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2 FOREFATHERSJacob & CatharinaVan der Veer EVENTSLanding
DayFOREFATHERS
List of CurrentForefather Members10 HISTORIC ARTIFACTSHistoric
Swedish Flag
Volume 3, Number 10 Spring 2009
Preserving the legacy of the New Sweden Colony in America
1513
Swedish Colonial News
New Jersey State Museum First Stop for Centennial Exhibit
In this Issue...
continued on page 8
Max Dooley
It was a cold day January 24, 2009, with snowon the ground, when
the Swedish ColonialSociety’s premier Centennial Exhibit, Colony
toCommunity: The Story of New Sweden opened atthe New Jersey State
Museum in Trenton, the firstof three stops on its tour. The idea
for a travelingexhibit was conceived at one of the early meetingsof
the Society’s Centennial Planning Committee,Herb Rambo Chairman.
Now it is a reality.
In The Magazine: Antiques (February 2009)Megan Holloway Fort
wrote: “…the exhibitexplores the origins and history of the colony
inthe seventeenth century, and traces the continuedinfluence of the
Swedish-American presence in thearea into the twenty-firstcentury.”
She furthercommented: “The objectsin the exhibition—whichinclude
useful items suchas blankets, chests andcheese containers, as
wellas paintings and prints—show the ways in whichSwedish culture
influenced the material culture ofthe region.”
Pictured above is a portion of one of the eight interpretive
panels arranged throughout the exhibit. Eachpanel highlights a
particular period of New Sweden history. The panel shown is titled
“New Sweden Begins”and tells of the Lenni Lanape meeting the
Swedes/Finns as they landed from the Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel
Grip.
PHO
TO
: MAX D
OO
LEY
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2 Swedish Colonial News
FOREFATHERS
Among the passengers on the Golden Sharkwhen it left Göteborg on
15 April 1654 was ayoung woman named Catharina who expected,like
the other passengers, to go to the NewSweden colony. The ship had
been scheduled toleave with Governor Risingh and the Eagle, butits
departure was delayed by repairs. The shipnever did arrive in New
Sweden. Instead, itlanded near Staten Island on 12 September1654
and was confiscated by GovernorStuyvesant three days later.
Catharina thereforefound herself alone in Manhattan.
She was soon befriended by a Dutch cor-poral, Jacob Van der
Veer. After giving birth toa child by him, she was banished to the
SouthRiver in 1657, probably because of adultery.Van der Veer
deserted his Dutch family and fol-lowed her. Now a sergeant, he
served underWillem Beeckman at the old Swedish fort atChristina
(now Wilmington). In 1660, JacobVan der Veer sought permission to
return tothe fatherland in the spring, but Stuyvesantpersuaded him
to stay. Jacob bought a tavern inNew Amstel, but after the English
conqueredthe Dutch in 1664 and renamed the Dutchtown New Castle,
Jacob was banished from thetown for his insolence toward the court.
Hesold the tavern in 1665 and purchased over100 acres of land north
of the Christina Riverfrom a former Dutch soldier, Walraven
Jansende Vos. who then occupied the former land ofGovernor Johan
Risingh at “Timber Island.”
Jacob Van der Veer was granted a patentfor this new land by
Governor Francis Lovelaceof New York on 25 March 1669 and
laterexpanded it to 535 acres through an addition-al grant from the
New Castle court in 1677,which was confirmed by a new survey
underWilliam Penn on 29 January 1684/5.
Jacob and Catharina made their home onthe island (renamed Jacob
Van der Veer’sIsland) on the north side of the BrandywineRiver – an
area later known as BrandywineVillage. Disputes with the Stedham
family, who
claimed part of this land, were finally resolvedin favor of the
Van der Veers by arbitration on12 May 1688. A week later Jacob was
grantedthe right to build a grist mill, using the waterof the
Brandywine.
Until his later years, Jacob Van der Veerwas in frequent trouble
with the New Castlecourt. The justices wrote in 1679 that he
had“always been a troublesome, mutinous personand one of a
turbulent spirit, from the begin-ning, always contending with and
opposingauthority, for which various and other his mis-demeanors he
formerly was banished from thistown and his wife from New York.” In
1675,he was accused as being the “ringleader” in therefusal of the
Swedes and Finns to improve thedike of Justice Hans Block. He and
his two eld-est sons were fined 20 guilders apiece for theirrefusal
to work on the dike. In 1679 he wasfined 200 guilders for fraud,
having sold a bagof feathers to which he added a stone to
falsifythe weight. He was constantly in debt and atone time, in
1686, his goods were seized andhe and his family were turned out of
theirhouse for non-payment of debts.
The will of Jacob Van der Veer, dated 15April 1698, was proved
on 31 March 1699. Itrequired that Catharina be allowed to stay
onthe land which was divided among three of hissons – William,
Cornelius and John – providedthat each of them pay £10 to his son
Jacob, Jr.,who had settled across the Delaware River inSalem
County. In addition, the three sonsshould pay “every one of their
sisters” (notnamed) £10 apiece. His “creatures” were alsoto be
divided equally among all of his children.
On 24 June 1699, the widow Catharina Vander Veer “on the island”
was assigned a pew atthe new Holy Trinity Church. She also gave
£1to the church. A year later, she and her familyprosecuted a case
before William Penn and thePennsylvania Provincial Council,
complaining ofencroachment by their neighbor CorneliusEmpson.
Catharina Vandever died at the homeof her son Jacob in Penn’s Neck
in February1720. She was the mother of four sons and anunknown
number of daughters. Four sons andtwo daughter have been positively
identified:
1. William Vandever was born in 1656 inManhattan and died 8
October 1718 on Vander Veer’s Island. He had no children. He
mar-ried Alice Smith [English], daughter of FrancisSmith of Kennet
Township, Chester County,Pa. The will of William Vandever,
innkeeper, of
Jacob & CatharinaVan der Veer
and their Vandever Descendants
Dr. Peter S. Craig
continued on page 4
Dr. Peter Stebbins Craig, whoresides in Washington, DC, isa
Fellow of both the AmericanSociety of Genealogists andthe
Genealogical Society ofPennsylvania. He is theHistorian of the
SwedishColonial Society and aForefather Member. One ofhis ancestors
was PeterJochimsson, who arrived onthe Fama in 1643 and
estab-lished the Yocum family inAmerica. He is also descend-ed from
Olof Stille, SvenGunnarsson and Jonas Nilsson.
