065

1,484

1,191

1,'

2,647

3,513

1,754
12,762

1,779
26
62
72

1,194
85

2,452
571

2,873
143
60
690

1,065
165

1,907
243
664
119

953
1,215

657

951

187

1,146

1,127

4,780

1,341

253

850

787

2,824

228

365

3,731

922

22,480

238

4,346

210

257

1,423

3,009

1,831

48;~

581
336
205
478
182

2,696
822

3,311
877

5.224
11,181
18,726

1,364

7J93

7,477
32,295
18,431

7,458
17,667

3,425
10,805
13,118
15,154
427
10,187
11,561
21,315
12,753
16,942
20,139
28,599
21,188
32,268

7,987

217,798

15;556

2,447
10,195

3,965
12,-324

2,714
16,322

6,289
12,687

2,211
20,916

7,196
12,425
19,134
12,072
13,981
17,889

6,129

316 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

TABLE XII.— Continued.

U. S. CENSUS OF 1860.

STATE CENSUS OF 1875.

STATE CENSUS OF 1895.

Counties.

is
a

1
1

618
3,217

29
3,773

SI
118

"■"u

16
2,209

229
1,033

162

14
88

112
1,377

131

2,722
13,682

1,329
11,525

2,750

172

370

302

321

116

257

1,412

509

158

182

372

183

154

755

l.S

296

116

376

1,874

852

491

372

4.388

743

5,740

228

322

8,048

2,618

3,087

568

1,820

1,399

1,137

861

4,199

243

392

135

755

642

800

1,847

981

185

129

221

634

461

1,168

851

514

316

2,894

1,457
237
654

1,540
781
317
86

2,763

1,961
123

2,625

721

10,665

377

1,347

315

676

9,013
124
720

1,131
559
45
411
840
923
983
534
213
309

3,230
856
221
173

3,016
503

19,163

21,546
9,322
14,299
11,905
13,470

Nicollet

Nobles

Norman

Olmsted

9,524
240
92

136
124

1,064
2,619

49
618
102

20,946

9,174

795

22,316

Otter Tail

39,453
8,631

Pine

Pipestone

7,115

Polk

240

4
1

159

110

369
1,368

565

186
1,594
1,366

389

321

1,437

78
431

937
4,078

36,333
2,982
6,878

20,622
1,861

39,209
11,607

Pope

12,150

147,537

13,533

245
7,5*3

21,818

26,837
8,597

Rock

3,493

406
4,595

723
3,609
4,505
2,863

3
53

2
66
312

2
12

223
227
124
166
367
660
208
807
263

28
240

15
680
159
721
126
870
171
1,033

310

212

187

494

110

202

■■"'509

■■■■2i9

1,607

381

183

1,564

3,517

12,394

3,018

8,884

17,797

10,739

786

2,269

3,818

100

17,296

210

9,994

14,751

4,024

528

27,;J85

13,775

2,484

78,675

15,035
7,137

Sherburne

Sibley

16,436

39,925

15.798

Stevens

6,543

Swift

11,846
17,674

Todd

430

6,064

7,228

18,687

Wadena

6,076

2,601
6,123

16
77
30
11
114
14
1

14,713

Washington

27,417
10,262

Wilkin

40
9,208
3,729

6,200

Winona

Wright

37,134
27,653

Yellow Medicine..

12,681

Total

172,023

4,052

53,766

30,507

597,407

16,143

107,319

119,554

1,574,619

Historical Review of tlie Scandinavian Scliools
in Minnesota.

— BY —

J. J. SKORDALSVOLD.

The state of Minnesota is not lacking in higher institu-
tions of learning. On the contrary, time and again
academies and colleges have been equipped for efficient work
long before students could be secured in sufficient numbers
to form good-sized classes. And pupils of Scandinavian
stock are -welcome at all kinds of schools. Yet the Scandi-
navians of the state have made and are still making strenu-
ous efforts to build up and equip schools of their own, which
must necessarily compete with other private and public
institutions of the same kind.

The earliest Scandinavian schools were started by
Lutheran church people for the purpose of educating minis-
ters, and teachers for parochial schools; and three-fourths of
those which have survived the ordeal of competition are
still controlled by men who support this work for the sake
of keeping their countrymen within the fold of the church of
their forefathers, and of making them, if possible, better and
nobler American citizens than it is supposed they would

317

318 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

have been if those particular educational advantages had
not been offered to them. The great bulk of the work per-
formed at this class of schools is of a decidedly secular
nature. But in many cases the secular branches are taught
mainly in order to secure attendance in our age of commer-
cialism. In the course of the last few years some business
colleges have been started by young Scandinavians as busi-
ness enterprises pure and simple. These have had even
greater odds than the former to contend against, and some
of them have expired after a short and troublous career.

No less than a score of educational institutions in Min-
nesota are owned and controlled by Scandinavians. About
one-half of the w^hole number devote more or less time to
Hebrew or the classical languages, and a majority of them
offer business courses. Over two thousand young persons
have graduated from these institutions during the last quar-
ter of the nineteenth century, and nearly one-third of them
completed a theological course in Lutheran seminaries.
Today (1900) about 160 professors and teachers are
engaged in teaching over 3,000 students w^ho attend Scandi-
navian schools in the state. These institutions represent a
value of about half a million dollars.

A large majority of the students were bom in America,
but over ninety per cent of them are of Scandinavian extrac-
tion. The Scandinavian languages are losing ground from
year to year in these schools, and in most of them English is
used almost exclusively in daily intercourse. It is worthy of
note that very many young Americans of Scandinavian
stock will rather attend schools managed by Scandinavians
than other schools even when the latter are better equipped:

SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA. 319

they feel more at home among their own kinsmen. As a
rule, those who attend schools managed by Scandinavian
church people learn to take life seriously, and in after life
they are found to be the strong men and women of their
communities. The more ambitious ones continue their
studies in the state university or some university in the
Bast, and a few of them will round off their education in
Europe.

None can be more fond of American liberty than are the
Scandinavians, none can be more ardently devoted to the
essentials of American civilization. And yet it must be
admitted that their leading minds do not take kindly to the
idea of being unconditionally swallowed up and losing their
identity in the new nation, to the up-building of which they
contribute such a great share. They believe they furnish
good timber for this nation ; they also believe they ought to
have something to say about the construction of it. This
sentiment has found its loftiest expression in their schools.

The clergy, especially that of the Norwegian Synod
and the Augustana Synod, have worked hard and persist-
ently for regular parochial schools, and the result is that
such schools are taught at least tv^o months a year in most
of the congregations. They are generally located in public
school houses or church buildings, and are taught when the
public schools are closed. Quite a number of congregations
have built parochial school houses, especially in the southern
part of the state, and in certain parts of Goodhue county,
for instance, they are about as numerous as the public
school houses.

A few words must also be said about the relation of the

320 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Scandinavians to other schools in the state. One of the first
concerns of a Scandinavian after he has settled on a piece of
land is to provide some sort of schooling for his children ;
and no matter ho-w seriously he may take religious affairs,
an English common school education is apt to find great
favor with him. He wants a cheap teacher, how^ever, and
he is generally in favor of as short terms as possible. About
one-half of the pupils of the public schools of Minneapolis
are of Scandinavian blood.

Swedish. Gustavus Adolphus College, in St. Peter,
practically dates from 1862. In that year Rev. E. Norelius
started a school in Red Wing, but the next year it was
removed to East Union, Carver county, and named St.
Ansgar's Academy. In 1874 twenty-three prominent mem-
bers of the Minnesota Conference formed a corporation for
the purpose of establishing and maintaining "an institution
of learning and instruction in the arts and sciences," and in
the course of the next tw^o years a suitable building w^as put
up in St. Peter. In 1876 the academy mentioned above vras
removed into the new^ building. From that time the school
has been known as Gustavus Adolphus College, and it
is supported and controlled by the Minnesota Conference
of the Swedish Lutheran Augustana Synod. The growth of
it has been steady and vigorous, and for years past it has
ranked with the best colleges of the Northwest. It com-
prises college, academic, commercial, musical and normal
departments. The main object of the school is to give young
people "a thorough liberal education, based upon and
permeated by the principles of Christianity as confessed by
the Lutheran Church," and some aspect of the Bible or of

SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA. 321

the history of the church receives marked attention in every
class. "A musical atmosphere pervades the entire institu-
tion," says the catalogue, and great efforts have been put
forth to make the conservatory of music correspond to the
fastidious demands of a musical race. The library contains
9,000 volumes; the specimens in the museum number several
thousand; and the laboratory is well supplied v^ith chemical,
physical, mathematical and astronomical apparatuses. The
Minnesota Conference has always treated this college gener-
ously, and the faculty has been a strong one. And yet the
high standing of the institution is very largely due to the
eminent fitness of Prof. M. Wahlstrom as president, which
position he has held since 1881. There are sixteen profes-
sors and instructors, several of "svhom hold doctors' degrees
from the leading universities of Sweden and this country.
About 220 students have graduated from the college, and
the Augustana Theological Seminary at Rock Island, 111.,
drav7S some of its best material from this source. The
attendance is about 300, more than one-fourth of whom are
ladies. The campus, vsrhich is twenty-five acres in extent,
commands a fine view of the surrounding country. There
are six college buildings, the largest one of which is a
massive structure of Kasota stone. The current expenses
amount to about $18,000 a year, and the value of the col-
lege property is $75,000.

The Northwestern Collegiate and Business Institute, in
Minneapolis, was established by Rev. E. A. Skogsbergh, in
1885, and he has been closely connected with the school
since that time. At present it is owned and operated by a
corporation, the most of whose members are co-operating

322 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

■with the Swedish Mission Covenant. For years past the
annual enrolment has been about 150. There are from eight
to ten instructors, and the school offers four courses of study.

Crookston College, in the city after which it is named,
was established in 1896, without capital, and it is owned
by private parties. Its catalogue offers about ten courses of
study, and the work is carried on by as many instructors.
In later years the attendance has been not far from 300. The
college property is worth at least $7,500.

Hope Academy was founded at Moorhead in 1888 by the
Red River Valley District of the Minnesota Conference of the
Swedish Augustana Synod, and was discontinued in 1896.
The faculty consisted of five members, and the school offered
the same number of departments. The enrolment for the
last year of its existence -was 84.

Emanuel Academy was founded in Minneapolis in 1888
by members of the Augustana Synod, and was discontinued
in 1892. Five instructors -were employed in the course of
the last year of its existence, and the enrolment for that
year was 91.

Norwegian. Augsburg Seminary, in Minneapolis, has
passed through many vicissitudes. The Norwegian mem-
bers of the Scandinavian Augustana Synod decided to estab-
lish a theological seminary of their own in 1869, and this
was located at Marshall, Wis. It was named Augsburg
Seminary, though, in the words of its first president, "many
may have desired a name of a more Northern origin." A
building originally erected for school purposes was bought
for $4,000, and the work was begun under favorable aus-
pices. But a part of those Norwegians who were in the

SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA. 323

deal organized themselves into a new association, the Nor-
wegian-Danish Evangelical Lutheran Conference, in 1870,
and the professors and students left the building almost to
a man and continued their work in connection with the ne-w
association. The class was crowded into Cooper's Hall, the
dimensions of w^hich were 18x10 feet and eight feet to the
ceiling. In the winter of 1870-71 there were two professors
and about a score of students, and they were all contending
against grim poverty and other odds of an equally serious
nature. In 1872 the school vras removed to its present
location. Rev. O. Paulson having been instrumental in
securing grounds and erecting a suitable building. Indeed,
his efforts in this respect have justified his friends in calling
him " the father of Augsburg." Prof A. Weenaas was the
president of the seminary from the start to the spring of
1876. He was an able man, and his main strength lay in
his ability to arouse fanatical enthusiasm in his associates —
he was a typical Norwegian-American chieftain in religious
warfare. The removal to Minneapolis marks an era of
expansion, not only of Augsburg Seminary, but of the Con-
ference as well. Since 1873 Prof Sven Oftedal has occupied
a chair of theology, and Prof G. Sverdrup has served as
president since 1876. For a quarter of a century these two
men have made Augsburg Seminary the great storm centre
of the Norwegian Lutheran church in America, and their
work is of such character that it may yet take decades
before the historian can put it in its true light. It may be
said even at this stage, however, that they aim at the
greatest possible simplification of religious doctrines ; con-
gregational independence ; and a vigorous religious life in

324 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S

the individual. During the seventies the seminary was
loaded down with debt, but Prof. Oftedal succeeded in rais-
ing $18,000 for the liquidation of it. During the years
1890-93 the seminary was operated under the auspices of
the United Church, and it w^as officially regarded as the
theological seminary of said association. But as the board
of trustees failed to transfer the property to the United
Church, the latter "removed" its seminary from the Augs-
burg buildings into rented quarters in the summer of 1893.
Those w^ho remained at Augsburg, and their friends, on the
contrary, have always maintained that at this critical
moment the United Church simply withdrew from Augsburg
and started a " new " seminary of its own. In the course of
time the Augsburg faction w^as organized into the Free
Church, and the controversy between this body and the
United Church about the ownership of the Augsburg Semi-
nary property aroused great bitterness, and many harsh
words were used. The matter was fought in the courts from
1896 to 1898, which involved a combined expenditure of
about $17,000. In the summer of 1898 the case was settled
by mutual agreement to the effect that the Augsburg Semi-
nary corporation should keep the property, while an endow-
ment fund amounting to about $39,000 was to be turned
over to the United Church. Legally, the seminary is owned
and controlled by a corporation. There are eight profes-
sors, and the seminary offers three departments, namely, a
preparatory, a classical and a theological. About 260
students have been graduated from the theological, and 120
from the classical department. The annual enrolment is
about 200. The present value of the property is $60,000.

SCANDIKAYIAN SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA. 325

Red Wing Seminary is the college and theological semi-
nary of Hauge's Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This institu-
tion was located in Red Wing and at its present quarters
largely through the prompt and timely action of a single
man, H. M. Sande. From the middle of the fifties to the
latter part of the seventies, several attempts to establish a
permanent seminary were made in said synod, but without
success. In the fall of 1877 Sande was advised that the
building now used by Red Wing Seminary could be bought
for $10,000, though it had cost about $20,000. He and a
few of the leading men of the synod felt confident that the
synod would buy the property, and in order to prevent it
from passing into other hands before the synod was able to
take the necessary formal steps to make a purchase, he
bought the property at his own risk Jan. 8, 1878. As soon
as possible the synod endorsed his action, and March 1,
1878, the property was deeded to the synod. The seminary
was publicly opened Sept. 17, 1879, with Rev. I. Eisteinsen
as president. Prof. G. O. Brohough has been teaching in the
school since its opening, excepting the years 1893-95. No
president has been retained for any great length of time,
and seven different men have served in that capacity since
the seminary was opened. There are two departments, a
theological and a preparatory ; and the former is in charge
of three professors, the latter of four. The work has been
hampered by frequent changes in the faculty ; but the school
has turned out a large number of able and fearless men who
generally are a power for good in their spheres of action.
Over one hundred young men have graduated from the
preparatory, and about eighty from the theological depart-

326 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

ment. Over seventy of the latter have entered the ministry
of the Gospel. Graduates from the preparatory department
may enter the State University without examination. The
total annual enrolment is from 140 to 150. Some money
has been raised for a new dormitory, which will be named
after H. M. Sande. The value of the property is $20,000.

St. Olaf College, at Northfield, was originally called St.
Olaf s School. Rev. B. J. Muus may justly be called the
father of this institution, for he w^as the soul and backbone
of the movement which resulted in its establishment. A
number of prominent members of the Norwegian Synod
held a meeting in Northfield Nov. 6, 1874, and adopted arti-
cles of incorporation for the school, and this w^as finally
opened Jan. 8, 1875, in a frame building formerly used as
a public school house. The school was removed into quar-
ters of its ow^n in the fall of 1878. To begin w^ith, it w^as
only an academy; but in 1886 a college department was
added. ,The languages predominate in the collegiate depart-
ment, and even Hebrew is taught in the classical courses.
The college w^as originally owned and controlled by a cor-
poration, most of w^hose members joined the United Church
in 1890, and in 1899 the ownership and control of the
institution were formally transferred to the United Church,
the articles of incorporation being amended so as to substi-
tute this body for the old corporation. Prof. Th. N. Mohn
served as president from 1875 to 1899, and at the latter
date Rev. J. N. Kildahl w^as elected to succeed him. The
faculty is composed of a dozen members. For a number of
years Prof. H. T. Ytterboe devoted his whole time to his
duties as financial secretary, and his success in collecting

SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA. 327

Yoluntary contributions to the college was very great.
About 55 persons have graduated from the collegiate, 220
from the academic department. The attendance -was stead-
ily decreasing for years, the enrolment for 1891-92 being
184; that of 1897-98, 113. The property of the college is
valued at $40,000.

Luther Seminary, the theological seminary of the Nor-
wegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod, was established in
1876, at Madison, Wis., where it remained until 1888.
During this period Prof. F. A. Schmidt and Prof. H. G.
Stub successively served as president of the institution.
The work carried on here during the eighties w^as marred
by doctrinal controversies, in Avhich Prof. Schmidt vsras the
central figure, and in 1886 only seven students ■were in
attendance. Nevertheless, over fifty young men vrere
graduated from the seminary while it was located at Madi-
son. In 1888 the seminary was removed to Minneapolis,
where the school building of Our Savior's Church served as
temporary quarters during the winter of 1888—89. In the
faU of the latter year it was removed to Robbinsdale, where
it was located in a magnificent building erected for the pur-
pose at a cost of $30,000. This building was destroyed by
fire Jan. 11, 1895, and for the next four years the work of
the seminary -was carried on in a frame building in Robbins-
dale, which formerly had been used as a hotel. With
admirable determination the synod secured new grounds at
Hamline, St. Paul, on which a building was put up at a cost
of $60,000, and the seminary has been located there since
the fall of 1899. The seminary offered only a practical
course during the years 1876-78, but a theoretical course

328 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYAINS IN THE U. S.

was added at the latter date. At first only two professors
w^ere employed, but for a number of years past the faculty
has consisted of four professors. Prof. J. B. Frich has
served as president since 1888. This seminary in one respect
holds a unique position, being the only Scandinavian-Amer-
ican institution of learning which educates ministers, but
w^hich has no other department connected with it as a
feeder to the theological department. The main reason
given for this isolation is, that it- is not desirable that
young men should be kept constantly under the influence of
the same mind or minds from the time they enter col-
lege until they enter the ministry — ^it -would stunt their
mental development and make them caricatures of some
favorite teacher or teachers. The whole number of gradu-
ates up to date is about 225, and the attendance is about
45. The value of the seminary property is at least $80,000.
The United Church Seminary, Minneapolis. In 1886 the
Anti-Miss ourians established a theological class in connec-
tion with St. Olaf College, at Northfield, Minn. ; but when
the Anti-Missourians, in 1890, joined two other associa-
tions in organizing the United Church, the professors, M. O.
Bockman and F. A. Schmidt, removed from Northfield to
Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis, which institution was to
be the theological seminary of the United Church. But
as the old board of trustees of Augsburg Seminary failed
to transfer the property, the United Church "removed" its
seminary and located it in rented quarters at the corner of
Franklin and Twenty-sixth avenues south, Minneapolis.
This occurred in 1893, and since that year the institution
has been known by its present name. Prof. M. 0. Bockman

SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA. 329

has served as president since 1893. There are nine profes-
sors and instructors, and the annual enrolment is about
200. The number of graduates* is about 150 from the theo-
logical, and 40 from the classical department. In 1899 the
United Church resolved to discontinue the college depart-
ment in the spring of 1900, leaving the school a theological
seminary pure and simple. At the same time it was also
resolved to secure permanent grounds and to erect buildings
for the seminary in or near the Twin Cities.

The United Norwegian Lutheran Church, at the time of
its organization in Minneapolis, in 1890, resolved to estab-
lish a teachers' seminary. Accordingly, the Normal School
of said church association was built at Madison, Minn.
The dedication of the first building took place Nov. 10,
1892, and ever since that date the work at the school has
been carried on with great regularity. The school is man-
aged by a board of regents and a board of trustees elected
by the annual meetings of the United Church. As indicated
by the name, "the aim of the school is to qualify young
men and -women for teachers in our public schools and in
the Norwegian parochial schools." Only two courses, a
preparatory and a normal, are offered, and English and
Norwegian are the only languages meddled with. On the
whole, the program of this school is comparatively modest,
and perhaps for that very reason its attendance has been
growing rather slowly. But the work is done thoroughly
and enthusiastically, and as a power for good this institu-
tion stands high. For years the work has been performed

* For the years 1891-93 the graduates of the United Church Seminary, as given by
its catalogue, are the same as those given by the catalogue of Augsburg Seminary.

330 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

by five instructors, under the able and popular leadership of
Prof. 0. Lokensgaard, and the annual enrolment is about
120. The value of the main building is $26,000, and a
dormitory has just been erected at a cost of $10,000.

The Willmar Seminary, at Willmar, has been in opera-
tion since the fall of 1883. It was established through the
efforts of members of the Norwegian Synod, and it is owned
by a corporation which was organized in 1882 and reorgan-
ized in 1890. The school offers five courses; but these actu-
ally embrace more than some schools parading twice that
number of courses in their catalogues. There are eight pro-
fessors and instructors. H. S. Hilleboe, who for a long
series of years held the position of president, deserves special
mention because he was the chief instrument in building up
the school. In the early nineties the attendance reached
almost 400 ; but hard times and competition reduced it very
materially. The annual enrolment now^ averages about
225, and it is on the increase. The whole number of grad-
uates is about 160. The cost of the establishment is
$20,000, and it now affords class-room accommodation for
500 students.

The Lutheran Ladies' Seminary, at Red Wing, is the
only Norwegian school of its kind in America. From the
start it has been owned and operated by a corporation
whose members belong to the Norwegian Synod. A dozen
persons are connected with the school as instructors, and it
offers seven courses of study, four of which cover five years
each. The number of branches taught is great, ranging from
cooking and dressmaking to German, French and Latin. The
corporation has made strenuous efforts to render the school

SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA. 331

a first-class institution of learning, and its cai'eer since it
was established, in 1894, has been encouraging. The dis-
cipline is very strict. The attendance for the first year in
the history of the seminary was 57, but in the course of time
this number has more than doubled. The seminary building
is a noble structure, and large enough to accommodate 150
students. "The seminary grounds are unsurpassed," and
occupy eighteen acres. The whole property is worth
$80,000.

Luther Academy, at Albert Lea, was opened in the fall
of 1888. It was estabhshed and is still owned and con-
trolled by a corporation within the Norwegian Synod.
"Luther Academy aims to build up character and manhood
on Christian principles," and "rehgious instruction is given
a prominent place among the branches taught." The school
ofiers six branches of study, and the class work is conducted
by an equal number of instructors. The whole number of
graduates up to date is over one hundred, and the annual
enrolment is from 150 to 200. The main building is a large,
fine brick structure, and the value of the whole property is
$25,000.

Concordia College, at Moorhead, has been in operation
since 1891. It is owned and managed by a corporation
within the United Church, and its chief aim is to educate
teachers for public and parochial schools. It offers classical,
normal, business, music and domestic industry courses, and
the number of instructors is from six to twelve. The aver-
age annual enrolment is about 250, and the whole number
of graduates up to date is nearly 100. The value of the
property is $40,000.

332 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

The Park Region Luther College, in Fergus Falls, was
opened in 1892. It was established by ministers and lay-
men of the Norwegian Synod and is controlled by a corpo-
ration. The school offers a commercial and an academic
course, and the studies are especially adapted to the needs
of those who intend to teach public and pa.rochial schools.
There are six professors and instructors ; the w^hole number
of graduates from the school is about 60 ; and the annual
enrolment is almost 200.

Glenwood Academy, at Glenwood, has been in opera-
tion since 1894. It is owned and managed by a corpora-
tion composed wholly of members of the Norwegian Synod.
The school offers only four courses of study, but each one is
quite comprehensive, and the work is thorough. The annual
enrolment is about 100. The property belonging to the
school is worth $8,000.

The Minnesota Normal School and Business College is
located in Minneapolis. It was established in 1896. In
1899 its proprietors bought the Minneapolis Normal Col-
lege, which institution was opened at Crookston, Minn., in
1893, but w^as removed to Minneapohs.in 1894. The con-
solidation of the two schools raised the attendance of the
former to about 400. The catalogue offers almost a dozen
different courses of study, and the faculty numbers almost
a score of professors and instructors.

The Southern Minnesota Normal College, at Austin,
was started at Kenyon, Minn., in 1895, and was removed
to its present location in 1897. The enrolment for the year
1897-98 was 207, and since that time the attendance has
materially increased. The corps of professors and instruct-

SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA. 333

ors numbers ten, more than half of whom devote their
whole time to the work in the school. There are about ten
different courses of study; and the value of the property
belonging to the institution is $7,000.

Wraaman's Academy has been in operation in South
Minneapolis since 1890. Its enrolment never reached 100,
and the present attendance is about 20.

Northwestern Free Church Mission School has been at
Belgrade since 1897. Its aim is religious edification and
instruction, and its attendance is about 50.

Danish. The Danebod High School, at Tyler, is an
adaptation, on American soil, of the unique Danish institu-
tions knowTi for the past fifty years as "the people's high
schools." Accordingly, the students at Danebod may
choose any study they please; there are no examinations;
no degrees are conferred; only practical and character-build-
ing branches are taught; and the boys attend in winter, the
girls in summer. The school dates from 1888, and is
owned by a corporation; but the buildings are rented by
A. Bobjerg, the principal. The enrolment is about 60. The
property of the school is worth $5,000.

The above account includes all Scandinavian schools of
any account in this state; but we have intentionally left
out several defunct schools which -we did not consider to be
of such importance as to deserve mention in this work.

Other Institutions. The attendance at the four state
normal schools is about 3;000. Of this number, about 525,
or 18 per cent, are evidently of Scandinavian parentage.
It is estimated that 40 per cent of the population of the
state are of Scandinavian stock; hence the Scandinavians

334 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

do not furnish quite one-half of their natural share of the
attendance at the Minnesota state normal schools. Only
thirteen per cent of the university students are of Scandi-
navian extraction; but they constitute forty per cent
of the attendance at the agricultural school connected
with the university. The former percentage is surprisingly
low. But this is not due to any interference from the Scan-
dinavian schools. In fact, the latter seem to serve as feed-
ers to the university. The main cause is the general dis-
inclination of the rich Scandinavian farmers to keep their
children in a purely secular school which requires the
student to toil on for years and years before his education
is finally finished, and which even at the best does not
offer any highway to wealth or honor. This statement is
indirectly substantiated by the fact that a very large pro-
portion of this class of students have to fight their way
single-handed through their university course. Prof. 0. J.
Breda for a number of years occupied the chair of Scandi-
navian languages and literatures at the State University,
and his acknowledged scholarship made him one of the
strongest men at that institution. In 1899 he removed to
Norway, and J. S. Carlson, an able educator, succeeded
him. The number of Scandinavian professors and instruct-
ors in the state institutions is strikingly small. At Carle-
ton College, Northfield, a Scandinavian department has been
in operation since 1885, and twenty per cent of the stu-
dents at that college are of Scandinavian stock. Prof. D.
Magnus is at the head of .the Scandinavian department,
and through his efforts many of his young countrymen and
countrywomen have been induced to attend this college.

Historical Review of tlie Scandiaaviaa
Churches in Minnnesota.

— BY —

O. N. NELSON AND J. J. SKORDALSVOLD.

The Scandinavians iiave been powerful agents in pro-
moting the intellectual and religious welfare of the people
of the state of Minnesota. One of the first pioneers and
Protestant missionaries among the Indians in Minnesota
was a Swede, Jacob Falstrom, who came to the state before
Fort Snelling was established, in 1819; and, although he
did little or nothing in promoting civilization because he
had degenerated into savagery himself, yet he was a noted
character. He was the Grst Northman in the Northwest.
Since that time some other Scandinavians have endeavored
to Christianize the savage as w^ell as the civilized natives of
the North Star State. But the main effort of the majority
of the religiously inclined Northmen has been directed
towards maintaining and promoting the religious principles
among their own people. In this respect they have been so
successful that in 1900 there were in the neighborhood of
1,600 Scandinavian congregations in the state, with an
aggregate membership, including the children, of nearly two

335

336 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

hundred and fifty thousand. That is, over one-third of the
Minnesota Scandinavians belong to some leading religious
association. But several thousand Northmen are members
of purely American churches, and some even associate them-
selves religiously -mth other nationalities, for example, with
the German Lutherans, and a very few have joined the
Irish Catholics. This class of people together with those
w^ho do not belong to any church, but yet attend regularly
a certain place of worship, would probably increase the
number of church-going Scandinavians in the state to
about half a million, or over two-thirds of their total num-
ber. There are about 1,100 church edifices; and the value
of these buildings, parsonages, schools, and other institu-
tions owned and controlled by the Northmen in the state in
the interest of religion, education, and benevolence seems to
be nearly $4,000,000.

The great bulk of the religious work has been and is
done by the Lutherans. Out of the 250,000 Northmen in
the state who are church members, about 215,000 belong
to the Lutheran associations. They control all the im-
portant Scandinavian schools, and own six hospitals and
four orphans' homes. Many attempts have been made by the
different American denominations to do missionary work
among the Scandinavians in the state. More money has
been expended and more brain-work wasted for this purpose
in Minnesota, especially in the Twin Cities, than in any
other state in the Union. American Baptists, Methodists,
Episcopalians, Congregationalists, Adventists, Presbyteri-
ans, Unitarians, and others have endeavored to convert the
Scandinavians to their respective creeds. Some of them have

SCANDINAYIAK CHURCHES IN MINNESOTA. 337

succeeded fairly well, but hardly, it seems, in proportion to
the expenditure. The Methodist Missionary Society, for
example, has paid out about $50,000 annually for a num-
ber of years to the Scandinavian Methodists in the United
States. Of course, Minnesota has received a large share of
these appropriations. Besides, wealthy Methodists have
assisted poor churches in their neighborhoods; yet, in spite of
all this, there were only about 3,000 Scandinavian Metho-
dists in the state in 1900. Other denominations have also
been very generous; but, with the probable exception of the
Baptists, have not been any more successful. A Scandi-
navian Unitarian church in Minneapolis has received over
$25,000 from the Americans during the last sixteen years,
and for several years past each member of this church has
cost the Americans over $15.00 a year. A Scandinavian
Presbyterian church cost the American Presbyterians about
$1,000 a year for half a dozen years, or nearly $100
annually for each communicant. In pursuing missionary
work among a people who all have received at least the
rudiments of a Christian training, proselyting can hardly
be avoided even by conscientious men, and some of the
so-called missionaries have been merely unscrupulous ad-
venturers. The noblest religious zeal and the basest methods
of proselyting have been practiced in order to regenerate the
Scandinavians in this state, or to change their religious
belief But in spite of the fact that neither money, devotion,
nor moral scruples have been spared, yet the result has not
been very great. The main causes of this meagemess in
results are the conservatism of the Scandinavians and their
devotion to the Lutheran faith. Many Northmen, both

338 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

church members and outsiders, also feel it as a humiliation
that they should be treated as fit subjects for missionary
■work the same as are the savages of Africa. Nor should it be
overlooked in this connection that the Scandinavians are
very fond of self-government in religious as well as in politi-
cal matters. And when the zealous devotees or paid emis-
saries have tried to convert to their views Lutheran church
members of good standing, the Lutherans have sometimes
publicly denounced such practice. They have maintained
that as independent and self-sustaining church organiza-
tions, they were entitled to the considerations and courte-
cies which are supposed to be practiced among the differ-
ent denominations. As good American citizens and orderly
Christians, the Scandinavian- American Lutherans have
opposed to the bitter end all attempts to make their
countrymen the tail end of any sect; and they have always
believed, justly or unjustly, that they could take care of
their religious instruction and promote their Americaniza-
tion in as satisfactory manner as anyone else, if not a little
better. With the Americans, and to a certain extent among
the Scandinavians, religious selfishness and national bigotry
have apparently played a part in all this activity. Yet it is
-to be hoped that Christian zeal has in the main prompted
the contending parties to such energetic exertions, and as
the Northmen stand as victors in the field, little complaint
is nowadays heard from them. The other parties have
paid out large sums of money, and some continue to do so
yet, and all have received valuable lessons of experience.

The typical Norwegian of the nineteenth century is rest-
less and impatient. On his native soil he has given vent to

SCANDINAVIAN CHURCHES IN MINNESOTA. 339

this restlessness and impatience through his national poli-
tics; in America, partly through his church work. Indeed,
no set of emigrants of the nineteenth century have carried
on such extensive and persistent church controversies
among themselves as have the Nor-wegians and their
descendants from the time of the exodus of the Sloop folks
down to our day. Singularly enough, however, the conten-
tions of the church members, instead of scaring away out-
siders, have actually attracted them. Accordingly, though
the Norwegians, as a nationality, are not naturally
more religious than other Indo-Europeans, those of them
who have landed upon our shore during the past sixty
years enjoy the unique distinction of having joined . some
church in larger numbers, proportionately, than any other
immigrants of the same period. The Norwegian Lutherans
in the state for thirty-five years past have been engaged in
mutual controversies of different kinds. Many of them — in
fact the most of them — have at one time or another deplored
this internecine warfare and protested that it would
destroy the church. But on the whole it has actually stimu-
lated the church work, and close observation has convinced
us that if there had been peace instead of w^ar, the Nor-
wegian Lutherans in the state would have numbered several
thousand less than they do now. It may not seem pious to
say so, but many a worldly-minded Viking has become so
interested in the fight that he has joined the faction with
which he sympathized in order to assist in beating the
opposing faction. Thus, what might be supposed to keep
the Norwegians out of the church has actually drawn them
into it.

340 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

The United Norwegian Lutheran Church. The
Minnesota contingent of the United Church came from three
sources. The Anti-Missourian Brotherhood deserves to be
treated first because its former adherents noAV constitute
the mainstay of the United Church in this state. Up to the
middle of the eighties the Brotherhood vras an integral part
of the Norwegian Synod. The people that formed the
Brotherhood deprived the synod of some of its largest
and most prosperous congregations in Minnesota, notably
those in Goodhue county, w^hich locality for tw^enty years
had been the great stronghold of the synod in the state.
About 80 Minnesota congregations belonging to the
Brotherhood became a part of the United Church in 1890.
The whole number of souls belonging to these congrega-
tions and some fifteen, others served by nearly forty Brother-
hood ministers who joined the United Church was about
28,000. The corporation controlling St. Olaf College at
Northfield, consisted mainly of adherents of the Brother-
hood, and the latter operated a theological class in connec-
tion with the college from 1886 to 1890. At the organiza-
tion of the United Church this class and its two professors
were transferred to Augsburg Seminary, which was then to
be regarded as the theological seminary of the United
Church. Nearly all of the Brotherhood congregations have
remained true to the United Church during a decade of
trials and tribulations.

The Norwegian-Danish Lutheran Conference was the
most vigorous and energetic of the three organizations that
formed the United Church. The leading pioneers of the
Conference in Minnesota were the Revs. O. Paulson and

SCANDINAYIAN CHURCHES IN MINNESOTA. 34-1

T. H. DaU, who obtained footholds in Minneapolis and
elsewhere at the close of the sixties. The career of the Con-
ference during the years of 1870-90 was an unbroken series
of -victories, and though the internal strifes at times were
quite bitter, the losing faction, represented by certain con-
gregations in the southern part of this state and in Iowa,
never withdrew from the association. From Minnesota the
Conference contributed about forty ministers and 170 con-
gregations to the United Church. One hundred and forty of
these congregations actually joined the association, and the
aggregate number of souls belonging to all of them was
about 27,500. It will thus be seen that the Conference and
the Brotherhood furnished an equal number of ministers
and practically an equal number of souls to the United
Church from this state ; but the former had almost tw^ice as
many congregations as the latter.

The Augustana Synod was by far the smallest of the
three associations that were merged into the United Church.
The oldest congregation of the Augustana Synod in Minne-
sota was organized by Rev. P. Asbjornsen, June 8, 1857, at
New^burg, and this was one of the oldest Norwegian Lutheran
churches in the state. The growth of this synod was checked
by the organization of the Conference within its ranks, and
it required great courage to keep up the organization in the
face of its po-«verful rivals. In this state the United Church
received from the Augustana Synod eleven congregations
which embraced over 2,000 souls, and three ministers.

The state of Minnesota contributed to the United
Church, in 1890, about 275 congregations, 45 of which,
however, did not formally join the association, but w^ere

342 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

served by ministers -who did so ; and the whole number of
souls embraced by the movement was betw^een 55,000 and
60,000. During the years 1890-93 the membership
increased materially, chiefly by the admission of new congre-
gations, and the parochial reports of the United Church for
the year 1893 give the names of more than 350 congrega-
tions in the state. But that has been the highest mark so
far. The internal struggles w^hich seemed to shake the very
foundations of the association during the years 1893-98
retarded the growth of the body as a whole, and in this
state the number of congregations dropped from about 355
in 1893 to 285 in 1898. In 1900 the total number of souls
belonging to the United Church in the state was not quite
65,000. The people of this association have manifested a
commendable zeal for higher education, and they support
four important schools, four hospitals, and one orphans'
home in the state. There are about 230 church buildings,
and the value of the property owned either by the United
Church or by its congregations in the state was about
$850,000 in 1900.

The Lutheran Free Church. This association is a
resuscitation of a certain faction of the Norwegian-Danish
Evangehcal Lutheran Conference, which in 1890 became
a part of the United Church. During the years 1890-93 two
contending factions arose within the United Church, and
w^hen this body, in the summer of 1893, took practical steps
to "remove" its theological seminary from the Augsburg
Seminary buildings, the "Friends of Augsburg" held an
informal meeting and resolved to rally around their favorite
institution. At this stage they w^ere often called simply

SCANDINAVIAN CHURCHES IN MINNESOTA. 343

"the minority," and their opponents "the majority." After
the summer of 1893 there could be no co-operation between
the two factions. "The minority" held regular annual
meetings of their own, calling themselves "the Friends ol
Augsburg" from 1893 to 1896, and the Lutheran Free
Church from June 12, 1897. The Free Church has its
stronghold in the northern part of Minnesota and in North
Dakota, while the most of the old Conference people living
elsewhere remain in the United Church. The leaders of the
Free Church are an exceedingly aggressive set of men, and
opposition only seems to spur them on to greater activity.
And they have actually endeavored to accomplish some-
thing new under the sun. This endeavor is embodied in the
Practical Rules of the Free Church, § 6, which grants any
member of any Lutheran church the right to vote at the
annual meetings of the Free Church, provided he or she
endorses the principles and rules of said body, and promises
to co-operate with it. Augsburg Seminary is the heart and
soul of the movement. This is not accidental ; for -while the
other Lutheran church organizations have started schools
in different parts of the country, the leading Augsburg:
minds have given but scant encouragement to such
endeavors outside their own institution. The watchword
of the Free Church is congregational independence and
individual edification. Being yet in its formative period, it
has neglected its statistics. According to the estimates of
Prof. Georg Sverdrup, the Free Church contains alto-
gether in the United States about 40,000 souls, 25,000 of
whom are communicants, and these are organized into
about 300 local churches. According to the same authority

344- HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

the association owns property to the value of about
$1,000,000. The Free Church has about two-thirds of its
strength in Minnesota. The Free Church people have
always contributed liberally to the work carried on by the
association. The annual contributions in this state in 1898
aggregated about $15,000 ; and the chief items of expendi-
ture of the Free Church were $5,500 to foreign missions,
$4,000 to Augsburg Seminary, and $2,500 to home
missions. The Norwegian Lutheran Deaconesses' Institute
in Minneapolis is largely supported by Free Church people.
Most of the congregations have church buildings of their
own, but there are comparatively few parsonages.

Hauge's Synod. This association, originally called the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, for years had its
stronghold in Wisconsin. But during the fifties and sixties
its center of population moved westward, and in 1876,
thirty years after its organization, more than one-half of its
congregations were located west of the Mississippi river.
The organization received its present name and its "new
constitution" at the annual meeting of 1875, which was
held June 5-13, at Arendahl, Minn. Since the establishment
of the theological seminary and college of the synod in Red
Wing, in 1879, this state has been the chief scene of activity
within the synod. In 1900 about 40 out of a total of 100
ministers and professors resided in Minnesota; and about
65 out of a total of 230 congregations are located in the
same state. The whole synod consists of about 18,000
communicants and 30,000 souls, and almost exactly one-
third of them reside in Minnesota. The growth of this body
is healthy and steady, its membership having almost

SCANDINAYIAN CHURCHES IN MINNESOTA. 345

doubled during the past fifteen years. Of the 155 church
buildings belonging to the synod, fully one-third are located
in Minnesota — EUing Eielsen and a few others kept up a
separate organization from the middle of the seventies,
abiding by the "old constitution," and they are represented
by three congregations in this state.

Swedish Mission. The oldest congregation belonging
to the Mission Covenant in the state was organized at
Salem, Olmsted county, in 1870. About half a dozen others
were organized during the seventies. The development of
the covenant was most rapid during the eighties, and since
that time its stronghold has been in the Twin Cities. The
statistics of the covenant are very defective in this state as
elsewhere, and the figures given do not indicate the work
actually carried on. There are about 30 congregations
formally belonging to the covenant, and they have an
aggregate membership of about 5,000, counting the child-
ren. There are over 50 ministers, or about two for each
congregation. But a large number of these men have
received no theological training whatever, and several sup-
port themselves mainly by manual labor. Most of the con-
gregations have church buildings of their own. One of them,
the Minneapolis Tabernacle, has a seating capacity ol
3,000, and is worth $35,000. The value of all the church
property in the state exceeds $100,000. The only institu-
tion of learning connected with the covenant in the state is
the North-western Collegiate and Business Institute, which
is located in the Minneapolis Tabernacle. The 30 congrega-
tions contribute on the average about $1,000 each to the
different branches of work performed by the congregations

346 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

and the covenant — The Free Mission people, according to
the estimates of Rev. N. Wickstrom, are represented by
about 130 churches, -which have a communicant member-
ship of about 3,900, and church property valued at $65,000.
The Scandinavian Congregationalists, who are mostly
Swedish Mission Friends, have about 100 congregations
and 7,000 communicants in the United States, and they are
well represented in Minnesota.

Baptists. The first Swedish Baptist church in the state
was organized by Rev. F. O. Nilsson in Houston, Aug. 18,
1853, with a membership of nine. By the year 1860 there
w^ere eight churches with 162 members. The Minnesota
conference dates from the year 1858, and its growth since
its organization has been steady and healthy. In 1900 it
consisted of 80 churches, which are cared for by 50 pastors.
The number of communicants is about 5,500. One-fourth
of the members reside in the Twin Cities. There are about
60 church edifices valued at $140,000.

Fifteen Danish Baptists organized a congregation Oct.
11, 1863, at Clark's Grove, Freeborn county, and this is the
oldest Danish organization of its kind v\rest of the Missis-
sippi. Several other Danish Baptist congregations were
started in the southern part of the state during the next few
years, and in the eighties Norwegian Baptist congregations
grew up in the Twin Cities. The Norwegian and Danish
Baptists of Minnesota and Iowa formed the Western confer-
ence in 1883; but this was divided along the state line eight
years later, the Minnesota conference having been organ-
ized May 30, 1891, at Stillwater. In 1900 a score of congre-
gations belong to the conference, and the number of com-

SCANDINAVIAN CHURCHES IN MINNESOTA. 347

municants is about 1,400. There are twelve preachers, and
the value of the property owned by the congregations is
$35,000.