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Spring 2009
Dear Friends of New Sweden:
Final plans are moving into high gear for the four-day Swedish
ColonialSociety’s Centennial Weekend in Philadelphia, October
22-25.
An important aspect of the celebration is the concurrent
biennial “Conference onSwedish America” of the Swedish Council of
America and a meeting of theirnational board of directors.
The schedule has been arranged to allow members of the Swedish
ColonialSociety and their friends to participate in the events of
the Swedish Council ofAmerica as time permits. Activities and tours
of historic Philadelphia are beingplanned for each day.
Following the ninth annual New Sweden History Conference,
Friday, October 23rd,there will be an evening ‘kick-off’ dinner. A
tour of New Sweden historic sites isscheduled for Saturday and
Sunday’s events begin with the 10 a.m. Eucharist atGloria Dei (Old
Swedes’) Church, followed by the Gala Luncheon at the UnionLeague.
The day’s concluding event will be the Jubilee Symphony by
thePhiladelphia Chamber Orchestra in the Perelman Theater of the
Kimmel Center.
Deputy Senior Governor Margaret “Sally” Bridwell is the
Centennial Registrarand members and friends can contact her at
[email protected] or 610-644-7654. You can reach me at
[email protected] or 856-768-5325.
On June 6, 2009, in Pennsville, N.J., our partner organization,
The NewSweden Centre, is hosting an informative program on the
early colonial periodthrough the William Penn era. Following the
program, there will be a shortobservance at the New Sweden Heritage
Monument for the 5th anniversary ofthe dedication of the monument.
For information please contact Aleasa Hogateat [email protected] or
856-678-5511.
On June 7, 2009, please join us for the Sunday afternoon Grand
Opening of ourtraveling Centennial Exhibit, Colony to Community:
The Story of New Sweden, atthe American Swedish Historical Museum,
Philadelphia, Pa.
The Society owes a great debt of gratitude to Honorary Governor
Kim-EricWilliams for his very successful four-year tenure as our
leader. It has been a veryactive administration and we made
significant gains in the success of our pro-grams, especially in
the area of publications. The Archives of the Swedish ColonySociety
have never been in better condition thanks to Kim-Eric’s hard work.
Thearchives are steadily expanding in our climate-controlled space
at the LutheranTheological Seminary’s Brossman Center Archives.
Thank you Kim-Eric!
Best Wishes,
Herbert R. RamboGovernor
High Patron
His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf
King of Sweden
Deputy High Patron
Her Royal Highness
Crown Princess Victoria
Patron
His Excellency
Jonas Hafström
Ambassador of Sweden
Deputy Patron
His Excellency
Ulf Hjertonsson
Consul General of Sweden
Associate Patron
Hon. Agneta Hägglund Bailey
Consul of Sweden
Governor
Herbert R. Rambo
Senior Deputy Governor
Margaret Sooy Bridwell
Junior Deputy Governor
Kenneth S. Peterson
Treasurer
The Rev. David B. Anderson
Financial Secretary
Emily Peg Berich
Registrar
A. Doriney Seagers
371 Devon Way
West Chester, PA 19380
610.918.0943
Recording Secretary
Aleasa J. Hogate
Corresponding Secretary
Frances O. Allmond
Chaplain
The Very Rev. D. Joy Segal
Marshal
Kenneth S. Peterson
Historian
Dr. Peter S. Craig, F.A.S.G.
Visit us on the internet at:
www.ColonialSwedes.org
Please contact us at:
[email protected]
GOVERNOR’S LETTER
3Swedish Colonial News
Swedish Colonial Society916 South Swanson Street, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19147
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FOREFATHERS from page 2
4 Swedish Colonial News
Brandywine Ferry, proved 13 October 1718,bequeathed £5 to the
Swedes’ church and leftall of the remainder of his estate to his
wifeAlice. She then married Samuel Kirk on 8January 1720. In her
will of 12 March 1731/2,she devised to her husband Samuel Kirk the
ferryand adjoining lands for life, after which they wereto go to
Jacob Vandever, Jr., son of Cornelius.The tombstone of Alice Kirk
states that she died13 March 1732 at the age of 63 years.
2. Cornelius Vandever was born about1658. His wife Margareta,
whom he marriedby 1681, was probably the daughter of OlofFransson
of the Bought [Verdrietige Hook].When old Olof Fransson conveyed 50
acres ofhis land to his grandson, Cornelius Vandeversigned a bond
on 20 July 1687 to give his per-sonal security to the
transaction.
The will of Cornelius Vandever, dated 18December 1712 and proved
18 February1712/13, bequeathed his dwelling plantationto his wife
Margareta, but if she remarried itwas to be rented out for the
children's benefituntil the youngest was 21. His son John was
toreceive the tract on the Brandywine betweenSpring Run and William
Vandever. His twoyoungest sons, William and Henry, were toreceive
the dwelling plantation after the deathor remarriage of Margareta.
All movables wereto be divided among all of the children. Hiswidow
Margareta did marry again, 19 April1720, to the widower William
Lerchenzeiler ofSt. Georges Hundred, New Castle County. Shewas
still living in February 1727 when she wasone of the sponsors at
the baptism of one of hermany grandchildren. The children, all
named inthe will of Cornelius, were:
> Jacob Corneliusson Vandever (c.1682-1739) married Maria
Stedham, daughter ofAdam Stedham. He lived on the Brandywineand, by
the will of his aunt, Alice Kirk, inheritedthe Vandever property at
the Brandywine Ferryin the vicinity of present Market Street. The
willof Jacob Vandever of Brandywine Hundred,yeoman, dated 19
October 1739 and proved 8December 1739, provided for his wife
Mariaduring her widowhood, gave to his two eldestsurviving sons
John and Cornelius 5 shillingsapiece, and to Jonathan Stilley and
his wifeMagdalena 5 shillings. He gave to his son Tobiasthe ferry
and half the land belonging thereto andthe “upper” [westerly] half
of the land to his sonPeter. One third of his movables went to
hiswife; the other two-thirds were to be equallydivided among
Tobias, Peter, and his daughters
Catharina and Elisabeth. Elisabeth subse-quently married John
Welsh in 1745. Jacob'swidow survived him by many years. She
wasstill listed in the 1764 church census.
> Philip Vandever (1684-1750) had fourwives. The first one,
Elisabeth, was buried 5February 1728. He then married, on 13
May1729, Brita Stille, who died 1 November 1730.In 1731 he married
Christina, who died by1744 when he married Beata Hoffman, daugh-ter
of Andrew and Maria Hoffman and widowof John Vanneman. The will of
Philip Vandeverof Brandywine Hundred, dated 1 March1747/48 and
proved 15 August 1750, provid-ed his 4th wife Beata with one-third
of the per-sonalty and one-third of the income from hisreal estate
for life. All of his real property wasdevised to his sons John and
Peter equally,except for six acres of marsh which went to
hisson-in-law Joseph Jackson, husband ofMagdalena, for life. He
also was survived byfive other daughters: Maria (the second wife
ofTimothy Lulofsson Stedham), Elisabeth (mar-ried to Peter
Schmidt), Susanna, Rachel andRebecca. After his death, his widow
Beata mar-ried Edward Graham.
> John Corneliusson Vandever (c.1689-c.1718) was married on
14 January 1714 toMaria Stalcop, daughter of Peter and
CatharinaStalcop. On 29 June 1714, they sailed toSweden with Pastor
Ericus Björk, who hadmarried Maria's elder sister, Christina.
Johndied in Sweden, after which his widow marriedHans Georgen
Schmidt. They returned toDelaware in 1720. Maria Stalcop
VandeverSchmidt died 19 November 1750 at the age of53. Her only
child by her first marriage wasCatharine Vandever, born in Sweden
in 1715,who married Simon Johnson in Cecil County,Maryland, 4
November 1738.
> Elisabeth Vandever (1695-1738) mar-ried Timothy Lulofsson
Stedham 7 June 1715and bore five children before her death on
5March 1738.
> Margareta Vandever (c.1699-1733+)married John Wilder, 30
April 1719. They hadsix children baptized at Holy Trinity,
1720-1729,of whom three died in their infancy. Margaretaappeared as
a baptismal sponsor up to 1733.
> Catharine Vandever (c.1701-1735)married Hendrick Stedham,
10 November1719 and bore ten children before her deathon 21 October
1735.
continued on page 6
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5
FOREFATHERS
1687/8 Resurvey Map of Jacob Van der Veer’s Island
Plantation
Resurvey of Jacob Van der Veer’s 535-acre plantation madeon 2
March 1687/8. The “land formerly belonging to UrinAnderson” was
land formerly occupied by Anders Jöransson,deceased, a name unknown
to the surveyor, who instead insertedan English spelling of the
name of Anders’ son Jöran Andersson.“The land in dispute between
Jacob & ye Temons” was land pur-chased from Walraven Jansen de
Vos that was also claimed by the
sons of Timen Stiddem. By an arbitration decision of 12 May1688
it was confirmed to Jacob Van der Veer. The strip labeled“land
taken from H. Peterson” was land claimed by HansPeterson, but which
Jacob Van der Veer successfully defendedunder his older 1669
patent. Shown is Jacob Van der Veer’shouse on the island, which had
formerly been called TimberIsland when owned by Governor Johan
Risingh in 1654-1655.
MAP
CO
URTESY
DELAW
ARE P
UBLIC
ARCH
IVES
Swedish Colonial News
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> William Vandever (c.1703-1739) ofBrandywine Hundred
acquired, for a nominal£3, one-half of his uncle Jacob Vandever
Jr.'sshare of the Vandever plantation on theBrandywine on 4
November 1726. A year later,on 7 December 1727, he married
MargaretaColesberg, daughter of Sven Colesberg andElisabeth
Anderson. William Vandever died inBrandywine Hundred on 12 October
1739,survived by two children who reached adult-hood: Elisabeth,
who married John Taylor ofRed Lion Hundred, and Sven, who
conveyedall of his father’s property to John andElisabeth
Welsh.
> Henry Corneliusson Vandever, bornc.1705, and his wife
Margaret deeded the landhe inherited from his father to John
andElisabeth Welsh on 14 March 1749/50. Henryapparently had one
son, also named HenryVandever, born c. 1734, who was living on
theBrandywine with his wife Sarah at the time ofthe 1764 census
with “small children” whowere not further identified.
3. John Vandever, born by 1665, wasmarried and had one child by
1693 when threepersons were listed in his household in theCrane
Hook church census. He died intestatebefore 1713 when Judith
Vandever, describedas the daughter of the late John Vandever, wasa
sponsor at the baptism of Zacharias andHelena Derrickson's child.
Subsequent deedsconveying his former land to Philip
Vandeveridentify four married daughters. His knownchildren
were:
> Jacob Johnsson Vandever (c 1691-c1724) was married to Jane,
widow and admin-istratrix of John Gill of Baltimore
County,Maryland, by November 1718. He died therewithout issue
before 1725, when his sistersbegan to sell their father’s land in
BrandywineHundred. Jane Vandever, his widow, died in1730 in
Baltimore County.
> Judith Vandever, born c. 1693, marriedJonas Stalcop of New
Castle County, 5 January1716. They had three children (John,
Annikaand Carl) before her death in June 1721.
> Catharine Vandever, born c. 1695,married John Scoggin of
Penn’s Neck, 22January 1717. They had five children (John,Jonas,
Maria, Jacob and Elisabeth) before herhusband’s death in 1729. Not
further traced.
> Maria Vandever, born c. 1697, marriedHenry Vanneman of
Penn’s Neck, 21 October1724. She had children John and
Elisabethborn in 1725 and 1728. No further record.