Methodists. Two Norwegian girls who were mem-
bers of a Norwegian Methodist congregration at Washing-
ton Prairie, Iowa, came to St. Paul in the course of the
years 1851—53, and they were doubtless the pioneers of the
Scandinavian Methodist churches in the state. The first
movement crystallized in the organization of a Scandina-
vian church in St. Paul, in 1853. The movement made but
little progress during the next ten years, but in the early
sixties several new congregations w^ere started. Up to 1877
the Norwegian MinAesota conference worked in connection
with the American conferences, but since that date the Nor-
wegian Methodists of several Northwestern states, includ-
ing Minnesota, have managed their affairs somewhat inde-
pendently. In 1900 there are about 40 congregations in the
state, which are served by twenty odd ministers, and an
epual number of local preachers. The total number of
communicant members is 1,400. The value of the 30 church
buildings and the 15 parsonages has been put at $83,000.

Since 1893 the Swedish Methodist churches in Minne-
sota have constituted a part of the Northern Mission Con-
ference. In 1900 there are 35 congregations in the state.
Their total membership is about 1,600, and about 2,000
children attend their 40 Sunday schools. Nearly every
congregation has a church building, and the aggregate
value of the church buildings and the parsonages is put at
$115,000. There are over 20 regular ministers and about a
dozen local preachers. — It should be observed that the

, 348 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Methodists generally put a high value on their church
property. Often it is estimated, in their reports, to be
worth twice as much as another denomination would rate
similar possessions. But it was deemed best to retain their
own figures.

Danish Lutherans. The United Danish Evangelical
Lutheran Church, which was organized in Minneapolis, in
1896, has about a score of congregations in this state in
1900. The total number of persons connected with them is
about 3,000. Some twenty children are cared for at
an orphans' home in Albert Lea. — The Danish Evangelical
Lutheran Church had seven congregations in the state in
1899, and the number of souls connected with these was a
little over 1,600. The Danebod high school, at Tyler, is
operated in connection with the latter association.

Icelandic Lutherans. The Icelandic Evangelical
Lutheran Church of America w^as organized the 25th of
January, 1885. A very large proportion of the members,
about 3,500 communicants and 6,000 souls, reside in
Canada; yet about 650 persons belong to the four congre-
gations in the state, all located in Lincoln and Lyon coun-
ties. The church property is estimated to be worth $9,000
The religious work among the Icelanders in said places was
begun in 1879 by Rev. J. Bjamason, and for some time a
newspaper, Kennarinn, has been published in the interest
of the church at Minneota, by Rev. B. B. Jonsson.

Unitarians. Several Norwegian Unitarian churches
vpere started during the eighties in Minnesota and Wiscon-
sin by Kristofer Janson. But the movement has made no
progress during the past ten years, and the bona fide mem-

SCANDINAVIAN CHURCHES IN MINNESOTA. 349

bersHp of the four congregations in the state is not quite
300. The Nazareth congregation in MinneapoUs has a
church building worth $8,000. A Swedish Unitarian church
in Minneapolis was discontinued several years ago.

Episcopalians. A Swedish Episcopal congregation was
organized in Minneapolis, in 1892, by Rev. 0. A. Toffteen,
and since that time the Episcopalian propaganda has been
pushed with considerable energy among the Swedes. In
1899 there were nine congregations in the state, and they
had a total membership of about 1,500, including 1,000
communicants .

Nearly all the great denominations not treated above
under separate heads have at one time or another carried
on missionary w^ork among the Scandinavians of the state.
The Adventists, Universalists, Presbyterians, and Disciples
of Christ are all represented by Scandinavian cong'regations;
but their folio-wing is not strong numerically, and the work
is spasmodic rather than systematic. The Salvation Army
has a considerable following among the Scandinavians, and
they are organized into a number of vigorous corps. The
total membership in the state is several hundred.

Historical Review of tlie Minnesota District of
tlie Norwegian Synod.

— BY —

REV. JOHN HALVORSON.

The Minnesota District of the Norwegian Synod did not
receive its separate organization and officers until 1876; but
its history goes back to settlements and churches founded
by Norwegian immigrants and pastors during the latter
days of the territory. The first Norwegian clergyman who
visited the settlers in the present Minnesota District was
N. Brandt, of Rock Prairie, Wis., who arrived at Red Wing
in June, 1855. Together with a companion, he visited on
foot his newly arrived countrymen in other portions of
Goodhue county. During the summer of 1856 some of the
settlers organized a Lutheran congregation and secured 100
acres of land for church purposes, the present Holden par-
sonage.* In September of the same year they were visited
by Rev. H. A. Stub, of Coon Prairie, Wis., who conducted
several meetings and assisted them in framing a constitu-

*See "Soger Hjem," by Eev. B. J. Muns, p. 133. If the author 13 correct, then this
seems to have been the flrst Norwegian Lutheran church organization in the state of
Minnesota. No clergyman appears to have been present when the church was organized.

351

352 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

tion and issuing a call for a pastor. The minutes of the
meeting were subscribed to by 72 voting members, and the
letter authorizing the church council of the synod to call a
pastor for them -was signed by four trustees, namely, Knut
K. Finseth, Kjostel G. Naeseth, Halvor Olsen Huset, and
Christopher Lockrem. In 1857 Rev. Munch and Prof.
Larsen visited the settlements in Goodhue county. The
latter preached six days in succession to large audiences,
many following him from place to place. During one week
in June he baptized 100 children, of which 33 were baptized
at one service near Nestrand, Rice county, and 14 were con-
firmed at this place. The next year he preached in St. Paul,
Stillwater, Carver, St. Peter, Mankato, and other places.
At one time, after a fourteen days' journey, mostly afoot,
Prof Larsen — who resided in Pierce county. Wis. — came to
Knut Finseth sorefooted, his shoes being entirely worn out.
Finseth sent to Kenyon for shoes ; but as no small number
of men's shoes could be found there, a pair of ladies' shoes
was procured, and in these Goodhue county -was traversed.
Rev. A. C. Preus also visited the pioneers w^ho w^ere under
Prof. Larsen's charge up to 1859, when B. J. Muus, from
Norway, who had been called by the church council, arrived
in November, and became the first resident pastor of the
Norwegian Synod within the present Minnesota District.
Up to this time some of the settlements were visited only
once a year by a synod clergyman, as the ministers were
few in number and most of them resided hundreds of miles
from the outposts in Minnesota. Rev. P. A. Rasmussen,
residing at Lisbon, 111., but not belonging to the synod, had
charge of a congregation in Goodhue county for some years;

MINNESOTA DISTRICT OF NORWEGIAN SYNOD. 353

but as he became a member of the synod in 1862, his parish-
ioners the following year joined the churches tended by Rev.
Muus. In 1859-60 a parsonage was built for Rev. Muus,
and in the latter year a church building was erected. In
1860 the first subscription for Luther College was made,
amounting to $603, contributed by forty -two church mem-
bers in Goodhue county. According to the statement of
Rev. Muus, about $10,000 was contributed by the churches
of his charge to higher institutions of learning during the
first twenty-five years of his ministry. This shows the zeal
and love for God's word and His kingdom among the early
settlers. In 1862, June 12-20, the synod held its annual
meeting in the East Holden church, when the congregation
was formally accepted as a member of the synod.

The Indian outbreak in 1862 drove the settlers of Kan-
diyohi and other western counties eastward, many taking
refuge in the older settlements in Rice and Goodhue counties,
and for about three years immigration to the western parts
of the state virtually ceased; but when peace and quiet was
restored the settlers returned. In 1863 Thomas Johnsen
was ordained, and took charge of churches in Nicollet and
other western counties, thus relieving Rev. Muus, who up
to this time had served all the congregations as far west as
Norway Lake and as far south as Blue Earth and Waseca
counties. Rev. Johnsen for several years visited the Norwe-
gian settlements extending from Emmet county, Iowa, to
Douglas county, Minn., a distance of about 300 miles.
Many of the congregations could be reached only twice a
year; but the people were glad to hear the Word of God, to
have marriage rites properly performed, to have their chil-

354 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

dren baptized, and to partake of the Lord's Supper. Any-
farther pastoral care of the souls was impossible, but the
pioneers waited patiently and hoped the time w^ould arrive
when they could have a pastor located in their midst.
The great need of pastoral visits is seen from the number of
infant baptisms. On a journey through Meeker and Kan-
diyohi counties, in 1867, Rev. Johnsen baptized 55 children
in three days, and nearly 200 during the year. Rev. Muus
and Rev. N. Quammen, the latter having settled in Dakota
county in 1866, baptized in 1867 about 250 and 100
infants, respectively. Before 1868 synod congregations had
been organized in all the counties in the state where many
Norwegians had settled, even in counties bordering on the
Dakota line, for example. Yellow Medicine. At that time
the Norw^egian immigration to Minnesota "was very large,
and great demands were made for permanent pastors. N.
Th. Ylvisaker, a w^ell-known lay-preacher from Norway,
arrived in 1868, was ordained, took charge of churches in
and around Red Wing, and organized, in 1869, the first
synod congregation in Minneapolis, Our Savior's church.
Four of the fourteen men who were ordained in 1869
located in Minnesota the same year, namely, J. A. Thorsen,
Olmsted county; L. J. Markhus, Norway Lake; Peter
Reque, Pope county; and 0. Norman, St. Paul. The last
mentioned, especially, made long missionary journeys in the
northwestern part of the state; and Otter Tail
county, in particular, became a promising field for church
work. Rev. A. Jakobsen, traveling on skis, visited Kandi-
yohi county before 1867; and two years later Rev. N.
Brandt, vice-president of the synod, made an extensive trip of

MINNESOTA DISTRICT OP NORWEGIAN SYNOD. 355

three montlis, and preached in nearly every corner of the
state where a few Norwegians could be gathered together.
In 1870 Rev. H. A. Preus, the president of the synod, visited
nine pastors and sixteen churches in Minnesota, going as far
west as Pope county. These visits of the chief officers of the
synod show the care and supervision exercised by them in
the mission work and resulted in the organizing of several
congregations and consequent calling of pastors, who
settled in the new field. According to the parochial reports
of 1869, Minnesota had 39 churches and 13 pastors ; but
some of the congregations covered whole counties, thickly
settled by Norwegians.

One of the greatest missionaries of the Norwegian
Synod, Rev. L. Carlsen, commenced to work in Douglas
and Grant counties in 1872. After a few years of earnest
labor and extensive travel, he removed to San Francisco,
Cal., then to Australia; but returned to the United States
later on. Rev. K. Bjorgo settled in Becker county in 1872,
and became the first missionary of the synod in the Red
River Valley on the Minnesota side. At the same time Rev.
J. Hellestvedt commenced work at Sheyenne river, N. D„
being the first pastor west of the Red river. A great immi-
gration to the Red River Valley took place in the early
seventies. Rev. B. Harstad located at Mayville in 1874,
and did a grand work in founding churches on the wide
prairies of Dakota. Later on Rev. O. H. Aaberg was called
to Grand Forks county, and took charge of the immigrants
as far west as Devils Lake. Numerous churches were organ-
ized on both sides of the Red river, especially in the vicinity
of Crookston and Grafton. Even as far north as Pembina,

356 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

■where some Icelanders had formed a settlement, the synod
pursued its labor by securing Thorlakson, an Icelandic min-
ister, to attend to the spiritual needs of his countrymen.

At the annual meeting in Decorah, Io"wa, in 1876, it -was
found expedient to divide the synod into three districts, so
that the people of each section of the country might have a
better opportunity to attend to and become acquainted
with the increasing work of the church. The Minnesota
District did not include the southern tier of counties in Min-
nesota, but it extended clear to the Pacific ocean. But in
1893 the territory west of the Rocky Mountains was organ-
ized into the Pacific District. The Minnesota District was
the smallest of the three in regard to church members, the
poorest in regard to w^ealth; but it offered the greatest
missionary field and had the best prospect of growth.
Missionaries were in demand, and one clergyman preached
attw^enty-one places. It took him several weeks to make the
circuit. During the whole history of the district, the main
work has been to gather the scattered Norwegian settlers
into congregations, to preach to them the Word of
God, and to have them partake of the sacraments of Jesus
Christ. The missionary work is superintended by a
board of three members, and the president of the district is
ex-officio chairman.

Rev. B. J. Muus was chosen president of the district in
1876 ; Rev. N. Th. Ylvisaker, vice-president ; 0. K. Finseth,
lay member of the church counsil ; Rev. H. G. Stub, secre-
tary; and H. G. Rasmussen, treasurer. Rev. Muus w^as
president of the district for seven years. He was a leading
spirit, a powerful character, an organizer; but unyielding

MINNESOTA DISTRICT OF NORWEGIAN SYNOD. 357

and harsh in dealing with human frailties. He was a
pioneer in educational work, and through his efforts a
Lutheran academy was started at the Holden parsonage
about the year 1868. Only two terms were taught ; but in
1874 Muus and a few others founded what is now St. Olaf
College, at Northfield, thereby demonstrating that a higher
institution of learning could be established and maintained
by the Norwegian Lutherans in spite of a number of similar
institutions supported by the state or by private people of
other nationalities.

When the controversy on predestination started in
1880, many of the pastors and church members of the dis-
trict were for some time in doubt w^hich party to join. Rev.
Muus sided against the synod, and soon became the
acknowledged leader of the opposition in the state ; this,
together with troubles of a personal nature, was the main
reason for his defeat as president of the district in 1883,
when Rev. B. Harstad -was elected to succeed him. During
the turbulent times when the predestination controversy
vs^as raging, the meetings and discussions of the district
resembled very much the proceedings of a Polish parlia-
ment. At the meeting of the synod in Minneapolis, in 1884,
the tv^o parties were so evenly divided that hardly any
resolutions could be passed. Prof. Larsen was elected editor
of Kirketidende by a majority of one vote; and the oppo-
sition endeavored to prevent the ordination of those theo-
logical candidates from Luther Seminary who sided with
the Missouri Synod. At the meeting of the district at
Norway Lake, in 1885, Rev. Muus refused to recognize
Rev. Harstad as president, and boldly advocated that

358 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

pastors who taught the tenets of the Missouri Synod
should be deposed from their pulpits. Some congregations
ousted their pastors, in some instances legal suits followed
in regard to the possession of church property, and it may
be said that terror and anarchy reigned supreme in the
district for a w^hile. Nowhere w^as the struggle more bitter
and determined than in the two large congregations at
Norway Lake. By large majorities both of them deposed, in
1886, their pastor, L. J. Markhus, who sided with the
Missouri Synod ; but the minority, consisting of about 50
families protested, declared the deposition of Rev. Markhus
unconstitutional and a violation of the by-laws, and by main
force entered the church buildings w^hich the opposition
had w^ithout authority closed against them. The majority,
however, carried Rev. Markhus bodily out of the churches,
and he soon died a broken-dow^n man. The minority tried
to retain the parsonage, but were sued for the possession of
the same. The lawsuit continued for four years, went to
the supreme court of Minnesota, and the minority was
forced to give up all the property and pay damages and
costs. But the Norwegian Synod, at its annual meeting at
Stoughton, Wis., in 1887, endorsed the position of the
minority. As a result of the predestination controversy,
fully one-third of the church members in the district left the
synod. Almost the whole of Goodhue county, with its
large congregations, and all of the Red River Valley north
of Goose river, seceded. In several places, however, the
synod people organized new congregations and built new
church edifices, having generally lost all they had paid to
the old buildings. In other places again the synod congre-

MINNESOTA DISTRICT OF NORWEGIAN SYNOD. 359

gations remained untouched, for example, in Minneapolis,
St. Paul, Sacred Heart, Fergus Falls, Benson, Glenwood,
etc. In some instances people left the synod and joined
other Lutheran associations or organized independent con-
gregations.

Of late years, however, the district has enjoyed a rapid
growth, partly, herhaps, on account of the split in the
United Norwegian Church, and today it is stronger than it
has ever been. The strongholds of the district are the
country churches, especially those of Olmsted, Otter Tail,
Pope, Renville, and Chippewa counties in Minnesota, and
those in Traill and Cass counties in North Dakota. A num-
ber of churches have in recent years also been added to
the synod in Polk, Marshall, Kittson, Todd, and Mille Lacs
counties in Minnesota. According to the synodical report
for 1899, the Minnesota District contained nearly 350
congregations, served by 100 pastors. The number of souls
was about 50,000, with 30,000 communicants. Nearly
3,000 infants were baptized in one year, and over 7,000
services held. One hundred school teachers, some of whom
were theological students, instructed the children in reli-
gion in the parochial schools. At the synodical meeting
held at Spring Grove, Minn., June 15-21, 1899, it was
reported that during the past year fourteen new clergymen
had taken up the work in the district, while only three had
moved out, and one who had formerly seceded repented of
his errors; nine churches had been dedicated; and nine new
congregations, principally from the northern parts of the
state, applied for membership. A farm of 160 acres and
suitable buildings have lately been secured in Norman

360 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

county, Minn., where a new orphans' home has been started,
of which Rev. H. A. Blegen is superintendent.

A large number of academies and other higher institu-
tions of learning, treated of more fully in another portion
of this volume, are controlled by members of the Minne-
sota District, which shows the interest taken in education.

Since 1892 Rev. K. Bjorgo has been president of the
district, and since 1898 has devoted all his time to the
duties as president, having no regular congregation under
his charge. The president receives an annual salary of
$1,200 and free house. His responsibilities are great, and
he constantly travels from place to place in the district,
encouraging and instructing pastors and people in the
right use of the privileges God has given the church, as well
as seeing that harmony and order prevail.

While the Wisconsin and Iowa districts contain more
of the old pioneers, both of the clergy and the lay
members, the Minnesota District is known for its youthful
spirit, energy, and impatience of restraint. But the dis-
tricts work together in brotherly love and Christian fellow-
ship.

Historical Review of tlie Minnesota Conference
of tlie Augustana Synod.

— BY —

REV. C. J. PETRI.

The Minnesota Conference was organized t^wo years
before the Angustana Synod, in Centre City, Minn., on the
8th of October, 1858. The organizers were Revs. E. Nore-
Hus, P. Beckman, P. Carlson and J. P. C. Boren. The lay-
delegates -were H&kan Svedberg, Centre City; Daniel Nelson,
Marine; Ole Paulson, Carver; Hans C. Bjorklund, Ruseby.
The conference numbered on the day of its organization five
ministers, and thirteen congregations with 900 communi-
cant members. The thirteen congregations of the confer-
ence -were all, except one at Stockholm, Wis., located in
the state of Minnesota, namely, at Centre City, Marine,
St. Paul, Vasa, Red Wing, Cannon River, St. Peter, Scan-
dian Grove, Spring Garden, Union, Gotaholm and Vista.
Within the conference were five church buildings, the first
having been built in Red Wing, in 1856. During the first
year of its existence the expenses of the conference amounted
to about $1,500. The pioneers of the conference started
out, from the first meeting of the conference, full of hope

361

362 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

and courage in their missionary work. In fact it was then
and is now the hopeful missionary w^ork that gave and still
gives to the Minnesota Conference its character and success.
Speaking of the first meeting of the conference in 1858, Dr.
Norelius, about forty years later, says: "I have been pre-
sent at many meetings since then, and I have seen greater
gatherings of people, but I have never witnessed such deeply
felt interest, such sincerity and so much enthusiasm as I saw
at this our first meeting. The movement w^as not only new
to us, but the Spirit of God was mighty in our churches.
The meeting was filled with a holy inspiration and spiritual
pow^er. Our souls 'were embued with a joyful courage.
When w^e had succeeded in organizing our forces, w^e felt that
w^e had made a great progress. We heeded no difficulties,
everything seemed to us possible."

Part of the minutes of this first , meeting reads as fol-
lows : " Services were held every afternoon, and on Sunday
t^wo services -were held. The church was always filled with
attentive hearers. The members of the conference were
cordially and royally entertained, and many of our dear
countrymen will long cherish the memory of this meeting.
On Sunday a collection for the treasury of the conference
was taken, amounting to $5.09." The Swedish-Lutherans
in Minnesota were united and ready to take up the mis-
sionary work for the temporal and spiritual welfare of the
Swedes in the Northwest. They have during the past forty
years not only taken an active part in the w^ork of the
Swedish-Lutheran church throughout the United States, but
also and especially labored with faithfulness and sacrifice for
the advancement of the material and spiritual interests

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE OF AUGUSTANA SYNOD. 363

amongst the hundreds of Swedish settlements in Minnesota,
the Dakotas and Wisconsin. At a very early date in the
history of the conference efforts were put forth for the
promotion of higher education. The people of Minnesota
felt it to be their duty to have in their midst an institution
of learning, and in 1862 a beginning was made by the
establishment of a school which today is Gustavus Adolph-
us College, in St. Peter, one of the leading educational
institutions in the Northwest. A few years later, in 1865,
Dr. Norelius began the work of caring for orphans, and so
was established the orphans' home at Vasa, Minn., which is
today supported by the conference. This institution, where
on the average 50 children are annually cared for, has been
very liberally supported, although the misfortunes of the
institution has tried the liberality of the people; once the
home was destroyed in a tornado and once by fire. This
institution is governed by a board of trustees elected by the
conference. In harmony with this work of mercy, the con-
ference has also maintained a hospital, the Bethesda Hos-
pital, in St. Paul. This institution was established in 1881
and is today one of the best equipped hospitals in the North-
w^est. These institutions are indications of the united and
faithful work and consecration of the Swedish-Lutherans in
Minnesota. Much has been done, but much more could have
been done had not the conference had its hands full with
missionary efforts; congregations had to be organized;
churches and parsonages had to be built, and schools estab-
lished. Realizing the fact that they are in America, and that
they and their children must naturally more and more make
use of the language of the country, the Swedish-Lutherans

364 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

in the eighties began to estabhsh English churches under the
auspices of the conference. But owing to the large immi-
gration, and also to the opposition the Lutherans encoun-
tered on the part of other missionary eflforts made by those
who labored for the tearing asunder of the Lutheran
churches, the conference had its hands full in taking care of
its own churches, and the English -work was somew^hat
neglected.

The conference is now stronger than ever, having been
faithful in its defense of the doctrines and practices of the
Ltttheran church. The conference today, after more than
forty years of zealous -work, numbers nearly 140 ministers,
340 congregations with a total membership of 70,000, out
of whom 40,000 are communicant members. There are
within the conference about 275 church buildings and 100
parsonages, valued at more than one million dollars. In
one year the parochial schools had an attendance of 7,132 ■
scholars, and the Sunday schools 13,536.

In order more eifectively to carry on the work, the con-
ference is divided into 15 mission districts, viz : Chisago
district with 22 congregations ; St. Paul, 18 ; Goodhue, 20 ;
N. Minnesota Valley, 20 ; Pacific, 35 ; St. Croix Valley, 24 ;
Alexandria, 27 ; S. Minnesota Valley, 19 ; N. E. Dakota, 16 ;
Big Stone, 22 ; Lake Superior, 28 ; Central, 13 ; James River,
12 ; Red River, 33 ; Mississippi, 15 ; and Canada Mission,10.
With such an arrangement the different parts of the confer-
ence fill their mission in their special field and at the same
time present to the world one undivided and strong Luther-
an church among the thousands of Swedish-Americans in
promising Northwest.

Biographies of Scandinavians in
Minnesota.

Aaker, Lars K. , state senator and pioneer — Alexandria —
bom 19 Sept., 1825, in Lardal, Telemarken, Norway; died
1895. He graduated from Hviteseid normal school; emi-
grated to the U. S. at the age of twenty; settled in Dane
county. Wis., where he taught school for a while; then
farmed, and moved to Goodhue county, Minn., in 1857.
Here he took a claim; was elected to the state legislature at
the time of the outbreak of the Civil War, but enlisted in
the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was commis-
sioned first lieutenant in company D, which was composed
of Scandinavian soldiers, with Col. H. Mattson as captain.
He served in Kentucky and in Tennessee, but, on account of
iU health, resigned in 1862. Aaker represented his district
in the legislature in 1859, 1860, 1862, 1867, 1869, and was
state senator in 1881. He lived on his farm in Goodhue
county until 1869; then moved to Alexandria, where for six
years he was register of the U. S. land office, and engaged
in general merchandise for nine years; was receiver of the U.
S. land office inCrookston in 1884-93. Aaker was one of the
first Scandinavian legislators in the state, an active Repub-

365

366 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS Hi TfiE U. S.

lican, and a delegate to tlie first convention of the party-
held in Wisconsin in 1856. He -was widely and favorably
known throiaghotit the whole Northw^est; was married
twice, and had children by both w^ives.

Almen, Louis G., clergyman — Balaton — born 30 March,
1846, in Tosso, Dalsland, Sweden. At the age of twenty-
four he emigrated to this country; worked at first as a
common laborer; was a railroad contractor in Minnesota
and Wisconsin for a couple of years; and after having
attended Augustana College, Rock Island, 111., for three
years, he graduated from the theological department of
this institution in 1876. His first charge was at Beaver,
Iroquois county. 111.; but after having remained there for
about three years, he became for one year a traveling mis-
sionary in Yellow Medicine and Lac qui Parle counties,
Minnesota; then accepted a call to New London, and set-
tled at his present place in 1893. For over tAvelve years he
was editor of the church and temperance departments of
Skaffaren — the semi-official organ of the Swedish Lutheran
Minnesota Conference. For a long time he has been the
most ardent temperance advocate of any of the ministers
of his denomination in the state of Minnesota, and is one
of the ablest parliamentarians in the conference. Almen
was married to Alice C. Johnson in 1876; they have several
children living.

Anderson, Abel, clergyman and educator — Montevideo
—born 5 Dec, 1847, in Dane county. Wis. His mother's
ancestors had been officers in the Norwegian army for
several generations; in 1830 she married Bjorn Anderson, a
farmer's son and a Quaker, but a marriage between the

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 367

daughter of an officer and a farmer was in those days, and
to a certain extent is yet, looked upon with great disfavor;
besides, the young couple had not only sinned against the
social rank, but, what was worse still, Anderson did not
belong to the state church, the Lutheran. To avoid all
social and religious unpleasantness, they emigrated to the
U. S. in 1836; lived a year in Rochester, N. Y., and four years
in Illinois; settled in Wisconsin in 1841, being therefore
among the very earliest Scandinavian immigrants in this
country. Abel Anderson, who is a brother to the well-
known Prof. R. B. Anderson, attended Albion Acad-
emy two years and the University of Wisconsin for a
couple of years; graduated from Luther College, Decorah,
Iowa, in 1872, and two years later completed his theo-
logical studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.
From 1874-87 he had charge of a church belonging to the
Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod at Muskegon,
Mich., being also school inspector for several years; took
active part in politics; was a delegate to the Republican
national convention vfhich nominated Blaine for president
in 1884, being one of the first Scandinavians in this country
who was a delegate to a national convention of this party;
was a candidate for representative to the state legislature
tvdce, but his party being in the minority, was defeated
both times. Anderson came to Appleton, Minn., in 1887,
and settled in Montevideo the following year, having
charge of churches at both places. He has been instructor
in ancient and modem languages, in which he is considered
to be quite proficient, at Windom Institute, and was one of
its trustees. He has contributed frequently to the Chicago

368 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Tribune and other papers, both in the Norwegian and the
EngHsh language. In 1874 he -was married to Mary Olson,
of Cambridge, Wis. Anderson has two brothers who are
married to two of his wife's sisters. They have several
children living, of w^hom two daughters have studied at
Carleton College, Northfield, Minn.

Anderson, Berndt, journalist— St. Paul— bom 2 Aug.,
1840, in Lund, Sweden. After having completed a course
at the University of Lund, he was employed in the depart-
ment of the interior, Stockholm, from 1865-73, then went
abroad, studying the natural sciences in Denmark and
Germany. In 1880 he emigrated to this country, and has
most of the time since been editor-in-chief of Skaffaren —
the latter being the organ of the Minnesota Conference of
the Swedish Lutheran church, and advocating Republican
principles. The predominant features of Anderson's writ-
ings are clearness and learning. In 1893 he was appointed
dairy and food commissioner by Governor Nelson, being the
first Sw^ede in Minnesota who -was ever appointed chief of
a state department, and was re-appointed twice. At the
time of his appointment certain individuals seemed to think
that it was not wise to appoint to such responsible posi-
tion any one except a practical farmer — ^in most cases the
male members of the farming community have neither a
practical nor a theoretical knowledge of how^ cheese and
butter are made. It did not, however, take long before
Anderson proved that he was the right man for the place,
and soon became a terror to the oleomargarine dealers,
several of w^liom he successfully prosecuted. On account of
his thorough scientific knowledge of dairy products and his

BBRNDT ANDERSON, ST. TADL.

I'KOF. II. U. P.EUGSr,ANl>, ItlCD \VI.\(i. ItKV. L. M. BIORN, ZUMBROTA.

C. BItANDT, ST. I'AL'L.

('. L. I'.UrSLETTEN, KENYdX

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIA AS IN MINNESOTA. 369

conscientious attention to the duties imposed upon him, he
did much to raise the standard of Minnesota cheese and
butter; and certainly was one of the ablest dairy and food
commissioners the state ever had. Anderson has for several
years taken a very active part in politics and has been a
delegate to many Republican local and state conventions.
He is married and has grown children.

Anderson, Daniel, state legislator — Cambridge — boirn
3 Feb., 1842, in Hassela, Helsingland, Sweden. He came
with his parents directly from Sweden to Chisago Lake,
Minn., in 1851. They moVed to Kreebom county in 1857.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Anderson joined the Tenth
Minnesota Infantry, fought at Tupelo, Miss., and served in
the army for three years. He came to Isanti county in 1868
and was elected county auditor the same year ; since he has
been county surveyor, county commissioner, and judge of
probate. He was a member of the state legislature in 1873,
1875-77, 1879, and 1889. Anderson is a plain, unassuming
man, who has hardly a common school education, though
Col. Mattson taught him how to drive oxen. In the legis-
lative manuals he was always styled "laborer;" yet he is
considered to have been one of the most influential Scan-
dinavian legislators in the state. He has gone through all
the adversities of pioneer life. Anderson is a life-long
Republican, and was married in 1869.

Aretander, J. W,, lawyer— Minneapolis— born 2 Oct.,
1849, in Stockholm, Sweden. His father, who belonged to
one of the oldest families of Norway, was for some years
a professor in Sweden, but returned to his native land in
1854. Young Aretander received a college education in

370 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYAINS IN THE U. S.

Skien, graduated with honors from the University of Nor-
way, was a journalist for a while, but his radical views
brought him into trouble, and he became a political exile
and emigrated to America in 1870. For a couple of years
he was connected with a Norwegian paper in Chicago, where
he also studied law, and was admitted to the bar in Minne-
sota, in 1874. For about ten years he practiced law at
Willmar, and has been located in Minneapolis since 1886.
Arctander has a great reputation as a criminal lawyer, and
has been very successful in handling personal damage cases.
He is author of Practical Handbook of Laws of Minne-
sota, published in the Norwegian language in 1876, and
thoroughly revised and published in Norwegian and Swedish
twenty years later. He has also translated Henrik Ibsen's
play. The Masterbuilder, into English. The 17th of May,
1897, a magnificent statue of the famous Norwegian violin-
ist, Ole Bull, was put up in the main park of Minneapolis,
mostly through the untiring energy and self-sacrifice of
Arctander. For about two years he spoke, wrote, stormed,
until his efforts were crowned with success ; and in connec-
tion with the Ole Bull statue — the only statue in the public
parks of Minneapolis — Arctander's name -will long be
remembered with gratitude throughout the Northwest. In
1898 he made a great stir by publicly announcing that he had
been converted to God, although he at the time was a mem-
ber of the American Methodist Church, which he had joined
in 1897 and which is supposed to accept as members only
such persons as profess to have been converted.

Arosin, 0. H., county treasurer — St. Paul — born 14
May, 1861, in Stockholm, Sweden. He received a high

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 371

school education in his native city; learnt the printer's
trade; emigrated to America in 1879, coming directly to St.
Paul; was connected with the Swedish paper Skaffaren
for a couple of years; started a jeweler store in 1883;
worked in the postoffice in 1883-7; was elected assembly-
man in 1894, being re-elected two years later, and served
as president of the assembly for tw^o years; and w^as elected
county treasurer in 1898 by a small majority. During all
these years of public activity, Arosin has retained his jeweler
store. He is a member of the English Lutheran church;
affiliates with the Republican party; belongs to the orders
of Free Masons and Odd Fellows; was married to Laura
Nelson, of St. Paul, in 1891, by whom he has a couple of
children.

Askeland, Hallward Tobias, librarian and musician-
Minneapolis — ^bom 30 Nov., 1860, in Stavanger, Norway.
He completed a course in the Latin school of his native city;
emigrated in 1875, coming directly to Minneapolis ; gra-
duated from the literary department of Augsburg Seminary
in 1882; taught music for a few years; was editor of
Felt-Raabet, the first Norwegian prohibition paper pub-
lished in Minnesota, from 1886—89, but the paper ceased;
and he has ever since 1889 been librarian of the Franklin
Avenue branch of the public library. Askeland takes great
interest in music and literature, and for several years was
organist of the Norwegian Lutheran Trinity Church, and
secretary of what is now the Minnesota Total Abstinence
Association. In 1883 he was married to Julia Skallerud of
Minneapolis. They have several children.

Bendeke, Karl, physician and surgeon — Minneapolis —

372 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

bom 1841, in Kristiania, Norway. After going through the
regular old country college course, he was admitted to the
University of Norway as a student in 1859. He studied
medicine there from 1863-68, when he was appointed sur-
geon on board an emigrant vessel which brought him to
this country. He settled first in Chicago, where he practiced
his profession for tw^o years; moved to Minnesota in 1870;
located in Minneapolis in 1875, where he has since resided.
Bendeke has at different times visited foreign medical insti-
tutions for the purpose of extending his studies in certain
specialties, principally diseases of the eye and ear. In 1877
he visited the eye clinics of London and Paris ; in 1881
attended the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary for three
months, and in 1891 spent about the same length of time at
the university clinics of Berlin, Germany, where he studied
the most modern methods of research and treatment in the
various branches of medicine and surgery. His professional
skill in conjunction with his long residence in the country
has naturally given him a reputation as one of the leading
Scandinavian physicians of the Northwest. In 1869 he was
married to Josephine Fauske, of Bergen, Norway. They
have one daughter, who is an accomplished violinist.

Bennet, C. C, merchant— Minneapolis— born 1847, in
Malmo, Sweden. He is the son of Baron Wilhelm Bennet,
w^ho was an officer in the Swedish army. Young Bennet re-
ceived a good education ; ~went to Copenhagen, Denmark, at
the age of fifteen, to learn the furrier's trade ; emigrated to
Montreal, Canada, in 1867, where he worked at his trade
for over a year; then traveled through several of the Eastern
states, but returned to Montreal to become a member and

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MANNESOTA. 373

manager of a far company. In 1877 he went to Omaha,
Neb., and opened a wholesale house in furs ; but as the busi-
ness proved unprofitable, he moved shortly after-wards to
Minneapolis, where he has ever since been engaged in his
trade. Always taking an active interest in the social life of
his countrymen, Bennet has several times been president of
the Swedish society Norden. He has been a prominent
speaker at many important Scandinavian festivals and
other great gatherings. He w^as the chief promoter in
organizing, in 1888, Battery B of the First Battalion, which
is composed mostly of Swedes; Bennet — generally known
as Captain Bennet — has been commander of the battery
ever since its organization. In 1874 he was married to a
Canadian lady. They have grown children.

Berg, Albert, secretary of State— Centre City— born 25
June, 1861, in Centre City, Minn. His parents were among
the early Sw^edish settlers at Chisago Lake. He attended
Carleton College, Northfield, in 1876-78; then studied at
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, for a couple of years.
Berg traveled as a salesman through the Western states for
four years, then taught school for three years, was elected
register of deeds of Chisago county in 1886, and was
re-elected two years later. He was a delegate to the Repub-
lican national convention at Minneapolis in 1892, and at
the state convention that year was a strong candidate for
secretary of state. In 1894 he was elected secretary of
state, and has since been re-elected twice. Berg is a
Lutheran, quite a good singer, and is married.

Bergsland, H. H., educator— Red Wing— bom 23 Jan.,
1858, in Fillmore county, Minn. His father emigrated from

374 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S

Telemarken, Norway, to the United States in 184-6, and his
mother came from the same place a few years later. They
settled in Fillmore county a couple of years before he
was bom. After having received a common school educa-
tion, young Bergsland entered Red Wing Seminary in
1880, and graduated from the theological department of
this institution five years later ; then attended a theological
school in Kristiania, Norway, for tw^o years, after which he
accepted the position of theological professor in Red Wing
Seminary. From 1889 to 1897 Bergsland was president of
this institution, but at the latter date he again became
theological professor. In 1895 he published a small pam-
phlet in answ^er to the fanatical attack made upon him by
Rev. O. S. Meland. In 1887 he w^as married to Anna L.
Thompson, of Fillmore county, Minn.

BieFmann, Adolph, state auditor— Rochester— bom 19
Nov., 1842, in Kristiania, Norway. Biermann emigrated to
America at the age of nineteen and at once entered the
Union army, enlisting in company I of the Twenty-fourth
Wisconsin Volunteers, serving till the close of the war, and
participating in the battles of Perrysville, Ky., and Mur-
freesboro, Tenn. In 1866 Biermann made a visit to Nor-
way, and upon his return settled at Rochester. He was
elected county auditor of Olmsted county in 1874, w^hich
position he held till 1880. In 1875 and 1882 he was placed
in nomination by the Democratic party as secretary of
state; in 1884, as representative to Congress; in 1883, as
candidate for governor. He was defeated. In 1885 he was
appointed collector of internal revenue for Minnesota by
President Cleveland. In 1890 he was elected, on the Demo-

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 375

cratic ticket, to the office of state auditor, but after having
served one term was defeated for the same position in 1894.
Biermann is still a bachelor.

Biorn, Ludvig- Marinus, clergyman — Zumbrota — bom 7
Sept., 1835, in Moss, Norway. His father was a minister
in the state church of Norway, and some of his ancestors
held high military and ecclesiastical positions in Slesvig.
Biorn became a student at the University of Norway in
1855, graduating as cand. theol. in 1861. The following
year he emigrated to America, being called as pastor by the
congregation of the Norwegian Synod in Manitowoc
county. Wis. Here Biorn met w^ith all the hardships inci-
dent to pioneer life. The war, too, added to the diffi-
culty ; company F of the Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiment was
mostly taken from his congregation. In 1879 he removed
to Goodhue county, Minn., to the congregations of Land
and Minneola. Biorn was one of the leaders of the Anti-
Missourians in the great predestination controversy, and
w^hen, after the division of the synod, the United Church
was organized out of three Norwegian Lutheran denomina-
tions, Biorn became the vice-president of the nevr body.
The North, in 1893, says: "Biorn has a frank, honest,
prepossessing face. He is a thoroughbred gentleman, a
popular preacher, an able writer, and last but not least,
there is a vein of true poetry in his psychical make-up -which
has found expression in a number of poems, two or three of
which are gems of their kind." One of his sons is practicing
law in St. Paul.

BjoPgo, K„ clergyman — Red Wing— bom 2 Oct., 1847,
in Voss, Bergen stift, Norway. He came to the United States

376 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

in his infancy; graduated from Luther College, Decorah,
low^a, in 1870, and three years later completed his theologi-
cal studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.; was
pastor of several churches at and around Lake Park, Becker
county, Minn., for about fifteen years, and accepted a call to
Red Wing in 1888. Bjorgo was elected president of the
Minnesota District of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran
Synod in 1891, and has been one of the chief promoters in
establishing the Young Ladies' Lutheran Seminary at Red
Wing — the only Scandinavian institution of its kind in
America. He was married to Ingeborg Lien, of Decorah,
Iowa, in 1876 ; they have several children.

Boekman, Mareus Olaus, clergyman and educator-
Minneapolis — ^born 9 Jan., 1849, in Langesund, Kristian-
sand stift, Norway. His father was receiver of customs at
Ekersund, where young Bockman received his early school
training, and after having completed the course at Aars and
Voss' Latin school, Kristiania, he graduated with high hon-
ors from the theological department of the University of
Norway in 1874, w^as ordained and accepted a call from a
congregation in Goodhue county, Minn., the following year,
remaining there for eleven years. Rev. J. C. Jensson, in
American Lutheran Biographies, says: 'When the
great controversy concerning election and conversion arose
in the Norwegian Synod, Bockman took part with the Anti-
Missourians and became one of the leaders in opposing the
Missourians. In 1886 the Anti-Miss ourian faction estab-
lished a theological seminary of their own at Northfield,
Minn., and Bockman was called to fill one of the chairs at
this institution. From 1887-90 he was one of the editors

DR. KARL BENDEKE, MIXXEAPOLIS.

A. E. r.OYF.SEX, ST. PAUL.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 377

of Latberske Vidneabj'rd, the church paper of the Anti-
Missourians. In 1890 Bockman became a member of the
faculty of Augsburg Seminary. He is a bright scholar and
one of the most eloquent Norwegian preachers in this coun-
try.' Since 1893 he has served as president of the United
Church Seminary. Bockman has been married twice, and
has several children.

Boeckmaun, Eduard, physician and surgeon — St. Paul-
born 25 March, 1849, in Ostre Toten, Hamar stift, Norway.
His father was an officer in the army, and later became post-
master at Moss. Young Boeckmann received a carefal col-
lege education ; graduated from the medical department of
the University of Norway in 1874; visited Copenhagen,
Utrecht, Paris, and Heidelberg, for the purpose of studying
the diseases of the eye ; practiced his profession in Bergen for
ten years, meanwhile visiting the United States three times
and practicing medicine at shorter periods in different parts
of this country. He came to America first in 1882 ; has
crossed the Atlantic Ocean over twenty times ; and located
permanently in St. Paul in 1886, where he has ever since
resided. Boeckmann at first became noted as a specialist of
the diseases of the eye, but has since engaged in every branch
of medical practice and surgical operations — in all of which
he has, by general consent, become skillful. He was married
to Anne Sophie Dorothea Gill, of Bergen, in 1875 ; they have
children.

Boen, Haldor E., congressman — Fergus Falls — born 2
Jan., 1851, in Sondre Aurdal, Yalders, Norway. At the age
of seventeen he left his native country and came to Mower
county, Minn., but settled in Otter Tail county three years

378 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

later. Here he worked in the county auditor's office for
a while, taught in the public schools for five years, and was
an active agitator of the Farmers' Alliance and People's
party movement. In 1880 he was county commissioner,
and for a number of years acted as deputy sheriff. During
the years of 1885-89 he w^as a member of the executive com-
mittee of the state Alliance. He was elected, on the Repub-
lican ticket, register of deeds of Otter Tail county in 1888,
and re-elected on the Alliance ticket two years later. In
1892 the People's party nominated him for Congress, and
he was elected by a very small majority; but w^as defeated
in 1894. Boen introduced a number of radical bills while in
Congress, and succeeded in getting one measure through.
The Boen Law provides that criminal cases in the U. S.
courts must be tried in the district where the offense was
committed. Boen does not seem to possess the educational
qualifications or the mental and moral make-up to properly
fill the high position to which he was elected. Since 1895 he
has been editor and publisher of the Fergus Falls Globe.
In 1874 he w^as married to Margit G. Brekke ; they have
several children.