> Anna Vandever, born c. 1699, marriedSamuel Fowdrie of New
Castle County, 8December 1724. They had a daughter Susannaborn in
1726. Not further traced.
4. Jacob Vandever was born by 1668. Hemoved to Boughttown in
Upper Penn’s Neck,Salem County, New Jersey, c. 1692 when hemarried
Catharine, the widow of AndrewBartlesson. She was buried 1 December
1716.He next married Catharine, the widow ofStephen Tussey, on 12
December 1717. Thewill of Jacob Vandever of Penn’s Neck wasdated 15
August 1726 and proved 7 December1726. His widow Catharine died
before 23January 1727/8 when the inventory of herestate was filed.
Jacob’s surviving children were:
> Judith Vandever (c. 1693-after 1732),married c. 1710
Michael Homan of GloucesterCounty, New Jersey. They had six sons:
Jacob,Peter, Gustaf, Johannes, Olof and AbrahamHoman.
> Magdalena Vandever (c. 1695-1748),married c. 1712 William
Vanneman of PilesGrove, Salem County. They had twelve chil-dren,
six of whom grew to adulthood: Jacob,John, William, Elisabeth,
Rebecca and AndrewVanneman.
> Jacob Vandever (c. 1696-1729) wasmarried on 2 November 1720
to Margaret,daughter of Peter and Catharine Månsson.They resided in
Upper Penn’s Neck until theirdeaths during a smallpox epidemic in
1729.The inventory of Jacob Vandever was filed 5May 1729, that of
his widow on 17 October1729. They had three children who grew
toadulthood: Henry (c. 1721-1761) who mar-ried by 1742 and left one
surviving daughter;Jacob (c.1725-c.1757), who married MariaConnoway
13 July 1748; and MargaretVandever (c. 1728 - ?), who married
WilliamSmith of Penn’s Neck on 4 August 1763.
> Henry Jacobsson Vandever was born 13January 1725. On 29
October 1747 he marriedSarah Barber. They lived in Upper Penn’s
Neck,Salem County, on land inherited from his father.Henry died
there shortly after making his will,dated 22 February. 1748/9,
which directedthat his estate be sold to support his only
child,Jacob. His widow Sarah sold the land as direct-ed and then
married Henry Peterson, 10January 1751. No further record has
beenfound relating to his son Jacob.
5. Helena Vandever married ZachariasDerrickson, son of Olle
Derrickson, c. 1701.Over the next sixteen years she had nine
children,
6 Swedish Colonial News
FOREFATHERS from page 4
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7Swedish Colonial News
all of whom grew to adulthood and married. Shedied about 1734.
Her husband remarried anddied in 1748. Their children:
> Jacob Derrickson (1702-1728) marriedAnnika Justis 9 June
1728. No children.
> William Derrickson (1704-1766) mar-ried Maria Peterson in
1735 and had eight children.
> Helena Derrickson (1706-after 1776)married Jonas Stedham in
1727. They hadnine children.
> Kerstin Derrickson (1708-1738) mar-ried Peter Anderson in
1728. She died inOctober 1738 as the result of childbirth
afterbearing six children.
> Elisabeth Derrickson (1709-after1737) married John Smith in
1727. He diedone year later.
> Catharine Derrickson (1711-after1764) married 1st Robert
Robinson by 1730,2nd John Loinam in 1745. She had six chil-dren by
her first marriage and three children byher second marriage.
> Zacharias Derrickson (1713-1776)married Sarah (surname
unknown) in 1735and had eleven children.
> Peter Derrickson (1715-1753) marriedMargaret Stille in 1740
and had five children.
> Cornelius Derrickson (1717-1787)married Mary Vanneman in
1756 and hadfour children.
6. Another daughter, name unknown,married Johannes Casperson of
Upper Penn’sNeck about 1695. He was described asGerman in 1714 when
he gave land on whichthe Swedish church was to be built. His will
of14 November 1733 was proved the followingJanuary, naming seven
children:
> John Casperson, born c. 1694, marriedMaria Baner 1 October
1719. She was thedaughter of Isaac Baner, a native Swede, whohad
died in Penn’s Neck in 1713. Isaac Baner’sfamily in Sweden arranged
for Maria and her twounmarried brothers to return to Sweden
in1727.
> Susanna Casperson, born c. 1697, mar-ried David Straughan
in 1717.
> Tobias Casperson, born c. 1699 mar-ried Brita Mink in 1724
and, after her death,Judith Corneliuson by 1726. He died inPenn’s
Neck in 1734.
> Catharine Casperson, born c. 1705,married Thomas Nixon in
1725 and, after hisdeath, became the second wife of Peter
Enloes.
> Maria Casperson became the wife of —Boerd by 1733.
> Anthony Casperson, baptized in 1713,married Elizabeth
Redstreak in 1739.
> Rebecca Casperson, baptized in 1717,was unmarried when her
father wrote his will.
Volume 4 of the Colonial Records of theSwedish Churches in
Pennsylvania is now available.The subtitle of this volume is “From
Lidman toNäsman 1719-1750.”
The book is a translation of various docu-ments during this
period starting with a letterfrom Queen Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden
to theAmerican congregations in 1719. It ends withPer Kalm’s
summary of Gloria Dei burials from1720 to 1750.
This period was a difficult one. A clergymanwould be here for a
short time and then therewould be a period of vacancy. The
attendance waslow. There is a definitive answer for the
question,“Where did the baptismal font come from?”
Translation of these early records of theSwedish churches is a
significant part of Gloria
Dei’s tercentennial project. The history of theearly
congregation also provides a parallel glimpseof the history of the
United States.
Swedish Colonial Society members shouldsend a check or money
order for $20 plus $5 forshipping on each volume or $90 plus $5
shippingfor all four volumes. All others: Please send$25 plus $5
shipping for each volume.Make check or money order payable
to“Gloria Dei.”
Mail to:Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church(Columbus Blvd. &
Christian St.)916 S. Swanson St.Philadelphia, PA 19147-4332
P) 215-389-1513 • F) 215-389-7817
Volume 4 of the Colonial Churches in Pennsylvania is Now
Available
-
Swedish Colonial News
Several Swedish Colonial Society membershave traveled to Trenton
to view the exhibit,and the comments have been most laudatory.One
of the museum’s uniformed guards wasoverheard to say: “This exhibit
is the nicest andmost interesting exhibit we have had in themuseum
for a long time.” Another Societymember said it in three words, “We
loved it!”And a third has described it as a “must see!”
Carrie Hogan, Curator at the AmericanSwedish Historical Museum
in Philadelphia, iscredited with organizing the exhibit. In an
e-mail to the Society members, Carrie wrote:“On a personal note,
creating Colony toCommunity: The Story of New Sweden has beena
richly rewarding curatorial experience for meand I am grateful for
the opportunity toresearch and present this wonderfully complexand
multifaceted history.” Of particular interestare the eight
interpretive panels arrangedthroughout the exhibit hall, each with
its toplogo that simulates stained glass. They are strik-ing and
most informative. Karen Flinn of theNew Jersey State Museum worked
closely withCarrie to create the environment that has madethis
exhibit outstanding. Carrie Hogan alsonoted that even those who
have been involved
with colonial Swedish her-itage for long periods oftime “will
benefit seeingso many artifacts, art-work, archival materials,and
commemorativeephemera in one place.”Regarding New Sweden“stuff,”
Ron Hendricksoncommented, “I thought I’dseen everything. But your
content kept me say-ing ‘look at this!’ time and time again.”
Society Forefather member Aleasa J Hogatenoted items on display
that she had never seenbefore, and had to ask, “What is a
mangleboard?”
As this newsletter goes to press, the timefor Colony to
Community: The Story of NewSweden is drawing to a close at the New
JerseyState Museum on May 17. But, it will be openagain from June 7
until November 22 at theAmerican Swedish Historical Museum
inPhiladelphia. The third, and final opportunityto see the exhibit
will be December 17, 2009, atthe Delaware History Museum in
Wilmington,Del., where the exhibit will be on displaythrough March
20, 2010.
Max DooleyEXHIBIT from page 1
8
Max Dooley considers himselfSwedish by “adoption,” havingbeen a
long time parishionerof Trinity Episcopal Parish,which includes
Holy Trinity(Old Swedes) Church. Uponretirement, he developed
aninterest in Swedish colonialhistory. He is past presidentof the
Old SwedesFoundation and continues as a board member. In additionto
duties as Swedish ColonialNews editor, he is a memberof the
Delaware SwedishColonial Society andCouncillor on the
SwedishColonial Society’s board.
Visitors to the exhibit have uniformly expressed their surprise
at thevariety of the items displayed—the interpretive panels, maps,
paint-ings, recovered artifacts from archeological excavations and
carefullypreserved tools used during the New Sweden era. Pictured
at left isthe mysterious “mangle board.”
PHO
TO
S: M
AX D
OO
LEY
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9Swedish Colonial News
Editor’s Note: As in Part I, the following is taken fromPeter
Kalm’s Travels in North America, which includes his 16 March 1749
interview with 91--year-old Nils Justison,who had been born in
America in 1658 of Swedish parents.
Tea, coffee, and chocolate, which are at present(1749)
universally in use here, were then wholly unknown.Bread and butter,
and other substantial food, were whatthey breakfasted upon; and the
above-mentioned super-fluities have only been lately introduced,
according to theaccount of the old Swede. Sugar and molasses they
had inabundance, so far back as he could remember. Rum
couldformerly be had for a more moderate price than at present.
With the coming of the English, however, the old cus-toms
changed. When this Swede was a boy, there weretwo Swedish smiths
here [Matthias Matthiasson de Vosand Jöns Andersson], who made
hatchets, knives, andscythes, exactly like the Swedish ones, and
made themsharper than they can be gotten now. The hatchets now
inuse are often the English style, with a broad edge, andtheir
handles are very narrow. They had no jackknives.Almost all the
Swedes had bathhouses [saunas] and theycommonly bathed every
Saturday, but now these bath-houses are done away with. They
celebrated Christmaswith several sorts of games, and with various
special dishes,as is usual in Sweden; all of which is now, for the
greatestpart, given up.
“In the younger years of this Swede," Kalm contin-ued, “they
made a strange kind of cart here. They sawedoff round cross
sections of thick sweetgum logs, and usedtwo of them for the front
wheels and two more for theback wheels. With these carts they
brought home theirwood. Their sledges were at that time made almost
as theyare now, being about twice as broad as the true Swedishones.
Timber and great beams of wood were carried uponthe dray. They
baked great loaves, as they do now. Theynever had any hard,
crackerhole-bread or knäckebröd,though the clergymen who came from
Sweden commonlyhad some baked.”
After the English arrived, said old Nils, they boughtlarge
tracts of land of the Swedes for almost nothing. Thefather of the
old Swede sold an estate to the English,which at this time would be
worth 300 pounds, for whichhe got a cow, a sow, and a hundred
pumpkins.
In general, the old man lamented that conditions werenot as good
as they once were. When he was a youth,
game birds were plentiful. He once killed 23 ducks at ashot.
Kalm noted “this good luck nobody is likely to haveat present, as
you are forced to ramble about for a wholeday, without getting a
sight of more than three or four.Cranes at that time came hither by
hundreds in the spring;at present there are very few. The wild
turkeys, and thebirds which the Swedes in this country call
partridges andhazelhens, were seen in large flocks in the woods.
But atthis time a person gets tired with walking before he canstart
a single bird.”
On the other hand, “though the eatable birds havebeen diminished
greatly, yet there are others which haverather increased than
decreased in number since the arrivalof the Europeans. This can
most properly be said of aspecies of daws, which the English call
blackbirds and theSwedes ‘corn thieves.’ And with them the several
varietiesof squirrels, among the quadrupeds, have increased
also:for these and the former live chiefly upon corn, or prefer
itto anything else. As the population increases, the cultiva-tion
of corn increases, and of course the food of theabove-mentioned
animals is more plentiful.”
Old Nils also lamented the decline in the bear popula-tion. In
his youth, the bears had been very frequent here-abouts. They had
seldom attacked the cattle and whenevera bear was killed, its flesh
was prepared like pork, and thatit had a very good taste.