Borup, Charles William W., pioneer— St. Paul— born 10
Dec, 1806, in Copenhagen, Denmark; died in 1859. At the
age of twenty-one he came to the United States, remained
in New^ York for about a year, then went to Lake Superior,
and, as an Indian trader, entered the service of the Amer-
ican fur company, of Avhich concern he finally became the
chief agent, residing at La Pointe for several years. Borup
moved to St. Paul in 1849, and four years later he, in con-
nection with his brother-in-law, Charles H. Oakes, organ-

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 379

ized the first bank in the territory of Minnesota. As an
illustration of the banking capacity in those early days, it
may be mentioned that, for lack of funds, the banking con-
cern "was unable to pay a check of $130 "which a customer
desired to get cashed. But Borup soon improved the bank-
ing business, and became the best financier in the territory.
It is claimed that his parents and ancestors "were prominent
people, and that he received a careful education in Denmark,
graduating as a physician, but never practiced the pro-
fession. It is not kno"wn "what caused him to sacrifice his
high standing and bright future in his native country. Here
he endured the hardships of a Western pioneer, associating
for years a great deal with the Indians; he, like many
other early pioneers, married a woman who had Indian
blood in her veins, by whom he had many children. One of
his sons became a captain in the United States army; his
daughters, w^ho are claimed to have been very handsome, were
all married to men of prominence. Borup was not only the
first banker in Minnesota, he was also the first consul who
represented a Scandinavian country in Minnesota, and
donated a lot in St. Paul to the Methodists, in 1853, on con-
dition that a Scandinavian church should be built thereon,
and this was the first Scandinavian religious organization
in the state. His son, Theo. Borup, is a leading business
man in St. Paul.

Boyesen, Alf E., lawyer— St. Paul— born 21 April, 1857,
in Kristiania, Norway. His father was a captain in the
Norwegian army, and he is a brother to the well-known
author Hjalmar Hjort Boyesen. At the age of thir-
teen Boyesen emigrated to this country, attended Ur-

380 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

bana University, Urbana, Ohio, for four years; studied
law a short time with his brother I. K. Boyesen in Chicago;
was admitted to the bar in MinneapoKs, Minn., where he
also had studied in private offices, in 1880; practiced his
profession in Fargo, N. D., for seven years; moved to St.
Paul in 1887; in 1890 entered into partnership with M. D.
Munn and N. M. Thygeson; and formed a partnership
with P. J. McLaughlin in 1897. Few law firms in St. Paul
have a larger practice than the one of w^hich Boyesen is a
member, and Boyesen himself had an extensive practice in
North Dakota, and is now recognized as one of the leading
Scandinavian attorneys in the Northwest. In 1883 he was
married to Florence Knapp, a daughter of Frederick M.
Knapp, of Racine, Wis.

Brandt, Christian, journalist— St. Paul— bom 28 Jan.,
1853, in Yestre Slidre, Valders, Norway. His ancestors
came from Germany to Denmark, and moved from there to
Norway at the fall of the Struense and Brandt's adminis-
tration. He received a college and military education in
Kristiania, was appointed second lieutenant in the army at
the age of tw^enty-one, w^ent to Germany the following year
to study civil engineering at the polytechnic school in
Aachen, and emigrated to the United States in 1876. His
intention was to engage in civil engineering, but failing to
find employment, he became for two years city editor of
Daglig Skandiaaven in Chicago; was assistant editor of
Faedrelandet og Emigranten, La Crosse, Wis., for a
couple of years; bought Red River Posten, which was
published in Fargo, N. D., but sold it the following
year; became editor-in-chief of Nordvesten in 1881, and

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 381

later publisher. From 1887-89 he was inspector general of
the National Guard of Minnesota, with the rank of briga-
dier-general. In 1890 he was appointed deputy collector of
internal revenue; started the Norwegian newspaper, Heim-
dal, the following year, but sold it in 1893. He was for two
years assistant editor of Minneapolis Tidende, and
returned in the spring of 1897 to Nordvesten, of which
paper he at present is editor-in-chief. During the war
with Spain Brandt organized a Scandinavian regiment, of
which he was elected colonel, but it was not called into ser-
vice. He was the first to advocate the election of two Scan-
dinavians to state offices, which resulted in the election of
Col. H. Mattson as secretary of state and A. E. Rice as lieu-
tenant-governor, in 1886. In 1878 he was married to
Bessie Sorenson, of Chicago; they have children.

Breda, 0. J., educator — Minneapolis — ^born 29 Apr.,
1853, in Horten, Norway. He received a classical educa-
tion; graduated from the University of Norway; proceeded
to this country in 1873; graduated from Concordia Theo-
logical Seminary, of St. Louis, in 1875; accepted a call to
St. Paul, but soon embraced the opportunity offered him
to fill a professor's chair in Luther College. Before entering
upon his new duties, however, he returned to Noway, where
for two years he busied himself with philological studies, and
from 1879 to 1882 did very creditable work as professor of
Latin and Norwegian in Luther College. After another
year's study in Norway he received a call to the professor-
ship of Scandinavian languages just then established in the
University of Minnesota. A leave of absence of one year
was improved in further fitting himself for his new duties.

382 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE TJ. S.

which he assumed in the fall of 1884. The chair of Scandi-
navian languages, or "Scandinavian language," as the
intelligent lawmakers had styled the study thus first raised
to the dignity of a professorship in Minnesota, for some
time called for but little attention, and Breda assisted
regularly at teaching Latin, his ability and learning being
generally acknow^ledged. In 1899 he resigned and returned
to his native land. He was married in 1886 in Horten,
Norway, to Emilie Braarud. They have no children.

Brohough, G. 0., educator— Red Wing— bom in Eidsvold,
Norway. He came to Red Wing in his early boyhood, where
he attended the city public schools. At an early age he
entered the State Normal School at River Falls, Wis. After
graduating from this institution he taught several terms in
the public schools. Not finding his thirst for knowledge
satisfied, he entered the state university at Minneapolis,
graduating with the class of 1889. Siace then he took a
course in the law^ department of his alma mater, receiving
the degree of LL. B. in 1892. During his senior year he
received a prize offered by the American Institute of Civics
for the best thesis on economics. For several years he has
been professor at the Red Wing Seminary. Brohough was
superintendent of the public schools of Red Wing for some
time. His brother, Chr. 0. Brohough, came .to America in
1869, and has since been pastor of Hauge's Synod congre-
gations in Red Wing, Chicago, and the Twin Cities. He has
published several books, among which may be mentioned:
Vaegteren, Sangbog tor Sondagsakolen, Elling Eiel-
sens Lir og Virksoxnhed, Guitar Laere, etc.

Brown, Fred P., secretary of state— Blue Earth City—

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 383

bom 12 Aug., 1838, in Kobbervig, Kristiansand stift, Nor-
way. His grand-father was Bishop Nordahl Brun. At the
age of nine Brown went to sea as a cabin boy, and for nine
years led the hard and hazardous life of a sailor. In 1854
he emigrated to America, settling in Dane county. Wis. In
1862 he moved to Rochester, Minn., and located at Blue
Earth City, his present home, in the year following. Brown
was register of deeds of Faribault county for eighteen years.
In 1890 he was elected secretary of state on the Republican
ticket, and re-elected tw^o years later. He is married, and
has several children.

Brusletten, C. L., legislator— Kenyon— born 2 Sept.,
1853, in Hallipgdal, Norway. He came to America with
his parents in 1858, settling in the neighborhood of his
present home. He attended the district school in winter
and worked on the farm in summer. In 1879 he graduated
from the Northwestern Business College at Madison, Wis.,
and since that time has been engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness. Brusletten was postmaster at Kenyon for eight years
and held many of the most important offices of his town-
ship and village. The farmers' elevator at Kenyon was
built largely through his efforts, and he has served as treas-
urer of this and as vice-president of the Citizen's State Bank
of Kenyon, since those institutions were established. He
also owns a large and valuable farm in Kenyon, and has
farms in other places in the Northwest. He was elected to a
seat in the lower branch of the state legislature in 1896, and
re-elected to the same position in 1898. His legislative
record was creditable.

Cappelen, F, W., engineer— Minneapolis— bom 31 Oct.,

384 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE XJ. S.

1857, in Drammen, Norway. He received his early educa-
tion in Fredrikstad, and came out at the head of his class.
Having completed a course and graduated at a technical
school in Orebro, Sweden, he continued his studies at the
polytechnic institute in Dresden, Germany, and w^as the
first Norw^egian w^ho distinguished himself at a final
examination in that institution. In 1880 he emigrated to
America ; -was appointed assistant engineer on the Northern
Pacific R. R., in Montana, and bridge engineer on the same
road in 1883. At the latter date he removed to Minne-
apolis, and from 1886 to 1892 served as bridge engineer of
the city of Minneapolis. By this time he was generally
admitted to rank among the leading engineers of the North-
west, and he -was appointed city engineer, which position
he held for half a dozen years. The most noteworthy monu.
ments to his engineering skill are the Northern Pacific
railroad bridge near the state university of Minnesota and
the reservoirs of the public -waterworks of Minneapolis.
His wife is of German birth ; they have several sons.

Carlsen, L, A. K., clergyman — Brandon — bom 6 Nov.,
1842, in Trondhjem, Norway. His father was pastor in the
state church of Norway. Young Carlsen w^as educated in
his native city and at the University of Norway; accepted a
call from a couple of Norwegian Synod congregations in
Douglas and Grant counties, Minn., in 1872; was called to
San Francisco, Cal., in 1877, and to Sydney, Melbourne,
and other places in Australia, in 1879 ; returned to Douglas
county in 1887 ; made another trip to Australia, visiting the
Hawaii Islands and New Zealand, in 1890 ; and was again
called to take charge of the missionary work among the

I'KOF. J. s. cai;lkiin. IMIXXFAI'KLIS.

H. J. IIJERTSEX, MINXi;ArOI>IS.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS m MINNESOTA. 385

Norwegians in those distant colonies, but for some time has
been located at Great Falls, Montana. Carlsen is considered
to be one of the greatest missionaries in the Norwegian
Synod.

Carlson, Johan S., educator — Minneapolis — born 8 Nov.,
1857, in Frodinge, SriiUland, Sweden. He came with his
parents to the United States when he was quite young,
and was brought up on the farm. After having attended
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., for a couple
of years, he graduated from Augustana College, Rock
Island, 111., in 1885; then studied for two years at the
University of Upsala, Sweden, and completed the course for
candidate of philosophy at that institution in 1887. The
same year he accepted a call to Gustavus Adolphus college
as assistant professor of English and mathematics; was
elected professor of history and philosophy of that institu-
tion the following year, which position he occupied for ten
years, and in which capacity he made an excellent record.
Augustana College conferred the degree of Master of Arts
upon Carlson in 1889, and in 1894 he again went to
Sweden and completed the course for doctor of philosophy,
which degree was conferred upon him by the famous Uni-
versity of Upsala in 1895, his thesis being Om FilosoBen i
Aznerika. He was elected editor-in-chief of Minnesota
Stats Tidning, the semi-official organ of the Swedish
Lutheran Minnesota Conference, in 1898, and the next year
he was called to the State University as professor of Scan-
dinavian languages and literatures. Carlson is a member
of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
as well as of the American Statistical Association. He

386 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

was Republican presidential elector in 1892, has
stumped the state for his party, is considered to be one of
the best Swedish public speakers in the land, writes able
editorial articles, and is a prominent member of the Swed-
ish Lutheran church, having for years been one of the lead-
ing lay-delegates at the annual meetings of said organiza-
tion. In 1890 he w^as married to Maria M. Anderson, of
Carver, Minn. They have four children.

Christeusen, Ferdinand Sneedorff, vice-consul for Den-
mark and banker — Rush City — bom 18 April, 1837, in
Copenhagen, Denmark; died 1896. He received a college
education in his native country, wrote some poems in his
younger days, and participated in the Danish war with Ger-
many in 1864. Christensen came to the U. S. in 1866,
stopped in Chicago for two years, then moved to Rochester,
Minn. Here he commenced the publication of Nordiak
Folkeblad, -which was one of the first Danish-Norwegian
ncAvspapers in Minnesota, and Christensen w^as the first
Scandinavian in the state w^ho commenced to agitate the
election of a Scandinavian state official, which resulted in
the nomination and election of Col. Hans Mattson as
secretary of state in 1869. Christensen became land agent
for the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad company, and moved
to Rush City in 1870. In 1882 he started the Bank of Rush
City. He w^as assistant secretary of state from 1880-82,
was appointed vice-consul for Denmark in 1883, represented
his district in the state legislature in 1878, and held various
local offices. Christensen, w^ho for years was the most
prominent Dane in Minnesota, had, on his arrival in this
country, to endure the usual hardships common to all immi-

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MANNESOTA. 387

grants, and for some time he earned his bread by blacking
stoves for a hardware store in Chicago. In 1869 he was
married to Zelma A. Willard, who survives him.

Clausen, Glaus LauFitz, clergyman and pioneer— Austin
—bom 3 Nov., 1820, on the island of Aero, Fyen stift, Den-
mark; died in Paulsbo, Wash., 1892. His father, who kept
a country store, intended to let his son study law. And
young Clausen at the age of fifteen, after he had received a
good common school education and some instruction in the
German language, commenced to study law in the office of
one of the officials, where he remained for three years. But
the legal principles soon tired Clausen ; and, being very reli-
gious, he decided to become a missionary of the Gospel. For
two years he studied theology under private instruction,
but, being poor, he was compelled to seek employment as a
tutor. In 1841 he visited Norway, and soon decided to go
to Zululand, South Africa, to preach for the natives. But
the reputation of his missionary zeal had been circulated to
the Norwegian settlement at Muskego, Racine county, Wis.
These people felt the need of a preacher and a teacher, espe-
cially were they anxious to have their young children
instructed in the religion and language of their fathers.
They called Clausen. He accepted. And, after having
returned to Denmark and married there, he, in company
with his bride, arrived at Muskego, Wis., in 1843. Shortly
after his arrival he w^as examined by a couple of German
Lutheran ministers, was ordained Oct. 18, and organized
what is generally supposed to be the first Scandinavian
Lutheran church in America, since the Swedish settlement at
Delaware River in the seventeenth century. This, however.

388 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

is a mistake. For three or four years previously to Clausen's
arrival, EUing Eielsen had built a log meeting house at Fox
River, 111. This may be called the first Norwegian church
building and church organization in the U. S., and Eielsen
M^as ordained by a Lutheran minister fifteen days before
Clausen. On the other hand it must be admitted that Eiel-
sen -was not friendly towards any attempts to effect solid
church organizations,'and seems to have ridiculed ordained
clergymen both before and after his own ordination. He
certainly had not the educational qualifications w^hich a
Lutheran pastor is supposed to possess, and virtually
remained during his -whole life an itinerant lay -preacher. In
1844 Rev. J. W. C. Dietrichson arrived at Muskego from
Norway ; he w^as a disciple of Bishop Grundtvig and suc-
ceeded, at least for a while, in convincing Clausen to his
views. But Dietrichson's Grundtvigianism terrified Eielsen
and the friends of Hauge. In 1851 A. C. Preus, H. C. Stub,
and C. L. Clausen met at Rock Prairie, Wis., — Dietrichson
being in Europe at the time — and organized the Norwegian
Synod. Clausen was elected president of the synod.. The
constitution of this organization, which it w^as claimed con-
tained too much leaven of Grundvigianism, w^as revoked
the following year ; Clausen objected to the change and de-
sired the leaven to remain. But in later years Clausen
changed his views on this subject. When Emigranten,
which was one of the first Norwegian newspapers in this
country, w^as started in 1851, Clausen became its editor,
remaining in that position, however, only a short time, as
his ill-health compelled him to go farther West. For several
years after his arrival to this country, his lungs had been in

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 389

a bad condition. To restore his health he, in 1852, with-
drew from the regular ministry, went to low^a, and located
at St. Ansgar, Mitchell county, where soon a prosperous
Norwegian settlement sprang up. For a number of years
Clausen was engaged in farming and business ventures of
various kinds, as well as in politics. Having regained his
health and again entered the ministry, he, in June, 1861,
attended the annual meeting of the Norwegian Synod, held
at Rock Prairie, Wis., and upon application vs^as admitted
to membership. At this 'meeting, a declaration from the
ministers in regard to slavery having been called for, the
following resolution, agreed to by all the ministers, Clausen
included, was offered: " Although, according to the Word
of God, it is not a sin per se to hold slaves ; yet slavery is
per se an evil and a punishment from God, and we condemn
all the abuses and sins connected with it, and, when our
ministerial duties demand it, and when Christian love and
wisdom require it, we will work for its abolition." This
resolution on "slavery per se" (in itself) was afterwards
supplemented by two other statements, both well known,
to-wit: "No Christian can be a pro-slavery man," and
" ' American slavery ', or slavery as constituted by American
laws and customs, was per se sinful and abominable."
Clausen, however, soon publicly withdrew his consent from
the resolution of 1861, and declared that slavery is a sin
per se, that is in every case and under all circumstances ;
but, being the only one that did so, and dissenting on other
important questions, he decided to leave the synod in 1868,
asserting that the majority of its ministers were too narrow-
minded. No other of the many Norwegian- American church

390 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

disputes has been so thoroughly debated and generally mis-
understood as has the slavery question. The Norwegian
Synod has never to this day receded from the position it
took in 1861 ; but the majority of the Norwegian lay -people,
practically all of whom were strong sympathizers with the
Northern cause, have always failed to comprehend the real
attitude of the synod on this topic. Consequently Clausen
had the popular side of the argument, as he denounced,
principally, the evils of the American slavery, while the
leaders of the synod maintained and tried to prove from the
New Testament that the condition of servitude is not sinful
per se. In regard to the attitude of Clausen and the Nor-
wegian Synod on the slavery question a great deal can be
learnt by reading Clausen's book, Gjenxnale, and Historisk
Frexnstilling by the synod church council. The former
■work, especially, is a master production. At the outbreak
of the Civil War Clausen enlisted in the Fifteenth Wisconsin
Regiment — better known as the Scandinavian Regiment —
under the brave Col. H. C. Heg ; w^as appointed chaplain,
but his poor health compelled him to resign in 1862. In
1870 he became one of the organizers of the Norwegian-
Danish Evangelical Lutheran Conference, and was its presi-
dent for the first two years, then he resigned. In 1856—57
he represented his district in the legislature of Iowa ; took a
trip to Norway in 1867, being at the same time appointed
by the governor of lo-wa as commissioner of the state to
the exposition in Paris, France. After having resided in
Iowa for nineteen years, he moved to Virginia, then to
Philadelphia, where he preached for one year; accepted a
call to Austin, Minn., 1878 ; spent the last few years of his

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIAAS IN MINNESOTA. 391

eventful life with his son at Paulsbo, Wash., where he died.
He is buried at Austin. Jensson, in American Lutheran
Biographies, says of Clausen: "Since his arrival at
Muskego, in 1843, Rev. Clausen's name is woven into the
principal events of the history of the Norwegian Lutherans
of this country, down to recent years. Zealously and faith-
fully he administered to the spiritual wants of the pioneers,
travelling continually between the small and scattering
settlements throughout the Northwest." He was married
to Martha F. Rasmussen, of Langeland, Denmark, in 1842,
by whom he had one son. She died in 1846 ; since he married
Mrs. Birgitte I. Pedersen. One of his sons is practicing law
at Austin, and is one of the leading lay-members of the
United Norwegian Church.

Clausen, Peter, artist — Minneapolis — born 1830, in
Denmark. 'At an early age he evinced marked artistic
ability, and at the age of thirteen years was apprenticed'to
a firesco painter and decorator, at the same time studying
drawing at Ringsted. After serving his time he went to
Copenhagen, studying two years at the Royal Art
Academy, receiving a diploma for excellence in ornamenta-
tion, model figure drawing, and oil painting. While decor-
ating the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden, he attended
the Royal Academy of Arts in that city, receiving a diploma
from the Antique school. He afterwards devoted several
years to scene painting, finally coming to the United States
in 1866. Shortly after his arrival here his services were
secured to decorate the First Universalist Church in Minne-
apolis, Minn., and many churches, public buildings, and
private edifices in that city bear evidences of his skill.

392 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

Every summer Clausen devotes a portion of his time to
studying natural scenery. Among his studies from nature
the most rerparkable is the picture of St. Anthony falls,
including both sides of the island, painted in 1869. His
large paintings of the Yellowstone Park and the Great
Northwest have placed him high in the rank of scenic artists
in this country. He is an active member of Dania Society,
and of some secret organizations.'

ColbGFg, A. P. J., journalist— St. Paul— born 19 Aug.,
1854, in Bitterna, Yestergotland, Sweden. At the age of
sixteen he came -with a brother and a sister to this country;
they settled in Carver county, Minn., where he for a w^hile
worked as a common laborer, and later, after having entered
college, taught and preached during vacations. Colberg
attended Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., for
two years, and studied at Augustana College, Rock Island,
Ilk, for four years. In 1886 he became associate editor and
business manager of what is now called Minnesota Stats
Tidning-, the oldest Swedish newspaper in Minnesota,
having been established in 1877; it has always been the
organ of the Swedish Lutheran Conference of Minnesota,
but is owned by private individuals ; since Colberg became
manager its circulation has been doubled and is now about
15,000. Colberg is a prominent member of the Swedish
Lutheran church, and has held several important offices in
the same. In 1886 he was married to Anna E. Nelson,, of
Nicollet county, a daughter of Andrew Nelson, who is one
of the wealthiest Swedish farmers in the country; they have
several children.

Darelius, August B., lavrjrer and legislator— Minneapolis

DR. J. G. SKAUO. MINNEAPOLIS.

REV. M. F. GJBRTSEN, MINNEAPOLIS. ItEV. J. C. JENSSON, AUSTIN.

REV. J. J. KILDSK;. ALP.EUT lea. ITiOP. T. S. REIMESTAD, MINNEAPOLIS.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 393

— bom 3 July, 1859, in Skolvened, Yestergotland, Sweden.
He came to the United States in 1873, "to acquire freedom
of action, liberty of thought, and independence in life." At
first he worked on farms, then clerked in stores, kept
books, was interested in a grocery business for two years,
graduated from the law department of the University of
Michigan in 1889, and was elected to the state legislature
of Minnesota in 1890. In the house of representatives he
was the author of the bill which repealed the obnoxious
struck' jury law, and secured the passage of the same.
Darelius has resided in Minneapolis since 1876. He is a
Democrat, and was nominated by his party for judge of
probate in 1898, but was defeated with the rest of the
ticket. He is one of the trustees and secretary of the
Swedish hospital, and has a very large practice. In 1894
he was married to Tillie Anderson of Minneapolis.

Eg^gen, J. Mueller, clergyman and author — Lyle — ^born
20 Apr., 1841, near Trondhjem, Norway. He clerked
in Trondhjem for his uncle for some time, at the same
time taking private instruction with the view of entering
the University of Norway, where he, after having spent a
couple of years in Tromso, attended lectures for two years.
Afterwards he taught languages in Bergen for a short time,
prepared himself for the stage, and appeared in a number
of theatrical performances. He studied at a seminary for
one year ; established a high school in Tryssil, of which he
was principal for several years. In 1865 he accepted a call
to take charge of a Norwegian high school in this coun-
try, but after his arrival he changed his mind and entered
the theological department of Augustana College, Paxton,

394 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

111., graduating the following year. Eggen preached at
Racine and vicinity, Wis., for about five years ; had charge
of a congregation at Luther Valley, Wis., from 1871-82;
and has ever since been pastor in Mower county, Minn. He
belonged to the Scandinavian Augustana Synod, of which
he was secretary for some time, until the Conference was
organized in 1870, when he joined that body, which became
part of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church in 1890.
For nine years he w^as secretary of the Conference, served as
vice-president for tvro years, and was elected president in
1886, but on account of ill health declined to accept the
position. He was one of the organizers of the United
Church, and became its missionary secretary, a position he
had also occupied in the Conference. Eggen has written
considerably for the Norwegian-American press, as well as
several books. He uses a flowery language, but there is not
much depth to his literary productions. In 1858 he was
married to Henrietta Rossow ; they have several children.

Eng'Strom, Augustus Erieson, educator— Cannon Falls
— born 22 March, 1851, in Vestergotland, Sweden. His
ancestors on his father's side came from Germany to
Sweden at the time of Gustavus Adolphus. At the age of
eighteen young Engstrom emigrated to this country;
worked his own way through Carleton College, Northfield,
Minn., from which institution he graduated in 1878, and of
which he has been one of the trustees since 1890. Ever
since his graduation he has been principal of the high
school at Cannon Falls; was elected superintendent of
schools of Goodhue county in 1882, and has been re-elected
ever since -without opposition; was elected president of the

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 395

state association of county superintendents in 1889; was
elected president of the Minnesota state teachers' reading
circle in 1892, at the same time being appointed chairman
of the state committee on common school exhibits at the
World's Columbian Exposition. He ranks as one of the
ablest school superintendent in the state. In 1880 Eng-
strom was married to Mary A. Conley, of Burlington,
Iowa; they have several children.

Falstrom, Jacob, pioneer— Afton— bom 25 July, 1793
or 1795, in Stockholm, Sweden; died 1859. His father is
said to have been a wealthy merchant, but the young man
left home at the age of twelve or fourteen years and sailed
with his uncle. Of the six or seven different authorities
which have been consulted in regard to Falstrom, there are
not two that agree. Some maintain that he lost his way
in London, England, and, being unable to find his uncle's
ship, took passage for North America; others again assert
that his uncle was cruel to him, and that he, on that
account, ran away, intending to return to Sweden, but
instead w^as landed in Canada, where he soon became
acquainted with the Indians, whose habits and modes of
life he adopted. He seems to have arrived in Minnesota, at
least, before 1819, being employed by the American fur
company to trade with the Indians around Lake Superior.
He spoke French and several Indian languages, married an
Indian woman, by whom he had several children, some of
whom now live in Washington county, Minn., and in nearly
every respect lived and acted as the aborigines. In later
years he became very religious, and for a long time acted as
a kind of Methodist missionary among the Indians. He

396 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

took a claim in Washington county in 1837. Falstrom
was unquestionably the first Scandinavian in Minnesota,
but unlike his contemporary Northman, Borup, he exer-
cised no influence upon the affairs of the state. The former
simply degenerated into savagery, while the latter rose
above his surroundings.

Felland, Ole G., educator— Northfield— born 10 Oct.,
1853, in Koshkonong, Dane county, Wis. His parents came
from Telemarken, Norway, in 1846, and settled on the farm
vsrhere he was born. Young Felland graduated from Luther
College in 1874, being one of the first who received the
■ degree of B. A. of this institution. Afterwards he studied,
for tw^o years, the classical and German languages at the
Northwestern University, Watertown, Wis., and received
the degree of A. M. of this institution in 1892; and becom-
ing, interested in theology he commenced to study this
branch of know^ledge at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.,
completing his course there in 1879. Then he had charge of
the Norwegian Lutheran churches at Kasson and Rochester,
Minn., for a couple of years, and became a teacher in St.
Olaf College in 1881. Felland has taught English, Norwe-
gian, German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, history, and botany.
At the time of the controversy on predestination, in 1880,
he sided with the Anti-Missourians and joined the United
Church in 1890. In 1888 Felland visited England, France,
Germany, Denmark, and Norway. He was married in 1883
to Thea Johanna Midboe, of Vernon, Minn. ; they have several
children.

Fjelde, Jacob, sculptor— Minneapolis — born 10 April,
1859, in Aalesund, Norway; died 1896. One of his ancestors

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 397

married, in 1750, a daughter of a French Huguenot family;
his father was a wood carver, and Fjelde worked at this
trade until he was eighteen years of age. He studied sculp-
ture with Bergslien, in Kristiania, for about a year and a
half; studied nearly three years at the Royal Academy,
Copenhagen, Denmark, and spent two years in Rome, study-
ing the classical masterpieces. Before emigrating to this
country in 1887, he produced The Boj- and the Cats,
Spring, and other figures, besides a bust of Henrik Ibsen,
etc. — all of which received favorable comments of the
Scandinavian and the Roman press, and of art critics. Most
of his early productions are preserved in the museums of
Bergen and Kristiania. Fjelde, during his residence in
Minneapolis, made busts, both in marble and in bronze, of
some of the best known Scandinavians and Americans in the
country, and such works as his statues. The Seading
Woman, in the Minneapolis Public Library, and the
Gettysburg Monument — both in bronze — have gained a
national reputation. Fjelde's works have received high
commendation of the critics and of the public, and the
Ole Bull statue, in the main park of Minneapolis, is un-
doubtedly his greatest work. In 1888 he was married to
Margarita Madsen, of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Fliesburg, Osear Alf. , physician and poet — Minne-
apolis — born 5 April, 1851, in SmMand, Sweden. His grand-
father was a German who settled in Sweden in the eighteenth
century; his father was an officer in the Swedish navy.
Fliesburg studied a few years at a college in Kalmar; gradu-
ated as a pharmacist in 1869; followed his profession for a
few years in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and other places in

398 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S

Sweden; visited most of the European countries, as well as
parts of Africa and South America; arrived in the United
States in 1874; has clerked in drug stores in New York,
Baltimore, Chicago, St. Louis, and in different places in
Minnesota, besides having traveled through nearly every
state in the Union. Fliesburg studied medicine at spare
times for several years, passed his medical examination be-
fore the Minnesota state medical board in 1883, and gradu-
ated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago,
in 1885; practiced his profession in Hudson, Wis., for three
years, then resided in St. Paul for several years, and settled
in Minneapolis in 1894. Here he took an active part in the
establishment of the Swedish hospital in 1898, and has built
up a large practice. Fliesburg devotes part of his time to
literary pursuits, having published several poems in
Svenska Folkets Tidning, Valkjrrian, and Srea, etc.,
besides w^riting on medical questions for American journals.
In 1893 he, in connection with Lewis P. Johnson, published
in the English language Cristoforo Colon, a lengthy epic
poem dealing with the discovery of America by Columbus;
and in 1899 he issued Vildrosor ocb Tistlar, alarge volume
of over 300 pages, which is a collection of the author's
poems, much of which had previously appeared in some
Sw^edish newspapers. If the critics are to be relied upon,
Fliesburg is a poetical genius, whose fault in poesy is said,
by some of his critics, to consist in ignoring strict poetical
rules and not adhering strictly to the severe grammatical
construction of the Swedish language, permitting himself
more freedom than is usually allowed. Consequently, his
productions have been highly praised and severely criticised.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 399

It is generally admitted, however, that his conceptions are
sublime, perhaps too much so to be properly understood.
In 1879 he was married to MinaBirgittaOpsahl, of Chicago;
she died in 1880, and in 1889 he w^as married to Brita
Sundkvist, of St. Paul.

Fosmark, 0- N., clergyman — Fergus Falls — born 17
Nov., 1853, in Columbia county. Wis. His parents came
from Norway to the United States in 1845. He graduated
from Luther College in 1875, and completed his theological
studies at Concordia Seminary three years later; and has
ever since been pastor of a church belonging to the Nor-
w^egian Synod in Furgus Falls, and is also president of
Park Region Luther College. In 1879 Fosmark was mar-
ried to Sarah Norman, of Otter Tail county, Minn. They
have several children.

Fosnes, C. A., lawyer and legislator — Montevideo —
born 2 July, 1862, in Gloppen, Bergen stift, Norway. At
the age of four he came with his parents to this country;
they settled in Winona county, Minn., but moved to Fari-
bault county two years later. Fosnes received a common
school education, attended the state normal school at
Winona for two years, and studied law in a private office
in Winona. Since 1884- he has practiced his profession in
Montevideo, and was the Prohibition candidate for Con-
gress in 1888. He has been a member of the school board
in his district, and city attorney and mayor. In 1897 and
1899 he served in the state legislature, having been elected
on the Fusion ticket, although he is independent in
politics. Fosnes made an excellent record as a legislator,
and was especially successful in defeating several pernicious

400 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYAINS IN THE U. S.

bills. If his party had been in the majority instead of in
the minority some of the highly deserving measures which
he tried to pass would undoubtedly have been enacted. He
is a Freemason and a member of the I. 0. 0. P., and was
married to Sarah Ameson, of Montevideo, in 1883. They
have children.

Foss, H. A., journalist and author — Minneapolis — bom
25 Nov., 1851, in Modum, Norway. He enjoyed a common
school and commercial education; came to America in 1877;
w^orked on farms in MinneSota and wrote some for Nor-
wegian newspapers; settled at Portland, N. D., where he
was postmaster in 1885-87; published and edited Norznan-
den. at Grand Porks, N. D., in 1887-92; removed to Min-
neapolis in 1893; and has since spent his time in editing
a weekly, A'^-e Normanden, owned partly by himself. Poss
viras a Prohibitionist iu the eighties and took active part
in the anti-saloon campaign in North Dakota; but for the
past ten years he has been a radical Populist, his campaign
editorials being choice samples of the so-called "calamity
howling" of the reform press of the early nineties. In 1892
he was candidate for congress on the People's party ticket
in North Dakota. Poss has written several books, some of
w^hich are very popular, and five of them have been re-pub-
lished in Norway. He was married to Inga 0. Pjeld in
1886; they have several children.

Foss, Louis 0., legislator— Wendell— bom 1854, in
Portage, Wis. His parents were Norwegians, and he re-
ceived a common school education at Portage; removed
to Minnesota in 1879; has been engaged in farming since
that date in Grant county; was justice of the peace for

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BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 401

twelve years, town clerk for ten years, and judge of probate
for eight years; has been a member of the lower branch of
the legislature since 1894, being elected on the Republican
ticket. In th« legislature of 1899 he was looked upon as
one of the most combative members of his house. He is
the head of a family.

Fremling, John, clergyman— Vasa— born 21 June, 1842,
in Frammestad, Vestergotland, Sweden. After having
received a high school education in Skara, Fremling for two
years attended the Lyceum in Upsala, and had decided to
become a minister of the Gospel in his native country ; but
in 1870 Prof. Hasselquist, who had just returned to Sweden
for the purpose of securing young men to enter the Swedish-
American ministry, induced him to emigrate to the United
States. Before he was ordained, however, he studied one
year at Augustana College, Paxton, 111. From 1871-82
Fremling had charge of the Swedish Lutheran church in
Sabylund, Wis.; was pastor in Welch, Minn., for five years,
and at Fish Lake for two ; and came to Vasa in 1889. He
was president of the Minnesota Conference in 1883-87 and
has held the same position since 1897. When Fremling
was thirty years of age he was married to Emelia A.
Edholm, a sister of A. E. Edholm, of Stillwater. They have
one child.

Frieh, Johannes Bjereh, educator and clergyman —
Hamline — ^born 15 July, 1835, in Nannestad, Romerike, Nor-
way. He is the son of G. J. Frich, pastor in the state church
of Norway. After having finished his Latin school course
at Kristiania, he entered the University of Norway and was
graduated as theol. cand. in 1861. The following year Frich

402 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

was ordained minister, and in the summer of the same year
emigrated to America to take charge of twelve congrega-
tions belonging to the Norwegian Synod, and located in La
Crosse, Trempealeau, and Jackson counties in Wisconsin;
served as minister for twenty-six years; was for a number of
years secretary of the synod ; became president of the East-
em District in 1876, w^hich position he held till 1888. He
w^as then called as professor of theology at Luther Seminary,
of which institution he is now president. In 1894-9 he was
vice-president of the Norwegian Synod. Frich was married
to Caroline Nilsen in 1862. They have several children.

Gausta, Hertojorn N., artist— MinneapoHs— bom 1854,
in Telemarken, Norw^ay. He came w^ith his parents to
the U. S. in 1867 ; attended Luther College for three years;
then went to Europe, and for seven years studied painting
in Kristiania, Nor^vay, and Munich, Germany ; returned to
America in 1882; lived in Chicago, Madison, La Crosse, and
Decorah, until 1887, when he w^ent to Italy, Germany, and
his native country. Gausta has resided in MinneapoHs since
1889 and has made portrait paintings of some of the best
known people in the United States. Prof Breda said of him:
^'He does not know how to advertise or put himself for-
ward; but he is one of the best Scandinavian artists in this
country; his landscapes are beautiful, original, and natural."
The Literary Northwest for January, 1893, in speaking
about Minneapolis artists, refers to Gausta as follows: "He
is an admirable figure painter and also strong in land-
scape."

Gjertsen, Henry J., lawyer— Minneapolis— born 8 Oct.,
1861, near Tromso, Norway. Gjertsen came to this country

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 403

when six years of age, living witli his parents on their farm
at Lake Ameha, Minn., and attending the common school
during the winter months until he was fifteen. When seven-
teen he requested his parents to permit him to go to college,
and his father finally consented to let him go to the Red
Wing Seminary, where he completed the six years' course in
the collegiate department. In the last year of his college
course he determined to enter the legal profession, and
already began the study of law privately before leaving the
seminary. He continued the study of law and was admitted
to the bar at the age of twenty -three. While studying law
Gjertsen was employed in a number of small cases, one of
which as a test case was appealed by his opponent to the
supreme court, Gjertsen thus receiving the distinction of
being acknowledged attorney of record in the supreme court
before he was admitted to the bar. Since his admission to
practice Gjertsen has conducted a general law business in
Minneapolis, where he has built up a wide-spread and
lucrative practice, having also successively conducted a
number of important cases before the higher courts. He
has, within the last few years, with ability conducted cases
against railroad companies and other corporations before
the United States courts. He has also been admitted to
practice before the United States Supreme Court at Wash-
ington. He has several times been a delegate to state
conventions, served as a member of different Republican
county committees, and was appointed a member of the
charter commission of Minneapolis in 1897. For many
years he has edited the legal departments of Skandinaren,
Minneapolis Daglig Tidende, and Srenska Azneri-

404 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

kanaka Pesten. In 1897 lie published a hand book of
American law in Norwegian and Swedish, which received
much praise by the press and the critics. In 1899 Gov.
Lind appointed him inspector general of the state militia,
with the rank of brigadier general. At the age of twenty-
one Gjertsen was married to Gretchen Goebel, a German
lady. They have one child.

Gjertsen, Melehior Falk, clergyman — Minneapolis— bom
19 Feb., 1847, in Amle, Bergen stift, Norway. Gjertsen
had passed several classes in the Latin school at Bergen
when he emigrated with his parents to America in 1864.
Shortly after their arrival the family came w^est, and young
Gjertsen found employment in Milwaukee. It was his desire
to enter the commercial life, but a severe illness made him
change his plans, and, according to his father's wishes, he
began to study for the ministry. He entered the Augustana
College and Seminary at Paxton, 111., from which institu-
tion he graduated in 1868. The same year Gjertsen was
ordained minister of the Gospel and took charge of the con-
gregation at Leland, 111., w^here he remained for four years.
He then moved to Stoughton, Wis., w^here he was pastor for
nine years. He has since resided in Minneapolis, where he is
minister of a church now belonging to the Norwegian Free
Church. In 1870 Gjertsen was a delegate to the meeting
which organized the Norwegian-Danish Conference, to
w^hich organization he belonged till the estabUshment of the
United Church, and in 1873 he vras sent as a delegate to the
general meeting of the Norwegian missionary society held
in Drammen, Norway. He published a volume of songs
called Hjezalandssange. Gjertsen is a very active worker

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 405

in the field of education, of temperance, of charity, etc. He
was one of the organizers of the Associated Charities of
MinneapoKs, as well as of the first stable temperance
society among the Norwegians in Minneapolis, the Norwe-
gian Y. M. C. A., and deaconess' home. In 1889 he w^as
elected member of the Minneapolis board of education, of
which body he was secretary and president. Gjertsen did
some excellent work while serving on the board. In 1869
he was married to Sarah Mosey; they have several
children.

Grinager, Mons, soldier— Minneapolis— bom 7 Oct.,
1832, in Hadeland, Harmar stift, Norway; died 1889. His
father was a well-to-do farmer, who gave his son a fair
education. At the age of twenty-one he came to this coun-
try, directly to St. Paul, but moved to Decorah the follow-
ing year, where he was in the mercantile business for three
years. In 1857 he took a claim in Freeborn county, Minn.,
and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the
Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiment, better known as the Scandi-
navian Regiment, in which he became captain. At the
battle of Stone River he was severely wounded and had to
retire from the army for a while. After the close of the war
he returned to his farm; held various local offices; was
revenue assessor for some time of the first district of Minne-
sota, which included twenty-nine counties; 'was register of
the U. S. land office in Worthington from 1874-82; settled in
Minneapolis in 1886, where he was vice-president of Scandia
Bank; owned also several farms in Freeborn county, and
had commercial relations in Dakota. Grinager was the
Republican nominee for state treasurer in 1873, defeated;

406 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THK U. S.

■was one of the presidential electors in 1888, and served as
vice-president for Minnesota of the Republican national
league for a few years. His son Alex Grinager is quite a
noted artist.

Grindeland, Andrew, lawyer and state senator— War-
ren — ^born 20 Nov., 1856, in Winnesheik county, Iowa. His
parents were from Voss, Norway. He received an academic
education in Decorah, Iowa; taught in the public schools of
Iowa and in Dodge county, Minn., for a while; graduated
from the law^ department of the University of low^a in
1882, and has ever since practiced his profession in Warren.
Here he has been a member of the city, council, judge of the
probate court, chairman of the school board, and has held
various other offices; was one of the founders of the Grand
Forks College; assisted in organizing the State Bank of
Warren, of v(rhich he is one of the directors. Grindeland has
taken an active part in every political campaign ever since
Knute Nelson ran for Congress; he is a Republican and a
member of the Norwegian Synod. For four years he was a
member of the State Normal school board, and was elected
to the state senate in 1898, being one of the most active
men of the session in 1899. In 1882 he was married to
Ingrid Frode, of Winnesheik county, Io"wa; they have sev-
eral children.

Gponberger, Robert, humorist and writer— Forest Lake
— bom 2 Oct., 1840, in Kalmar, Sweden. He received a col-
lege education in his native city. In 1869 he emigrated to
the U. S.; lived in Wisconsin for three years; then moved to
St. Paul, and remained there until 1877, when he settled at
Forest Lake. Gronberger is a Democrat and has been asses-

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 407

sor of the town for twenty years. He is not married, and
seems to stick to his bachelorship with a certain degree of
stubbornness; no wonder he claims to have had "plenty of
adversities, but of successes, none, so far." It is not, how-
ever, as a politician or as an unsuccessful lover that Gron-
berger has become noted, but as a humorous writer. Every-
one who knows anything about the Swedish-American
literature, knows also iVfFBei/— that is Gronberger. For
under this nom de plume he has for many years contributed
a large number of correspondences and humorous sketches
to Minnesota Stats Tidning, Sv^enska Amerikanaren,
Svenska Folkets Tidning; and other Swedish papers. "Be-
sides, he is the author of three Swedish books, Svenskarne
i St. Croixdalen, Minn., and Minnesotas Historia and
Kalle Frojdelin — the latter is a novel, written in a natural
and agreeable vein of humor. Gronberger has devoted much
time to the study of Swedish-American history. Sj^ens-
karne i St. Croixdalen, Minnesota, is the best and most
correct history of the Swedes in that part of the country
that has yet been published. In it he describes the first Swe-
dish settlement in Minnesota with more exactness than any
other author.

Guttersen, G„ legislator — Lake Crystal — born 13 May,
1859, in Grover, Winona county, Minn. His father came
from Telemarken; his mother from Stavanger, Norway.
Guttersen received a common school education, and com-
pleted a course at the Mankato normal school in 1884. He
taught school about four years; was engaged in farming
until 1895; and after that date was manager of a corpora-
tion, running a store and creamery at Butternut. Guttersen

408 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

has held a number of minor positions of trust in his locahty,
including that of postmaster. In 1889 he was elected
engrossing clerk of the house of representatives of the state
legislature, and in 1892 and 1894 was elected to a seat in
the same body. In 1896 he declined the nomination for the
same .position, but was again elected in 1898, receiving a
phenomenally large majority and being the only man in his
county who served three terms in the state legislature.
Guttersen is a Republican and a member of the United
Church. He was married to Alma Pettersen, of Butternut,
in 1889; they have children.

" Halgren, C. G., state legislator — Watertown — bom
1840, in Ulricehamn, Vestergotland, Sweden. He received a
common school education in his native country; emigrated
to the United States at the age of fourteen; settled with his
parents at Fulton, 111., where he served a four years' appren-
ticeship at the printer's trade; and came to Carver county,
Minn., in 1858. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted
as a private in company B of Ninth Minnesota Volunteer
Infantry, and served until the close of the war; was post-
master from 1877-85 in Watertown, w^here he also has a
drug store; was elected to the lower branch of the state
legislature in 1880, 1882, and 1888. Halgren is a Repub-
lican, is married, and has a son practicing medicine at
Watertown.

HalvorsoD, John, clergyman — Minneapolis — born 4 Dec,
1861, in Stavanger, Norway. He came with his parents to
the United States at the age of nine; graduated from Luther
College at the age of nineteen; studied one year at the Ger-
man Northwestern University, Watertown, Wis., and gra-

PKOF. D. JIA(iXrS. XdU'l'HFIKLIl.

C. A. FOSNES, MOXTEVniF.O.

A. GRINDELAND, WARREX,

PROF. O. LOKEXS(iAAl:ri, MAniSOX.

K. i:. THOIII'SOX, rUESTON.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 409

duated trom this institution in 1881; then studied theology
both at Concordia Seminary and Luther Seminary, and was
ordained in 1884. He served as assistant pastor at May-
ville, N. D., for a couple of years; then had charge ^of the
church at Norway Lake, Minn., for four years, and accepted
the call of the Zion Church, Minneapolis, in 1890. Halvor-
son belongs to the Norwegian Synod, but is an ardent
advocate of the use of the English language, and believes in
the future of the Lutheran church in this country only when
it retains our fathers' faith and uses our children's language.
He was English lecturer at Luther Seminary from 1890 to
1894. During his missionary work, both in Dakota and at
Norway Lake, he quite frequently preached in English, being
also a contributor to several English theological periodicals,
as well as Norwegian. In 1889 he was married to Bertha
Glesne, of Norway Lake, who was the first child of Euro-
pean parents bom in the settlement. They have several
children.

Halvorson, Kittel, congressman — Belgrade — born 15 Dec. ,
1846, in Hjertdal, Telemarken, Norway. He came with his
parents to the U. S. when he was an infant of only two
years of age; they settled in Wisconsin, where young Halvor-
son attended the common schools. At the outbreak of the
Civil War he enlisted in company C, First Wisconsin Heavy
Artillery, and served until the close of the war; then settled
on a homestead in Stearns county, Minn., where he has been
engaged in farming, stock raising, and dealing in agricultural
implements. Halvorson was elected to the United States
Congress in 1890 by the Farmers' Alliance and the Prohi-
bitionists, but was by no means successful as a lawmaker.

410 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

He frankly acknowledged his incapacity by the following
utterance just before election: "I do not think I am the
proper man to send to Congress; but if you elect me anyway,
I assure you that I shall do my best." He is a Lutheran,
takes interest in the temperance movement, has a family,
and represented his district in the state legislature in 1887.

Hanson, Oesten, clergyman — Aspelund — bom 8 July,
1836, in Norway; died 4 Aug. 1898. At the age of fifteen he
emigrated with his parents to this country; they settled in
Wisconsin, but moved to Goodhue county, Minn., in 1856.
Here young Hanson was ordained in 1861, and served the
same congregation until his death. In 1875-6 he was
president of Hauge's Synod, was its vice-president for about
twenty years, was president of the board of regents of Red
Wing Seminary for several years, and was again elected
president of the synod in 1887. His son, M. G. Hanson,
was born 11 July, 1853; graduated from Red Wing Seminary
in 1884; had charge of congregations in St. Paul for eight
years; was located at Grand Forks, N. D., for six years;
became principal of Red Wing Seminary in 1898; and was
elected president of Hauge's Synod the same year, and re-
elected in 1899. He is married and has children.

Hilleboe, H. S., educator— Benson— bom 28 Oct., 1858,
in Roche-a-Cree, Adams county. Wis. His father and grand
parents came from Norway to the United States in 1853.
Young Hilleboe w^orked on the farm and attended the dis-
trict school till the age of sixteen; then taught some in the
public schools. In the fall of 1875 he entered Luther Col-
lege, from which he was graduated in 1881. In 1886 he
received the degree of master of arts from that institution.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 411

During his college days and after his graduation he taught
in the public schools and occasionally in the parochial
schools. In 1884 he began to teach in Willmar Seminary,
and during the years 1886—99 he was eminently successful
as principal of that institution. At the latter date he was
appointed superintendent of the public schools of Benson.
Hilleboe is one of the most aggressive Prohibitionists in the
state, and was nominated for governor by his party in 1894.
He was married in 1887 to Antonilla Thykesen, of Calmar,
Iowa.

Hobe, E, H., Swedish-Norwegian vice-consul — St. Paul —
bom 27 Feb., 1860, in Risor, Norway. While yet a boy,
Hobe took up his residence with his uncle at Tvedestrand,
where he received a good school training, and having com-
pleted his studies here he was employed in a ship brokerage
house in the city of Arendal. Already in his early years
Hobe gave evidence of a marked business ability, so that at
the age of seventeen he was employed as head clerk in one
of the large wholesale and retail establishments in that city.
In 1879 he went to Copenhagen, Denmark, where he studied
for some time at the noted Gruner's business college, and
upon his return to Norway became bookkeeper for a large
w^holesale house in Kristiania. Having finished the required
military duties, Hobe emigrated to America in 1883, coming
directly to St. Paul, Minn., where he began his career as
clerk in the business department of the paper Nordv^esten.
His ability, however, was soon noticed, and after a short
time Hobe became associate editor. In this capacity he
served for about two years, when he opened up business as
dealer and broker in real estate. In 1887 Hobe made a trip

412 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S. .

to Europe, visiting, among other places, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, where he was married to Johanna Mueller. Upon his
return to America, Sahlgaard, then Swedish-Norwegian vice-
consul in St. Paul, and the owner of an extensive business,
invited Hobe to become his partner. Hobe accepted, and
shortly before Sahlgaard's death bought out the latter's in-
terest in the business. Under his management it has since
grow^n to be one of the largest land dealing firms in St. Paul.
In 1893 Hobe was appointed Sahlgaard's successor as
Swedish-Norwegian vice-consul, in w^hich capacity he has
done some excellent work, and ranks today as one of the
leading Scandinavian business men in the Northw^est.

Hoegh, Knut, physician and surgeon — Minneapolis —
bom 15 April, 1844, in Kaafjord, Tromso sift, Norway.
After being graduated from the Latin school of Trondhjem,
Hoegh entered the University of Norway, and graduated
from the medical department in 1869. Shortly after his
graduation he ehiigrated to America, coming to La Crosse,
Wis., where he followed his profession till 1889, when he
moved to Minneapolis. While in La Crosse Hoegh built, in
1871, a private hospital to facilitate the treatment of the
many patients from far and near who sought his profes-
sional aid. In 1880 he went to New York City to pursue
some special studies in his profession, and in 1887 he went
to England and Germany, where he made a special study of
surgery. Hoegh has been a member of many medical asso-
ciations, and of the Minnesota board of health, being
appointed to the latter position by Gov. Nelson. He was
also a member of the health commission of the state of Wis-
consin, and a member of the board of inspectors of the

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 413

insane asylum of the same state. Hoegh "was married in
1870 to Anna Dorthea Moen; they have children.

Holt, Andrew, lawyer— Minneapolis— bom 20 May,1855,
in East Union, Carver county, Minn. His parents -were
among the early Swedish settlers; they came to this country
in 1853. He received a Swedish education at Gustavus
Adolphus College; graduated from the University of Minne-
sota in 1880, being the first Scandinavian who completed a
course at this institution. He studied law in Glencoe, and
commenced to practice in Minneapolis in 1882, being shortly
after admitted as a member of the firm Ueland & Holt. He
is one of the organizers of St. John's English Lutheran
Church; is an advocate of temperance, but affiliates with the
Republican party. In the summer of 1894 Knute Nelson
appointed him judge of the municipal court of Minneapolis,
and in the fall of that year he was elected to the same posi-
tion. In 1885 Holt was married to Hilda C. Turnquist, and
they have children.

Husher, Ferdinand A., journalist and state legislator —
Minneapolis — ^born 16 June, 1825, in Yiborg, Denmark; died
1895. His father was for a number of years collector of
customs, and afterwards an actor. While very young
Husher removed to Norway, entering the university there,
and graduating in 1845. From 1851-64 he held various
positions, and for the five years following was assistant
pastor at Nissedal,but emigrated to America in 1869, going
to La Crosse, Wis., where he became assistant editor of
Fa.edrela.ndet og EtnigTSinten. From 1873-75 Husher
became editor and part owner of Budstikken, Minne-
apolis; was register of the U. S. land office at La Crosse

414 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE XJ. S.

from 1878-83; became managing editor, and later also pro-
prietor of the first-named paper, with w^hich he removed to
Minneapolis in 1886. In 1888 Husher was elected member
of the state legislature of Minnesota, but resigned when, in
1890, he w^as appointed U. S. consul at St. Thomas,
Ontario, Canada. From 1879-84 Husher was a member of
the Republican state central committee in Wisconsin, and in
1884 was presidential elector at large for the same state.
After his return from Canada, in 1894, he went to Grand
Forks, N. D., to assume editorial charge oi Normatiden.

Jackson, Andrew, clergyman— Rush Point— born 11
Feb., 1828, in Valla, Bohus Ian, Sweden. He studied in a
college for six or seven years, and taught in private families;
became a sailor; emigrated to this country in 1852; worked
in saw mills on Hudson River for five years; and took a
claim in Kandiyohi county, Minn., in 1858. After having
studied in Chicago for a couple of years he was ordained in
1861, and took charge of Swedish Lutheran congregations
in Kandiyohi county until 1862, when he together with the
settlers w^as driven aw^ay from their homes by the Indians.
Jackson taught the first public school in Meeker county,
and when a Swedish school, which later became Gustavus
Adolphus College, was opened at Carver in 1863, be became
principal of that institution, a position he retained until the
school was moved to St. Peter in 1876. For twenty-five
years he had charge of churches in Carver county, moved to
St. Paul in 1890, and has since been pastor at Rush Point.
Jackson was married in 1863, his wife died in 1875, and in
1877 he was married the second time. His son J. A. Jackson
was bom 17 July, 1868, in Carver county, Minn.; graduated

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIAAS IN MINNESOTA. 415

fron Gustavus Adolplius College in 1891 and from the law
department of the state university in 1893; and since the
latter date has been practicing law in St. Paul, having for
years been the only Swedish attorney in that city. In 1898
Jackson was elected to the state legislature, and worked
hard and faithfully, especially as chairman ol the committee
on public buildings, and as a result of his labor the new
capitol will, undoubtedly, be completed in 1903 instead of in
1910. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church and
a Republican.

Jacobson, Jacob F., state legislator— Madison— born 13
Jan., 1849, in Hjelmfland, Kristiansand stift, Norway. At
the age of seven he came with his parents to this country;
they settled in Fayette county, Iowa, where young Jacob-
son worked on his father's farm until 1871, when he moved
to Lac qui Parle county, Minn., and commenced to deal in
agricultural implements, and he claimed in 1892 to do an
annual business of $75,000. But he failed a couple of years
later, and it is said that he settled up his troubles in a sort
of a private way; some of his creditors receiving ten cents
on the dollar, and others about fifty cents on the dollar.
From 1873-79 he was county auditor, has served in the
lower branch of the state legislature since 1889, -was a dele-
gate to the Republican national convention at Minneapolis
in 1892, and has held several local offices. He is a member
of Hauge's Synod, and takes a very active part in the social,
financial, and political affairs of the community and of the
state, being an ardent temperance advocate and a Republi-
can, who often addresses public meetings in the interest of
his party. But his oratorical qualifications consist mostly

416 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

in his strong lungs. Botli in his conversation and in his
speeches he yells to the top of his voice. He seldom knows
when silence would be w^isdom. These peculiarities of
Jacobson have had a great deal to do with his success in
public life, for it has been asserted that many people in Lac
qui Parle county vote for him simply because he is such a
good advertisement for the county, being alw^ays, of course,
referred to in the legislature as "the gentleman from Lac
qui Parle." Such mention of a new community has a tend-
ency to raise the value of real estate. Yet he must be a man
of ability, since he has been the recognized leader in the leg-
islature for some years. Many of the measures he has
advocated have been wise, and his tactics are shrewd.
The St. Paul Dispatch cartooned him in 1899 as "the
red dragon of Lac qui Parle;" and it cannot be denied that
on account of his rudeness and brutal treatment of other
people's opinions and honesty, he is "feared rather than
trusted." Jacobson was married in 1873, and his wife died
in 1879; married again in 1883, and became a widower four
years later; married the third time in 1889. He has had
children by all his wives.

Jaeger, Luth, journalist — Minneapolis — bom 4 Aug.,
1851, near Arendal, Norway. He received a classical educa-
tion; was admitted to the University of Norway in 1870,
but after having studied for one year at that institution, he
emigrated to this country at the age of twenty; clerked in
Madison and La Crosse, Wis., from 1871-76; was connected
^th a Norwegian weekly paper, Norden, in Chicago, one
year; became editor of Badstikken, Minneapolis, Minn., in
1879, a position which he held for about eight years; and

E. H. HOBE, ST. I'ADL.

SOREN LISTOE, ST. PAUL.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 417

the next four years he was deputy collector of internal
revenue. Jaeger was in the real estate business in Minne-
apolis for a short time and lived in New Mexico during part
of one year. In 1886 the Democratic party nominated him
for secretary of state, but with the rest of the ticket he was
defeated. In 1890 he was elected a member of the board of
education, in which work he took great interest and rend-
ered valuable services. He was one of the founders of The
North in 1889, remaining in editorial charge of the paper
until its discontinuance in 1894. The North was a weekly
journal published in the English language and devoted to
the interests of the Scandinavians as citizens of the United
States. As such it became the repository for much valuable
information, w^hile ably and forcibly preaching the need of a
more rigid and intense Americanization of the foreign-born
than the latter themselves usually think desirable. Jaeger
is a clear and forcible writer, uninfluenced by any political,
religious, or national prejudices. He unquestionably ranks
among the very best Scandinavian- American writers. His
opinions on the leading questions of the day, as published in
The North, were extensively quoted by the Scandinavian-
American press. By the native Americans' and foreign-
Americans, not Scandinavians, The North was considered
the representative organ of Scandinavian-American opin-
ions. To the leading journalists in Stockholm, Copenhagen,
and Kristiania, Jaeger's name is very famiUar. He was for
several years an officer in the Security Savings and Loan
Association, his connection with this now defunct corpora-
tion being severed under circumstances alike creditable to
him as an official and man. In 1897 Jaeger was appointed

418 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

receiver of tlie Scandia Bank of Minneapolis and is also
engaged in the real estate, loaning, and insurance business.
In 1883 he was married to Nanny Mattson, only daughter
of the Avell-knowTi Col. Hans Mattson, a lady who takes
great interest in educational affairs and charitable institu-
tions. They have three boys.

Janson, Kristofer N., clergyman and author — Minne-
apolis — ^bom 5 May, 1841, in Bergen, Norway. His father
w^as a business man and American consul at Bergen; his
mother was a daughter of Bishop Neumann, who w^as
bishop of Bergen stift. After having completed the course
at the Latin school of his native city, Janson entered the
University of Norway, and graduated from this institution,
■with the highest honor, as a theological candidate. During
his university career, as virell as afterwards, he -was the
leader of a movement, having in view the re-placing of the
Danish-Norwegian language and literature which was
forced upon the Norwegian people at their connection with
Denmark in the fourteenth century. He devoted himself to
private teaching, and w^as one of the promoters in founding
people's high schools in Gudbrandsdalen and other places,
for the purpose of raising the intellectual level of the peas-
ants. He wrote extensively, both poetry and novels, and it
is generally considered that he produced his best literary
w^orks during his younger days. In 1882 he accepted a
call to become minister of a liberal society in Minneapolis,
and organized Unitarian churches among his countrymen
in Minneapolis, in Brown and Otter Tail counties, Minne-
sota, and at Hudson, Wis. Janson took active part in all
movements in the nature of social reforms and intellectual

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 419

improTements. After his emigration to this country he
returned to Europe and visited Italy, Prance, Germany,
Holland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and the Scandinavian
countries. It is generally acknowledged that Han og Ho
and Den Bergtekne art the best of his numerous literary
productions. The latter has been translated into English
under the title The Spellbound Fiddler. His experiences
as a minister in the Northwest have been described in
Piaeriens Saga. In 1868 Janson was married to Drude
Krog, a daughter of a Lutheran minister; they had seven
children, and two of their sons are practicing physicians.
Mrs. Janson not only assisted her husband in his literary
endeavors, but also produced original literary works of her
own, for example: En Saloon-Keepers Datter, etc. With
all his brilliancy, however, Janson did not seem to be well-
balanced. He became a Spiritualist, returned to Noway in
1894, was divorced, and married a medium.

Jensson, Jens Christian, clergyman and author — Aus-
tin — bom 25 March, 1859, in Sandnes, Kristiansand stift,
Norway. He came to America in 1862 with his parents,
who first settled in Neenah, Wis. Later they moved to Fill-
more county, Minn. Having availed himself of the educa-
tional facilities offered by the common and high schools of
that neighborhood, he attended for two years the theo-
logical school conducted by the Norwegian Augustana
Synod near Decorah, Iowa. In 1876 he entered the acad-
emy, then located at Marshall Wis., where he remained
until 1880. His theological course he completed at the
Philadelphia Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1882.
Since his ordination to the ministry in 1880, he has also

420 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

done some work in connection with the post-graduate
course of the Chicago Lutheran Seminary. Jensson has
served Norwegian Lutheran churches in the following
places: At Wiota, Iowa, a few months; at Leland, 111.,
from 1882 to 1885; in Milwaukee, Wis., from 1885 to 1890;
and at Clinton, Wis., from 1885 to 1899, settling at his
present place in the latter year. From 1886 to 1890 he
served as secretary of the Norwegian Augustana Synod;
and since 1894 as secretary of the United Church. In 1890
Jensson published American i.uthernn Biographies.
This is a bulky volume of 900 pages, and is, perhaps, the
largest original literary \^ork published in English by a
Scandinavian-American. As a work of reference it is very
valuable, throwing much light upon the church history of
the different Lutheran denominations in this country,
including, of course, the Scandinavian organizations. In
1896 he collected and edited ^'^itufund!^ Hanridbog. This
v^rork enumerates and describes all the diiferent missionary,
charitable, and educational institutions, etc., which were
controlled or owned by members of the United Church,
or which were in any vv^ay directly or indirectly connected
with that organization. He was married in 1879 to Rosa
Andrina Thompson, of Marshall, Wis. They have children.
Jensvold, John, lawyer— Duluth— born 25 March, 1857,
in Albany, Wis. His parents were among the first Nor-
wegians in this country, coming here as children. Brought
up on a farm he received his education in the public schools;
at the State Normal school, Winona; in Luther College,
Decorah; and in the law department of the State University
of Iowa, from which he graduated in 1880. He practiced

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIANS IN MINNESOTA. 421

his profession in Iowa until 1888, and since at Duluth,
where he ranks as one of the leading lawyers, and occupies
a prominent position in political and social circles. He was
married in 1888 to Lena Darrah, of Dubuque, Iowa.

Johnsert, Thomas, clergyman — Norseland — born 27
April, 1837, in Valders, Norway. He is the youngest of
nine children, and lost his parents at an early age. At the
age of fourteen he came with three of his brothers to the
United States, and for some years was engaged in farming,
then entered Concordia College, St. Louis, Mo., and grad-
uated from the theological department of this institution
in 1863. Since he has been located at his present place in
Nicollet county, as pastor of Norw^egian Synod congrega-
tions. For several years Johnsen had charge of a large
missionary field in Minnesota, including Blue Earth, Fari-
bault, Brown, Watonwan, Jackson, Carver, McLeod, Ren-
ville, Meeker, Kandiyohi, Steams, Pope, Douglas, Chippewa,
Yellowr Medicine counties. Some of his charges were
about 300 miles apart, and could be visited only once or
twice a year. He has done more, perhaps, than anjy other
man to build up Norwegian Synod congregations in the
state, and was one of the most prominent Norwegian
Lutheran pioneer clergymen in the Northwest. In 1863 he
married Maren E. C. Sahlgaard. She died in 1898, leaving
three children.

Johnson, C. J., lumber manufacturer — Minneapolis —
bom 12 Sept., 1849, in Hofmantorp, SmMand, Sweden. He
received a common school education; came to America in
1869, stopping for a short time at Vasa, Minn.; proceeded
to Stillwater, where he worked in a saw mill; removed to

422 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Minneapolis in 1870, where lie worked in saw mills and lum-
ber yards and clerked in a store; completed a course in the
high school and attended the state university; was engaged
in the retail lumber business, in company w^ith C. A. Smith,
at Evansville and other places, living at that place in 1879-
84; and at the latter date he and Smith started a wholesale
and manufacturing lumber business in Minneapolis. John-
son withdrew from active business in 1899, and the same
year he and his family visited Sweden and other European
countries. He is a Republican, a member of the Sw^edish-
Lutheran church, an excellent mechanic, and a great reader,
having one of the largest libraries of any Scandinavians in
the Northwest. Johnson w^as married to Mary S. Craft, of
Vestergotland, Sweden, in 1882. They have three sons.

Johnson, Gustavus, musician — Minneapolis — bom 2
Nov., 1856, in Hull, England. His father was a Swede,
his mother an English lady. Johnson was only a child w^hen
the family moved to Stockholm, Sw^eden; here he studied
rausic under the direction of A. Lindstrom, G. Mankell, Con-
rad Nordquist, and Prof. Winje. He left the "Venice of the
North" in 1875, and, after a brief stay in the East, came
West, appearing in concerts in all the leading cities in Illi-
nois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. Since 1880 Johnson
has resided in Minneapolis, is recognized as one of the lead-
ing pianists in the Northwest, and in the many concerts in
w^hich he performs he alw^ays receives the most flattering
comments. As a teacher Johnson ranks among the fore-
most, his instruction being sought by students from all over
the Northwest. In 1898 he founded a piano school, and
next year he established the Johnson School of Music,

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 423

Oratory and Dramatic Art, an institution -which has a high
reputation. He is also highly spoken of as a composer. In
1882 he was married to Caroline F. Winslow, an American
lady, of Royalton, Vt. They have one child.

Johnson, Marcus, state senator — Atwater — born 14 July,
1849, in the northern part of Helsingland, Sweden. When
an infant of only two years of age he came with his parents
to the United States; they settled at Waupaca, Wis., but
moved to Kandiyohi county, Minn., five years later, where
Johnson has resided ever since. In 1880 he was a delegate
to the Republican national convention which met in Chicago
and nominated Garfield for president, represented his district
in the state legislature in 1883, and served in the state sen-
ate during the sessions of 1887-89. In 1890 President Har-
rison appointed him collector of internal revenues for Min-
nesota. He is interested in elevators, flouring mills, and
other large enterprises in different parts of the state. John-
son is not married.

Johnson, Tosten, pioneer and state senator — Black
Hammer — ^bom 21 July, 1834, in Valders, Norway. At the
age of tw^elve he learned the blacksmith's trade; came to this
country in 1851; resided for one year in Dane county. Wis.;
then settled in Houston county, Minn., where he has ever
since been engaged in farming. The first Norwegian settle-
ments in the state seem to have been started in Houston
and Fillmore counties in 1852 and 1853, and Johnson and
his brother are the first Norwegian settlers in Minnesota
that have yet been recorded. He was drafted into the army
in 1864, and says that "being discharged at the close of the
war without any wounds" is the chief success he has had in

424 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

life; represented his district in the state legislature during the
sessions of 1869, 1871, and 1873; was elected state senator
in 1886 and re-elected two years later; and has held various
local offices, having been county commissioner for four years
and railway postal clerk 1880-85. Johnson is one of the
leading and most influential Scandinavians in Houston
county. He is a Republican and was married in 1861.

Johnston, L. A., clergyman — St. Paul — bom 12 Aug.,
1855, in Sugar Grove, Pa. His parents were natives of
Hesleby, SmMand, Sweden, and came to this country in
1846, being among the earliest Swedish arrivals in the nine-
teenth century. They first settled at Buffalo, but removed
to Sugar Grove two years later. Young Johnston received a
common school education; studied music about four years
under a private instructor; attended the high school at
Sugar Grove for three years; and continued his studies at
Augustana College, graduating from the college department
in 1879, and from the theological department in 1881.
From 1881 to 1886 he was pastor of a Swedish Augustana
congregation in Des Moines, Iowa. While located there he
w^as office editor of Betbania, a religious bi-monthly, and
vice-president of the Iowa Conference for one year. His
work at Des Moines was successful, and his congregation
erected a $20,000 church building during his stay there.
Johnston next removed to Rockford, 111., where he served the
First Lutheran Church, the largest congregation of Augus-
tana Synod, until 1894, and since that year he has been pastor
of the First Swedish Lutheran Church of St. Paul. He was
vice-president of the Illinois Conference for three years, and
n 1894 was elected president of the same body; was a mem-

Ui:V. ('. J. I'I'.TIII, IIINXICAI'OLIS.

PROP. JI. 1). BOCKMAX, .MINNEAPOLIS.

1\ r l\l \\ISIN

REV. L. A. JOFIXSl'U.N. S'l'. I'.U I,

KEV. E. XOUELirS, VASA.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 425

ber of the board of directors of the Augustana Hospital in
Chicago for three terms; has been a member of the board of
directors of the Augustana Book Concern ever since the
synod took charge of it; has been a member of the board of
directors of Augustana College since 1893, and chairman of
the same for two years; was a member of the board of direc-
tors of Gustavus Adolphus College for three years, and
chairman of the same for 3 years; and has been a member
of the board of directors of the Bethesda Hospital for three
years, and chairman for the same length of time. Johnston
has often lectured on social, economic, and historical topics,
vrithin as well as outside the Augustana Synod; and he pre-
pares his sermons w^ith great care. He was married to
Anna S. Lindgren, of Rock Island, 111., in 1881; they have
several children.

Kildahl, J. N., clergyman and educator — Northfield —
bom 4 Jan., 1857, near Trondhjem, Norway. His father
being a school teacher, young Kildahl received a careful
Christian training; came with his parents to Goodhue
county, Minn., in 1866; was a regular attendant at common
and parochial schools; attended Luther College, graduating
in 1879; and closed his studies at Luther Seminary, Madison,
Wis., in 1882, by passing his theological examinations. He
was at once ordained, and served congregations in Goodhue
county from 1882 to 1889, excepting one year (1885-86),
when he occupied a chair of theology in the Red Wing Semi-
nary. In 1889 he accepted a call from the Bethlehem church
in Chicago, which he served during the next ten years.
For some years he was secretary of the United Church. In
the fall of 1899 he entered upon his duties as president of

426 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

St. Olaf College, Northfield. Rev. J. C. Jensson, in his
American Lutheran Biographies, says: "Kildahl's ser-
mons combine the instructive, the rhetorical, the logical, and
the emotional in fair proportions. His genial, generous
spirit, his facility at adapting himself to persons of every
character and condition, and his disposition to identify
himself with them in all their joys, and sorrows, and inter-
ests, give him an influence over them which few^ pastors
possess." Kildahl for years has been a leading mind in the
United Church, and even in the most heated controversies
friend and foe alike w^ould agree that his fair-mindedness is
more than ordinary. He w^as married to Bertha Soine in
1882; they have children.

Rildsigf, Jens Jensen, clergyman— Albert Lea— bom 30
Jan., 1856, in Brejning, near Ringkobing, Denmark. He
received a military education at Viborg, having taken the
corporal and sergeant examinations; bought his father's
farm and worked it for a couple of years; emigrated in 1881,
coming directly to Chicago, 111., where he had a market
garden, but lost all his property by a flood in 1885; and
entered Chicago Theological Seminary, completing his
studies in 1889. He associated himself with the Danish
Evangelical Lutheran Association in America, becoming one
of the leading men in that organization. After his ordina-
tion in 1889 he organized a church at Racine, Wis., and was
elected visitor to the northern district in 1891, and the same
year accepted a call to Minneapolis, Minn. He has served
as a member of the board of trustees of Trinity Seminary,
Blair, Neb., as well as treasurer of Kirke Bladet. He
returned to his old congregation in Racine in 1895; but the

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYLA.NS IN MINNESOTA. 427

next year he consented to take charge of the Danish
emigrant mission work in New York and Brooklyn, besides
serving some congregations in the vicinity, and accepted a
call to his present place in 1898. Through the union of the
Danish Lutheran churches, Kildsig became a member of the
United Danish Lutheran Church in 1896, being the same year
appointed district president of the eastern district of the
latter organization. Kildsig was married in 1887 to Ane
Marie Kristine Mose, a daughter of a well-to-do farmer in
Denmark, w^here he had gone for the purpose of celebrating
his marriage.

Kittelson, Charles, state treasurer — Montevideo — bom
1837, in Sigdal, Kristiania stift, Norway. He came to this
country at the age of thirteen; resided for seven years in
Wisconsin; then moved to- Albert Lea, Minn., where he
resided for several years, and was county treasurer of Free-
bom county for six terms. At the outbreak of the Civil
War he enlisted in the Tenth Minnesota Infantry, was suc-
cessively promoted to second lieutenant, first lieutenant,
and captain of company E of his regiment. In 1872 he
was presidential elector; served as state treasuer in 1880-87;
was for a few years connected with a couple of banks in St.
Paul; moved to Minneapolis in 1890, where he was presi-
dent of Columbia National Bank until it failed about seven
years later; and has since together with a son been operat-
ing a flour mill in Montevideo. Kittelson seems to have
been out of place as a public servant. His bookkeeping as
treasurer of Freeborn county could not be disentangled by
experts. Ignorance rather than dishonesty appears to
have been his main fault. He is a Republican.

428 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

Knatvold, T. V., legislator and banker— Albert Lea —
bom 2 Oct., 1853, in Norway. He came to this country
in 1862 with his parents, settling in Freeborn county,
Minn.; received a common school and high school educa-
tion; and in 1877 engaged in the hardware business at
Albert Lea. Since 1893 he has been engaged in the banking
business. Knatvold served as alderman of the city of
Albert Lea for several years, and was elected mayor in
1893, and re-elected in 1894. In 1890 he was nominated
for state senator by the Republicans, but was defeated by
the combined forces of the other parties. In 1896 he was
elected to that position by a majority of almost one thous-
and, and re-elected in 1898. Knatvold is a Republican, and
belongs to the Norwegian Synod. He is married.

Lagerstrom, R., musician— St. Peter— born 12 June,
1861, in Spring Garden, Minn. His parents came from
Sweden to the U. S. in the early fifties. He commenced to
study music when only four years old; continued his studies
at Northfield, and completed his musical education at the
Royal Conservatory of Music, Stockholm, Sweden, w^here
he, after three years' attendance, graduated in 1888. Since
he has had charge of the musical department of Gustavus
Adolphus College. In 1890 he received the degree of master
of music of Alfred University, Alfred Center, N. Y., and
two years later the degree of doctor of music was con-
ferred upon him by the Grand Conservatory of Music, New
York. Both degrees were bestow^ed upon him on the merits
of his compositions. He composed the excellent Cantata,
rendered in 1883, at the great celebration of the three
hundredth anniversary of the adoption of the Upsala decree.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 429

lyagerstrom was married to Mary Carlson, of East Union,
Minn., in 1888.

Langum, Samuel, state legislator— Preston— bom 18
Aug., 1857, in Fillmore county, Minn. His parents were
Norwegians. He attended an academy in Wisconsin, the
high school of Decorah, Iowa, and Augsburg Seminary,
Minneapolis. After having completed his education he
returned to Fillmore county, where he taught school for a
while; was deputy register of deeds for four years; was
elected sheriff in 1881; was warden of the penitentiary at
Stillwater for some time; became editor and proprietor of a
local newspaper in Preston; was elected to the state legis-
lature in 1892; has been secretary of the state senate for
some years. Langum was married to Emma C. McCoUum
in 1878; they have children.

LiljegFen, N, M., clergyman — Minneapolis — bom 9 Dec,
1846, in Vemmerlof, Sk&ne, Sweden. His parents w^ere
farmers, but young Liljegren received a college education in
Gothenburg; joined the Methodist chUrch at the age of
twenty-two; preached and delivered temperance speeches in
different parts of the kingdom until he emigrated in 1886;
had charge of a church in Chicago for three years, then
moved to Marinette, Wis.; came to Minneapolis in 1890;
and later on settled at Aurora, 111. Liljegren has written
some books, contributes regularly to newspapers, is an
ardent temperance man and a good speaker. In 1876 he
was married to Sofie Witting of Gothenburg. They have
children.

Lind, Alfred, physician and surgeon — Minneapolis —
bom 11 March, 1862, in Tr&fvad, Yestergotland, Sweden.

430 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYAINS IN THE V. S.

His parents -were fanners. He came to America in 1880,
and his life since that date has been chiefly that of the
indomitable student, as may be seen by a glance at the fol-
lowing record: In 1887 he received the degree of A. B. at
Augustana College; that of B. S. in the University of Minne-
sota in 1889; graduated from the medical department of the
same institution in 1891; practiced medicine for two years
at Lake Park, Minn.; studied one year at the University of
Berlin, Germany, and received the doctor's degree of this
institution in 1894; practiced for two years in Minneapolis;
studied a few months in New York; completed a one year's
course in Gymnastiska Centralinstitutet, Stockholm,
Sweden, graduating in 1897; practiced for some time in
Minneapolis; and graduated as candidate of medicine from
the University of Upsala, Sweden, in 1898; and as physician
and surgeon from Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,
in 1899. Probably no other Scandinavian-American physi-
cian can point to such a record as the above. But Lind has
not only obtained a thorough theoretical medical educa-
tion, but has also been very successful in his practice, and
undoubtedly ranks as one of the leading Swedish physicians
in this country. For the third time he began to practice his
profession in MinneapoUs in 1899. He is a member of the
Augustana Synod, and affiliates with the RepubHcan party.
In 1892 heviras married to Hannah Johnson, of Axtell, Neb.;
they have a couple of children.

Llnd, John, governor — Uew Ulm — bom 25 March, 1854,
in KUnna, SmMand, Sweden. At the age of fourteen Lind
came to America, settling in Goodhue county, Minn., where
he was obliged from the outset to aid his parents in sup-

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 431

porting the family. In the fall of 1868, having been in
this country only a few months, he was so unfortunate
as to lose his left arm in handling a gun, or rather on
account of the stupidity of a surgeon who appears to have
made an unnecessary amputation. But with untiring
energy and preseverance Lind was still able to make his
way with one arm, and at the same time to attend school,
so that in 1870 he obtained a teacher's certificate. In 1873
he moved to Sibley county, Minn., and came to New Ulm
the year following. From 1875—76 he attended the Univer-
sity of Minnesota. Lind had for some time cherished the
idea of entering the legal profession, and with this object in
view^ he devoted himself to the study of law in private,
partly by himself and partly in an attorney's office in New
Ulm. In 1876 he was admitted to the bar, and opened a
law office of his own the year following, when he was also
elected superintendent of schools for Brown county, a posi-
tion he held for two years. In 1881 Lind was appointed
receiver in the U. S. land office at Tracy, a position he held
till 1885. These duties, however, did not prevent him from
continuing in his legal profession, in which his eminent
talents soon made him distinguished. But not only did
Lind become noted as one of the ablest lawyers in his part of
the state, but his great ability in public life, and his excellent
qualities as a man soon convinced the people of the state of
Minnesota of his eminent fitness for representing their com-
monwealth in Congress. Consequently, in 1886, he was
elected congressman for the second district, and so well did
he discharge his duties that he was elected for a second term
by an overwhelming majority, while nearly all the other

432 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

candidates on the Republican ticket -were defeated, a fact
which illustrates Lind's popularity. While in Congress,
Lind introduced and succeeded in passing a great number of
important measures, such as, a bill by which all foreign
books not published in .England are admitted to the United
States free of duty, and an amendment to a bill by which
foreigners who serve on United States men-of-war may
become citizens, as well as if they were on land. He also
secured the location and erection of an Indian school at
Pipestone City, a United States court house at Mankato,
and the passage of a law^ dividing the state into six districts
for holding United States court, instead of one. The two
first mentioned measures are very important to the adopted
citizens, and Lind deserves great credit for having procured
the passage of such wise laws, which have directly greatly
benefited the Scandinavian-Americans. He declined a third
nomination, and intended to devote his whole time to his
personal affairs. But when the silver issue became the pre-
dominent feature of the presidential campaign in 1896, he
sided ^th the Silverites, and the Fusion forces nominated
him for governor. Lind refused to accept the nomination.
But after having been besieged for about two weeks by a
large number of honest Silverites and some unscrupulous
demogogues, he consented to accommodate them. During a
campaign of much bitterness, he was severely criticized by
most of his former Republican friends, and mistrusted by
many of his new allies^ But in spite of this he received
about fifty thousand votes more than his party colleagues,
and came within three thousand votes of being elected, and
many believed that he actually beat his opponent, whose

JOHN LIND, NEW ULM.

L. A. ROSING, CAKNON FALLS.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIAAS IN MINNESOTA. 433

party had controlled the politics of the state for more than
a third of a century. Lind's success was remarkable, con-
sidering that the majority of the leading men of his own
nationality, especially the Swedish Lutheran clergymen,
bitterly opposed him. He probably did not receive over
twenty-five per cent of the Swedish votes in the state, as
most of them are ardent Republicans. He received by far
more Norwegian votes than Swedish, even in Norwegian
Republican counties, as compared with Swedish Republican
counties. Consequently, the result of the election was due
more to Lind's popularity and his opponent's weakness
than to any other cause or causes. The congressional
records show that Lind virtually made the same speeches
during the campaign on the silver question, as he had done
in Congress a few years before when he was considered a
loyal Republican. Yet his standpoint on this issue has made
an epoch in the political history of the state of Minnesota.
Lind was quarter master in the army during the Spanish
War in 1898, and w^as elected governor the same year,
running about 60,000 ahead of his ticket, thus becoming the
first Swedish-bom governor in the United States, as well as
being the only man of that nationality who ever served in
Congress. In 1898 the Swedes in general, and the Lutheran
clergy in particular, did not oppose him with the same
fierceness as in 1896. Yet it is very doubtful if he received a
majority of the Swedish votes in the state. All people admit
that Lind made an excellent record in Congress. It is not
time yet to express an opinion in regard to his executive
abiUty. He has a difficult position to fill, being opposed by
a hostile legislature, and surrounded by a hungry crowd of

434 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

office seekers, and some of his appointments have been
severely criticized even by bis own party. Lind is a good
Icelandic scholar, speaks English without a foreign accent,
and is an able orator. He was married in 1879 to Alice
Shepard. They have three children.

Lindholm, A. T., writer and poet — Stillwater — born 9
May, 1835, in Gothenburg, Sweden. He received a college
and commercial education in his native city; emigrated to
the U. S. in 1854; was book keeper in Galva, 111., for two
years; then moved to Mankato, Minn., where he w^as cash-
ier of the First National Bank for fifteen years, besides
being deputy [collector of internal revenue. In 1871 Lind-
holm, in company with Col. H. Mattson and H. Sahlgaard,
went into the banking and exchange business in St. Paul,
but seven years later he moved to Stillwater, where he has
resided ever since, being employed as book beeper for differ-
ent business houses. Both in 1878 and in 1890 he was the
Democratic nominee for secretary of state, but w^ith the
rest of his ticket was defeated. Lindholm is prominent as
a literary man, and especially noted as a skillful translator
from the Scandinavian languages into English. Among other
things he has translated Tegner's Svea and Skng till
Solen, Runeberg's Sveaborg and several of his Fanrik
Stkls SAgner, Geijer's Vikingen, and many of Isben's
poems. He has also made a successful attempt as a dra-
matic author in the English language, in which his lengthy
drama, Demosthenes, is written. In 1888 he was elected
honorary member of the Nordiska Litera.tur-Sa.llskapet
of Stockholm, Sweden, an honor w^hich only a few^ Swedish-
Americans besides Lindholm enjoy. He has been a member

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 435

of the board of education of Stillwater, and was married
to Anna Olson, of Mankato, Minn., in 1862. They have
children.

Listoe, Soren, journalist — St. Paul— bom 27 April,
1846, in Copenhagen, Denmark. His grandfather was a
prominent officer in the Danish army. Listoe received a
good education through private instruction; came to this
country in 1866 to join his father, who had previously emi-
grated; was connected with Danish-Norw^egian newspapers
in Wisconsin for a couple of years; went to Minneapolis,
and was associate editor of Nordisk Folkeblad until
1871; then became mail agent, and settled in Breckenridge.
In 1874 he w^as elected to the state legislature, being the
first Dane in the state who served in this body. In 1875
he w^as appointed register of the U. S. land office at Alex-
andria, a position w^hich he held for eight yesrs. For
several years Listoe lived on his farm near Breckenridge;
became editor-in-chief of Nordvesten, St. Paul, in 1887;
was appointed U. S. consul at Dusseldorf, Germany, in
1892; but after having remained abroad for one year he
returned to Minnesota, and again took charge of Nord-
vesten. He was appointed major on the governor's staff
in 1886, and has since served as aid-de-camp to all subse-
quent governors, having in the meantime been promoted to
the rank of colonel. Listoe has for years been considered to
be one of the most prominent Danes in the state, and was
appointed by President McKinley U. S. consul at Rotter-
dam, Holland, in 1897. In 1872 he was married to Hannah
Johnson; they have several children.

Lobeek, Engebret E., temperance lecturer — Farwell —

436 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

bom 11 Oct., 1864., in Tryssil, Hamar stift, Norway. He
emigrated to America in 1867, and spent his boyhood and
early manhood on his father's farm near Holmes City, Minn.;
"dug on the farm in the day, and read literature in the
night"; and, yielding to a yearning for a better education
than the common schools could afford, studied successively
at Augsburg Seminary, Wraaman's Academy, the State
University of Minnesota, all at Minneapolis, and Willmar
Seminary. Some years ago he began to lecture on temper-
ance, and so successful did he prove in this line of w^ork that
at present he is one of the most popular Scandinavian tem-
perance lecturers in America. His chief points of strength
are his evident devotion to the cause which he advocates;
his self-forgetting, contagious enthusiasm; his fluency of
speech; his tremendous voice; and last, but not least, his
magnificent physique. Lobeck frequently contributes both
prose and poetry to Norwegian papers, chiefly Reform and
Ungdotnmexis Ven. In 1894 he published a small collec-
tion of poems, Forglemtnigei, the first edition of which
was exhausted in a few months, and five years later issued
Billeder fra. D'ddens Dal, a temperance and prohibition
argument cast in the form of a novel. He is a member of
the Swedish Augustana Synod, a "prohibitionist from head
to foot," and w^as president of the Wisconsin Total Absti-
nence Association in 1896. In 1896 he was married to
Martha Nordby, a graduate of the Fargo high school, in
North Dakota. They have children.

Lokensgaard, 0., clergyman and educator — Madison —
born 23 Nov., 1854, in Aal, Kristiania stift, Norway. At
the age of three he came with his parents to the United

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 437

States; they settled in Rice county, Minn.; but four years
later moved to Dakota, remaining there, however, only one
year; since 1862 they have resided in Nicollet county, Minn.
Lokensgaard graduated from Luther College, Decorah,
low^a, in 1878, and completed his studies at Luther Semi-
nary three years later. Then had charge of a church at
Granite Falls, Minn., until 1892, when he became principal
of the normal school at Madison, which position he has
filled with great credit ever since. Lokensgaard is the most
influential Norwegian advocate of total abstinence in the
Minnesota valley. In 1881 he was married to Ellen Kravik,
of Dane county, Wis.; she died in 1892. In 1894 he was
married to Anna Romtvedt, of Cottonwood county, Minn.
He has several children.