Cows are also not as fat as they once were. In hisyounger years
food for all kinds of cattle was so plentifuland abundant that the
cattle were extremely fat. A cow atthat time gave more milk than
three or four do at present;but she got more and better food at
that time than threeor four get now; and, as the old man said, the
scantyallowance of grass which the cattle now get in summer
isreally very pitiful.
Long after Kalm returned to Finland, then a part ofSweden, old
Nils Gustafson probably continued to recall hisyounger years on
Raccoon Creek, years that predated the for-mation of Gloucester
County. He was 96 years old when hiswill was signed (under the name
of Nicholas Justeson) on 12May 1754. He was likely over 100 when he
died, as his willwas not probated until 1 March 1759. The will was
signedwith his mark (“N”). It left his “Indian rights” (claims
thathe nourished under his father’s 1676 deed from the Indians)to
his sons Gustaf and Nicholas equally and his 100-acreplantation
“that I now live on” to his son Gustaf.
HISTORYDr. Peter S. Craig
A 1749 Interview of the Oldest Swede on theDelaware – Nils
Justison of Raccoon CreekPart 1I – continued from Swedish Colonial
News Fall ’08
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For the past 132 years a Swedish flag hasbeen standing in a
corner of Christ Church,Upper Merion, Pennsylvania. It was a gift
to thecongregation from Swedish royalty and has aninteresting
history.
When the United States celebrated its100th birthday in 1876,
Sweden and Norwaywere represented by HRH Prince Oscar, Dukeof
Gotland. Prince Oscar was born in 1859, the
second son of KingOscar II andQueen Sofia. In1879 he
becameunder-lieutenant inthe Swedish andNorwegian navyand ended his
navalcareer as vice-admi-ral in 1903. Afterleaving the servicehe
traveled aroundthe world, workingmainly with theRed Cross and
reli-gious organiza-tions.
After his mar-riage to EbbaMunck in 1888,Prince Oscar losthis
right as an heirto the Swedishthrone but wasgiven the
non-hereditary titlePrince Oscar CarlAugust of theBernadotte
family.The hereditarytitle, Count ofWisborg, was given
by his uncle, the GrandDuke of Luxembourg in1892. Count
Bernadotte diedin Stockholm in 1953.
While he was here Prince Oscarwanted to come to a service in a
churchthat the Swedish pioneers had founded.He chose the “Matsunk”
settlement, one ofthe two areas up on the Schuylkill that
WilliamPenn had given certain Swedes in exchange fortheir land on
his future site of Philadelphia. OnJuly 2nd 1876 the prince and his
entourage of75 arrived by train at Christ Church, UpperMerion, and
were received by church vestry-men, William H., and George W.
Holstein,William Rambo, Charles Morris and NathanHughes. The guests
were escorted about thechurchyard and into the church for an
historicservice and sermon by the rector, The ReverendOctavius
Perinchief. Following the service theguests were served lunch at
the nearby home ofWilliam Rambo.
During conversation it was disclosed thatthere had been a
misunderstanding of the dateof the prince and his entourage’s
arrival. Thevestry had expected them the second Sunday inJuly but
instead they arrived the second day ofJuly. The visitors all
insisted politely that theynoticed no lack of preparation. In fact
some ofthe party had such a good time they missedtheir scheduled
train back to Philadelphia.
Recalling the occasion, George WashingtonHolstein wrote: “It was
a grand sight. The offi-cers of the army and navy were a splendid
look-ing set of men, all clad in uniforms of their rank.The young
prince with several companions wasplaced in a front pew, where he
was the magnetof observation. He was about 17 years old,
andpossessed an open, manly countenance and afree unassuming
manner. The news spreadthroughout the community, and the church
10 Swedish Colonial News
HISTORIC ARTIFACTS Kenneth S. Peterson
Historic Swedish Flag is Restored
The historic Union Flag of Sweden and Norway (before
restoration) hung in Christ Church besidePaula Himmelsbach Belano’s
stained glass windows. The hand-stitched seams are noticeably
coming apart.
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becamethrongedto its utmostcapacity. Thebearing of the visi-tors
was very reveren-tial, all joining earnestly in the
service.Afterwards, at Mr. Rambo’s home the youngcadets were
especially interested in the indul-gence of copious draughts of
pure, fresh milk,supplied from neighboring dairies. A younglady
member congratulated the prince upon hishealthful physical
appearance, saying, ‘Howdelightful it must be to be a prince, with
noth-ing to do.’ He replied with emphasis, ‘Plenty todo. Oh, plenty
to do!’ Count Lewenhauptexpressed the heartfelt thanks of himself
and thevisitors for the very cordial reception and kindattentions
shown them.”
At the request of Prince Oscar the membersof Christ Church were
invited to visit his shipNorrköping of the Royal Navy of Sweden
andNorway, which was lying at anchor in theDelaware River at
Philadelphia. They acceptedand were escorted throughout the ship by
the
Swedish Colonial News 11
HISTORIC ARTIFACTS
Kenneth S. Peterson resides in Ocean County, N.J., and
isemployed at Navy Lakehurst.He is Junior Deputy Governorand
Marshal of the SwedishColonial Society. One of hisancestors was
Måns PeterssonStake, who arrived on the Örn in 1654.
The 132-year-old flag was a gift from Sweden’s Prince
Oscar(occasionally called Prince Oscar’s flag) before
restoration.Notice the hand-stitched pattern of the intact
thread.
The flag after cleaning andrestoration is displayed
forinspection at Philadelphia Textile& Object Conservation.
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HISTORIC ARTIFACTS from page 11
12 Swedish Colonial News
prince on Wednesday, July 5th. He presentedthe church members
with a gift of the ship’s flag.
This flag is different from today’s Swedishflag as we know it.
Incorporated onto the yel-low cross and blue background in the
upper leftcorner is the mark of the union of Norway andSweden. This
mark features a cross combiningthe colors of both nations and is
known as theUnion flag. It has a much darker blue back-ground,
which was the standard shade usedfrom 1844 to 1905. Norway,
previously con-trolled by Denmark, was taken into a unionwith
Sweden by treaty in 1814 as compensationfor the loss of Finland to
the Russians. Thedesign of this Swedish flag was current up
until1905, when Sweden gave Norway its independ-ence. Hans Ling,
Swedish Colonial Societymember from Uppsala, wrote, “Looking
uponthe flag one understands why it was called sill-sallat -
herring salad [by the Norwegians]. Thatis a dish with the same mix
of colors.”