Lomen, G. J., lawyer and state legislator — St. Paul —
bom 28 Jan., 1854, near Decorah, Iowa. His parents came
from Valders, Norway, in 1850, and settled on a farm in
Iowa. Young Lomen attended Luther College for six years,
and graduated from the law department of the University of
Iowa in 1875; then moved to Caledonia, Houston county,
Minn., where he practiced his profession, was clerk of court
for eight years, and held various local trusts. In 1885 he
located in St. Paul; represented his ward in the state legis-
lature in 1891; was the Republican candidate for municipal
judge in 1890, and, with the rest of the ticket, was defeated.
Lomen has conducted several important professional cases,
and is by general consent considered to be one of the leading
lawyers in St. Paul. He is a member of the Norwegian
Synod, and was married to Julia E. M. Joys, of Manistee,
Mich., in 1878; they have several children.

438 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Lund, E, G., educator — Minneapolis — bom 10 Aug.,
1852, in Arendal, Norway. Lund came -witli his parents to
Springfield, 111., in 1853; there they remained four years;
then moved to St. Paul, returning to Springfield, ho-wever,
in 1862. In 1871 he entered the college at Springfield, and
after having studied there two years went to Thiel College,
Greenville, Pa., from which institution he graduated in 1877.
He then began the study of theology at the General Council
Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, graduating in 1881.
Lund w^as then ordained for the ministry, and accepted a
call to four congregations in Westmoreland county, Pa. In
1883 he accepted a call to the Norwegian- English Lutheran
church at Milwaukee, Wis., belonging to the Norwegian
Augustana Synod. Tw^o years later he was called to an
English Lutheran church at Greensburg, Pa., where he
remained for six years. In 1888 he was called to the presi-
dency of Thiel College, but declined. In 1891 the home mis-
sion committee of the General Council extended a six months'
call to Lund as home missionary at Tacoma, Washington.
In 1891 he accepted a call to become English professor of
theology at the theological seminary of the United Church,
Lund is considered to be one of the foremost men in the
United Church, and the degree of doctor of divinity was
conferred upon him in 1899 by Wittenberg College, Spring-
field, 111., one of the leading English Lutheran institutions
in the country. He is said to be the only Norwegian-Ameri-
can Lutheran -who has ever received such degree. In 1891
he was married to Anna Hippee, an American lady of
Greenville, Pa. They have one daughter.

Lundeen, John August, officer in the U. S. army—

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINATIANS IN MINNESOTA. 439

St. Peter— bom 6 March, 1848, in Hvetlanda, SmMand,
Sweden. At the age of five he came with his parents to the
U. S.; they settled in Minnesota. Young Lundeen attended
the Swedish school in Carver for about a year; studied at
Augustana College, Paxton, 111., in 1865-66, and graduated
from the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.,
in 1873, being the fifth in his class. Since his graduation he
has served with his regiment, the Fourth United States
Artillery, in various garrisons; for example, in San Fran-
cisco, Oregon, Alaska, Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island,
Boston, Minnesota, Georgia, and Baltimore. From 1876—
79 he was professor of military science and tactics, as well
as teacher of mathematics and the Swedish language, in the
University of Minnesota. From 1887—92 he was assistant
professor of mathematics in the United States Military
Academy at West Point. It must be remembered that the
mathematical instruction in that institution is considered to
be the most thorough of any schools in the world, and
Lundeen's appointment as instructor in this branch of
knowledge was a high recognition of his ability. Besides
Lundeen there are only three Scandinavian-bom (all Swedes)
■who have graduated from West Point. He w^as promoted
captain of artillery in 1898 and assigned to the Seventh
Artillery, which was then organized at Fort Slocum, N. Y.,
and commanded Fort Greble, R. I. — a fort that com-
mands the western entrance to Narragansett Bay — during
the Spanish-American War. Lundeen is, of course, in
appearance, speech, and sentiments, a thorough American,
yet he is proud of his Swedish birth and his Scandinavian
ancestry, and takes pains to let his nationality be known.

440 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

In 1879 he was married to Mary Cutler Johnson, of Minne-
apolis, Minn. They have two daughters.

Lundholm, Erik Mauritz, physician and surgeon — St.
Paul — ^bom 20 June, 1858, in Venjan, Dalame, Sweden.
After having completed his college education at Falun, he
entered the medical department of the University of Upsala
in 1881, remaining there five years; and then continued his
studies at the Karolinska Institutet located in Stockholm,
from w^hich he graduated in 1890. It must be remembered
that the laws of Sweden require the medical students to
take their first examination at one of the universities of
Upsala or Lund, the second and third examinations may be
taken either at one of the universities or at the Karolinska
Institutet in Stockholm; besides, the students must do certain
hospital work, and their last hospital work must be done
in Stockholm. And the students, to save expense and time,
generally complete the first five or six years of their medical
studies at one of the universities, and the last four at the
Karolinska Institutet. Lundholm also followed this custom.
For three summers he served as assistant physician at the
springs of Satra, Vestmanland, and in Djursatra, Vester-
gotland; then visited the United States in 1888, passed his
examination in St. Paul before the state medical board of
Minnesota, and returned to Sweden to complete his studies.
Since 1891 he has successfully practiced in St. Paul, besides
being connected with Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, having
had charge for some years of the gynecalogical and surgical
department of this institution, and is recognized as one of the
ablest surgeons in the Northwest. Lundholm was married
to Anna Olson, of Gestrikland, in 1890. They have children.

r. T. MEGAARDBN, MINNEArOI.IR.

G. F. SDNWALL, MIXXEAI'OLIS.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIANS IN MINNESOTA. 441

Lunnow, Magnus, journalist — Minneapolis — born 25
Sept., 1854, in Broby, Ski,ne, Sweden. Lunnow received a
college education in Kristianstad, served for some time as
private tutor, and emigrated to America in 1874, coming to
Canada, where he supported himself as* a common laborer,
later as a shipping clerk. In 1878 he accepted a position on
the editorial staff of Svenska Tribanen, and became
managing editor of Minnesota Stats Tidning- two years
later. After some time Lunnow became editor and part
proprietor of Sp-ens&a Folkets Tidning, in- Minneapolis,
with w^hich paper he is still connected. Si^enska Folkets
Tidning; which may be regarded as a continuation of
Minnesota Stats Tidning, and as the exponent of the
progressive and liberal ideas once represented by the latter,
has had a marked success, which is largely due to Lunnow's
able service. Lunnow is unmarried.

Magnus, Daniel, educator — Northfield — born 1851, in
Vermland, Sweden. At the age of nineteen he emigrated to
this country; graduated from the classical department of
Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1881, and from the theological de-
partment of that institution three years later; then studied
one year in Sweden and Germany, and attended the Univer-
sity of Upsala, Sweden, in 1891-92. Since 1885 he has been
professor in Carleton College, Northfield, being one of the
most successful Swedish educators in the state, and through
his efforts many young Scandinavians have been induced to
attend Carleton College. Magnus is unmarried.

Mattson, Hans, pioneer and soldier — Minneapolis — ^bom
23 Dec, 1832, in Onnestad, Skane, Sweden; died 5 March,
1893. The North, at the time of his death, gave the fol-

442 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

lowing biography of him: "He received a good education
in Kristianstad; served a year and a half in the Swedish
army as cadet of the artillery. Emigrated in the spring of
1851, arriving at Boston June 29. Suffered the hardships
and disappointments incident to ignorance of the English
language, and inability to perform hard manual labor.
Went West, to Illinois, in 1852, settling the next year in
Minnesota, which henceforth remained his home. Was mar-
ried in 1855 at Vasa, Goodhue county, Minn., to Cherstin
Peterson, w^ho, with five children, survives him. Quit farm-
ing and went into mercantile business, but was caught in
the crisis of 1857. Read law at Red Wing, and was ad-
mitted to the bar, but soon gave up practice to become
county auditor of Goodhue county. Commenced to take
active part in politics as a Republican. During the summer
of 1861, organized a company of young Goodhue county
Swedes and Norw^egians, -with w^hom, in the fall, he reported
at Fort Snelling; w^as elected its captain, and went South
with the Third Regiment in Nov, Was promoted to major
the following year; w^as on his w^ay back after having been
home sick on furlough, w^hen the regiment surrendered at
Murfreesboro. Was made a lieutenant colonel after the
surrender of Vicksburg, and, in April, 1863, was promoted
to colonel, remaining in command of the regiment until
Sept. 16, 1865, when it was mustered out at Fort Snelhng,
Minn. Assisted in establishing Svenaka Amerikanaren
in Chicago. Was, in 1867, appointed secretary of the Min-
nesota board of emigration. Returned on his first visit to
Sweden in 1868. Was in 1869 elected secretary of state
for Minnesota, but left before the expiration of his term with

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 443

his family for Sweden, as general agent in northern Europe
for the Northern Pacific R. R. Co. Returned to the United
States early in 1876. Was elected a presidential elector the
same year. Helped to establish Srenska Tribunen, of
Chicago, having previously commenced the pubhcation of
Minnesota Stats Tidning, at Minneapolis, with which
latter he remained identified until 1881. On July 2, 1881, was
appointed consul general to India. Filled this important
position with great credit for two years, when he returned
home and tendered his resignation. Was appointed man-
ager of a land grant company in New Mexico and
Colorado. In 1886 was elected secretary of state for Min-
nesota, and re-elected in 1888, serving two terms. In 1887
he organized the Security Savings and Loan Association, of
Minneapolis, whose president he was at the time of his
death. Two years later he formed a company for the pub-
lication of The North. Was one of the principal promoters,
in 1888, of the 250th anniversary celebration of the landing
of the first Swedish settlers on the Delaware, and collected
the addresses delivered on this occasion in a small Souvenir.
In 1891 wrote and published a volume of recollections,
which in the Swedish version is known as Minnen, while
the English edition is entitled The Story of an Emigrant.
Mattson's knowledge was confined to no particular class of
people. Swedish-Americans naturally looked up to him as
a leader, for he possessed in an eminent degree many of the
requirements of leadership." Valkyrian for August, 1897,
says of Mattson: "His character shows us, in general fea-
tures, the product of the two factors, Swedish birth and
education combined with a long and active life under the

444 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

protection of the American flag. Very few Swedish-Ameri-
cans have led such a romantic life as his. It w^as rich in
sudden changes and new departures; and behind the out-
lines of this life lay an interesting world which at first
sight looks less important, but w^hich in fact is more instruc-
tive to him who desires to study it in the light of the spirit
of the times in which he most vigorously appeared as the
Swedish pioneer in America."

Megaarden, Philip Tollef, sheriff— Minneapolis— bom 2
Oct., 1864, in Alamakee county, Iowa. His parents were
bom in Norway, and his father served three years in the
Fourth Iowa Cavalry during .the Civil War. Young
Megaarden attended public schools in Dickinson county,
Iowa, and in Minneapolis, and he has resided in that city
since 1877. In 1878 he entered Augsburg Seminary, but
the death of his father compelled him to discontinue his
college education and enter the everyday battle of life in
order to support a number of little brothers and sisters.
At first he performed manual labor, but later on he suc-
cessively held the positions of clerk in a fiiel office, book-
keeper, and court officer. Meanwhile he continued his
studies as best he could, and often did he pore over his
books into the small hours of night. In the course of time
he managed to take a course in a business college, and in
1892 completed a three years' course in the law department
of the State University, receiving the degree of LL. B.
Megaarden was admitted to the bar the same year; com-
pleted a post-graduate course in his alma mater the next
year, receiving the degree of LL. M.; practiced law for some
time; served as chief deputy sheriff of Hennepin county in

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDrNAYIA.NS IN MINNESOTA. 445

1895-96; resumed the practice of law; but on Jan. 1, 1899,
entered upon his duties as sheriff of Hennepin county. As
deputy sheriff Megaarden made an excellent record, and
demonstrated his ability to manage public affairs. Hence-
forth it was generally admitted that he was one of the
leading Scandinavian public men in the city of Minneapolis.
He is a rock-ribbed Republican, and belongs to more than a
dozen different political clubs and secret organizations, of
which may be mentioned the K. of P., the I. O. 0. P., the
Freemasons, the Elks, the Viking League, the Modem
Woodmen, the Red Men, the Modem Samaritans, and
Sonner af Norge. He is also secretary of the interstate
sheriffs' association. Megaarden was married to Angeline
Erickson, of Lake Crystal, Minn., in 1897.

Mohn, Thorbjorn N., educator— Northfield— bom 15
July, 1844, in Saude, Nedre Telemarken, Norway. At the
age of nine he came with his parents to this country; they
settled in Columbia county. Wis., but moved to Dodge
county, Minn., in 1860. Young Mohn attended the public
schools; worked on his father's farm for some time; gradu-
ated from Luther College in 1870; and completed his theo-
logical studies at Concordia Theological Seminary three
years later. After having been ordained by the president of
the Norwegian Synod, he was pastor of congregations in
Chicago and St. Paul, and from 1875 to 1899 was president
of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. But as soon as the
school became the property of the United Church in 1899,
he was dispensed with as president, but retained as a
teacher. Mohn is considered to be an educator, but was
not successful as manager of the school, and the attendance

446 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

was steadily diminisliing during tlie last decade of his
administration. Rev. J. C. Jensson, in American Luth-
eran Biographies, says: 'Mohn has labored faithfally to
build up a good school, and was for several years chairman
of the ministerial conference of the Norwegian Evangelical
Lutheran Synod for the district of Minnesota, and in 1888
he, together w^ith many others, severed his connection -with
the synod, and effected the organization known as Anti-
Missourians, which in 1890 joined in forming the United
Norw^egian Lutheran Church.' In 1875 he was married to
Anna Elizabeth Ringstad, of Decorah, Iowa; they have
several children.

Muus, Bernt Julius, clergyman— Norway— born 15 Mar.,
1832, in Snaasen, Trondhjem stift, Norway. His father
kept a country store; his mother was a daughter of the
rector of the parish, Jens Rynning, in whose home Muus
was brought up, as his mother died w^hen he was an infant.
At the age of seventeen he graduated from the Latin school
in Trondhjem; then entered the University of Norway, not
knowing exactly whether he should prepare for the ministry
or become a civil engineer; but his father's entreaties pre-
vailed, and in 1854 he received his degree as candidate of
theology. After having been engaged in teaching, both as
tutor for children and as teacher in a couple of schools in
Kristiania for five years, Muus in 1859 accepted a call from
a Norwegian Lutheran church in Holden, Goodhue county,
Minn. Rev. J. C. Jensson, in American Lutheran Bio-
graphies, says: "The church government kindly allowed
him to be ordained without taking the usual minister's
oath, which he could not take without conscientious

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MANNESOTA. 447

scruples." Having been received as a member of the Nor-
vregian Synod, he commenced his ministerial duties in Good-
hue and Rice counties. Muus held meetings in twenty-eight
preaching stations scattered throughout Minnesota and the
western part of "Wisconsin. Most of these stations could
be visited only twice a year. In later years, however, he
received assistance. When the Minnesota District of the
synod was organized in 1876, Muus w^as elected its presi-
dent, a position he held for nine years, and was the chief
promoter in founding St. Olaf College. Muus had had con-
siderable experience in newspaper work when he came to
America, and has written numerous articles for the Norwe-
gian as well as for the Norwegian- American press, besides
being the author of a few smaller religious books. He
served the same congregation — which is now part of the
United Church — ever since his arrival in this country up to
1899, when he returned to Norway. During the predistina-
tion controversy he sided with the Anti-Missourians, being
for years one of the fiercest opponents of some of the prin-
ciples advocated by the Norwegian Synod, from which
organization he never w^ithdrew, until he was expelled in
1898. He attempted reformation, not revolution. He held
a unique position, being both conservative and radical. Yet
it seems that his standpoint was more logical than that of
his brethren who withdrew from the synod. Rev. John
Halvorson says: "Muus was a leading spirit, a powerfiil
character, an organizer; but unyielding and harsh in dealing
with human frailties." He was married just before leaving
Norway, but his family life was not happy. His wife sued
him for cruelty and harsh treatment, in 1880, which resulted

448 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS Hi THE U. S

in a separation; and although the people at large considered
Muus the suflfering party, yet he lost much of his influence.

Myran, Ole H., state senator — Ada — bom 18 Jan., 1853,
in Nore, Numedal, Norway. He received a common school
education at his birthplace and in this country; came from
Norway with his parents in 1868, stopping one year in
IlUnois, and settling in Goodhue county, Minn., the follow^-
ing year. He w^orked on farms around Zumbrota and
clerked in that town for years; was engaged in farming on
his own account in Lincoln county; and settled at Ada in
1881. Here he kept a hotel for three years, and since the
middle of the eighties he has been engaged in the mercantile
business. In 1898 he was elected to the senate and served
as chairman of the drainage committee. He is a Republican
and a member of the Order of Odd Fellow^s and of the
Knights of Pythias. Myran has been married twice, and at
present is a w^idower. He has several children.

Nelson, Andrew, state senator — Litchfield — bom 15 Dec,
1829, in Fronnenge, Halland, Sweden. After having received
a common school education he emigrated to the U. S. in
1856, and spent the next two years in Galesburg, 111., work-
ing as a common laborer; came to Minnesota in 1858;
stayed near Willmar for five years, working on his claim,
but the Indians drove him to St. Paul in 1862. The next
year he w^ent to Washington county and engaged in farm-
ing, staying there about five years; came to Meeker county
in 1869, and bought a large farm. In 1871 he engaged in
general merchandising in Litchfield, continuing the business
until 1876; since then he has been in the banking business
most of the time. He was president of Meeker County

KNUTE NELSON, ALEXANDRIA.

LUTH JAEGER, MINNEAPOLIS.

L. O. THORPE, WILLMAR.

REV. F. O. NILSSON, HOUSTON. VICTOR NILSSON, MINNEAPOLIS.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 449

Bank for a while, has since held the same position in the
Bank of Litchfield, and owns considerable property. Nelson
represented his district in the state legislature in 1874, and
in the state senate in 1875-6; has been county commissioner
and member of the city council, and has held various local
offices. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, of
which he has been a trustee for several years; belongs to the
RepubHcan party; was married to Ellen Johnson in 1868.

Nelson, Andrew, legislator— Norseland— bom 12 July,
1837, near Kristianstad, Sweden. In 1855 he came with his
parents to this country. They settled in Nicollet county,
Minn., w^here Nelson now owns and cultivates several large
fairms, and is considered to be one of the wealthiest Swedish
farmers in Minnesota. Rev. E. Norelius in his history says
that Nelson has taken great interest in the Swedish Luth-
eran church, and been a constant financial contributor to
Gustavus Adolphus College. He represented his district in
the legislature in the seventies. In 1863 he was married to
Carolina Pehrson; they have several children.

Nelson, Knute, United States senator — Alexandria —
bom 2 Feb., 1843, in Voss, near Bergen, Norway. His
parents and their ancestors for generations back belonged
to the yeomanry of the country. At the age of three years
he lost his father, and a little more than three years later he
came with his mother to the U. S., arriving at Chicago in
July, 1849. The cholera then raged in the city, in most
instances with fatal effect. Nelson was stricken with the
dread disease, but was among the few fortunate ones who
survived the plague. In 1850 he moved with his mother
to Walworth county. Wis., and from there to Dane county,

450 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

in the same state, in 1853. After having, through consider-
able obstacles, obtained a fair common school education, he
entered Albion Academy as a student in 1858, and pursued
his studies there till 1861, when he, w^ith a score of school-
mates, enUsted in the 4th Wisconsin Regiment. He
remained in the service as private and non-commissioned
ofl&cer till 1864, when he returned and resumed his studies
at the academy, graduating in 1865. He participated with
his regiment in the capture of New Orleans, the first siege of
Vicksburg, the battles of Baton Rouge and Camp Bisland,
and the siege of Port Hudson. In the great charge of this
siege, on the 14th of June, 1863, he was wounded and cap-
tured, and remained a prisoner until the place surrendered
on the 9th of July. In 1865 he became a law student in the
office of Senator Wm. F. Vilas, Madison, Wis. He was
admitted to the bar of the circuit court for Dane county in
1867, and immediately entered on the practice of his profes-
sion. That year he was elected member of the assembly for
the then second district of Dane county, his home, and w^as
re-elected in 1868. In 1871 he moved to Alexandria, Doug-
las county, Minn., vsrhere he has ever since been engaged in
farming and practicing law. As a lawyer he has had an
extensive practice in that part of the state. In 1872-74 he
was county attorney for Douglas county, and in 1875-78
he was state senator in the thirty-ninth legislative district,
composed of five counties. In the senate he was instru-
mental in securing the legislation under w^hich the unfinished
lines of the St. Paul & Pacific Railway were completed. In
1880 he was presidential elector on the Garfield and Arthur
ticket. In the fall of 1882, in a campaign of unparalleled heat

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 451

and bitterness, he was elected member of Congress for the
fifth district of Minnesota, by a plurality of 4,500 votes.
He was re-elected in 1884 by a plurality of 12,500 votes,
and in 1886 he was re-elected by an almost unanimous
vote. While in Congress he was a member of the committee
on Indian affairs, and was especially instrumental in secur-
ing the passage of a law for the opening of the Red Lake
and other Indian reservations in Minnesota, and for civiliz-
ing the Indians, and allotting lands to them in severalty for
farming purposes. In Congress he was an ardent tariff
reformer not altogether in harmony with his party, even
going so far as to vote for the Mills bill. This subjected him
to some criticism among the politicians, but the great mass
of the people were with him and approved of his independ-
ent course. He was a member of the board of regents of the
state university from 1882 until 1893, and has taken a deep
interest in the welfare and growth of that institution. In
1892 he w^as unanimously nominated, by acclamation, can-
didate for governor, of the Republican party, and was
elected in November following, by a plurality of 14,620
votes. Nelson made an excellent record as governor, and
was again unanimously re-nominated in 1894 and re-elected
by a plurality of 60,000 votes. But in January the following
year he w^as elected U. S. senator by the legislature for a term
of six years, thus becoming the first Scandinavian who has
been chosen to represent his new country in the capacity of
senator, governor, and congressman; and Nelson has filled
all the positions mentioned with great credit to himself and
has been an honor to the state of Minnesota. It may be fair,
however, to mention that his election to the U. S. senate did

452 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

not seem to be popular with a large majority of the people.
They -wanted him to be their governor, they voted for him
as such, and did not desire a substitute to occupy his chair.
Nelson's popularity suflFered severely, yet the state did not
lose anything, for as senator he has worked hard and con-
scientiously. He is married and has grown children.

Nelson, Peter, state senator — Red Wing — born 14 Apr.,
1843, in Skatelof, SmMand, Sweden. He received a common
school education in his native country; emigrated to the
U. S. at the age of twenty-three; lived in Rockford, 111., a
short time, then moved to Mississippi, where for a few years
he was engaged in Oxford as a building contractor and
hardware merchant. Since 1873 he has been in the hard-
ware business in Red Wing. Nelson is one of the few Swedes
w^ho have joined the Democratic party, of which he is a lead-
ing member, and was the party's nominee for secretary of
state in 1892, but with the rest of the state ticket w^as
defeated. He was a member of the Democratic central com-
mittee for several years. In 1887 he was state senator and
secured, among other things, the passage of a bill which
provided for the removal of the State Reform School from
St. Paul to Red Wing. Nelson married Olivia Olson in
1871. They have grown children.

Neumann, C. F., writer and sign painter — St. Paul-
bom 17 Jan., 1850, in Jonkoping, Sweden. His father was
a musical director, a German by birth, who traveled through
the Scandinavian countries, but resided otherwise in Den-
raark, of which country young Neumann's mother was a
native. Neumann attended a Latin school in Copenhagen
for four years; became a sailor at the age of fourteen and

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 453

followed this life for three years, visiting both the Arctic and
the Tropical regions and most of the European countries;
landed in Philadelphia at the age of seventeen, and, having
no money, he walked to Chicago, which took him seven
weeks. After having worked as a common laborer for a
short time he learnt the painting business; started a shop of
his own in Chicago, in 1871; located in Minneapolis, in
1880, and here followed his trade for eight years; then
moved his business to St. Paul. He was one of the chief
men in promoting the building of DaniaHall in Minneapolis.
Neumann has contributed quite extensively to the American
daily papers in St. Paul and Minneapolis, as well as to the
Danish-Norwegian press. He has been married three times,
and he had children by all his wives.

Nilsson, F. 0., clergyman and pioneer — Houston — bom
28 July, 1809, in Varo, Halland, Sweden; died 1881. His
mother died when he was seven years of age, and his
father, who owned a small farm, was a confirmed drunkard
and had to be put under guardianship. Consequently,
young Nilsson enjoyed few or no educational advantages,
and at the early age of fourteen commenced to earn his own
living by learning the shoemaker's trade, and for four years
followed his master from house to house assisting him in
making shoes. At the age of eighteen he became a sailor,
and visited, among other places, also New York, where he
deserted his vessel in 1832. A couple of years later a Metho-
dist revivalist converted him, but he continued the life of a
sailor until his thirtieth year. It does not appear that
Nilsson was dissipated before his conversion, but on the
contrary was during his youth rather religiously inclined.

454 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

which culminated in an intense fear of damnation. In the
fall of 1839 he visited his relatives in Sweden. He did not
return to America as he had intended, but began to urge peo-
ple to repent of their sins, w^andering on foot from house to
house, from village to village. In 1842 the Seamen's Friend
Society in New^ York appointed him missionary for the
sailors in Gothenburg, with $100 salary a year. When he
was married, in 1844 or 1845, his v\rages were raised to
$175 a year, on w^hich he supported himself and family for a
number of years. At times he also visited the surrounding
country as well as Norway. Nilsson remained a member of
the Lutheran state church up to 1845, although he was
arrested a couple of times for breaking the conventicle law.
At this time a Swedish-American sailor and Baptist, Capt.
G. W. Schroeder, visited Gothenburg and became acquainted
with Nilsson. Through Schroeder's influence he began to
study the question of infant baptism, and was soon con-
vinced that it was all wrong. As a consequence he went to
Hamburg, Germany, in 1847, in order to be immersed by
Rev. J. G. Oncken. On his return to Sweden he commenced
with great discretion to preach the new doctrine. During
the night of Sept. 21, 1848, Nilsson's wife and four other
persons, most of whom appear to have been his relatives,
w^ere immersed, and the first Swedish Baptist church in the
world was at the sarae time organized in Landa village,
Halland. A. P. Forster had been sent from Hamburg to
perform the ceremonies. Nilsson was ordained in Hamburg
the next spring, when the Baptists in his native land num-
bered thirty-five persons. Religious toleration was not a
virtue or a fashion in Sweden at that time. Nilsson was, in

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 455

1850, mobbed, arrested, and condemned to be banished
from the kingdom by Gota hofra.tt, in Jonkoping, simply
because he had tried to spread the doctrines of the Baptists
in his native land. He appeared in person before King
Oscar I., and asked him to commute the sentence; then
wrote to him to the same effect, at the same time suggesting
that it was the duty of the Lutheran clergymen to try to re-
convert dissenters to Lutheranism, which had not been pro-
perly done in Nilsson's case; and at last appealed to the
mercy of the monarch. But nothing availed. He left
Sweden July 4, 1851, probably being the last person who
had to be a fugitive from that kingdom for the sake of reli-
gion. His banishment created a stir in the civilized world,
and for a while Sweden was considered to be a land of
intolerance and bigotry. The public opinion of the world —
that great power before which monarchs and mobs tremble
— had undoubtedly a great deal to do in swinging Sweden,
at about this time, into line with the most progressive lands
in regard to religious liberty. Yet some of the Swedish
Lutheran clergymen, who generally have been blamed for all
the religious shortcomings in their country, had for years
before advocated the utmost religious freedom. Before
Nilsson left Sweden he selected leaders for his four small
congregations; then visited Copenhagen, Hamburg, London,
and Norway. On his return from the latter country he
stopped at Gothenburg to take his wife with him, and con-
ducted a few meetings in secret, but the police sent him to
Denmark. After having remained in Copenhagen a couple
of years, he emigrated to America in 1853; preached for
some time in Burlington, Iowa; bought land and settled

456 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

near Houston, Minn., in 1855; and during five years
organized seven Swedish Baptist congregations in Minne-
sota. He was sent, in 1860, by an American Baptist con-
gregation in New York as a missionary to Sweden. On his
return lie was pardoned by King Carl XV., and soon located
in Gothenburg, where for seven years he had charge of the
small Baptist congregation in that city. When about sixty
years of age, Nilsson returned to America, partly, it seems,
because other Baptist clergymen excelled him in learning
and ability; but principally because he had by reading some
of Theodore Parker's w^orks commenced to doubt the truth
of parts of the Bible. Yet for a few years afterwards he vpas
pastor of the Swedish Baptist church at Houston; but his
religious doubts were discovered, and most of his former
friends deserted him. It has been asserted that he became a
rank infidel; this has been denied by the Baptists, w^ho,
however, admit that he could not be called an orthodox
Christian during the last days of his eventful life, and one of
their historians. Rev. A. G. Hall, says that the seed of infidel-
ity had undoubtedly remained in Nilsson's soul ever since
his youth as the result of having read Thomas Paine's
writings. Nilsson's boldness and combativeness made up
for what he lacked in education and talent. He converted
many. The Baptists maintain that Nilsson was an honest
enthusiast who sacrificed much for his religion; the Luth-
erans and Methodists w^ho came in contact with him in the
Northwest claim that he was a coarse and unscrupulous
adventurer who shrank from no means to accomplish his
purpose. Both opinions are probably correct, as he appears
to have lacked the proper balance-wheel, and flung from

I'I{0[-. S\'i:.X OFTEUAL. MIXXEAI'O J,IS.

rUdF. GEOItC WYKltLlKl'l', MINNEArOLIS.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 457

one extreme to another, partly because his nature craved
excitement.

Nilsson, Victor, author and critic— Minneapolis — ^born
10 Mar., 1867, in Ostra Torp, Skline, Sweden. His father
owned this estate on the southermost point of southwest-
em Sweden, where Victor was born, but the family resided
in Gothenburg from 1870 to 1885. Young Nilsson received
a careful college education in the latter city, where his
father was a prosperous merchant. The whole family
came to America in 1885. He was connected with the edi-
torial staffs of various Swedish papers in the Twin Cities
up to 1891, when he was appointed librarian of the East
Side Branch of the Minneapolis Public Library. For a number
of years he attended lectures in the University of Minne-
sota, making a thorough study of Romance and Teutonic
philology, with Old Norse history, language, and literature
as a specialty. In 1897 this institution conferred the degree
of doctor of philosophy upon him. His thesis on the occa-
sion was a scientific treatise on Havatnal in the older
Edda, and has been recognized by scholars on both sides
of the Atlantic. Nilsson has always been an enthusiastic
admirer of Northern culture, especially of all pertaining to
literature, art, and music; and on these subjects has con-
tributed many critical articles to the Swedish-American
and Anglo-American journals and magazines. He possesses
a fine literary judgment; and as a critic probably outranks
all other Scandinavian-Americans. His book Fbrenta
Staternas Presidenter has been well spoken of; and his
history of Sweden, a large volume of nearly 500 pages and
published in the English language in 1899, contains a com-

458 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

plete history of the Swedish people from the earliest period
down to the present time, and the presentation of recent
events is especially masterly and critical. He has written a
number of short stories, and delivered several lectures in
different parts of the country. He was secretary of the
executive committee of five for the great Scandinavian
singing festival in Minneapolis in 1891. Nilsson has been presi-
dent of the Orpheus Singing Society; financialsecretary of the
United Scandinavian Singers of America, and of the Amer-
ican Union of Sw^edish Singers; and w^as the official speaker
during the concert tour to Sweden, in 1897, of Swedish-
American singers, and at the same time visited several other
European countries. He is not married. His sister Emma
Nilsson has a high reputation as a singer, having for years
studied in Berlin, Germany, where she made a successful
debut in grand opera in 1884. His younger sister, Mrs.
Bertha Nilsson Best, has made quite a reputation as an
opera singer.

Noreiius, E., clergyman and author — Vasa — bom 26
Oct., 1833, in Hassela, Helsingland, Sweden. His parents
were pious farmers, w^ho, like most of the Swedish people of
the same class in those days, did not believe in any higher
education than was necessary for confirmation; but young
Noreiius succeeded in persuading them to permit him to
attend a college in Hudiksvall for a couple of years. He
was religiously inclined from his early childhood, and was
an enthusiastic believer in the pietism advocated by Rev. F.
G. Hedberg, the noted Finnish divine. Without any spe-
cific reason or any certain plans for the future, he, at the
age of seventeen, emigrated to this country, spending eleven

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 459

weeks on the ocean. After having landed in New York he
proceeded to Chicago, where he met the well-known Swed-
ish pioneer Rev. G. Unonius, who advised him to go to the
Episcopal seminary, at Nashota, Wis., and there prepare to
enter the Episcopalian ministry. But Norelius was too
much of a Lutheran to even dream of any such thing. He
concluded, in his perplexity as to what to do and where to
go, to seek the advice of the j)ioneer of the Swedish-Amer-
ican Lutheran ministers, Prof. L. P. Esbjorn, with whom
he was not personally acquainted; but he knew that
Esbjorn had come to America the year before and settled at
Andover, Henry county. 111. Believing that Esbjorn was
the right person to give the best advice, Norelius set out
from Chicago to hunt him up, going by canal a hundred
miles to La Salle, and footing the rest of the road for some
sixty miles to Andover. Here he found Esbjorn living
among his countrymen in a primitive way, in great poverty
and sickness; but he received Norehus kindly, and advised
him to enter Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, where
support had been offered to a poor Swedish student who
w^ould prepare for the Lutheran ministry. The famous
Jenny Lind had also given $1,500 to the school in order that
a Swedish professorship might be established there. Esbjorn
Accompanied Norelius to this institution in the spring of
1851, w^here the latter spent about five years. For defray-
ing the expenses of the journey from Illinois to Ohio, and
for some clothing. Dr. Passavant, of Pittsburg, Pa., sent
Norelius tw^enty-two dollars. His vacations were spent in
various w^ays: for example, working on farms, chopping
wood, selling books, teaching, and preaching. During his

460 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

last Yacation he preaclied and taught school at Chisago
Lake, Minn.; previously to this he had done the same thing in
Chicago. In 1855 the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of
Northern Illinois licensed him to preach for the Swedes in
several places in Tippecanoe county, Ind.; but these people
had recently arrived frora the old country, and -were too
poor to buy the expensive land in the Eastern states, there-
fore no permanent Swedish settlement in this part of the
country w^as to be expected. Norelius and another gentle-
man were delegated to go to Minnesota in search of a suit-
able place for a settlement; they came to Vasa, Goodhue
county, Minn., in 1855 — where Col. H. Mattson and his
party had already a couple of years before commenced a
prosperous Swedish settlement — and Norelius at once organ-
ized churches in Red Wing and Vasa, of which he became
pastor the following year, w^hen he w^as ordained. He had
to suffer all the inconveniences and trials of a pioneer life;
many settlements were founded and churches organized; he
had to spend his time more as a traveling missionary than
as a settled pastor. In 1858 he w^as elected county auditor
of Goodhue county, but at the same time received an offer
to become editor of Heznlandet, in Chicago, which he
accepted, resigned his pastoral duties, and proceeded to
Chicago. In 1859 Norelius, on account of ill health,
moved to Attica, Ind., and he took charge of the Swed-
ish Lutheran church there, but the following year accepted
a call as a traveling missionary in Minnesota. During this
time he passed through many thrilling events, experienced
many perils and self-denials, visited — on foot or on horse-
back — every nook and corner where any Swedes had settled.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 461

preached and organized churches in many places. He has
undoubtedly sacrificed more in order to elevate his country-
men in Minnesota, and has benefited them more than any
other Swede. His salary amounted to about $400 a year,
out of which he had to pay all his traveling expenses, and
at the end of the year he might have saved souls, but
nothing of his salary remained. In 1861 he moved from
St. Paul, where his family had resided for a year, to Good
hue county, and took charge of his old congregations in
Red Wing and at Vasa. Ever since his ministerial labor
has been chiefly confined to Goodhue county, although he
has done some missionary work on the Pacific Coast and in
various other parts of the country. His health has been
dehcate during the greater part of his ministry. Besides
his regular work in the ministry, he founded an orphanage
at Vasa in 1865, and conducted it himself for eleven years.
In 1862 he commenced a private school in Red Wing, which
has grown up to be Gustavus Adolphus College, in St.
Peter. Norelius was in 1874 elected president of the
Augustana Synod, serving in that capacity for seven years,
and w^as elected to the same position in 1899. (Most of
the above facts in this biography have been collected from
Axnerican Lutheran Biographies, by Rev. J. C. Jensson).
At Red Wing, in 1857, he commenced to publish Minnesota
Posten, the first Swedish newspaper in Minnesota; the
venture was too early, and proved to be a financial failure,
and after one year's starveling existence, the paper was
united with Hemlandet in Chicago, of which Norelius, as
before stated, became editor. It may be of interest to
note that the first six numbers of Minnesota Posten con-

462 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

tained the following notice: "Because ready cash in these
times is scarce, the editor will, for the subscription for the
paper, take farm and other products, w^hich will be valued
at market prices," and the last number announces that "the
paper must cease, because many subscribers failed to send
in their subscriptions." In 1872 he started Lutersk
Kyrkotidning, which was merged into Augustana the
following year. Norelius and P. Sjoblom commenced to
publish Erangelisk Lutersk Tidskrift in 1877, but
changed the name to Skaffaren the following year. He
has also contributed extensively, especially on religious and
historical subjects, to many Swedish-American journals.
In 1889 he w^as called to the editorial chair of Augustana,
the official paper of the Augustana Synod, published at
Rock Island, 111., but his ill health compelled him to resign the
following year. He has for a number of years been editor
of Korsbaneret, which is an annual published by the
Augustana Synod. Norelius is the author of the following
books: Salems Sknger (1859), Handbok for Son-
dagsskolan (1865), Ev. Laterska Augustana Sjynoden
i Nord Amerika ocb dess Mission (1870), and Be
Svenska Luterska Forsamlingarnas och Svenskarnes
Historia i Amerika (1890). Only the first volume of the
last mentioned work, which deals with the Swedes in Amer-
ica from the earliest emigration of the nineteenth century
to 1860, has yet appeared. His history is intensely
Lutheran, somewhat partial, poorly classified, and not
indexed. The author relates his experiences and the experi-
ences of others very minutely, without much attempt to
condense the whole to a scientific historical treaty. The

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 463

facts on the whole are fairly correct, except in regard to
the first Swedish settlement in Minnesota, w^hich was not
stated in 1851, as he asserts, but in 1850, when Oscar Roos
and two other Swedes made the first settlement at Marine,
Washington county, which is substantiated both by Roos
himself and in a little excellent pamphlet, Srenskarne i
St. Czoijc-dalen, Minnesota (1879), by Robert Gron-
berger.* Norelius's description of the natural appearance of
the country in the early days is excellent, but in many
respects his earlier and smaller history is superior to his
later and larger book. All his writings contain a great
deal of wit, humor, and imagination. Col. H. Mattson, in
his admirable book, Minnen (1890), refers to Norelius in
the following manner: "In the beginning of the month
of September, 1855, Rev. E. Norelius visited the settlement
(Vasa), and organized a Lutheran church. Thirty-five
years have elapsed since that time, and many of those who
belonged to the first church at Vasa now rest in mother
earth close by the present stately church edifice which still
belongs to the same congregation and is situated only a
short distance from the place where the latter was organ-

* In regard to this sentence, which was also in the first edition of this volume, Nore-
lius remarks: "It depends upon what you mean by the word 'settlement.' If it can be
called a settlement where two or three single men, bachelors, make a claim without
making such claim a constant habitation, then of course I do not dispute the priority
of the Marine colony. But if by a settlement is meant a permanent habitation, espe-
cially by one or more families, then the Swedish colony at Marine is not older than the
one at Chisago Lake." As I understand it, a settlement may be permanent or tempo-
rary, and may be composed of families, bachelors, or old maids. The early arrival in
this state of Oscar Roos and bis companions has been mentioned in a few places in this
volume simply because it was deemed to be of considerable historical importance, and
not as a reflection upon Norelius for having failed to refer to those pioneers. The con-
stant reference to this omission on my part is a mistake which can hardly be avoided in
a cyclopedic work like this, and I prefer the repetition of important histerical facts
to the omission of those facts.— Bditob.

464 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYAINS IN THE U. S.

ized. Rev. Norelius himself lives only a few hundred yards
from the church building. Thirty-five years have changed
the then cheerful, hopeful young man into a veteran,
crowned with honor, and full of wisdom and experience.
His beneficent influence on the Swedes of Goodhue county
and of the w^hole Northwest will make his name dear to
coming generations of our people." Norelius visited his
native land in 1868 for the purpose of improving his health,
but returned in a worse condition. In 1855 he was married
to Inga C. Peterson, of West Point, Ind., by whom he has
had four sons and one daughter.

Oftedal, Sven, educator — Minneapolis— bom 22 March,
1844, in Stavanger, Norway. He graduated from the Latin
school of his native city in 1862; completed his theological
studies at the University of Norway in 1871, having also
devoted much of his time to the study of ancient and modem
languages, literature, and philosophy; studied one year in
Paris, France; traveled through several of the European
countries; and accepted a call as theological professor at
Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis, in 1873, where he has
since remained. The great success of the seminary is largely
due to Oftedal's energy and perseverance. In 1878 he was
elected a member of the board of education, a position he
held for ten years, being president of that body for four
years; and in 1886, when the Minneapolis Public Library
was established, he was elected by the legislature as one of
the chartered members of that library, and has been chair-
man of the library committee ever since. In these two capa-
cities he has been able to do more than any other person to
have the Scandinavians in the city recognized by the public

I'l!. C. J. RTXGNELL, MINNEAPOLIS.

O. H. JIYUAX. ADA.

I'. A. ItlCIO, WILr,MAU.

PR. G. r. SA\rii;i:i;c;. ST. PAir,.

J, SHALEEN, LINDSTROM.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 465

at large. He was the originator of the present high school
system in Minneapohs and the branch system of the Minne-
apoUs Public Library. Oftedal has taken an active part in
temperance and church work, being one of the organizers oft
the first stable Norwegian temperance society in Minne-
apolis, and was for years one of the leading men in the Nor-
wegian-Danish Conference. Oftedal occupies a unique posi-
tion in the history of the Norwegian Lutheran churches in
America. Most of the leaders in those churches have at one
time or another been engaged in controversies bristling with
harsh words. But he alone has time again been in the
midst of the fiercest of these battles. Indeed, he has spent
years in a perfect calm; but again and again the storm has
gathered around that man as around no other Norwegian-
American. At some future date he may possibly be taken
as the ablest and grandest expounder of that remarkable
hatred of conventional restraint which characterized the
Norsemen of his time. Even at close range it is not very
difficult to see that Oftedal could have spent a life of ease
and unruffled honor if he had chosen to devote his magni-
ficent mental gifts to the upbuilding of the existing institu-
tions of the majorities, instead of repeatedly siding with
apparently hopeless minorities. His is surely a mind that
rebels against power as such; but it aims rather at the
destruction of w^hat is conceived as baneful influences than
at self-aggrandizement; bitter as it may be at times, it is,
after all, more altrustic than egotistic. Oftedal cannot be
properly judged until some time after his life-work is com-
pleted. He is married, and has grown children.