It is no surprise that after 132 years this his-toric flag
showed serious signs of deterioration.The Swedish Colonial Society
and others realizedthat it was time to preserve this cultural
treas-ure. The Society joined with the W.S. HancockSociety, and
thanks to the skills of Nancy K. Loveof Philadelphia Textile and
Object Conservation,
the flag has undergone restoration. The job wascompleted
February 2009.
The flag measures 52 x 92 inches (132 x234 cm.). It is made of
linen and is both handand machine stitched. The process of
restora-tion included hand-stitching the open seams,gentle
vacuuming, wet-cleaning, grommetremoval, hole patching, and border
strip rein-forcement.
Inside Christ Church is a beautiful red gran-ite baptismal font,
which also has a connectionto the 1876 royal visit. When Christ
Church cel-ebrated its 125th anniversary in 1885, C. JulinDannfelt,
consul general of Norway and Swedenwrote: “The font was a gift of
some of theSwedish officials who had visited Christ Churchin 1876,
as a token of their honest affection. Iordered the font from the
renowned stoneworks at Västervik, from where most of the pol-ished
granite for the palaces in Berlin is bought.”Around the bowl in
gilt letters is the inscription:“Sweden’s Blessings to Sweden’s
Children.”
(Parts of this article were taken from AliceEastwick’s book,
History of Christ Church (OldSwedes), Upper Merion. Councillor and
Fellowof The Swedish Colonial Society, Mr. HansLing, of Uppsala,
Sweden, contributed to thisarticle.)
Conservator Nancy K. Love of Philadelphia Textile & Object
Conservation preparesto fold and box the restored historic flag for
delivery to its home in Christ Church.
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First of the series of anniversary events honoring thelanding of
the Swedes/Finns was the 9:30 a.m. memorialEucharist at Holy
Trinity (Old Swedes) Church. The Rev.Patricia Downing noted in her
sermon that Lent is thetime in the church year when we are to “die”
to self to be“reborn” on Easter morning. She noted that
thoseSwedish/Finnish colonists who landed here in 1638 expe-rienced
a kind of “death” to their former ways of living,leaving home and
friends to be “reborn” in a new coun-try where everything was new,
different and a struggle fordaily existence.
Following the coffee social in the Christina CommunityCenter, a
good-sized crowd made its way to the FortChristina Park, where a
Landing Day memorial wreath waslaid at the base of the Milles black
granite monument. The
Delaware Swedish Colonial Society hosted the event, during which
proclamationswere read and presented by Delaware Governor Jack
Markell,Wilmington Mayor James Baker, and representatives from
theNew Castle County Council. In his remarks, GovernorMarkell
recalled an early history lesson when he visited OldSwedes Church
and burial grounds as a fourth grader.
The concluding event of the day was the elegantForefathers’
Luncheon and annual meetings of TheSwedish Colonial Society and the
Delaware SwedishColonial Society at the Hershey’s Mill Golf Club
inWest Chester, Pa. Swedish Ambassador JonasHafström delivered the
keynote address, stressing thecontinued good relationship between
Sweden and the U. S., the possibilities afforded by the use of the
newHouse of Sweden, as the Swedish Embassy in Washington is known,
and the importance of sharing experiences for the coming Green
Revolution.
Swedish Colonial News
continued on page 14
EVENTSMax Dooley
There was a slow drizzle of rain and a light fog on themorning
of Sunday, March 29. One wonders if those werethe conditions that
greeted the small group of Swedes andFinns that landed at “the
rocks” from the Kalmar Nyckel371 years ago.
Landing DayColonialForefathers’ DayLuncheon
&
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Donna Draper and sonMilton Draper III presentcommunion elements
for theEucharistic service at HolyTrinity (Old Swedes).
13
Delaware Governor Jack Markellrecalls, with pride, his fourth
gradehistory lesson at Old Swedes.
PHOTO: EUGENE McCOY
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14 Swedish Colonial News
EVENTS from page 13
Outgoing Governor Kim-Eric Williams presented Kenneth S.
Peterson with amedallion and certificate designating him a Fellow
of the Swedish Colonial Society. Ken’sactivities and
accomplishments are too numerous to list, but suffice it to say his
contribu-tions are invaluable to any of the many Swedish
organizations of which he is a member,especially The Swedish
Colonial Society.
Newly installed SCS Governor Herb Rambo presented Robin Brown, a
reporterwith Wilmington’s News Journal, a certificate of honorary
membership in both TheSwedish Colonial Society and the Delaware
Swedish Colonial Society. During her career,Robin has been
especially diligent reporting the stories and history of New Sweden
andthe activities of the various Swedish heritage groups in the
Delaware Valley.
The successful celebrations of a full day were due to the
efforts of many people, begin-ning with the morning Eucharist at
Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church celebrated by TheRev. Patricia
Downing, the memorial wreath-laying ceremony at Fort Christina
Parkplanned and conducted by members of the Delaware Swedish
Colonial Society and the three co-chairs Marianne Mackenzie, Mary
McCoy, Doriney Seagers and their entire committeefor planning the
Colonial Forefathers’ Luncheon. Thank you for all the memories of
the day.
Wilmington News Journal reporter Robin Brown is granted
honorarymemberships in both colonial societies by incoming Swedish
ColonialSociety Governor Herb Rambo.
Kenneth S. Peterson is named a Fellow of the Swedish Colonial
Society by outgoingGovernor Kim-Eric Williams.
Left to right Swedish Colonial Society outgoingGovernor Kim-Eric
Williams, Governor Herb Ramboand Delaware Swedish Colonial Society
PresidentCanon Kenneth Gunn-Walberg
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Luncheon co-chairs Marianne Mackenzie, Doriney Seagers and Mary
McCoy.Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafström broughtgreetings from the
new House of Sweden.