Olson, C. 0. Alexius, lawyer and legislator — Minne-

466 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

apolis— born 5 April, 1872, in Long, Yestergotland, Sweden.
At the age of two years he emigrated with his mother to
America, coming directly to Minneapolis, where later he
attended the public schools, graduating from the North
Side High School in 1891; employed his out-of-school hours
as carrier on the daily papers, and as clerk in stores and
offices; graduated from the academic department of the
University of Minnesota in 1895, from the law department
in 1896, and in 1897 received the degree of LL.M. from the
same institution; was admitted to the bar by the Minnesota
supreme court in June, 1896, and has since been engaged in
the general practice of law; at the University was actively
interested in student affairs, serving successively as class
president, editor of The Ariel (the students' paper), and
as cadet major of the University Battalion; is a member of
the general college fraternity Zeta Psi, and of Delta Chi
(Law); in 1892 traveled in Europe, visiting Germany, Den-
mark, Sweden, Norway, and England; during the summer of
1893 was employed at the Chicago World's Fair; is presi-
dent of the Minneapolis High School Alumni Association,
and secretary of the John Ericsson Memorial Association;
in religion a Lutheran; in politics a Republican; at the gen-
eral election in 1898 was elected to the office of representa-
tive in the Minnesota state legislature.

Olson, Seaver Elbert, merchant — Minneapolis — born
1846, in Ringsaker, near Hamar, Norway. His boyhood
was spent partly in assisting his father in his profession as
carpenter, partly at school. From early childhood he
showed himself to possess singular abilities. Already at the
age of ten he became a teacher and conducted his own little

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 467

scliool. Olson came with his parents to this country in
1858, and they settled on a farm near La Crosse, Wis. He
attended Beloit College, Wis., for one year; commenced
business for himself in Rushford, Minn., in 1867, but the
entire stock was destroyed by fire in less than a month
after he started. He rebuilt the store and for about three
years had a good trade; then entered into partnership with
his former employer in La Crosse, Wis.; but three years
later the firm was dissolved, and Olson continued in the
business until 1878, when he came to Minneapolis, Minn.
Here he united himself with N. B. Harwood. They failed
in 1880, and Olson was again made penniless, with nothing
but an unimpeachable credit and an excellent record as a
business man. He next went into partnership with Ingram.
This firm was afterwards changed to S. E. Olson & Com-
pany, now being one of the largest dry goods establish-
ments in the West, and perhaps the greatest Scandinavian
store in the United States, doing an annual business of
about $2,000,000. Olson is a stockholder of several banks,
is also connected with many other large enterprises, and
has a family.

Ustrom, 0. N., banker and grain dealer— Minneapolis-
born 29 July, 1850, in Aby, near Kristianstad, Sweden;
died 1893. He emigrated to America in 1867, staid the first
year at Afton, Minn., then went to St. Peter. Being a
builder and contractor, he erected here, among other build-
ings, Gustavus Adolphus College. Ostrom moved to Minne-
apolis in 1877, and two years later he engaged in the gener-
al merchandise and wheat business at Evansville; this large
wheat trade compelled him subsequently to build twenty-

468 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS m THE U. S.

five elevators along the Great Northern R. R. In 1882
Ostrom became one of the stockholders and directors of the
First National Bank of Alexandria; the following year he
estabHshed the Bank of Evansville, of which he assumed the
management as cashier.. Ostrom returned to Minneapolis
in 1887, and, in company with other prominent Swedes, or-
ganized the Swedish American Bank, with a capital of one
hundred thousand dollars. In 1889 he organized the Inter-
State Grain company — a half million dollars' concern.
Ostrom was president and manager of the Inter-State Grain
company, and president of the Swedish American Bank. At
the age of twenty he was married to Helena Elg; they have
grown children.

Ostlund, 0. W., educator— Minneapolis— bom 27 Sept.,
1857, in Attica, Ind. His parents were among the earliest
Swedish immigrants in this country; they came from Oster-
gotland. Young Ostlund graduated from Augustana Col-
lege in 1879, and eight years later his alma mater conferred
the degree of master of arts upon him. He studied natural
sciences for two years at the University of Minnesota; has
been entomologist of the natural history survey of Minne-
sota since 1884, having published numerous reports on his
specialty, and contributes occasionally to some of the lead-
ing magazines on scientific subjects. Since 1890 he has
been assistant professor of zoology at the State University;
was entomologist of the State Horticultural Society from
1887-90; is a member of the Davenport Academy of Sciences,
and of the Minneapolis Academy of Science. Ostlund is an
active member of the English Lutheran church, having been
one of its trustees for several years. He is unmarried.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 469

Pederson, Knud, legislator— _Under wood — born 1844,
in Norway. He came to this state in 1868, and has
been engaged in farming in Otter Tail county. He served
as town supervisor, treasurer, and assessor for six
years, and as county commissioner for thirteen years. Since
1896 he has been a member of the house of representatives
of the state' legislature. Pederson owes the position last
mentioned to the Populist party. He is a widower.

PeteFsen, Ole P., clergyman and pioneer — Minneapolis
—bom 28 April, 1822, in Fredrikstad, Norway. He became
an orphan at the age of six, was brought up by a well-to-do
family, was a sailor for a few years, and emigrated to this
country in 1843. He was converted to Methodism by the
well-known Swedish pioneer and missionary, 0. G. Hed-
strom, in 1846; returned to his native land three years later,
and w^as the first who introduced the faith of Methodism
in Norway; came back to America in 1850, and the next
year commenced to preach among his countrymen in Winne-
sheik county, low^a. With the exception of C. B. Willerup,
a Dane, Petersen w^as the first Methodist minister among
the Norwegian pioneers in this country. He often had to
travel on foot during the hot summers and cold winters
through the Western states, suffering all the hardships
incidental to frontier life. In 1850 he was married in Nor-
way to Anne Amundsen. They had two children, and for
some years past he has been living with one of them in
the East.

Petersen, W. M. H., clergyman and educator — St. Paul
—born 26 Nov., 1854, in Ringerike, Norway; died 1899. He
came to this country in 1862, settling with his widowed

470 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

mother in Rochester, Minn.; stayed for sometime at Pointed
Creek, Iowa; completed courses at Luther College and at
Concordia Seminary, graduating from these institutions in
1875 and 1878, respectively. During the remainder of his
life he served a Norwegian Synod congregation in St. Paul.
Having a strong memory and being an untiring student, he
gradually accumulated a great amount of w^ell-digested and
carefully systematized knowledge. He w^as a great specia-
list. In order to make proper use of this valuable treasure
he was appointed, in 1894, to a chair of theology in Luther
Seminary. But his health began to fail, and in 1898 he
made a trip to Europe in hopes of gaining strength. Peter-
sen prepared his sermons with great care, and some of them
have been preserved in the collection printed by the synod.
He wrote considerably for the oiiicial paper of the synod,
and his most noted effort as an author treats of the inspira-
tion of the Bible. He was married to Anna K. Soraas, of
Dodge county, Minn., in 1880; they had six children.

Peterson, Andrew P , state legislator— Cokato— bom 7
Sept., 1851, in Sweden. At the age of nine he came with his
parents to this country; they settled in Carver county, Minn.,
where young Peterson received a good common school
education. He was in the mercantile business in Cokato for
a few years, and has since 1880 been the proprietor of a
drug store. Peterson has held various local offices, been
county commissioner of Wright county, and represented his
district in the state legislature in 1877. In 1878 he was
married to Anna S. Anderson, of Minneapolis. They have _
children.

Peterson, Frank, clergyman— Minneapolis — born 19

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIANS IN MANNESOTA. 471

Nov., 1847, in Stockseryd, Ostergotland, Sweden. At the
age of four he came with his parents to this country; they
settled in Rock Island, 111., and moved to Lansing, Iowa, in
1855, where young Peterson received a good common school
education. In 1863, while not yet sixteen years old, he en-
listed in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, which was almost con-
stantly engaged in fighting the Texas Rangers and Quan-
treU's Band in Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas. So depleted
were the ranks of his regiment, that but few remained after
the war to return home. After the war he studied one year
at a university in Chicago; took a trip to Sweden, in order
to improve his health, where he spent a year; taught in the
public schools in Iowa and Minnesota for several years; and
intended to study law, when he finally concluded to enter
the ministry, and accepted a call of the Swedish Baptist
church in Worthington, Minn., in 1875. After having re-
mained there for a w^hile, he took charge of a congregation
in Chicago; came to Minneapolis in 1881, and for eleven
years served the First Swedish Baptist church, which had
a great prosperity during his ministry. In 1890 he accepted
the appointment as district secretary of the American Bap-
tist Missionary Union, which is one of the strongest mis-
sionary societies among Protestants, either in America or
on the continent, employing 2,500 workers, scattered
throughout twenty nations of the world. This society
expends over a million dollars annually. Peterson was a
successful teacher, is an able speaker both in Swedish and
English, and has collected a great deal of material for a his-
tory of the Swedish Baptist church. In 1878 he was
married to Emma C- Johnson, of Chicago.

472 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Peterson, James A., lawyer — Minneapolis — bom 18
Jan., 1859, in Dodge county. Wis. His parents were Nor-
wegians. He graduated from the literary department of the
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., in 1884, and three
years later from the law school of the same institution,
having made his own way through college by teaching
school. Since he completed his education he has been prac-
ticing his profession in Minneapolis, being recognized as one
of the leading Scandinavian attorneys in the state of Min-
nesota. In 1893 Peterson was appointed assistant county
attorney, and in 1897 and 1898 he served as county
attorney. While occupying this position he became a terror
to evil-doers; and the ability with which he prosecuted some
public officers belonging to his own political party is claimed
to have had something to do w^ith his failure to receive the
renomination for a second term which had, become tradi-
tional in that party with regard to certain county officers.
Peterson is a Republican. In 1889 Marie Emily Dahle, of
Dane county, Wis., who is a graduate of the University of
Wisconsin, and was a classmate of Peterson, became his
wife. They have children.

Peterson, John, collector of customs— St. Peter— bom
6 July, 1841, in Kil, Vermland, Sweden. His parents were
farmers, who gave their son a good common school educa-
tion, and at the age of seventeen he commenced to work in
a large factory. Later on he held the position of shipping
clerk; was engaged in building at Stockholm and Sundsvall
for some time and in constructing railroad stations and
bridges during a couple of years; and in 1867-9 was located
near Karlstad as superintendent of the construction of

REV. FRANK PETERSON, MINNEAPOLIS.

REV. E. A. SKOGSBERGH, MINNEAPOLIS.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 473

gOYemment railroad bridges. In 1869 he emigrated to
America, coming directly to St. Peter, and after having
worked as a common laborer for a short time, he began, in
company with others, operations as a railroad contractor,
and for eighteeen years the firm of which he was a member
carried on a large business throughout the Northwest.
Since he has followed the same occupation on his own
responsibility, and has also been interested in bank-
ing and farming. Peterson has taken an active part in
public affairs. He has been a member of the city council of
St. Peter, serving as its president for a couple of years; was
a member of the congressional committee of his district for
several years; has been a delegate to numerous Republican
conventions; w^as elected to the state senate in 1894; and
in 1897 President McKinley appointed him collector of
customs. He has also been a member of the board of
trustees of the State Hospital for the Insane, having been
appointed by Gov. Merriam and Gov. Nelson, and was a
member of the board of directors and treasurer of Gus-
tavus Adolphus College for several years. Peterson is
a member of the Swedish Lutheran church; and was mar-
ried in 1873 to Fredrika Elisabeth Lundberg. They have
several children.

Peterson, J. W., state senator— Vasa— bom 30 Mar.,
1838, in SmMand, Sweden. At the age of eighteen he came
with his parents to this country; they settled in Chisago
county, Minn., where young Peterson worked on the family
homestead until 1862, when he enlisted in company I of
Sixth Minnesota Volunteers. He served against the
Indians in Minnesota and Dakota; was promoted to the

4-74. HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

rank of sergeant; honorably discharged in 1865, and has
ever since farmed at Vasa. Peterson was in the state
senate during the sessions of 1873-74, in the lower branch
of the legislature in 1885, and again in the senate in 1891-
93; besides, he has held several local offices. The general
opinion is that he is one of the most influential Scandina-
vian legislators of Minnesota. Peterson is a Republican
and a Lutheran, and was married in 1868 to Carrie John-
son, who is twelve years his junior.

Pettersen, Wilhelm MauFitz, educator and poet— Min-
neapolis — bom 17 Dec, 1860, in Mandal, Kristiansand
stift, Norway. His father was a sea captain of German
extraction, his mother belonged to the old Norwegian
farmer stock. After having graduated from Mandal's
xniddelskole, he, at the age of fifteen, went to sea; passed
a first mate's examination; sailed as second mate, both on
Norwegian and American vessels; and came to Minneapolis
in 1882. Two years after his arrival he graduated from
Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis; afterwards studied Greek
and English literature for a couple of terms at the Uni-
versity of Minnesota; and was appointed professor of
history and mathematics of his alma mater in 1889.
Pettersen is a poet of considerable repute, having inherited
a poetical taste and ability from his mother, who wrote
verses occasionally; a volume of his collected Nor-
wegian poems w^as published in 1891; and a drama, En Nj'
Sl'Agt, appeared in 1895. It is generally admitted that
Pettersen has written some excellent poetical productions.
He has also considerable experience as a journalist, but his
prose writings lack clearness and generalization. He is a

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 475

member of the Norwegian Lutheran Free Church, is a
Democrat, has delivered campaign speeches throughout the
state, and has a family.

Petri, Carl J., clergyman — Minneapolis — ^bom 16 June,
1855, in Rockford, 111. His parents came from SmMand,
Sweden, to this country in 1852. They settled in Chicago,
111., but moved to Rockford two years later, where they
have resided ever since. Petri received his early education
in the parochial and public schools in Rockford. In 1871
he entered Augustana College, Paxton, 111., from w^hich insti-
tution he was graduated in 1877, being therefore a member
of the first class sent out from this institution, and has
since received the degree of A. M. of his alma mater. He
took special interest in languages and history, in which
subjects he had the best standing in the college. Petri pur-
sued the study of the English language with a view to
become an educator in this branch, and when he came to
Minneapolis in 1878, the board of directors of Augustana
College advised him to continue his study of English with a
view to teach it in that institution. He studied English
and Anglo-Saxon at the University of Minnesota for one
year; then went to Philadelphia, where he took charge of a
Swedish Lutheran congregation; and attended for one year
the University of Pennsylvania, taking a special course in
history and English, also attending Dr. Krauth's lectures
on philosophy. In 1880 he consented to be ordained. He
remained in Philadelphia until 1884, when he became pro-
fessor of history at Gustavus Adolphus College, in which
capacity he made an excellent record. In 1888 Petri
accepted a call as pastor of the largest Swedish Lutheran

476 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

congregation in Minneapolis, where he has since resided.
He was the originator and one of the chief leaders in the
arrangement for the great celebration, ia Minneapolis, in
1888, of the 250th anniversary of the landing of the
Swedes in America in the 17th century. In 1893 he was
one of the chief organizers of the celebration of the 300th
anniversary of the Upsala Decree, being also the first one
who translated said decree into Enghsh. Petri has been
vice-president of the Minnesota Conference of the Swedish
Augustana Synod for several years, and a member of the
board of directors of Gustavus Adolphus College. In 1881
he, with others, started the Augustana Observer, the first
English church paper among the Swedes in America. He
has also been editor of an English Sunday-school paper
belonging to the church. He was a member of the advisory
council of the religious congress at the World's Fair in
Chicago, in 1893; is a member of the Institute of Civics,
and took a very active part in starting the Swedish hospital
in Minneapolis, in 1898. Petri is a good speaker in both
Swedish and English, and as an organizer and manager of
church and social affairs, there are few of the miaisters
within the Augustana Synod that equal him. He was
married in 1880 to Christine Andersson, of Dalame, Sweden;
the w^edding ceremony being performed in the historical Old
Swedes' Church, Philadelphia, Pa. They have several
children.

Petri, Gustave A., lawyer— Minneapolis— bom 21 Sept.,
1863, in Rockford, 111. His parents came from Smiland,
Sweden, to Chicago in 1852, and moved to Rockford two
years later, where they have resided ever since. He is a

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 477

brother to Rev. C. J. Petri. He studied at Gustavus Adol-
phus College, St. Peter, Mian., for a few years; then entered
the University of Minnesota, Minneapohs, graduating from
the classical department of this institution in 1890, with
the degree of A. B., and from the law department three
years later, with the degree of LL. B. The year of 1891 he
spent on the Pacific Coast, studying law most of the time
at Seattle, Wash., in the office of Judge Green, ex-chief
justice of the state of Washington. After having completed
his legal education, he has successfully practiced his pro-
fession in Minneapolis, having won several important cases
in the supreme court of the state. Petri is a member of the
Swedish Lutheran Church, having taken active part in
church and Sunday-school work. Although not a pro-
fessional politician, he has always taken an active interest
in politics, having always affiliated with the Republican
party. In 1894 he was married to Ida M. Peterson, of
Grove City, Minn., who had formerly attended Gustavus
Adolphus College for several years, and studied music at the
Royal Conservatory in Stockholm, Sweden, for two years;
they have children.

Railson, Andrew, state senator— Norway Lake— bom
16 Aug., 1833, in Sigdal, Kristiania stift, Norway. He emi-
grated to this country at the age of seventeen; worked in
the pineries and at other common labor in Green county,
Wis. for about five years; visited his native country, and
on his return located in Stillwater, Minn., working in the
saw mills for a couple of years; then took a claim in
Kandiyohi county, being one of the earliest settlers in this
part of the country. At the time of the terrible Sioux

478 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Indian outbreak, in 1862, Andrew and his brother Even
were among the bravest defenders of life and property; but
nevertheless they were driven away from their homes by
the fierce Redskins, and did not return until 1865. He has
been county treasurer of Kandiyohi county for five years;
was receiver of the U. S. land office at Redwood Falls from
1884^87; represented his district in the state legislature in
1871; served in the state senate during the sessions of 1872-
73, and has held various local offices. Andrew Railson,
Jonas Lindall of Chisago county, and Ole Peterson of Pope
county w^ere the first Scandinavians who -were elected state
senators in Minnesota; but many other Northmen, how^-
ever, had served in the lower branch of the legislature ever
since the state constitution w^as adopted, in 1857. Railson
was again elected to the state legislature in 1892. In 1860
he was married to Bertha Johnson. They have children.

Rast, Gustaf, clergyman — Red Wing — born 13 July,
1857, in Fristad, Yestergotland, Sweden. He emigrated to
the U. S. in 1873, after having received a common school
education in Sweden; attended the literary department of
Augustana College for four years; and graduated from the
theological department of this institution in 1884. For
nearly three years he had charge of the Swedish Lutheran
church at Stockholm, Wis., and has since 1887 been pastor
in Red Wing. He has been secretary, vice-president, and
treasurer of the Minnesota Conference of the Augustana
Synod; served six years on the board of directors of Gus-
tavus Adolphus College, and has held the offices of secretary
and president of said board; has during the biggest part of
his ministry served in the executive committee of the con-

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 479

ference, and always taken an active part in the educational
and missionary work of his church. In 1884 he w^as mar-
ried to Hann a Anderson, of Princeton, 111. They have several
children.

Beimestad, Theodor S., educator — Minneapolis — bom
28 Apr., 1858, at Jaderen, Norway. He received a high
school education in his native land; emigrated with his par-
ents to this country in 1872, coming directly to Iowa,
where he attended the graded school at Ackley; continued
his studies at Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis, graduating,
in 1880, from the college department, and in 1883 from the
theological department; was pastor of churches in Dane and
Green counties. Wis., for two years; and in 1885 settled
down to his life-work, accepting a position as professor at
his alma mater, his chief subjects being the history of Nor-
wegian and Danish literature and Latin. Reimestad has
for years taken great interest in temperance work, having
lectured very extensively on total abstinence and prohibition
in the Northwest as well as written considerably on the
same subjects. He is also one of the most widely known
Scandinavian tenor singers in America, and is instructor in
vocal music at the seminary. He was the originator and
organizer of the Norwegian Lutheran Singers' Union, being
its first president and later on its director-in-chief. He has
published Kampznelodier, a.collection of temperance songs
and, in company w^ith Rev. M. F. Gjertsen, Sangbogen, a
huge collection of religious songs, including some of Reime-
stad's best efforts as composer and writer of songs. In
1888 he organized the Augsburg Quartette, which devoted
four seasons to the cause of total abstinence and prohibi-

480 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE TJ. S.

tion, traveling through several northwestern states; for
years was president, and in 1895 secretary, of the Minnesota
Total Abstinence Association; and. has been president of the
Total Abstinence Congress since it was organized. In 1888
the Prohibitionists nominated him for lieutenant-governor.
Reimestad has made two noted trips to Norway. In 1895
he w^ent there upon invitation and gave a series of success-
ful temperance concerts in the cities; and in 1898 he, in com-
pany with Rev. Gjertsen, spent most of the summer in sing-
ing and preaching to large audiences in all the large cities
and most of the principal towns.

Rice, Albert E., lieutenant-governor — Willmar — born
1847, in Vinje, Kristiansand stift, Norway. He received a
common school education in his native country, emigrated
to the U. S. in 1860, and settled in "Wisconsin. At the out-
break of the Civil War he enlisted in the famous Fifteenth
Wisconsin Regiment of Volunteers, better known as the
Scandinavian Regiment; was w^ounded in his left hand at
the battle of New Hope Church; settled in Minneapolis after
the war; but moved to Willmar in 1870, to engage in gen-
eral merchandise; and has later also become interested in
banking. Rice represented a Minneapolis district in the
state legislature in 1870, served in the state senate during
the sessions of 1874-75 and 1878-85, and was lieutenant-
governor from 1887—91. Rice was a delegate to the con-
vention in Philadelphia, which nominated Grant for presi-
dent in 1872, and was appointed a member of the board of
regents of the University of Minnesota in 1897. His long
and honorable legislative career has largely been devoted to
measures opposing railroad and elevator monopolies, for

A. E. UlCli, VVILLMAK.

PROP. J. B. FRICH, HAMLIXE. REV. T. JOHNSBN, NORSELAND.

PROF. H. G. STUB, HAMLINB. PROF. J. YLVISAKEE, ROBBINSDALE.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 481

the protection of the fanners against the ravages of the
grasshoppers, and for the taxation of telegraph and tele-
phone companies. As a parliamentarian, Rice has few, if
any, equals in the state. He is a Republican. Rice is mar-
ried to a Swedish lady, who possesses considerable literary
ability. Their son, Cushman A. Rice, was bom in Willmar
March 15, 1878. He graduated from Willmar high school at
the age of sixteen; entered the State University one year
later; enlisted as first lieutenant in company D of Fifteenth
Minnesota Volunteers at the outbreak of the Spanish War
in 1898; was mustered out with his regiment in the spring
of 1899; and shortly after President McKinley appointed
him first lieutenant, assigning him to the Thirty-fourth
U. S. Infantry. Since he has been promoted captain of com-
pany M, of the above mentioned regiment, and served in the
Philippine Islands since the fall of 1899. Rice is probably
the only Scandinavian-American who ever held the high
rank of captaincy at the early age of twenty-one.

Kingnell, Carl John, physician and surgeon — Minne-
apolis — ^born 3 June, 1864, in Yissefjerda, SmMand, Sweden.
After having attended school for five years, he, at the age of
eighteen, emigrated to this country; attended Gustavus
Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., for three years, and
graduated from the medical department of the University of
Minnesota in 1891; has also been studying at the principal
hospitals in Europe. Ringnell has gained the confidence of
the people and has a very large practice; has been appointed
attending physician at the Free Dispensary, which is a part
of the University of Minnesota, and the Nurses' Training
School; is a member of the Minnesota Medical Society, and

482 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S,

of the American Medical Association. In 1896 he took a
post graduate course at Tulane University, New Orleans,
La., and has traveled extensively in Mexico and Central
America. In 1891 he was married to Carrie Morris Wilkins,
of New York City, she being a grand niece of Gov. Morris,
w^ho was one of the signers of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. They have one daughter.

Roos, Oscar, pioneer and county official — Taylor's Falls
— ^bom 1827, in Skara, Sweden; died 1896. He crossed the
Atlantic ocean in 1850, being therefore one of the earliest
Swedish emigrants in this country. He lived the first sum-
mer at Rock Island, 111. In October, 1850, he, together
with two other Swedes, and upon the advice of the well-
known Rev. Unonius, moved to Minnesota and took a
claim where Marine, Washington county, is now located.
This was the first Scandinavian settlement in the state.
After having resided at Marine and worked in the pineries
for ten years, Roos in 1860 moved to Taylor's Falls. He
was register of deeds of Chisago county from 1860-70,
receiver of the U. S. land office from 1870-75, and county
treasurer from 1875-83. He has always taken an active
part in public affairs and been deeply interested in every-
thing pertaining to the welfare of Chisago count j, in which
he was the first Scandinavian who held an office, as well as
the first Scandinavian settler. Roos was married to Hanna
Swanstrom in 1870.

Rosing*, August G., secretary of the Minnesota Scandina-
vian Relief Association of Red Wing — Red Wing — bom 1 Sept. ,
1822, in Ljungby, Yestergotland, Sweden. He received a
good education in his native land, was bookkeeper in a gov-

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 483

emment ofl&ce in Stockholm from 1844-48, then followed the
same profession in Sk^ne, until he emigrated to America in
1868. He came directly to Goodhue county, Minn., wherehe
rented a farm, and farmed until he accepted his present posi-
tion in 1888. He has been county commissioner for several
years, and has held various local offices. Rosing was mar-
ried in 1851. He has children.

Rosing', L. A., chairman of the state central committee
of the Democratic party — Cannon Falls— bom 29 Aug.,
1861, in Malmo, Sweden. He is the son of A. G. Rosing, in
Red Wing; came with his mother to this country in 1869;
received a common school education in Goodhue county;
worked on his father's farm until the age of twenty; then
clerked in stores in Cannon Falls; and since 1888 has been
conducting a shoe store of his own in that city. In the
campaign of 1890 he began to take an activepart in politics,
and in the course of the next ten years he distinguished him-
self as a very able organizer, holding different positions in
the Democratic organization; among which may be men-
tioned that of member of the congressional committee in
1892, candidate for state senator in 1894, and chairman of
the state central committee since 1896. He conducted the
campaigns of 1896 and 1898 with great ability, and it was
largely through his masterly management that the Fusion
forces succeeded in electing John Lind as governor in 1898,
the first anti-Republican governor in the state of Minnesota
for forty years. Gov. Lind appointed him his private secre-
tary in 1899. Rosing was married to May B. Season, an
American lady, in 1886. They have children.

Sandberg, G. P., dentist— St. Paul— bom 17 Feb., 1861,

484 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

at Saltkalla, Vestergotland, Sweden. At the age of twelve
he came to this country, directly to St. Paul, Minn., to join
his father, who had emigrated before. He received a common
school education in his native country, studied dentistry in
a private office in St, Paul, and has since 1885 successfully
practiced his profession in that city. For years he has been
the only Swedish dentist in St. Paul. In 1899 he formed a
partnership with. Dr. L. R. Hoelzle. They employ several
assistant dentists. Sandberg belongs to ten different secret
societies, and has taken the highest degree in Freemasonry.
He was married in 1888 to Margarete E. Moran, an Ameri-
can lady. They have children.

Sandbergr, J. H., botanist and physician — Minneapolis
— ^bom 24 July, 1846, in Broby, Sk&ne, Sweden. He received
a college education in Lund, and studied pharmacy in his
native land; came to this country in 1868; lived in Michigan
for a while; located in Minneapolis in 1887. Sandberg
studied medicine in this country, but he is better known as
a botanist than as a physician, having for a few years been
employed by the United States as botanical collector on
the Pacific Coast. He already ranks among the leading
botanists of the country. Sandberg has discovered several
new plants, to w^hich he, according to a universal custom
among scientists, has given his name. He is married, and
has a married daughter.

Saugstad, ChFistian, clergyman— Crookston— born 13
June, 1838, in Ringsakier, Kristiania stift, Norway; died
1897. In 1850 his father emigrated to the United States
and settled in Vernon county. Wis.; the following year the
mother and her two younger children crossed the Atlantic

BIOGRAPHIKS OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 485

to join her husband, leaving young Saugstad, his two
brothers, and one sister in their native land to take care of
themselves, but if possible to follow their parents. After
having lived in Kristiania for three years, he secured an
opportunity to work his way across the ocean; landed at
the age of sixteen in Quebec, Canada, and followed the rest
of the passengers to Milwaukee, Wis., where he, on account
of being short of funds, was left alone on the pier among
strangers, with only ten cents in his pocket. But after
having worked for three months in Milwaukee he was able
to start on his journey towards his parents, and his mother
died three days after his arrival. By working on farms in
the summers and in the pineries during the winters, he soon
bought a farm of his own; but finally entered Augsburg
Seminary, Marshall, Wis., and was ordained in 1872.
Saugstad commenced his first pastoral work in Douglas
and adjoining counties, Minnesota, having charge of a
large field, and resided at Holmes City for eight years; then
moved to Polk county, and settled in Crookston in 1886.
Until the union of the difiierent Norwegian churches he
belonged to the Norwegian-Danish Conference, of which he
was vice-president from 1886-90. In the early nineties he
established a Norwegian colony in Bella Coola, B. C, where
he died. In 1893 he published a brief history of Augsburg
Seminary. He was married twice, and had eleven children.
Searle,0IafO., emigration agent and banker — Minneapolis
— ^bom 23 June, 1859, in Fredrikshald, Norway. He came
to America in 1881. In the fall of the same year he began
work in the emigration department of the St. Paul, Minne-
apolis and Manitoba Railway, remaining there till 1883,

486 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

■when together with A. E. Johnson he opened business as
emigration agent. This firm, known as A. E. Johnson and
Company, is now doing a very extensive business in the sale
of passage tickets for the various steamship companies, and
also in the sale of lands. The firm has offices in New York
City, Boston, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth, Tacoma, and
Seattle. Searle is also one of the directors of the Scandina-
vian American Bank in Tacoma, and vice-president of the
Scandinavian American Bank in Seattle; owns considerable
farm lands in central Minnesota and other real property in
Western cities, notably at Little Falls, Minn. Ever since the
partnership w^as formed, he has been the manager of the
Northwestern headquarters of the firm's business, and has
taken an active part in public and financial matters, espe-
cially those in which the Scandinavians have been interested.
He located in Minneapolis in 1898, but in the summer lives
at Lake Minnetonka, where he owns a fine house and 125
acres of land on Big Island, being one of the finest places
on the lake. Searle was married in 1887 to Dagmar John-
son. They have one child.

Sbaleen, John, state senator — Lindstrom — bom 15
Nov., 1835, near Vexio, Sweden. He received a common
school education in his native country, and has since been
an extensive reader. His parents and the whole family emi-
grated to the ¥. S. when he was twenty years of age; they
settled at Chisago Lake, Minn., where both John Shaken
and his brother Peter — who died in 1898, and was one
of the leading men in that part of the country — worked on
the family homestead until the outbreak of the Civil War,
when John Shaken enlisted in company I of the Sixth

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 487

Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. For some time lie served
against tlie Indians on the western frontier of Min-
nesota; then was on duty in the South, fighting against the
Confederates at Spanish Fort and at Fort Blakeley in
Alabama. At the end of the war he returned to his farm;
was sheriff of Chisago county from 1870-76; represented
his district in the state senate during 1878-86;and has been
judge of probate since 1888. He is an independent Republi-
can and a Lutheran, and one of the first Swedish settlers in the
state of Minnesota, having passed through the usual hard-
ships incidental to pioneer life. He is considered to have
been one of the most influential Scandinavian legislators in
the state; public economy has been his hobby. He was
married to Annie S. Stendahl in 1869; they have several
children, all of whom have received a liberal education.

Sjoblom, P., clergyman— Fergus Falls — born 17 Mar.,
1834, in Snostorp, HaUand, Sweden. He came to this
country in 1866; was ordained the same year; had charge of
a Swedish Lutheran congregation in Indiana for a couple of
years; settled in Red Wing, Minn., in 1869; and moved to
Fergus Falls in 1886. Since 1895 he has been located at
Wakefield, Neb. Sjoblom has been vice-president and secre-
tary of the Augustana Synod, and served on various legal
and constitutional committees. He has been the parlia-
mentarian of the synod, and one of the most influ-
ential among the Swedish-American Lutheran ministers,
and has for years been associate editor of Skaffaren. He
was married in 1855, and has children.

Skaro, J. G., physician and surgeon — Minneapolis —
born 10 Jan., 1859, in St. Peter, Minn. He is the son of

488 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Captain A. K. Skaro, who was born in Hallingdal, Norway,
4 June, 1829, came to the United States in 1846, and was
killed at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865. Captain Skaro served
in the United States army as a private at Fort Snelling from
1847-52, then settled at St. Peter, and enlisted in the Union
army in 1862, being one of the few Scandinavians from
Minnesota who rose to a higher position in the army dur-
ing the Civil War. Young Skaro received a high school
education in his native city, graduated from a medical col-
lege in Keokuk, Iowa, in 1880, studied medicine also in
Louisville, Ky., inl884-85, and attended the Post Graduate
Medical College, New York City, in 1890. Skaro has prac-
ticed his profession in Minneapolis since 1880, having been
exceptionally successful, especially in handling difficult
female diseases. Indeed, in this line of practice he has few
equals or superiors in the Northwest. Two of his brothers
are also practicing medicine in Minneapolis. In 1890 he was
married to Olive Stewart, of Nova Scotia.

Skogsbergh, Erik August, clergyman— Minneapolis —
bom 30 June, 1850, at Elgi, Vermland, Sweden. His
father w^as a nail manufacturer, his mother a farmer's
daughter. Young Skogsbergh attended the public schools
until twelve years of age; studied three years at a college
at Arvika; took charge of his father's affairs and did a large
business in Norway and Sweden; became interested in a
religious movement; attended for a while a missionary
school in Kristinehamn, with the intention to prepare to go
as a missionary to Africa; entered a missionary school in
Sm&land; and studied privately for four years at Jonkoping,
with the purpose of entering the theological department in

O O. SKARLE, MINNEAPOLIS.

A. B. DARELIUS, MINNIOAPOLIS < '. <>■ A. OLSON, MINNEAFOLIS.

J. A. PETEKSON. lirXNEAPOI.IS;.

'luu Lb

G, A. PETRI. MINNEAPOLIS.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 489

the University of Upsala; but instead accepted a call to
Chicago, at the age of twenty-six. Skogsbergh traveled as
a missionary throughout Vermland, SmUland, and Vester-
^otland, preaching often in the open air to large crowds.
In Sweden he was still a member of the Lutheran church,
and his work was a kind of mission inside of the state
■church. Since, however, this movement has been separated
from the Lutheran church both in this country and in
Sweden. The organization of which he is a member is
called the Swedish Mission Covenant of America, and its
church government resembles that of the Congregational,
ists; but the mode of w^orship is more like that of the
Methodists. Skogsbergh remained in Chicago for seven
years, built a large church with a seating capacity of
1,500, preached in several other places, and conducted
revival meetings among his countrymen throughout the
Western states. Since 1884 he has resided in Minneapolis,
and erected the Swedish Tabernacle, which has a seating
-capacity of 3,000, and is the largest church building in Min-
neapolis. The membership is about 400, yet the audi-
torium is often crowded with people. For a number of years
he has also been editor of a Swedish newspaper in Minne-
apolis. In 1879 he was married to Tillie S. Peterson of
Chicago. They have several children.

Skordalsvold, John J., journalist — Minneapolis — born
29 Oct., 1853, in Meraker, Trondhjem stift, Norway. He
came with his parents to this country in 1869, directly to
Goodhue county, Minn., but the family moved to Todd
county the following year. Young Skordalsvold cleared
his father's farm; graduated from the literary department

490 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

of Augsburg Seminary in 1881, and from the University of
Minnesota seven years later; then studied over a year at
the University of BerHn, Germany, making his own way
through school; taught some in Augsburg Seminary; was
editor of Folkebladet in 1883; is known as an active and
earnest temperance worker, and lost considerable money a
few years ago in connection with the Scandinavian coffee
house which he organized in Minneapolis; has served for
many years as secretary of the Minnesota Total Abstinence
Asssociation and as superintendent of the educational de-
partment of the Total Abstinence Congress; and has made
greater sacrifices for the cause of temperance than any
other Norwegian bom person in the state. For some ten
years he was connected, both as principal and as teacher,
w^ith the public evening schools of the city, and has for
several years been a contributor to many Norwegian- Amer-
ican and English newspapers and magazines. He is a mem-
ber of the Unitarian church, and a Prohibitionist. Skor-
dalsvold was married to Anne Romundstad in 1890. She
is one of the few women who vmte for the Norwegian-
American press. Skordalsvold has children.

Smith, Charles A., lumber manufacturer— Minneapolis —
bom 11 Dec, 1852, in Boxholm, Ostergotland, Sweden. He
came with his father, who was a soldier in the Swedish
army for a third of a century, to the United States at the
age of fifteen, and settled in Minneapolis, Minn. He received
a common school education, both in Sweden and here, then
attended the University of Minnesota for one year, being
one of the first Swedes who attended that institution. He
received his business training in ex-Gov. J. S. Pillsbury's

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 491

hardware store in Minneapolis, where he worked for five
years; then, in company with his former employer, built an
elevator at Herman, Minn., remaining there until 1884,
when he returned to Minneapolis. Smith has since been
extensively engaged in the manufacturing of lumber; besides,
he owns lumber yards in several places in North Dakota;
and is one of the directors of the Swedish-American
National Bank in Minneapolis. "Smith is the coming man
among the Swedes," said a prominent business man during
the National Republican convention at Minneapolis in
1892. But it is doubtful whether Smith has any political
aspirations. He is a business man, and as such not many
Scandinavian- Americans in the country are his equals.
Smith is a Republican, and was one of the presidential
electors of his party in 1896; but his extensive business
interests prevent him from taking an active part in politics,
except as counsellor, and as such he is undoubtedly one of
the most influential Swedes in the state. His active co-ope-
ration in nearly every movement calculated to benefit his
countrymen or the public at large has made Smith's name
honored and respected far beyond the limits of his home
city. But the noiseless assistance which he has bestowed
upon poor people and young men endeavoring to start in
life, has, perhaps, even been greater than his public gener-
osity. Smith's great popularity and success may be due
to his liberality, economy, good judgment, keen understand-
ing of human nature, or to that unknown something often
called luck. In all probability Smith does not know him-
self. Mankind generally calls such men well balanced.
Smith deserves that distinction. He is a prominent member

492 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

of the English Lutheran church, and has been treasurer of the
English Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the Northwest for
several years. Johanna Anderson, a daughter of Olof Ander-
son, a riksdagstnan from Sweden, and one of the early
settlers in Carver county, became Smith's wife in 1878.
They have several children.

Soderstrom, Alfred, newspaper manager — Minneapolis
— ^bom 1848, in Stockholm, Sweden. After having received a
good education in his native city, he, at the age of twenty-
one, emigrated to this country; resided in Chicago for two
years; then moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where for some
time he w^as a teacher in Barnard Business College. Later
he associated himself with Col. Mattson as general man-
ager of Minnesota Stats Tidning; but when this paper
w^as sold to a syndicate composed of Swedish Lutherans,
Soderstrom retired and became the chief promoter in
organizing a stock company which commenced to publish
Svenaka Folkets Tidning in 1881, and of which he was
business manager up to 1899. Since he has been preparing
a Swedish history of Minneapolis, which he should be able to
make very thorough and complete, as he has resided in that
city for nearly thirty years, and has participated in all the
leading events pertaining to the Scandinavians in that
place. He was nominated for county treasurer of Henne-
pin county in 1892, and was the only Republican candidate
in the county that was defeated; the general opinion was
that he had been knifed by the political bosses. He is
married.

Sohlberg, Olof, physician and surgeon— St Paul— bom
6 July, 1859, in Ostersund, Sweden. After receiving a col-

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIANS IN MINNESOTA. 493

lege training in his native country, SoWberg emigrated to
America with his parents in 1879; spent one year at Gus-
tavus Adolphus College, and then entered Minnesota Col-
lege Hospital (now the medical department of the state
university) at Minneapolis; graduated from this institution
after three years of study, receiving first prizes for the best
examinations in pathology, medical and surgical dentistry,
and clinical medicine. Sohlberg was the first foreign-bom
that graduated as a medical doctor in Minnesota. Since
1884 he has successfully practiced his profession in St. Paul.
During the years of 1890-91 Sohlberg traveled abroad for
study and observation of treatment in the European
hospitals, making surgery and diseases of women his
special study. He is a member of Ramsey County Medical
Society and of Minnesota State and American medical
associations. He is also member of the medical and surgical
staff of Bethesda Hospital. He is a member of the board of
directors of Gustavus. Adolphus College, and takes an
active part in church and public affairs. Sohlberg was
married in 1886 to Helvina A. Wold. They have children.

Solem, A., joumaUst— Fergus Falls— born 27 April,
1850, near Trondhjem, Norway. He graduated from Klabo
seminary, near Trondhjem, in 1870. After five years spent
in teaching school in the northern part of Norway, he
attended the polytechnic school in Trondhjem three years.
Solem came directly from Norway to Otter Tail county in
1879, and there commenced life as a carpenter. He soon
learned the type-setting business and worked on both Nor-
wegian and English papers. In 1884 he bought the Ferg us
Falls Ugeblad, of which he is still editor and proprietor.

494 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Solem was an exponent of the principles of the People's
party, but he did not endorse the methods of some of the
leaders of the party. On the whole, his paper will gener-
ally be found on the side of fair play and justice whether it
brings pecuniary returns or not. He is a member of the
United Church. He was married to Marith Ronning in
1880.

Sorensen, Sigvart, journalist— MinneapoHs— bom 18
Nov., 1849, in Kristiania, Norway. Attended a Latin
school at Kristiania from 1861-66, then emigrated to this
country with his parents. Stayed in Chicago from 1866-68;
in Madison, Wis., from 1868-70; and in La Crosse, Wis.,
from 1870-89, when he again removed to Chicago, where
he stayed until 1891. Sorensen was elected city assessor of
La Crosse for seven terms; has been connected with some
newspaper or other since 1873; was for some time one of
the editors of Norsk Maanedsskrift, published by Soren-
sen and Luth Jaeger; was editor oi Norden, Chicago, from
1890-91; came to Minneapolis in 1891, becoming editor of
Badstikken, now^ Minneapolis Tidende. Sorensen is an
able and careful writer, and in 1899 wrote a history of
Norway in the English language, containing about 500
pages. He was married in 1873 to Hanna Husher, a
daughter of F. A. Husher. They have two children.

Stark, L. J., state legislator— Harris— bom 29 July,
1826, in Lidkoping, Yestergotland, Sweden. He came to
this country in 1850, settling at Galesburg, 111., where he
remained about a year and a half; then moved to Chisago
Lake, Minn. During the Civil War he was clerk in the
quartermaster department in St. Paul. In 1864 Stark was

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 495

elected to the state legislature, and re-elected ten years
later, being, therefore, the first Swede who served in that
capacity in Minnesota, though several Norwegians had
preceded him. He had been engrossing clerk in the house of
representatives before his election to this body. Stark has
held many local trusts in his county, is interested in mer-
chandising and farming, is a Lutheran in religion, and
belongs to the Republican party. He has been married
twice, and has grown children by both wives.

Steenerson, Halvor, lawyer and state senator — Crook-
ston— bom 30 June, 1852, in Pleasant Spring, Dane county.
Wis. His parents came from Norway in 1850, moved to
Houston county, Minn., in 1853, and were therefore among
the very earliest Norwegian settlers in Minnesota. Young
Steenerson attended the high school at Rushford, Minn.,
worked on his father's farm, taught school for several years,
and graduated from Union College of Law in Chicago, in
1878. For two years he practiced his profession in Lanes-
boro, Fillmore county, moved to Crookston in 1880, and
has for years been considered as one of the ablest attorneys
in the state, making criminal cases his specialty. He insti-
tuted, conducted, and won, on behalf of the farmers and
grain shippers, the noted Steenerson grain case, which
attracted national attention and resulted in state control
and regulation of railroad charges on grain shipments. He
was elected county attorney of Polk county in 1880, serving
two years, and represented his district in the state senate
during the sessions of 1883-85. During his legislative career
he took special interest in securing the establishment of rail-
road warehouses and the regulation of the same. He is a

496 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Republican, was his party's delegate to the national conven-
tion in Chicago, in 1884, which nominated Blaine for the
presidency, and also to the convention at which Harrison
was nominated four years later. Steenerson has been city
attorney, and a meraber of the city council and board of
education; is vice-president of Scandia American Bank of
Crookston, member of the I. 0. 0. F., and a Lutheran. In
1878 he w^as married to Mary Christopherson; they have
two children.

Stoekenstrom, Herman, journalist— St. Paul— born 13
Mar., 1853, in Stjernsund, Dalarne, Sweden. His ancestors
belonged to a noble family of Sweden, and he has inherited
a great deal of property. He received a college education in
Falun, afterwards attended Stockholm's gymnasium and
Schartau's commercial coUege, in Stockholm. In 1874 he
went as a sailor to Philadelphia; studied for a couple of
years at Augustana College, where he also taught, both in
the college and privately; was editor of Skandia in Moline,
111., for about one year; and came to St. Paul, Minn., in
1877. For two years Stoekenstrom attended the University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, then accepted a position as
editor of Skaffaren; but when this paper and the Minne-
sota Stats Tidning: were consolidated in 1882, he became
both e ditor and manager, a position which he exchanged in
1884 for another of the same kind as the northwestern
editor of Hetnlandet, which position he held for eleven
years. He has taken a gr eat deal of interest in politics; has
been a delegate to several state and county conventions;
was a strong candidate for the office of secretary of state in
1886, but retired in favor of his personal friend, Col. Matt-

C. A. SMITH, MINNEAPOLIS.

HERMAN STOCKENSTROM, ST. PAUL.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIANS IN MINNESOTA. 497

son, by -whom he was twice appointed assistant secretary
of state; and was twice appointed by Brown to the same
position. During more than a decade Stockenstrom worked
faithftilly for the Repubhcan party as a campaign speaker;
but in recent years he has not devoted much time to poHtical
questions. Ernst Skarstedt, in his admirable book,
S p'ensk-Ata erikan ska Poe ter, says : ' 'Stockenstrom is an
excellent orator and declaimer, and a poet of more than
ordinary talent." As a newspaper correspondent he has
contributed many articles to several of the leading Swedish-
American papers, and is as familiar with the English lan-
guage as with his native tongue. Since 1895 he has been a
member of the editorial staff of Svenska Amerikanska
Posten in Minneapolis. His poem, Det N_ya Modersmklet,
is an excellent illustration of how the Swedish language, as
used in this country, becomes mixed with English words
supplied with Swedish endings. Stockenstrom is a member
of the English Lutheran church, is one of the most popular
Swedes in Minnesota, and was married in 1881 to Anna
Maria Nelson, of St. Paul, Minn.

Stub, Hans Gerhard, educator---Hamline— born 23 Feb.,
1849, in Muskego, Racine county. Wis. His parents are
Norwegians, his father being the well-known Rev. H. A.
Stub, pastor in the Norwegian Lutheran Synod. In 1866
he graduated from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; in 1869
he graduated with distinction from Concordia College, Fort
Wayne, Ind., and in 1872 from the Concordia Theological
Seminary at St. Louis. He was ordained a minister the
same year and accepted a call from a Norwegian Synod con-
gregation in Minneapolis, Minn., serving this congregation

498 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

till 1878, when he became professor of theology in Luther
Seminary, Madison, Wis. Of this institution Stub was
president from 1879-88, when he resigned from the presi-
dency on account of ill health, but for many years retained
the professorship; then w^as clergyman in Decorah for a few
years, and returned to Luther Seminary in 1899. The
North says: "The entire Norwegian Lutheran Synod in
this country recognizes Prof. Stub as its ablest and most
erudite scholar in his special branch of study. His learning
is of a high order, and in addition he is a man of the high-
est personal attainments." He has been married twice, and
his second wife is the noted musician Valborg Hovind Stub,
editor of Songs froxa the North.

Sverdrup, Georg, educator— Minneapolis— born 16 Dec,
1848, in Balestrand, Bergen stift, Norway. He received a
careful training at home, graduated with the highest honors
from the classical department of a Latin school inKristiania
at the age of seventeen, and completed his theological
course at the University of Norway in 1871. He had made
a special study of the Oriental languages during his school
career, and after his graduation he spent considerable time
in Paris, France, for the purpose of farther investigating his
specialty. For years the Norwegian Lutheran church in this
country had suffered from many severe storms, bitter dis-
putes had prevailed and rent the church asunder. At last,
in 1870, the Norwegian-Danish Conference was organized —
an event which forms an epoch in the history of the Nor-
wegian churches in America. The Conference, of which the
well-known Rev. C. L. Clausen was the first president, began
at once the erection of Augsburg Seminary in Minneapolis,

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 499

Minn. When it was completed, Sverdrup received a call to
become professor of theology. He accepted, and arrived at
his destination and entered upon his new duties in 1874;
tw^o years later Prof. A. Weenaas resigned from his position
as theological instructor and president of the institution.
Sverdrup succeeded him in the presidency, and under his able
management Augsburg Seminary has in about twenty-
five years become one of the foremost Scandinavian educa-
tional institutions in America. When the Conference, in
1890, was merged into the United Norwegian Lutheran
Church of America, Sverdrup was again chosen president of
Augsburg Seminary. When the United Church withdrew its
support from Augsburg Seminary in 1893, Sverdrup
remained at the head of the institution during the years of
bitter struggle in which the United Church in vain tried to
obtain possession of the school. When finally the matter
w^as amicably settled in 1898 by a division of the property
of the seminary between the United Church and the Augs-
burg Seminary corporation, this important settlement was
due in part to the pronounced stand taken by Sverdrup
against lawsuits in connection with the affairs of the
church. Rev. J. C. Jensson in American Lutheran Bio-
graphies says: "He is a nephew of ex-minister Johan
Sverdrup, for many years premier of Norway, and his father
was a noted minister in the state church and a member of
the Storthing of his native country. Born of illustrious
parentage, endowed with rare mental qualities, thoroughly
educated, and having inherited no small degree of the family
characteristics which have made the name so prominent,
Sverdrup possesses in an eminent degree the conditions for

500 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

being a leader among the Norwegian Lutherans in this
country." Sverdrup has been married twice: in 1874 to
Katharine E. Heiberg, who died thirteen years later, and in
1890 to Elsie S. Heiberg, a younger sister of his first wife.
He has had children by both wives.

Swainson, John, pioneer — St. Paul — bom 1816, in
Stockholm, Sweden; died 1890. He graduated from the
University of Upsala; emigrated to the U. S. in 1848; settled
in 1854 at Chisago Lake, Minn., w^here he farmed for a
w^hile, then moved to St. Paul. At the outbreak of the Civil
War he was appointed quarter-master, with major's rank;
and was stationed at St. Louis, Mo., remaining there until
the war ended. From 1871-76 he was employed as gener-
al land agent for the Great Northern R. R., residing in St.
Paul; farmed for a couple of years at Hallock, Minn.;
returned to St. Paul, where he was engaged in the real estate
business until he was accidentally killed by a street car.
The general opinion is that Swainson left a mysterious his-
tory behind him in Sweden; yet he was the leader of several
farmers who emigrated at the same time as he did. This
open way of leaving his native country -would hardly have
been possible if he had been a criminal. But whatever
might have been his career in Europe, here he became widely
and most favorably known, especially among the Swedes.
He was a friend to the poor people, and his wealth was
often invested, with little or no security, for the benefit of
needy Swedes. He quite frequently was the orator at festi-
vals, and contributed extensively to the best Swedish and
English periodicals, but many of his so-called literary pro-
ductions were plagiarized.

BIOGRAPHIES OP SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 501

Sward, P. J., clergyman — St. Paul— born 1 April, 1845,
in Styra, Ostergotland, Sweden. At the age of twenty-three
he graduated from Johannelund mission institute in Stock-
holm. This school has special royal privileges, and gradu-
ates from there may, after being examined, be ordained as
ministers of the foreign missions and seamen's missions in
foreign ports. He served one year as assistant minister in
Ostergotland; went to Constantinople, Turkey, in 1869, as
chaplain of the Swedish-Norwegian legation and missionary
for the Scandinavian seamen; remained there four years,
visited Egypt and Palestine, and for sometime was chaplain
of the German embassy; came from Turkey to New York to
take charge of the Scandinavian seamen's mission, and
while there organized the first Swedish Lutheran church in
Brooklyn, in 1874; went to Baltimore in 1877 to organize
a Scandinavian seamen's mission; but on account of ill
health accepted, the following year, a call to Vasa, Minn.,
where he remained for eight years, then moved to St. Paul.
Sward was president of the Minnesota Conference for two
years and vice-president for six years; w^as theological
professor in Augustana College, Rock Island, 111., during the
school year of 1888—89, but not desiring to leave his work
in St. Paul unfinished, he resigned; was elected vice-president
of the Augustana Synod in 1889; and served as president of
the synod from 1891 to 1899. The Augustana College and
Theological Seminary conferred the degree of doctor of
divinity on Sward in 1894, and the same year he was creat-
ed commander of the order of the North Star, second class,
by King Oscar. II. of Sweden. For several years he was one
of the editors of Skaffaren; served a congregation in

502 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYAINS IN THE U. S.

Omalia, Neb., from 1894 to 1899; and at the latter date
entered the service of the state church of his native land.
Svirard ranks high as a pulpit orator. Some of his ser-
mons, especially those delivered at gatherings of clergymen
and theological students, were masterpieces. His mild,
somewhat humorous, temper, his conscientious attention to
the duties imposed upon him, his great know^ledge of the
world, his clear understanding of human nature, made him
an exceptionally able president in a free church. The whole
bearing of the man was democratic, and it is claimed that
he returned to Sweden principally because a position there
offered more time for contemplation and rest and a safer
livelihood in old age than it is possible to secure here. Sward
himself said that he returned partly because he desired to
leave the direction of the Swedish- American Lutheran church
in younger and abler hands, which shows the modesty of
the man. He was married to Selma Maria Thermaenius, of
Sodermanland, Sweden, in 1872. They have six children.

Swenson, John, state legislator and banker — Canby—
bom 1842, in Norway. He came to Minnesota in 1872,
and has since been engaged in merchandising, milling, and
banking. He ow^ns several banks in the w^estem part of the
state; and is very liberal with his wealth, having in a quiet
way assisted a host of needy people. He is married, and
represented his district in the state legislature in 1883.

Swenson, Lars, state senator — Minneapolis — ^bom 10
July, 1842, in Hallingdal, Norway. His great grandfather
was a Scotchman. When fifteen years of age Swenson came
with his parents to the United States; they settled in Nic-
ollet county, Minn., where he worked on the farm and

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 503

attended school. He studied for some time at Luther Col-
lege, and at the breaking out of the Civil War enlisted in
the Second Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers. He was
wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Chicamauga.
After the war he returned to Nicollet county, where he was
clerk of court for four years. Swenson came to Minne-
apolis in 1879. He was treasurer of Augsburg Seminary
for thirteen years, and has ever since 1879 been manager of
the Augsburg Publishing House, and treasurer of the United
Church since 1890. He was elected alderman in 1884, and
served in the state senate in 1887-89. Swenson is a Repub-
lican and a widower.

Swenson, L. S., educator and U. S. minister to Denmark
— Albert Lea — ^bom 12 June, 1865, in New Sweden, Nicollet
county, Minn. His grandfather and father were natives of
Hallingdal, Norway; both emigrated to the United States
and settled in Nicollet county, Minn., in 1857. His father
represented his district in the state legislature in 1887.
Young Swenson entered St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.,
at the age of fourteen; graduated from Luther College,
Decorah, Iowa, in 1886; then studied for some time at
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. When Luther Acad-
emy, in Albert Lea, was opened in 1888, Swenson accepted
the call as its principal, in which capacity he served until
1897. Ever since he located in Albert Lea, Swenson has
taken an active part in politics. In some way or another
he succeeded in being regularly sent as a delegate to county,
congressional, and state conventions; stumped the state in
favor of Knute Nelson as governor in 1892; was appointed
a member of the board of regents of the State University in

504- HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

1895; and the next year was a delegate to the Republican
convention at St. Louis, which nominated Wm. McKinley
for president. Through the efforts of Knute Nelson more
than on account of any diplomatic experience on the part of
Swenson, he received the appointment as minister to Den-
mark in 1897. In 1887 he was married to Ingeborg Ode-
gaard. They have tw^o daughters.

Sunwall, G. F., grain merchant— Minneapolis— born 11
April, 1852, in Oppeby, Ostergotland, Sweden. He received
a college education in his native country, graduating from
the elenientarra.rovS.rk at Eksjo in 1867. Two years
later he emigrated to America, coming directly to Carver
county, Minn., and clerked in stores in Carver village for
three years. Then started in business for himself at Wal-
nut Grove in 1873, which village he also founded at the
same time. After having remained in the general mercan-
tile business at that place for a couple of years, he com-
menced to buy grain at different points along the Omaha
R. R., which occupation he followed for about five years.
In 1880 he returned to Carver, w^here he remained until
1885, engaged in the grain business. At the latter date
Sunwall settled in Minneapolis, where he organized the
Central Elevator Company, a quarter million dollars' con-
cern,' of which he was manager for about ten years; then
sold out his interest in said company, and started a large
grain commission business in his own name in 1895. Sun-
w^all is the only Swede in Minneapolis doing a grain com-
mission business, and is one of the leading business men of
that nationality in the Northwest. In 1877 he was mar-
ried to Annie E. Kelly.

UKV. r, J. SWARD, ST. PADL.

PROF. M. WAHLSTEOM, ST. PETEE.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 505

Tharaldsen, Iver, clergyman — Madison — bom 10 Nov.,
1847, near Stenkjar, Trondhjem stift, Norway. He received
a common school education; attended an agricultural col-
lege for a couple of terms; and went to the Lofoten Islands,
where two clergymen gave him private instruction for a
period of two years. In 1870 he emigrated to America,
and the next few years were devoted to studies as follows:
at Marshall, Wis., for one year; at the University of Wis-
consin for one year; at the University of Minnesota and
Augsburg Seininary for two years; and he completed a
theological course at the latter institution in 1874. During
the next seven years he served a number of congregations in
Otter Tail county, Minn., besides organizing several new
churches in the northwestern part of Minnesota. While
laboring in this part of the country he at one time had
charge of sixteen congregations, covering a district more
than one hundred and fifty miles in length, w^hich had to be
covered either driving or on horseback. In 1881 he removed
to Grand Forks, N. D., where he remained three years. Also
here he worked as a missionary among the new settlers on
the prairies in the surrounding country in Minnesota and
Dakota, and organized a number of new congregations.
His health being impaired by overwork, he sought a less
laborious field of action, and in 1884 located at Chippewa
Falls, Wis., where he resided about fourteen years, having
since resided at his present home. From 1886 to 1890
Tharaldsen was secretary of the Conference, and for some
time served as secretary of the board of missions of said
association. Since 1890 he and his congregations have
belonged to the United Church. In the first part of 1896

506 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

he traveled extensively in the Rocky Mountain districts,
Colorado and Utah, to recuperate after a long and severe
siege of sickness of the preceding year. He -was married in
1876 to Caroline A. Engerud, of Racine, Wis., a sister of
the wife of Prof. Peter Hendrickson; they have five children,
and their oldest daughter and oldest son are graduates of
the Chippewa Falls high school.

Thompson, R. E., state senator and lawyer — Preston —
bom 7 Mar., 1857, in Fillmore county, Minn. His parents
were Norwegians. He was educated in the common schools
of Newburg, Minn.; in the Institute of Decorah, Decorah,
Iowa; and in the State Normal School, Winona, Minn.
After having taught school for some time, he commenced to
study law; was admitted to the bar in 1881; served as
deputy clerk of court for some time; represented his district
in the state legislature during the sessions of 1883-85; and
was in the state senate from 1895 to 1901, being one of the
ablest and most influential members of that body.
Thompson is a hard w^orker; very independent, and as a
consequence does not always foUow^ the party whip of the
Republican bosses; and has a large legal practice. In 1884
he was married to Anna Thompson; they have two children.

Thorpe, Lars O., banker and state senator— Willmar—
bom 24 Dec, 1846, in Ostenso, Hardanger, Norway. He
came alone to the United States when not quite seventeen
years old, having been a sailor a couple of years before.
He worked on a farm during the summer, and attended
school for a v\rhile during the winter at Jefferson Prairie,
Wis.; went to Winona, Minn., in 1865, where for a couple
of years he worked on farms and taught school. In 1867

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 507

he visited his native land, bringing his sister and brother
■with him on his return; was a railroad contractor and
printer in different places for a few years, but settled perma-
nentlyin Kandiyohi county,Minn.,inl871, where he assisted
in publishing a paper in Kandiyohi village ; and in the fall
of that year moved to a farm located seven miles north of
Willmar. For four years he worked on his farm, encounter-
ing many struggles and vicissitudes common to frontier life.
In the fall of 1875 he was elected register of deeds, which
position he filled for six years. His official duties requiring
him to stay much of the time in the city, he found it neces-
sary to move from his farm and settle in Willmar, where he
has ever since resided. In 1881 he accepted his present
position as cashier of Kandiyohi County Bank. Thorpe is
a Republican, was a presidential elector for his party in
1884, has been a member of the school board of Willmar
for several years, is president of Willmar Seminary, has
been president of the city council, represented his district in
the state senate in 1895-7, and has held nearly every local
office. He is a member of the Norwegian Synod, and is a
temperance man, being one of the most active workers in
the religious, social reform, political, and financial move-
ments of the city and county, and takes more than ordi-
nary interest in the affairs of the state. In 1870 he was
married to Martha Quale. They have several children.

Thorson, A., pioneer and county official — Norseland —
bom 13 Feb., 1823, in Va, near Kristianstad, Sweden. He
clerked for eleven years in Kristianstad and Solvesborg;
emigrated in 1847, in company with a couple of other
young men, to this country, via France; it took them over

508 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

four montlis to reach Charleston, S. C, where the vessel, on
account of being damaged, -had to anchor, instead of at
New York. He happened to have a letter of introduction
to a Swedish merchant who had emigrated to the U. S. in
his younger days, and w^as now an old man; but this mer-
chant had relatives who had settled in America in the
eighteenth century, which goes to show that Swedish emi-
grants have in very early days crossed the Atlantic. In a
short time Thorson and his companions started for New
Orleans; here they ran short of money and food; but he
soon secured a place as waiter in a hotel. In 1848 Thorson
went to California, via Panama, working for his passage;
at that time there were only a few houses in San Fran-
cisco, and not a single one in Sacramento. After having
dug gold for about three years and saved about $2,000, he
returned to Sw^eden, via Nicaragua, Jamaica, Cuba, and
New York. He farmed for two years in the vicinity of his
birthplace; returned to, America in 1855, being the leader of
thirty emigrants w^ho accompanied him to the New World,
among others his wife's parents and other relatives. Thor-
son and his party examined different places, but soon set-
tled at Scandian Grove, Nicollet county, Minn., where they
were the first Swedish settlers, though a few Norwegians
had preceded them. Here he has farmed ever since, was
register of deeds for four years, held various local offices,
and has passed through many hardships incidental to
pioneer life. In Sweden, in 1852, he married Anna Nelson;
they have several children.

Thygeson, N. M,, lawyer— St. Paul— born 11 Sept., 1862,
in Martell, Pierce county. Wis. His parents came from the

BIOGRAPHIES OP SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 509

northern part of Norway in the early forties. He grad-
uated from a normal school at River Falls, Wis., 1882,
and from the scientific, metallurgical engineering, and
modem classical courses, of the University of Wisconsin in
1885, completing his legal studies at the same institution a
couple of years later. In 1888 Thygeson located in St.
Paul, and is now considered to be one of the ablest Scandi-
navian lawyers in the Northwest. In 1891 he was married
to Sylvie G. Thompson of St. Louis, Mo. They have
children.

TFandberg, P. C, clergyman— Minneapolis— born 18 Aug. ,
1832, in Bomholm, Denmark; died 1896. In his boyhood he
attended school at his birthplace and at Ronne, and during
the years 1846-51 pursued a course in the Latin school at
Ronne, finally graduating with the highest honors. He con-
tinued his studies in Copenhagen and was graduated from
the theological department of the university in 1858. Soren
Kirkegaard, the philosopher and denunciator of "official
Christianity," made a deep and lasting impression upon the
mind of Trandberg, and the conversion which he experienced
in 1858 made him wage w^ar against the easy-going life of
the church people in his country. He was ordained for the
ministry the same year, and began to serve congregations
at Tjele and Vinge, Jylland; but he felt hampered by the rules
and regulations of officialdom, and in 1860 he resigned his
charge and returned to Bomholm, where he spent eighteen
years in the most intense religious work. Indeed, the stir
that he made among the people of Bornholm in the early
sixties made him famous throughout the Scandinavian coun-
tries. In 1863 he formally withdrew from the state church

510 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

and organized an independent congregation. This, however,
was gradually torn to pieces by fierce internal contentions,
and in 1878 he left his native island with a sad heart. He
spent the next three years as itinerant preacher in Jylland,
and emigrated to America in 1882. Though a Lutheran,
but holding very liberal views, he w^as appointed theological
professor at the Chicago Theological Seminary (Congrega-
tional) in 1885, but as he failed to bring any material addi-
tions to the Congregational church he was dismissed from
that institution in 1890. An attempt made by him to estab-
lish an independent theological seminary did not prove a
success, and it was abandoned in 1893. During the nineties
Trandberg published Hyrderosten, a religious periodical,
and preached occasionally until his death. He spent the
last two-and-half years of his life in Minneapolis. Trand-
berg was married in 1863. A bust has been raised to his
memory at his birthplace, and in 1899 the Danish Lutheran
church people in America w^ere raising money for another
monument in his honor.

Turnblad, Magnus, journalist— Minneapolis — bom 28
Jan., 1858, in Yislanda, SmMand, Sweden. He came to this
country with his parents in 1868 and settled in Vasa, Good-
hue county, Minn., where he attended school for some time.
He afterwards sought the more advanced educational insti-
tutions of Red Wing and St. Paul, always distinguishing
himself as an excellent scholar. After completing his school
work Turnblad established himself as a grocery merchant at
Red Wing, continuing in business for ten years, w^hen more
ambitious plans induced him to move to Minneapolis. He
again engaged in the grocery business in that city for some

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 511

years, and also identified himself with the Swedish weekly
paper, Svenska Amerikan&ka Postetj,oi which he became
editor in 1889. This paper has, under the able management
of his brother, S. J. Turnblad, met with an almost pheno-
menal success, having now the largest circulation of any
Swedish paper in the country, although it is considerably
younger than most of its colleagues, having been establish-
ed in 1885. This astonishing success is largely due to the
skill and ability with which Magnus Turnblad is editing the
paper. For years he has taken an active part in temper-
ance work. He has been married three times, his first wife
leaving one daughter.

Turnblad, Swan J., newspaper publisher — Minneapolis —
bom 7 Oct., 1860, in Yislanda, SmMand, Sweden. At the
age of nine he came with his parents directly from his native
land to Yasa, Goodhue county, Minn. Here he attended the
common schools and Lindholm's high school for several
years, taught school for a couple of terms, and worked on
his father's farm. When nineteen years of age he moved to
Minneapolis, where he worked as typesetter on Minnesota
Stats Tidning and Svenska Folketa Tidning for a few
years. In 1887 he became manager of Svenska Ameri-
kanska JPosten, which at that time had only 1,400 sub-
scribers and was financially in a bad condition; but under
Tumblad's able management it has today, 1900, a circula-
tion of 40,000, having had, undoubtedly, taking into con-
sideration the time, the greatest success of any Swedish
paper in America, as well as being the largest in size. It is
independent in politics, and advocates temperance princi-
ples. Turnblad has for years taken an active part in tem-

512 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

perance work, having assisted in organizing several Scan-
dinavian temperance societies in Minneapolis and through-
oiit the state. For a couple of terms he was secretary of
the grand lodge of I. 0. G. T., and also organized lodges in
connection with this society in different parts of Minnesota.
He was the chief promoter in organizing, in about 1880, the
first Scandinavian temperance society in Minneapolis, which
as an open and independent organization was the means of
accomplishing a great deal of good. Already in his early
age Tumblad showed that he possessed singular abilities.
He learned to set type by himself, and published an arithme-
tic, all set by himself, when he was only 14!-16 years of age.
In 1883 he invented a secret letter writing machine, which
he patented, and which has been largely sold all over the
country. In 1892 he became interested in The North, of
which he was manager for a short time, and was also man-
ager for Hemznet a couple of years. Turnblad is a member
of the American Presbyterian church, and has taken the
highest degrees in Freemasonry. He and his family made
extensive European trips in 1895, 1897, and 1899. In the
latter year Gov. John Lind appointed him a member of the
board of managers of the State Reformatory at St. Cloud.
At the age of twenty-two he w^as married to Christine Nel-
son, of Worthington, Minn. They have one daughter.

Ueland, A., lawyer— Minneapolis— bom 21 Feb., 1853,
at Heskestad, Stavanger amt, Norway. His father was Ole
Gabriel Ueland, who was a member of the Norwegian Stor-
thing from 1833 till his death in 1870, and the recognized
leader of the liberal party in Norwegian politics. In 1871
young Ueland emigrated to this country, coming directly to

S. J. TrUNBLAn. 1IIX\I:AP(iLIS.

C. J. JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS. I'KOF. G. JOHNSON, MINNEArOLlS.

DR. .\. LIXD, MINNEAI'OLIS. J. I'ETERSOX, ST. I'ETER.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAYIANS IN MINNESOTA. 513

Minneapolis, where for the following three years he worked
hard at manual labor in the summer, and attended private
school during the winter. He then began the study of law,
and was admitted to the bar in 1877. In 1881 he was
elected judge of the probate court, and has a very large law
practice. Ueland was married to Clara Hampson in 1885.
They have half a dozen children.

Valder, Hans, state legislator and pioneer— Newburg—
bom 18 Oct., 1813, in Stavanger amt, Norway. His father
was an ofl&cer in the army. Young Valder received a good
common school education in his native country, and taught
for a while in the public schools. At the age of twenty-four
he came to the U. S.; the journey from Stavanger to New
York on a sailing vessel took three months; resided in
La Salle county, 111., for seventeen years; and for some time
lived among the American Baptists at Indian Creek, 111.,
accepting the religious views of his associates in 1842. He
was licensed to preach, and in a couple of years about
twenty Norwegians in La Salle and Kendall counties were
immersed, constituting a kind of society without being
regularly organized. Valder was ordained in 1844, being
undoubtedly the first Norwegian Baptist preacher in the
United States, and for some time received a salary of $50 a
year from the American Baptists and $13 from his country-
men. He worked at manual labor part of the time, and
was soon compelled to quit preaching altogether in order to
support his family. He organized a small , party of emi-
grants who settled in 1853, at Newburg, Minn. — this being
one of the first Norwegian settlements in the state — where
he has ever since been engaged in farming and hotel keeping.

514 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Valder is not only one of the earliest settlers in tlie state of
Minnesota, but is also one of the first Scandinavian emi-
grants who came to America in the nineteenth century. He
has held a great raany local public trusts, and represented
his district in the lower branch of the state legislature in
1871. Valder is a life-long Republican; he voted for William
H. Harrison as president of the U. S. in 1840 and for his
grandson, Ben. Harrison, fifty-two years later. He has
been married three times, namely, in 1835, 1845, and 1861;
has had sixteen children; and in 1892 had over one hundred
and fifty descendants, who resided in six different states of
the Union. One of his sons is conducting a business college
at Decorah, Iowa.

WaerneF, Ninian, poet and journalist — Minneapolis —
born 12 Dec, 1856, in Norrkoping, Sweden. He received a
college education in his native city, entered the University of
Upsala in 1877, and passed his examination in philosophy
three years later, but remained in the institution until 1883;
then went to Berlin, Germany, to study esthetics, music, and
the fine arts, remaining, however, only a short time. In
1884 Waerner emigrated to the United States; accepted a
position in one of the orchestras in Chicago; afterwards
became connected wth newspapers, being on the editorial
staff of Karre and Kariren; and was for one year editor-
in-chief of Svenska. Aznerikanaren. He left Chicago in
1889 in order to take charge of Svenska Korresponden-
ten in Denver, Col.; was from 1891 to 1894 editor of Fri-
akytten , an illustrated humorous j ournal published in Minne-
apolis, Minn.; then became connected with Svenska Ameri-
kanska Posten; and settled in Motala, Sweden, in 1895.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 515

Ernst Skarstedt says that Waerner has a large stock of
ideas and a remarkable ability to express his thoughts in a
poetic form; that he is one of the most praductive of all
Swedish-American poets; that all his poems are original,
well written, and, like his prose writings, vary from the
gravest to the most comical; that he is a gifted humorist
who can write long editorial articles in a serio-comic way
on the most insignificant subjects. Most of the Swedish-
American critics will agree with Skarstedt in placing "Waer-
ner in the front rank as a poet and humorist. He has issued
three small pamphlets, but most of his numerous produc-
tions have been published in some Swedish-American news-
paper. One of his poems was rewarded by the Swedish
Academy in 1894, and Waerner is the only Swedish-Ameri-
can poet, with the exception of Magnus Elmblad, who has
been recognized by that body. He is married and has chil-
dren.

WahlstFom, M., educator — St. Peter — born 28 Nov.,
1851, in Gammalstorp, near Karlshamn, Sweden. When an
infant of only three years of age, he came with his parents
to this country; they lived in Chicago for a couple of years,
and in other parts of Illinois until 1861, when they com-
menced to farm in Carver county, Minn. Young Wahlstrom
received his elementary training at St. Ansgar's Academy—
a Swedish school in Carver county, which later became Gus-
tavus Adolphus College; graduated from the literary depart-
ment of Augustana College in 1877, and from the theo-
logical department two years later. In 1886 his alma mater
conferred upon him the degree of master of arts, and some
years later that of doctor of philosophy. After his gradua-

516 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

tion he traveled for one year as missionary among the
Indians, through Colorado, Nevr Mexico, and Indian Terri-
tory; but his health failed, and Indian missionary work
proved to be impracticable, as far as the conversion of the
natives to Lutheranism or any other Christian religion was
concerned. In 1880 he accepted a call as professor at Gus-
tavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., and the following
year he became the president of this institution, which
under his able management has prospered beyond expecta-
tion, having an average attendance of nearly 300 students,
and employing sixteen instructors. Wahlstrom is a remark-
ably clear and forcible speaker, and was married in 1879.
Werner, Nils 0., lawyer and banker— Minneapolis —
bom 19 Jan., 1848, in Fjelkestad, Ski,ne, Sweden. Werner
was graduated from a college in Kristianstad, in 1868, and,
lacking the necessary means for pursuing his studies at the
universities, he emigrated to America, where his parents had
already gone some time previously. He came directly to
Princeton, 111., where his parents had settled. Here Werner
remained for two years, studying law in private offices. In
1870 he moved to Red Wing, Minn., and was admitted to
the bar the year following. Werner was elected judge of
probate in 1874, remaining in office for ten years; was a
member of the city council, and also member of the board
of education in Red Wing. From 1886-88 he was member
of the Republican state central committee. In 1888 Werner
became cashier of the Swedish American Bank in Minne-
apolis, which had been organized shortly before by leading
Swedes in the state, and was elected its president in 1894.
The great success with which this important financial

BIOGRAPHIES OF SCANDINAVIANS IN MINNESOTA. 517

undertaking has met is due in no small degree to Werner's
able service. Werner is a Republican, and a member of the
English Lutheran Church. He was married in 1872 to
Eva Charlotte Anderson. They have children, and one of
their sons is practicing law in Minneapolis.

Wldstrand, Frans Herman, socialist— Litchfield— bom
1824, in Stockholm, Sweden; died 1891. He received a
careful education at the University of Upsala; was employed
in the governmental department in Stockholm for a while;
but his radical ideas soon made it impossible for him to
retain such a position, especially as he began to publish an
anarchical paper. In 1855 he emigrated to this country;
resided for quite a long time in Minneapolis, Minn., and
vicinity, then started a social community in Wright county.
In this settlement all property was common, all should
V7ork alike; no liquor, tobacco, meat, or women were
allowed in the community, which was intended to be a
heaven on earth, and in a certain sense it became a para-
dise, for no one worked. Such a gathering of idealists and
idlers — not to say idiots — had soon to disband. A Yankee
succeeded in securing the deed for all the property; Wid-
strand lost everything, and moved to Litchfield in 1880.
Here he endeavored to avenge himself upon mankind by pub-
lishing Rothuggaren — a paper which made war upon re-
ligion, government, and the human race. He was one of the
most eccentric Swedes in America, and possessed many noble
qualities, but was so unpractical that he seemed insane.

Ylvisaker, John, educator— Robbinsdale— born 24 April,
1845, in Sogndal, Bergen stift, Norway. After being con-
firmed Ylvisaker entered a teachers' seminary, and after

518 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

graduating served as teacher in the public schools of Nor-
way for a period of three years, studying during that time
Old Norse, German, and English, with priTate tutors. In
1871 he emigrated to America, entering Luther College,
from which institution he graduated three years later. In
1874 Ylvisaker began the study of theology at Concordia
Seminary, and three years later became pastor of the Nor-
wegian Synod congregation at Zumbrota, Minn., where
he remained till 1879. He was now called as professor of
theology of Luther Seminary, and for the sake of further
preparing himself for his duties as professor Ylvisaker, in
188i, made a trip to Europe, studying theology at the
University of Norway, the University of Denmark, and the
University of Leipzig, Germany, having received a stipend
from the Norwegian Synod, to which he belongs. He has
been secretary of the faculty since 1882, and vice-president
of the institution since 1896. Ylvisaker is considered to be
one of the ablest Norwegian-American theologians. He was
married in 1877.

Ytterboe, Halvor T,, educator— Northfield— bom 25
Nov., 1857, near Calmar, Iowa. His parents came from
Telemarken, Norway, in 1852. He worked on his father's
farm until seventeen years of age; graduated from Luther
College in 1881; studied for one year at the University of
Iowa; became teacher in St. Olaf College in 1882, and for a
number of years devoted his whole time as its financial sec-
retary; and it is claimed that the institution would have
been financially crippled but for his success in securing vol-
untary subscriptions. He was married to Elise Amalia
Kittilsby, of Calmar, la., in 1886. They have children.

HISTORY

OF THE

SCANDINAVIANS

AND

SUCCESSFUL SCANDINAVIANS

IN THE

United States,

VOLUME 11.

Compiled and Edited

0. N. NELSON.

The Nationality of Criminal and Insane Persons
in the United States.

— BY —
O. K. P»tE>I^430:iM.

I. Criminals.

A higli authority on mental and moral depraTity has
said that there are three classes of criminals : "First, those
■who are driven to crime by want or adversity ;"■ secondly,
those who have in their natures a taint of crime which may
be corrected by favorable circumstances ; and, thirdly, those
of radically bad organization." But as the present article is
intended to deal principally with culprits as represented by
the various nationalities in this country, it would be out of
place to extensively discuss whether men become criminals
by predestination or by their own choice. Tet, since each
nationality and race has certain characteristics of virtue and
vice — due, perhaps, mainly to climate, heredity, religious
belief, and educational training — a careful examination of
the proportionate number of convicts by nationalities, may
serve as a key to arrive at the causes which lead people to
commit offenses against the law. Such a test can more
properly be made in this country because our population, as
a whole, is undoubtedly more cosmopolitan than that of any

2 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

other part of the world. Each of the many and numerous
foreign elements is, at least in the census reports, placed on
an equal footing, and may justly be compared ■with each
other as to their respective virtues and vices. But the differ-
ent governments of Europe pursue so many different meth-
ods in collecting and computing statistics, that a reliable
comparison can not be made in regard to the amount of
crimes committed by the people of each country. Deeds
■which one nation considers and punishes as a crime are no
offense whatsoever in another country.

But while a comparison of the foreigners in our land is
perfectly proper, a comparison of them with the native-bom
Americans is not exactly fair. In the first place, the latter
have become fully assimilated with the climate and other
physical, as w^ell as intellectual and spiritual, conditions;
and as a consequence they have had a much better chance to
improve their moral and mental capacity than the foreign-
born population. Secondly, nearly all the foreign-born are
adults, while the native-bom include, besides their own
children, also the children of the foreign-born parents. This
fact becomes very important when it is remembered that
most crimes are committed by gro-wn persons. As a conse-
quence, the comparison between the proportionate number
of foreign-bprn and of native-bom criminals, as given in
most of the following statistical figures, does not give the
real relation, because the bases of computation are not
alike. But it has been impossible to remedy the defect.
Yet H. H. Hart, secretary of the state board of corrections
and charities of Minnesota, has proved conclusively that
the foreign-bom people, as a whole, have, proportionately.

THE NATIONALITY OF CRIMINALS. 3

less prisoners than the native-born; and those native per-
sons having foreign-born parents have the worst record of
all classes of people. His able article dealing with this sub-
ject was published in the American Journal of Sociology in
November, 1896.

In 1880 there were, according to the United States
census, 58,609 "prisoners" in the country. In other words,
one person in every 856 of the total population was a crim-
inal; one in 1,309, of the native white; one in 949, of the
native-bom ; one in 523, of the foreign-bom ; and one in 396,
of the colored. Ten years later the total number of culprits
had increased to 82,329 ; but the proportion of the various
elements mentioned above was about the same as in 1880,
although a slight deterioration of all of them was notice-
able.

In 1880 the Chinese-born had one prisoner for every 190
inhabitants ; the Irish, one for 350 ; the Scotch, one for 411 ;
the French, one for 433 ; the English, one for 456 ; the Cana-
dians, one for 590 ; the Germans, one for 949 ; and the Scan-
dinavians, one for 1,539.

The census for 1890, dealingwith "prisoners," is peculiar,
specifying only the nativity of the parents of the culprits,
without stating, for example, how many of our criminals
were born in Ireland, Germany, and other foreign countries.
While this method offers a comparison of the descendants of
the various nationalities in the second generation, it is
impossible to compare the immigrants themselves with their
offspring. If this omission had not occurred, it would
undoubtedly have been possible somewhat to estimate the
effect which our conditions have exerted upon our moral

4 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

development; then an approximation could have been
secured, with more exactness than now, whether the present
conditions here are less favorable to moral elevation than,
for example, in Germany and the Scandinavian countries.
At the same time it is surely not accidental that the Scandi-
navians have, in nearly every instance, the best record in
regard to Crimes of any nationalities, and that the Germans
make such a fine showing ; but must be largely due to the
excellent compulsory educational and religious training
which is prevalent in their countries.

In 1890 there were 8,085,019 white persons bom in the
United States of foreign-bom parents. Of this number,
12,601 were prisoners, giving a proportion of one prisoner
to every 641 persons. This is a very bad showing as com-
pared with the standing of the native whites of native
parentage, w^ho had a proportion of one to 1,638. But the
record of those natives whose parents were born in Ireland
is still worse, the number of prisoners of this class being
7,935 out of a total population of 2,164,397, giving the
shockingly large proportion of one criminal to every 273
persons. There are reasons for believing that the second
generation of the Irish in this country has a worse record
than the first. Nearly two-thirds of all the native-born
prisoners having white foreign parents were of Irish descent.
In the case of the natives of Scotch and English parentage,
the proportion was one to 559, and one to 816, respectively.
Natives of Canadian parentage had a proportion of one to
999, and the natives of German parentage had a slightly
better record than the natives of native white parentage.
Of the eight classes treated of in this paragraph, the second

THE NATIONALITY OF CRIMINALS. 5

generation of Scandinavian-Americans stands very far above
all the rest, the proportion being one to 7,566. As a matter
of fairness, however, it must be observed that the majority
of the latter — as well as some of the other classes — are too
young to commit crimes, because the Northern emigration
is of comparatively recent date. It is another illustration of
the great defectiveness of this department of the census for
1890, which was in charge of Rev. F. H. Wines.

In the United States census reports for 1880 and 1890,
all grades of prisoners were enumerated, whether confined in
the penitentiaries, county jails, or any other places; but in
this article only those nationalities which had a population
of over 100,000 have been referred to. In treating of the
four following states, however, only the penitentiary culprits
have been dealt with, except in the case of Iowa; and all
nationalities having a population of about 25,000 in 1890
have been compared. In 1890 the total Scandinavian-born
population in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin was
516,723, or more than one-half of the whole number in the
United States. The Irish in these states numbered 223,168,
and the Germans, 842,402. A thorough test of the criminal
standing of the foreign representatives in the four states
mentioned will undoubtedly reduce the element of mere
chance to a minimum, especially when the investigation
covers a period of ten or fifteen years.

Illinois. In the fall of 1880 there was, according to
the penitentiary reports, one convict in the two peniten-
tiaries of Illinois for every 1,774 inhabitants in the state.
The record of the native-born population was a little better,
and that of the foreign-born a little worse than the total.

6 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Those born in Canada have by far the worst sho-wing, the
proportion of convicts to the whole number being one to
479. The standing of the Irish-bom is slightly inferior to
that of the total foreign-bom. The German-bom stand
above the rest, the proportion being one to 3,368 ; and the
Scandinavian-bom come close to them, the proportion being
one to 3,115.

A calculation based on the number of convicts "on
hand " in the fall of 1892, shows great changes in the course
of twelve years. In most cases a decided improvement is
noticeable in regard to the foreigners. The showing of the
total foreign-born is now three and a half per cent, better
than that of the native-bom. The proportion of total and
native criminals are about the same as in 1880. The Ger-
man-born, however, show a striking deterioration, the
proportion being one to 2,333, while the Scandinavian-born
now stand far above all the rest, with a proportion of one
to 4,158. The showing of the Canadian-bom is five times,
and that of the Irish and English-bom, three times as bad
as the standing of the Scandinavians.

lowA. Every person convicted of a crime of some kind
figures in the official records of the state. Hence, the criminal
statistics of Iowa, unlike the insanity records, are tolerably
complete ; and they put the Scandinavian-bom inhabitants
of the state in an exceedingly favorable light. The reports
of the two penitentiaries in Iowa do not, however, like the
Illinois reports, mention the nativity of prisoners " on hand"
at a certain time ; but only refer to the number of culprits
"admitted" during biennial periods. The following result
was obtained by dividing the population of 1885 and 1895

THE NATIONALITY OF CRIMINALS. 7

by the annual average of the number of convicts received
during the biennial periods of 1884-5 and 1894-5. By this
method any accidentally large or small proportion of prison-
ers "sent up " for one specific year is practically avoided.

There was one convict sent to one of the state peniten-
tiaries for every 5,106 inhabitants in the state in 1885, and
one for every 3,000 in 1895. The Irish-born population has
the most unenviable record, the proportion of the number of
Irish-born convicted to the whole number of Irish-born
inhabitants being one to 4,050 in 1885, and one to 541 in
1895. The Germans make a fair showing, the proportion
for 1885 and 1895 being one to 8,304, and one to 1,883
respectively. The Scandinavian-born population had by far
the most splendid record at the lattei' date, the proportion
of the number of convictions to the whole number of inhabi-
tants of Scandinavian birth being one to 7,720 in 1885,
and one to 4,200 in 1895. These figures, however, being
only based on the reports of the penitentiaries, can be sup-
plemented by the reports of the secretary of state relating
to convictions of criminals, which reports are absolutely
complete inasmuch as they give the whole number of convic-
tions of all ofifenses against the law in every county of the
state for each* year. In Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
no such reports are published. Those of Iowa have one
fault, namely, that although the nativity of the culprits is
recorded, no general summing up of the various nation-
ahties has been made, consequently it is almost impossible
to compare them w^ith each other. According to these
reports of the secretary of state the following result has
been obtained : In 1880 one out of every 743 foreign-born

8 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

persons was convicted of some crime; in 1885, one out of
every 709 ; and in 1890, one out of every 1,223. As to the
American-born inhabitants, the record was not half so ugly,
the proportion being one to 2,015, one to 2,224, and one to
2,500, for the years 1880, 1885, and 1890, respectively.
But the proportion of the whole number of Scandinavian-
bom persons convicted of crimes to the total Scandinavian-
bom population for the same years was only one to 5,756,
2,807, and 3,312.

Minnesota. The numerical strength of the Scandi-
navian element is greater in Minnesota than in any other
state in the Union. Thus, the United States census of 1890
shows that the whole number of Scandinavian-born persons
in Minnesota that year was 215,215. This fact alone gives
great weight to the statistical data bearing on them in
said state, the factor of mere chance being reduced to a mini-
mum. Moreover, the reports of the penitentiary of Minne-
sota are more complete and thorough than those of similar
institutions in the neighboring states. Hence, the following
criminal statistics, as well as the deductions made therefrom,
ought to be of exceptional significance. In 1882 the Cana-
dian-born had one convict in "confinement" in the peniten-
tiary to every 1,743 inhabitants in the state.' The Germans
and Irish had a proportion of one to 2,148, and one to
2,358, in the order given. In the case of the foreign-
born population, the native, and the total of all, the
proportion w^as one to 2,731, one to 2,835, and one to
2,798, respectively. But the Scandinavian-bom had a pro-
portion of one to 4,145. In other words, the standing of
the latter was more than 46 per cent, better than that

THE NATIONALITY OF CRIMINALS. »

of their closest rival, namely, the native population. A
computation made on the ntimber of convicts in "confine-
ment" in 1894 and on the state census of 1895 shows some
very marked changes during a period of about fourteen
years. In the case of the Irish-born, there was a deteri-
oration of 64 per cent. The Canadian-born, the foreign-
born, and the grand total had a far brighter record
than before. The native population had a proportion of
one to 3,146, and the Germans one to 4,054. The latter is
the best record, excepting that of the Scandinavian-born,
which had a proportion of one to 6,075.

Wisconsin. The criminal statistics of Wisconsin afford
a double basis for computing the proportionate representa-
tion of the different nationalities in the state penitentiary.
For fourteen years past, from 1882-96, the nativity of all
convicts "received" has been specified, and in 1882 the nativ-
ity of the whole number of convicts confined was recorded.
By proceeding in the same manner and by the same method
in regard to Wisconsin as was done in regard to low^a,
using the penitentiary biennial report for 1881-2 of the for-
mer state as the basis for computation, the result obtained
is as follows : One out of every 3,021 inhabitants of the
Canadian-bom was annually convicted of some penitentiary
offense; one of 5,539, of the English; one of 5,986, of the
Irish; one of 7,584, of the native Americans; one of 9,453,
of the Germans; and one of 9,469, of the Scandinavians.
The native born Americans, the total foreign-bom, and the
w^hole population have nearly the same standing. Exactly
ten years later, one in 1,442 of the Canadian-bom received a
sentence for some crime ; one in 5,551, of the Irish; one in

10 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

6,346, of the native Americans ; one in 7,876, of the English ;
one in 10,499, of the Scandinavians ; and one in 10,605, of
the Germans. Canada, it should be noticed, not only retains
her position, but her standing is more than twice as ugly as
ten years before, and Ireland shows only one-fourth as large
a proportion of convicts as Canada. The native-born Ameri-
cans, the foreign-bom, and the total population show^ a gen-
eral deterioration of nearly 13 per cent, in the course of len
years. The Scandinavian and the German-born, which were
far ahead of all the rest in 1880-82, have made a further
advance of over 11 per cent., and the mutual position of the
two is changed in favor of the latter.

It must be observed, however, that the figures just given
do not afford a key to the actual representation of the differ-
ent nationalities at the penitentiary, because the mere con-
viction of a person does not show^ the gravity of the crime,
nor the length of the term. Hence, other facts are sub-
mitted, showing the proportion of convicts confined at the
penitentiary at a certain time to the total number of inhab-
itants. In 1882 there was confined in the Wisconsin peni-
tentiary one convict to every 3,780 persons. One out of
3,296 of the total foreign-bom population was a prisoner,
and one out of 4,045 of the native Americans. Canada had
one culprit for every 1,284 inhabitants in the state; Ireland,
one for 2,328 ; England, one for 2,492 ; the German Empire,
one for 4,388; and the Scandinavian countries, one for
6,026. These figures throw a new and most important
light on the criminality of the different nationalities. The
Canadians retain their position, clearly proving themselves
to be the most vicious class of citizens in the state, the record

THE NATIONALITY OF INSANE PERSONS. LI

of the second worst class, the Irish, being much brighter.
There is one surprising difference between these and the other
figures, namely, the distance between the Scandinavians and
the Germans. In the former figures the t-wo nationalities
in question were far ahead of all the rest. They still retain
their former vantage ground. But while the Germans have
one convict to every 4,388 inhabitants, the Scandinavian-
born have one to 6,026. In other words, the record of the
latter is over 37 per cent, better than that of the former. If
this signifies anything at all it proves that the average
length of term served by Scandinavian-born convicts is
between 30 and 40 per cent, shorter than that served by the
German-bom, which, again, points to a corresponding differ-
ence in the gravity of the crimes committed, in favor of the
former.

II. Insane Persons.

Several causes conspire to produce the real, or apparent,
frequency of mental aberration among the foreign-bom
element in this country. In the first place, there are undoubt-
edly general causes which operate among all the foreigners,
and give them, perhaps, a much higher percentage of insanity
than the native-born Americans. Upon the whole, emigra-
tion is, probably, impelled more by fear than by hope; more
by fear of the evils of the Old World than by hope of happi-
ness in the New World. So many tender associations must
be sacrificed, so many ties of kinship and friendship must be
Severed. The average emigrant leaves the old sod with a
heart more or less wounded. To emigrate to a foreign land
is a good deal like tearing up a plant by the roots and trans-

12 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THK U. S.

planting it into another locality; but with this difFertnce,
plants are removed in accordance with certain scientific and
systematic methods, while people exchange countries in the
most irregular fashion. Taking into consideration the com-
plete change of cHmate, the new social conditions, and the
severe struggle for existence, which all new-comers have to
submit to, together with the general causes which produce
insanity, it is no wonder that a large number of the immi-
grants mentally succumb. At the same time it is doubt-
fill whether the foreigners in this country have a much
greater, if any, percentage of insanity than the natives.
Nearly all the foreign-bom are adults, while the native-born
include, besides their own children, also the children of the
foreign-born parents. This fact becomes very important
when it is remembered that in most cases only mature
persons become insane. As a consequence, the comparison
between the proportionate number of lunatic foreigners and
insane natives, as given in most of the following statistical
figures, does not give the real relation, because the bases of
computation are not alike. Besides, the native-born popu-
lation, as a whole, has achieved material independence to a
greater extent than the foreigners, and, as a consequence, the
former are in a much better position than the latter to take
care of their insane relatives, especially the less dangerous
ones. In general, the only available figures on insanity are
those obtained from the various state hospitals for insane ;
but the wealthy Americans do not send their lunatic kin-
dred to a state institution, but to a private asylum, from
which it is difficult to secure any reliable statistical reports
relating to the nativity of the patients.

THE NATIONALITY OF INSANE PERSONS. 13

According to the United States census for 1860, the Irish-
born had one insane and idiotic person to every 464 inhab-
itants in the country ; the French, one to 600 ; the Ameri-
cans, one to 700; the EngHsh, one to 715; the Germans, one
to 859 ; the Scandinavians, one to 896 ; and the Canadians,
one to 957. Ten years later all the nationalities above
mentioned had deteriorated from 25 to 40 per cent., except
the Canadians and Americans who had slightly improved.
In 1870 the Scotch and English had virtually the same
record.

The census reports of 1860 and 1870 enumerate the
nativity of the insane and idiotic persons, and since no such
enumeration has been available; but in this article only
those nationalities which had a population of over 100,000
at the latter date have been referred to. In treating the
four following states, however, all the nationalities having
a population of about 25,000 in 1890 have been compared.

Illinois. The insanity statistics of Illinois must neces-
sarily be defective, because the yearly published Proceedings
of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, and the
reports from the Cook county insane asylum in those vol-
umes, present the appearance of having been prepared and
edited by the idiots themselves. By a great amount of
original research, however, some of the worst gaps were
filled; and the following deductions are tolerably reliable,
being based on the official reports of the four state institu-
tions, and on personal investigation of the diary of Cook
county insane asylum. The average number of German-
bom patients annually admitted to the insane asylums in
Illinois for the two years ending in the summer of 1892 was

14 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

nearly 285, while, according to the United States census for
1890, the total German population of the state was
338,382. Thus, out of every 1,189 German-bom inhab-
itants, one was committed to an insane asylum during one
year. As to the Scandinavian population, the proportion
was one to 769. But the Irish-bom present a still worse
showing, the proportion in that case being one to 660.
Using the same data as above, but leaving out entirely the
returns from the insane asylum of Cook county, the foUow^-
ing proportion was obtained : For the native-bom Ameri-
cans, one to 3,242 ; the whole population, one to 2,236 ; the
British- Americans, one to 1,796 ; the Germans, one to 1,659;
the English, one to 1,453 ; the total foreign population, one
to 1,431 ; the Scandinavians, one to 1,102 ; and the Irish,
one to 965.

Iowa. Insanity evidently is on the increase in Iowa.
In 1880-81 there was one patient annually admitted to
the hospitals for every 3,056 inhabitants in the state; and
in 1892-93, one for every 2,012. The record of the foreign-
born population is much worse than that of the state, as a
whole. Thus, in 1880-81 there was one German patient
annually committed for every 1,358 Germans in the state;
and in 1892-93, one for every 1,552. The proportion of
British-born patients to the British population for the same
years was one to 1,216 and 1,084, respectively. The record
of the Scandinavians for 1880-81 was one patient annually
received at the state hospitals for insane for every 2,092
inhabitants born in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden; but
the number of patients increased so fast that the proportion
was one to 1,048 in 1892-93. Thus the proportionate

THE NATIONALITY OF INSANE PERSONS. 15

number of ScandinaTian patients was exactly doubled in
twelve years, while the proportionate increase for the whole
state w^as only a little over one-third. As a matter of fact,
the insanity records of Iowa are very incomplete, and the
above statistics by no means give the whole truth as to the
proportionate prevalence of insanity among the different
nationalities. In 1885, for instance, there were 1,238
patients in the hospitals. But, according to the state census
of that year, there were 1,720 insane and idiotic persons
outside of the hospitals. Since the nativity of the latter is
not given, the reports of the hospitals may even convey a
wrong impression as to the proportionate representation of
the different nationalities, and this undoubtedly is the case
in regard to the Scandinavians. In 1885 the combined pop-
ulation of the five counties containing the largest number of
Scandinavians of all the counties in the state was about
98,000; but the number of insane and idiotic persons kept
in those counties was only sixty-one, or one for every 1,606
inhabitants. On the other hand, the combined population
of five other counties containing altogether only a few hun-
dred Scandinavians was about 82,000, while the number of
insane and idiotic persons kept in these counties was eighty-
five, or one for every 965 inhabitants. This indicates that
the Scandinavian-bom inhabitants of Iowa send a larger
proportion of their insane to the state hospitals than soms
other nationalities do.

Minnesota. The insane asylum reports of Minnesota for
the years 1880-82 and 1892-94 seem to prove that insanity
is increasing in that state. So general is the downward
movement that every nationality represented by at least

16 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE V. S.

25,000 persons in the state was carried along with it during
that period. Thus, in the case of the natives, which have by-
far the best record, the proportion of the number of persons
annually admitted to the insane asylums in the state for the
years 1 880-82 was one to every 4,008 inhabitants ; but in
the course of the next twelve years the proportion was one
to 3,016, or an increase of nearly 25 per cent. Making
similar computations for the different groups of foreigners,
using the United States census for 1880 and the state census
for 1895 as the bases in estimating the population, it
appears that the Canadians have deteriorated about 44 per
cent, during twelve years, having in 1892-94 one insane
annually committed to the state institutions for every 1,188
persons. At the latter date the Germans sent, on a yearly
average, one lunatic to the insane asylums for every 1,262
German-born inhabitants ; the Scandinavians, one for every
953; the total foreign-born, one for every 937; and the
Irish, one for every 544. In other w^ords, the Germans,
Scandinavians, total foreign-bom, and Irish, made, during
twelve years, a slide downwards of ten, twenty-four, thirty,
and forty per cent., respectively.

Wisconsin. The Irish-born in Wisconsin have the worst
record as to insanity, an average of one person out of every
1,061 inhabitants of that nationality having been annually
admitted to the insane asylums of the state during the years
1881 and 1882. The Scandinavians, however, have the
second poorest showing, or one to 1,411; England and
Germany follow at no great distance, with one to 1,555 and
one to 1,624, respectively, and Canada has one lunatic to
every 2,233 inhabitants. The total foreign-bom population

CRIMES AND INSANITY. — CONCLUSIONS. 17

in the state had one insane patient to every 1,615 sane
persons, and the native Americans, one to 4,233. Ten years
later the Irish, the Canadians, and the native-born had deter-
iorated about thirty-five per cent.; the Scandinavians and
Germans had a five or ten per cent, -worse sho^wing in 1892
than in 1882, but a better record than the total foreign
element. The English were the only people who improved
during the decade.

III. Conclusions.
The final result of all the investigations may, with more
or less accuracy, be summed up in the following table. The
number of prisoners, as enumerated in the United States
census reports for 1880 and 1890, together with the number
of convicts in confinement in the penitentiaries of Illinois,
Minnesota, and Wisconsin at the end of a certain year, in
the neighborhood of the time when the census w^as compiled,
have been taken as the basis of the computation — it being
impossible to reduce the reports of low^a to harmonize with
the statistics of the other three states. The reports of the
insane asylums of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin mention
only the nationalities of those received each year, without
referring to the number of lunatics on hand at a specific
time; consequently, it is the annual admittance to the
insane hospitals of these states that has been tabulated.

In :880 or '82, 1 oat of 2,302 Persons was a criminal ; in 1890 or '94, 1 out of 1,999.

Iq 1880 or '82, 1 out of 2,413 Americans was a criminal ; in 1890 or '94, 1 out of 2,013.

In 1880 or '82, i out of 2,035 Foreigners was a criminal; in 1890 or '94, 1 out of 1,887.

In 1880 or '82, 1 out of 1,024 Canadians was a criminal ; in 1890 or '94, 1 out of 1,080.

In 1880 or '82, 1 out of 1,338 English was a criminaljin 1890 or '94, 1 out of 1,103.

In 1880 or '82, 1 out of 1,600 Irish was a criminal ; in 1890 or '94, 1 out of 860.

In 1880 or '82, 1 out of 2,713 Germans was a criminal ; in 1890 or '94, 1 out of 2,715.

In 1880 or '82, 1 out of 3,706 Scandinavians was a criminal ,• ia 1890 or '94, 1 out of 5,933.

18 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

In 1881 or '82, 1 out of 2,718 Persons became insane ; in 1892 or '94, 1 out of 1,719.

In 1881 or '82, 1 ont of 4,120 Americans became insane ; in 1892 or '94, 1 out of 3,009.

In 18S1 or '82, 1 out of 1,480 Foreigners became insane ; in 1892 or '94, 1 out of 1,144.

In 1881 or '82, 1 out of 2,174 Canadians became insane ; in 1892 or '94, 1 out of 1,325.

In 1881 or '82, 1 out of 1,278 English became insane ; in 1892 or '94, 1 ont of 1,378.

In 1881 or '82, 1 out of 1,061 Irish became insane ; in 1892 or '94, 1 out of 769.

In 1881 or '82, 1 out of 1,461 Germans became insane ; in 1892 or '94, 1 out of 1,439.

In 1881 or '82, 1 out of 1,588 ScandinaTiana became insane ; in 1892 or '94, 1 out of 819.

It will be observed that in regard to crimes the Scandi-
navians had not only the best record in 1880, but that they
improved nearly fifty per cent, in ten or fifteen years,
while, virtually, all the other nationalities deteriorated. It
is commendable in the Northmen, to say the least, that they
can morally become better in this country, where, according
to such high authority as Andrew D. White, more crimes,
proportionately, are committed every year than in any
other Christian land. As has already been pointed out, the
excellent compulsory educational system of the Scandi-
navian countries, and the conservative and systematic
religious training which every child receives there, have,
probably, been the main forces that have moulded and
assisted in developing stronger moral characters than can,
perhaps, be done in this country under the present condi-
tions. It must also be admitted, however, that the Northern
emigrants, on the average, are mentally and morally supe-
rior to those who remain at home. In the United States
there is free trade in religion ; school children sometimes flog
the teacher, and in a school in Michigan it was once discov-
ered that thirteen youngsters carried pistols in their pockets;
the family relations are loose, the husband often being the
willing slave of his wife, who, in turn, obeys her oflfspring
and permits the baby to assume the dictatorship of the

CRIMES AND INSANITY — CONCLUSIONS. 19

household ; and the frequency of cyclones and floods seem to
indicate that even nature itself is more out of joint than in
any other portion of the civilized world. In such a land, it
is to be expected that the morality, as well as the general
characteristics of the people, will be different from the results
obtained in other countries where conditions are almost the
reverse. The constant lack of order and system in many of
the essential aiFairs of the family, church, and state must
have a greatly demoralizing effect, especially upon the grow-
ing generation. The large proportion of criminals in this
country is probably one of the prices that has to be paid for
the blessings of freedom; and, applied in a different sense
from that in which it was originally uttered, the exclama-
tion of the French heroine might with justice be repeated:
"Oh liberty ! what crimes are committed in thy name ! ' ' That
the Scandinavians in the Western continent have been able
to rise above all other nationalities in regard to crimes, not
only points toward the superiority of the religious and
educational training of their native lands as the main cause,
but it is a high endorsement of the work of those men who,
through parochial schools, colleges, and churches, have
endeavored to perpetuate the virtues, the characteristics,
and the religious beliefs of their ancestors. The apparently
great moral improvement of the Scandinavians during the
past decade may be due, partly, to the betterment in recent
years of the common schools in their own countries, and the
more intense Christian earnestness which has penetrated the
state churches, and consequently a moral improvement of
recent immigrants; partly, to the fact that the character-
making elements on this side of the water have been better

20 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

able to take care of new-comers than formerly ; and , partly,
to poor criminal statistics,which, however, are quite reliable,
and far superior to those dealing with insanity.

From 1860 to 1880 the Scandinavians, in regard to
insanity, had almost the best record of any foreigners in the
United States. Since, with the exception of the Irish, they,
apparently, have had the worst; and their downward march
towards lunacy has even been a little more rapid than their
upward march towards moral perfection, being in the former
case a deterioration of nearly fifty per cent, in about ten
years. Science has not yet been able to decide whether it is
the most brilliant or the most stupid who become insane.
But it is often asserted that the gulf between the lunatic and
the genius is not great. Maudsley, however, says, "Most
instances lie between these extremes of strong and weak
mental organizations." Yet, Lombroso maintains that the
brilliant Jewish people pay a heavy penalty for their
brilliancy by becoming insane in greater proportion than
any other race upon the face of the earth, although, it is
claimed, they have an excellent record in regard to crimes.
It is difficult to assign any predominating cause, or causes,
for the appalling increase, real or apparent, of mental
derangement among the Scandinavians in America, and
\nore difficult still to discover a check, or remedy, for the
evil, which may be their "fate or fault." Probably the
earnestness and depth of their character, coupled with a
strong imaginative and poetical nature, unfits many of the
immigrants for enduring the intense pressure of constantly
recurring and often fanatical religious controversies, social
upheavals and political excitement, disappointment in love

CRIMES AND INSANITY — CONCLUSIONS. 21

and financial failures. A hypocrite or a mentally strong
character can, for example, study the various religious
systems of the world without danger and with some profit
to himself. But a very earnest, uneducated person of aver-
age mental capacities is likely to become a lunatic before the
process is over. Perhaps a majority of Scandinavians in
America take a more serious interest in spiritual matters
than the majority of other people; and some persons have,
out of ignorance, taken advantage of this earnestness, and
incited them beyond their strength. This assumption is
strengthened, at least to a certain extent, by an appeal to
statistics ; for it appears that the Danish- Americans, who
seldom become excited about religious affairs, are less
subject to insanity than the Swedes and the Norwegians.
No doubt, the indulgence in strong drinks or sexual abuses,
either of the victim himself or of his ancestors, has been the
means of landing many Scandinavians in the insane asylums.
Yet, it cannot be proved, nor disproved, that they are worse
in these respects than other nationalities. But the real point
at issue, however, is not the great prevalence of madness
among the Northmen ; for, as has been observed, until recent
years they were better off in this respect than other people.
But the question of the questions is, what are the reasons for
their alarming downward rush, real or apparent, in the last
decade? They practice the virtue of temperance in all
things just as much today as they did ten years ago, if not
more. Have the religious contentions become more intense
than formerly ? As has already been pointed out, however,
the insane statistics are very unsatisfactory. There is no
law to compel persons to send their lunatic relatives to an

22 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

asylum, as in the case of criminals. It cannot be determined
whether the Scandinavians formerly kept a larger proportion
of their insane at home than what is done today; and
many lunatics bom in this country of Scandinavian parents
may be reported as belonging to the first generation.
Probably the recent immigrants have been of such high
nervous temperament that their fine fibers have been unable
to properly endure the strain of the new conditions in
America, and, in their eager desire to become wealthy and
wise, they, like the Jews, have had to pay the price.

The United States censns reports of 1890 on insanity and feeble-mindedness did not
appear until this article had been electrotyped, in 1897. In regard to the different
nationalities in this country, only the birthplaces of the mothers of the lunatics were
recorded, and from these meager data the following deductions were made : 1 person in
208 of Irish birth or extraction was insane or feeble-minded, 1 in 222 of Hungarian, 1 in
352 of French, 1 in 381 of Scandinavian, 1 in 396 of German, 1 in 420 of Bohemian, 1 in 450
of English- Welsh, 1 in 465 of Scotch, 1 in 625 of Italian, and 1 in 666 of Canadian. One
out of every 701 of the native-bom white was insane in 1890, and one out of every 256 of
the foreign bom ; but the former had one feeble-minded to every 602 sound-minded, and
the latter one to every 1,004. As has been said elsewhere in this article, a reliable com-
parison cannot be made between the natives and the foreigners ; yet some of the ablest
American statisticians and educators maintain that the native born have, proportionately,
more criminals than the foreign-bom; and according to deductions made from the
United States census of 1890, the native born white had one insane or feeble-minded to
every 326 sane persons, which seems to indicate that the Americans have at least as large
a proportion of idiots as any other class of people.

Historical Review of Lutlier College.

— BY —

Like the Puritans of New England, the early Norwegian
immigrants made it one of their first cares to establish
schools for the education of their children. Placed amid new
influences in a new country, they felt the importance of cling-
ing to those of their heritages which they held most dear — to
their Lutheran faith always, to their language as long as
might be. The Norwegians did not then, and do not now,
deny the great usefulness, within their province, of the public
schools ; but they have always felt that there is an impor-
tant educational work which these schools, because of their
necessary limitations, cannot perform. This is the education
of the religious element in man. To supply a higher educa-
tion based on Christian principles, especially with a view to
fitting young men for the study of theology, was the object
for which Luther College was founded and for which it exists
to-day.

It was in 1861 that the Synod of the Norwegian Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church of America — commonly called the
Norwegian Synod — resolved to build a college. Since 1858
the theological students of the synod had attended the col-

24 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

lege and seminary of the Missouri Synod in St. Louis, Mo.;
but when the Civil War broke out, the Norwegian Lutherans,
whose number was steadily growing, thought it wiser to
erect a college in their own midst. The new school was to
be located at Decorah, Iowa, but for the first year accommo-
dations were secured in the Halfway Creek parsonage, a
short distance from La Crosse, "Wis. The beginnings of the
school were necessarily small. Unpretentious as they are,
such beginnings have at least the advantage of revealing
better the stages of growth, and these it is always interesting
to witness. Two teachers and a total enrolment of sixteen
are matters of record for the school year 1861-62. Yet the
work went forward, and that local attachment and that
devotion to a common object which are sources of strength
to any institution were born. After a year's narrow-spaced
but open-hearted family life in this country parsonage, the
school was removed to Decorah. But as work on the college
building had not yet begun, the school was under the neces-
sity of taking up temporary quarters in the busiiless portion
of the city. On June 30, 1864, the corner stone of the new
building was laid, and on October 14, 1865, it was dedicated,
amid rejoicing and thanksgiving shared in by several thou-
sand people. This day has been celebrated by the students
as dedication day ever since.*

The building was erected on an elevation on the left bank

*Tho building cost $75,000; the addition made in 1874, $23,000; the rebuilding,
after the fire, $56,000 ; and various other structures, for example, residences for some of
the professors, and the gymnasium, not far from C16,000, making a total expenditure for
building purposes of about $170,000. The yearly expenses for operating the institution
may be roughly estimated at $20,000, which would amount to $300,000 in the thirty odd
years of its existence. Nearly all these sums have been raised by voluntary con-
tributions, only four legacies having been received, which altogether do not amount to
$10,000. The value of aU the college property is about $120,000.— Editoe.

HISTORY OF LUTHER COLLEGE. 25

of the picturesque Upper Iowa river, so as to command an
unusually pleasant view of hill and dale.of city and country.
Though architecturally plain, the structure presented a noble
appearance, was quite large, and, for those times, well
equipped. As the number of students increased, it was found
necessary to build an addition to it, which had been provided
for in the original plans. This addition, usually called the
south w^ing, was completed in 1874, making the entire build-
ing 170 X 52, with accommodations lor about one hundred
and fifty students. In addition to the main building, several
smaller ones have, frcrm time to time, been built or adapted
for college purposes. Among these is the gymnasium, a
spacious frame structure built in 1885-86, the money for the
purpose having been collected mostly by the students.

On May 19, 1889, the main building was destroyed by
fire. The library and most of the other movable objects of
value were saved ; yet the loss was a heavy one. The pecu-
niary loss was, however, more than made up for by the
active sympathy and love for the institution which the mis-
fortune called forth or made manifest. Those who in the
trying pioneer days had helped to raise the building again
united their efforts, seconded by the younger generation of
men who had experienced the benefits conferred by the school,
and the result was the completion, in 1890, of a new edifice,
reared indeed on the old foundation, but far more conven-
ient, commodious, and handsome. The friends of the college
had again occasion to rejoice and feel thankful. Amid a
large concourse of people from far and near, the reconstructed
college building was dedicated on the twenty-fifth anniver-
isary of the first dedication.

26 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

Before the work of rebuilding at Decorah was entered
upon, there had been some discussion as to the advisability
of moving the college to some larger city and one located
more centrally with reference to the school's constituency ;
but after various locations had been considered, particularly
one in the vicinity of St. Paul, Minn., it was decided to raise
the walls where they fell and where fond memories clustered
about the ruins.

Luther College owes its origin mainly to a strong religious
conviction. The existence of this conviction explains how it
was possible for a comparatively small body of pioneers,
during years burdened with the hardships of war, to erect a
building that, according to the then prevailing values, cost
$75,000. It should also be noted that the early Norwegian
settlers were unaccustomed to the making of voluntary con-
tributions for church purposes, and that their means as a
rule were small. Even now, much as they have at heart the
welfare of schools and churches, they are somew^hat chary
of making bequests or gifts of a larger nature. But under wise
leadership their collective yearly contributions have been by
no means inconsiderable. As leaders in the work of founding
and supporting Luther College are to be mentioned Rev.
Laur. Larsen, Rev. V. Koren, Rev. H. A. Preus, Rev. J. A.
Ottesen. Others might be added to the number, but it is
fitting that the names of these older men should stand out
in relief. Of those who have given legacies to the school the
late Mr. Halvor Gjerjord, of Stoughton, Wis., deserves special
mention inasmuch as his was the first and, so far, the largest
bequest the college has received. The name of a woman
must also be recorded here — one who sought always to pro-

HISTORY OF LUTHER COLLEGE. 27

mote the comfort and the happiness of the students and ■who
freely bestowed, especially upon the needy and deserving
among them, her love and labor with such a tact and in such
ways as are characteristic of a noble woman. This was
Mrs. Diderikke Brandt. She died in 1885.

Being modelled after the Latin schools or gymnasia of
northern Europe, Luther College has from the outset been
essentially a classical institution. Through all changes made
in the course of years this characteristic has been preserved
inviolate. Yet mathematics and the sciences have perhaps
received as much recognition as could have been expected in
a college having, in the wider sense of the term, only one
course of study. During the last ten years these subjects
have gradually come to fill a larger place in the curriculum,
especially in the preparatory department. Prior to 1881
the regular course covered six years, with no sharp line of
division between collegiate and preparatory work. Since
then the preparatory course has embraced three years, and
has come to be treated more as a course of study by itself
The tendency in recent years has been toward a reduction of
the number of recitations per week and toward the concen-
tration of the student's energies on fewer studies at a time.
Such economy will no doubt, if the student is directed aright,
be found to be vpise. One way of directing him that is now^
more employed than formerly is that of pointing out supple-
mentary reading. In olden times a college library was but
too commonly a storehouse for a limited number of poorly
arra,nged books, to which references were rarely made. Now
as a rule the school library is coming to be less of a mere
repository and more of a students' workshop. At present

28 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

the Luther College library contains between 7000 and 8000
volumes besides pamphlets and periodicals. Its growth has
been most rapid during the last ten years. In the matter of
museum the college has been poorly equipped ; but promising
efforts to build up one are now being made.

The work done at the school now has naturally a wider
range than formerly. It is curious to notice, for instance,
how restricted was the reading done in Greek and in Eng-
lish literature some twenty years ago. In Greek were read
portions of Xenophon, of Homer, and of the New Testa-
ment ; in English a series of readers were used, followed by
Shakespeare. In some other subjects there was a corres-
ponding lack of comprehensiveness and variety, a result of
the then existing conditions. If one were to compare the
quality of the work done now with that of the past, he would
also notice progress. Methods have changed somewhat, bub
the pervading spirit remains the same, lor faithfulness and
thoroughness have ever been insisted upon. Superfine polish
and glittering commonplaces have not been held in much
esteem. Matter has been placed above manner. If finish
and form have at any time been insufl&ciently attended to,
the fault lay, no doubt, often in the clay that came to the
potter's hand.

In keeping with its primary purpose, Luther College
devotes considerable attention to Norwegian language and
literature. For the church work within the synod has so
far been conducted mostly in that language. But there are
also good literary reasons for emphasizing this subject. In
consequence of its doing so, the college has always had two
mediums of instruction, and the student, so far as possible.

HISTORY OF LUTHER COLLEGE. 29

two mother tongues. This state of things may have made
his acquisition of each language somewhat slower than
otherwise, but it has also, without doubt, broadened his
knowledge of language and extended his acquaintance with
literature. In the early days of the school the Norwegian
language occupied the more important place both in the
class-room and outside. But as the Americanizing tendency
grew stronger among our people, the college endeavored to
adapt itself to this changing condition. English is now
used more than Norwegian as a medium of instruction ; it is
also the predominant language of the literary societies, and
shares equal honors with Norwegian in the students' peri-
odical. The following figures give some indication of the
change that has taken place during fifteen years : In 1879,
123 of the weekly hours of instruction were given in Nor-
wegian and 61 in English ; in the fall term of 1894, 90 in
Norwegian and 106 in English — the relation having changed
in favor of the latter from one-third to somewhat more than
one-half. Besides an extended course in Norwegian language
and literature Luther College offers, or requires, short
courses in certain other subjects that are seldom found on
the programmes of American colleges. These subjects are
Hebrew, Old Norse, and Scandinavian History.

During the thirty odd years of its activity the college
has, in all, had twenty-three professors, besides a number of
instructors. Most of its early teachers had received their
education in Norway; in later years the college has obtained
its teachers largely from its own graduates or from those of
other schools of this country. Four of those who have been
professors at the college are now dead. The name of each

30 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAYIANS IN THE U. S.

of these is intimately associated -with some phase of the
school's history. Knut E. Bergh is fondly remembered by
the early graduates for his ability as a teacher and his
geniality as a man. Jacob D. Jacobsen was a man of broad
and exact scholarship. Conscientious, judicial-minded, mod-
est, weak in body but strong in faith, he endeared himself to
all with whom he came in contact, and left a memory that
the college will not let die. Cornelius Narvesen and Ole
Ramstad, the latter the successor of the former, devoted
themselves to the task of giving the sciences a larger place in
the course of study. Both faithful workers, the one was
known moreforhis retiring modesty, the other for his energy.
The faculty of Luther College consists now of eight
regular members, with sometimes one or two teachers serv-
ing temporarily. The president is Rev. Laur. Larsen, who
has been connected with the school in this capacity since its
foundation. He is yet a vigorous man, of threescore and
odd years, and has in his day performed a great amount of
work, educational, administrative, pastoral, and editorial.
His administrative duties may have been somewhat light-
ened by the establishment, some years ago, of the princi-
palship of the preparatory department; but the general
supervision continues, of his own choice, to rest with him.
In his relations with the students he has always emphasized
the duty of punctuality and of Christian conduct, and has
in an eminent degree won their respect. In him the college
has had a faithful andcompetent administrator of its affairs.
While conservative, he has yet been ready to introduce such
changes as seemed not inconsistent with the original aim of
the school, and as seemed to have the approval of time.

HISTORY OF LUTHER COLLEGE. 31

An important element of strength in the president's
policy has been the confidence reposed in him by the clergy
and the laity of the Norwegian Synod. It is this confidence
in the school's administration, combined with the people's
love for an institution which they themselves have built and
whose character they have learnt to appreciate, that has
made Luther College what it is, and that has ever con-
stituted its chief endowment. Other than this it has a fund
of only some eight thousand dollars, the income of most
of which is distributed to deserving students who are fitting
themselves for the ministry. The college is, therefore, sup-
ported mainly by voluntary contributions. This direct de-
pendence of the college on the sympathy and support of the
people within the synod, who also control its larger policy
through the votes of their church delegates, gives it a
strongly representative character. While the school would
not on any consideration willingly lose this friendly support,
it recognizes the importance of larger permanent funds for
certain purposes.

As a tree is judged by its fruit, so the character of an
institution of learning is, after all, best tested by inquiring
into the quality of the men whom it sends forth. And first
a word or two about the youths whom it seeks to develop
into men. The large majority of Luther College students
have come from farm homes of the Northwest, from which
they have brought with them habits of industry, of straight-
forwardness, of economy. All have, previous to their com-
ing, been instructed in the principles of Christianity in the
parochial schools, and nearly all have had the benefit of
some common school instruction. In recent years oome :

32 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

have come from the academies organised within the synod.
On entering, they had usually made up their minds to work,
or if there were those who had not, most of these soon felt
constrained to do so. Time was when some of the classes
had as many as thirty-four recitations per week. Yet the
class-room work, especially in the languages, has been
fully on a par with that done in other colleges of the same
grade. The class-room attitude of the student seems, how-
ever, to have differed from that of his American fellow in
being less demonstrative, less inquisitive, less easy and self-
assertive. That the greater reserve of the former is not
due to a lack of interest is proved by general results. The
difference, so far as there is one, may in part be due to early
training. Moreover, the Norwegian student, like the people
from which he springs, has an even tenor, and is but little
given to mere intellectual display. While not often con-
spicuously brilliant, he has large capacity for work, is
energetic and thorough-going, and impresses one by his
reserve pow^er and his pronounced sanity. These qualities
have gained him a fair reputation wherever he has become
known.

Student life at Luther College has, in the main, differed
but little from that of other institutions where a healthy
moral sentiment is inculcated and where the hardship of
w^ork is seasonably relieved by the tonic of recreation.
Although a large number of the students enter the school
with the idea of becoming ministers of the Gospel, they have
quite generally been free from the fault of taking themselves
too seriously. Their religious nature, while broadening and
deepening, has flowed on more as an under-current. Their

HISTORY OF LUTHER COLLEGE. 33

fresh contact with iife in its serener aspects has contributed
to make them good-natured and happy, and has tended to
prevent a lop-sided development. While there have been
few, if any, of such noisy demonstrations as might disturb
the outside world, other forms of diversion and wayward-
ness have not been wanting. There have been musical
entertainments and un-musical rattlings down the stairs,
city parties and smokers' feasts, carping at teachers and per-
secution of "preps," publication of pointless jokes and
immolation of tedious text-books. Some of these practices
have been of rare occurrence, and now several of them are
no longer in vogue. None of the so-called fraternities have
existed at this college, nor is the atmosphere favorable to
them. In sport, especially in baseball, the students have
won a fair name among neighboring colleges. But sports
have not been a hobby with them. They yet practice, to a
limited extent, the old-fashioned method of unbending their
minds by bending their backs in the doing of minor
services, t

In perhaps no enterprise outside the routine work have
the students made so much progress as in music, and that
often without a regular teacher. The college brass band
and the orchestra have each above a score of members, and
in addition to these there is generally a choir or a glee club.
For the pecuniary support of these organizations, as well
as for certain other objects, the students have contributed
from time to time. Friends in the city of Decorah and else-
where have sometimes lent a helping hand.

fPor an enteptaining and vivid description of Lather College life — at least, the
less serious side of it— see Prof. P. O. Stromme's book, Hvorledes Halvor blev Brest- —
Editob.

34 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

The number of students enrolled has recently been about
one hundred and eighty a year. In a few cases the number
has exceeded two hundred, notably in years immediately
following upon large building improvements. In the
eighties the attendance, owing chiefly to a doctrinal con-
troversy within the synod, dwindled down until, in 1887, it
was only 118 — the smallest number in nineteen years. Since
then an opposite tendency has generally prevailed. For a
better understanding of the figures respecting attendance, it
should be noted that the school is not co-educational.

The territory from which the college has drawn its
students naturally corresponds somewhat to the distribu-
tion of the Norwegian population. As might be expected,
the newerstates, though sending a number of students, have
as yet furnished but few graduates. The states or countries
in which the students of the last thirteen years had their
homes during their senior year are as follows: Iowa, 50 ;
Minnesota, 49 ; Wisconsin, 24 ; Illinois, 7 ; North Dakota, 3 ;
Nebraska, 3 ; Michigan, 1 ; Natal, South Africa, 3.

It had once been the intention to add a theological
department to the college, but this idea was for various
reasons abandoned. A normal department, however, was
early organized. A^"terthe normal course had been extended
to three years and a professor had been added specially for
its benefit, this department continued to form a part of
the college until 1886. As it had never flourished in the
measure hoped for, it was discontinued, with a view to the
establishment of a separate normal school. Such a school
was founded in Sioux Falls, S. D., in 1889. Nevertheless,
the normal department in Decorah had sent out a fair

HISTORY OF LUTHER COLLEGE. 35

number of teachers, some of them competent to take charge
both of parochial and of common schools.

Luther College has, almost since its foundation, offered
the same terms to its students no matter what vocation
they finally had in view. That some students, on certain
conditions, have received pecuniary aid is a matter apart.
Nor has the college exacted from its graduates any promise
— though it has always given them the advice — to study
theology, holding it wiser to leave them free to decide
according to the self-knowledge and the sense of duty which
their studies, it is hoped, have helped them to attain. But
whatever occupations they have chosen, the Luther College
graduates bear with them, in mind and manner, the impress
of the institution that sheltered them so long. Their
number is now not far from three hundred. More than one-
half of these have entered or are preparing to enter the
Lutheran ministry, a considerable proportion are engaged as
professors and instructors, some are practicing medicine or
law, others are devoted to journalism, a few have entered
the field of state or local politics, and two have been
appointed to government service abroad. Some of the
graduates have continued their studies at Eastern univer-
sities, eight of whom have at this writing (1806) received
the degree of doctor of philosophy.

From a small preparatory school Luther College has
grown to be, and gained the reputation of being, a high
grade college. A large institution with many parallel
courses of study it has not become, nor is it necessary that
it should. The school has its limitations; within these,
however, it might reach out yet farther. As it is, the college

36 HISTORY OF THE SCANDINAVIANS IN THE U. S.

takes rank as the oldest and most influential institution of
higher learning among the Norwegians of America. At this
writing Luther College graduates are teaching in more than
twenty advanced schools, including five colleges and two
universities. In some of these schools the majority of the
teachers consists of its graduates, and in the case of ten
academies or normal schools the principalship is held by
a Decorah alumnus. The influence of the college in educa-
tional matters has widened with the years.

.\.s for the future, the college will, no doubt, adapt itself to
its requirements as it has sought to conform to those o f the
past. If people of Norwegian descent remain true to the
faith and the traditions of their fathers, this college will
have a place to fill even when the language of the fathers
shall have ceased to be a practical study in this country. As
long as race distinctions exist here, one of its duties will be to
stand as an exponent of w^hat is best in Norse life and liter-
ature. In this way the school, w^hile serving the cause of the
church, will also contribute its mite towards the forming of
a worthy national character.

HISTORY OF LUTHER COLLEGE.

TABLE I.
Showinc} the Numbbh of Students and Graduates of Luther

COIXEGE FROM 1861 TO 1896, AND ENUMERATING THE RBSULAR

Teachers and Indicating their Length of Service.

Yeae.

Students.

Gkadtiates.

Peofessoes and Insteuotoes.

Lbnoth of
Sbbvioe.

1861

16
32
50
58
81
83
73
106
122
147
147
159
190
229
217
181
189
173
159
165
146
137
166
143
131
133
118
136
145
206
213
188
183
1S7
200
191

1861-

1862

F. A. Schmidt

1861-72

1863

1863-77

1864

1865-78

1865

1867-76

1866

1869-74

1867

1875-95

186S

3
4
5
6
3
7
6
6
7
9
14
19
13
18
11
15
11
12
17

1872-81

1869

A. Seippel

1873-74

1870

1873-84

1871

1874-75

1872

A. K. Teisberg

1874-75

1873

Th. Bothno.

1875-82

1874

1876-78

1876

A. A. Veblen

1877-81

1876

A.A.Sander

1878-79

1877

H. G. Roalkvam

1878-86

1878

0. J. Breda

1879-82

1879

1881-83, 1884-

1380

1881-82

1881

1881-82

1882

1882-87

1883

Chr. Naeseth

1^2-

1884

1883-85

1885

1883-88

1886

1884-86,1887-89

1887

J. Tin&ralstad

1886-87

1888

12
9
9
9
11
12
11
12
13

J. G. Halland

1887-89

1889

1888-90, 1895-

1890

1889-92

1891
1892
1893

H.W.Sheol

Andrew Estrem

H. I. G. Kroe.

1889-

1889-90

1890-96

1894

W. Sihler

1890-

1895

1892-

1896

J. A. Nesa

1893-94

1894-

1896-

Total..

292

Social Characteristics of tlie Danes

^VI«itID

A History of Tlieir Societies.

— BY —

(revised by C. NEUMANN.)

If reliable conclusions concerning the intellectual activity
and m