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15Swedish Colonial News
FOREFATHERS
Jöns AndersonHans Gustav Ling, Uppsala, Sweden
Måns Andersson (Mounce)Jerry L. Brimberry, Lilburn, GACindy
Creighton, Amarillo, TXSarah Carter Smith Gohery, Colorado
City, TXCheryl McMillan, Burbank, CAChristina W. Lassen,
Greenville, DEBarbara Parsons, Oakdale, CANina J. Strahm, Terre
Haute, IN
Nils Andersson (Lykins)Keith Arbtin, Mountlake, WAMaria F. Barr,
Peachtree City, GAElizabeth S. Farwell, La Canada, CAJohn J. Foley,
III, St. Augustine, FLJohn Kent Kane, II, Yorktown, VAPeter Bayard
Kane, Cazenovia, NYAndrew R. Likins,
Colorado Springs, COFrances Snyder Ramirez, Tampa, FLDavid
Reese, Hazard, KYBonnie Ray Reeves, DeBary, FLAudrey Ligget Snyder,
Tampa, FLJoan Ligget Snyder, Tampa, FLBenjamin Patterson Wheat,
Arlington, VAJ. Marc Wheat, Arlington, VALaura Elizabeth Wheat,
Arlington, VA
Peter Andersson (Longacre)Howard Raymond Longacre,
Ephrata, PARaymond H. Longacre, Ephrata, PABickley Ashens
Rivera, Land o’ Lakes, FL
Anders Bengtsson (Bankson)Gail S. Bunch, Monroe, LAMartha
Bankson Lyle, Pace, FLJill M. D’Andrea, Olney, MDKatie L. Pryor,
Laurel, MSDavid E. Milam, Toney, ALPeggy Carney Troxel,
Hillsborough, NCMartha Bankston Shershin, Laurel, MSRachael Smith
Sykes, Starkville, MSBarbara Wescott, Moreno Valley, CA
Anders Svensson Bonde (Boon)Susan M. W. Leerstang,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Lars Thomasson Bjur (Boore)Elizabeth B. Beers, Baltimore,
MDElizabeth M. Cecil, Lafayette Hill, PAJames W. Marvin, Jr.,
Wyncote, PARobert F. Marvin, Wynnewood, PAWilliam F. Marvin,
Philadelphia, PASara M. Terrranova, Lebanon, NJ
Sinnick Broer (Sinnickson)Rebecca Thorne Bowman,
Houston, TXOlga Sinexon Brigham, Wilton, NHCharlotte H. B.
Dallett, Taconic, CTMichael Sayre Maiden, Jr.,
Ocean City, NJDonald Johnson Sinex, Huntington
Beach, CAAntoinette W. Sorensen, Tacoma, WAJudith Arlt Walker,
Landenberg, PA
Olof Matthiasson Isgrå (Caulk)Zebulon L. Bowman, M.D.,
Houston, TX
Otto Ernest Cock (Cox)Janet Robinson Beerits, Deer Isle, ME
Peter Larsson Cock (Cox)Emily Samson Tepe, Greenville, DEJohn B.
Tepe, Greenville, DEJohn B. Tepe, Jr., Greenville, DEVirginia
Wilson Thomas, Durham, NC
Anders Larsson DalboSandra D. Asher, Firth, NEDavid Roger
Dolbow,
Murfreesboro, TNAleasa Hogate, Pennsville, NJJoseph E. Hogate,
Jr., Judson, TX
Anders Jonsson Ekoren (Jones)William L. Hires, Haverford, PA
Garret EnochsLester W. Enochs, Terre Haute, IN
Nils Larsson Frände (Friend)Gary L. Friend, Mount Vernon,
WAJames A. Friend, Edison, NJMark A Friend, Arlington, TXRichard
Friend, Centreville, VAThomas A. Friend, Edison, NJTrissa Haefling,
Chagrin Falls, OHMarjorie Jackson, Warren, OHKevin C. Miller,
Beaverton, ORDelores E. Shade, Frederick, MDGlenn Allen Swartz,
Alexandria, VAPatricia Ann Thompson,
Adamstown, MD
Marten Gerritsen (Garrett)Stephen H. Garrett, Boothwyn, PA
Johan Grelsson (Archer)R. Michael Borland, Colora, MD
Sven Gunnarsson (Swanson)Dennis J. Cunniff, Cedar Grove,
NJIrénée du Pont, Jr., Montchanin, DEEugenia Eberle, Albuquerque,
NMJohn W. Eberle, Springfield, ILRobert M. George, Willow Grove,
PAAllyson R. E. Lomax, St. Paul, MNAudrey R. Lomax, St. Paul,
MNEmily P. Lomax, St. Paul, MNRuth E. McCullough, Williamsburg,
VACharles William Middleton, Telford, PAKirsten A. Seagers, West
Chester, PAShelly L. Seagers, West Chester, PAW. Andrew Sisson,
Somerville, MABarbara Ann Turk, Blanding, UTAnn Walz, Naperville,
IL
Johan Gustafsson (Justis)Emily Ann Dobrosavljevic, Flower
Mound, TXJohn Walton Justice, Chattanooga, TNVirginia Ann Moore,
Dallas, TX
List of Current Forefather Members [as of May 2009]Under the
By-laws of the Swedish Colonial Society, Forefather Members are
“active members who can prove descent fromSwedish colonists in the
United States prior to the Treaty of Paris, marking the close of
the Revolutionary War, in 1783.”
Doriney Seagers
continued on page 16
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16 Swedish Colonial News
FOREFATHERS
Janet Justice Papke, Sylva, NCLori Justice Smith,
Shoemakersville, PASteve Widtfeldt, Fort Worth, TX
Måns Jänsson HaltonJoyce Stevenson, Mullica Hill, NJ
Anders Hansson (Hanson)Gary L. Ball-Kilbourne, Jamestown, ND
Matts Hansson (Mattson)Lawrence Mattson, Macedon, NYRobert S.
Mattson, Vallejo, CAAndrea Mattson Posner,
Washington, DC
Israel Åkesson HelmEldon L. Angelo, Kirkland, WAAnna E. Bauer,
Haddonfield, NJMary Tomlinson Bauer,
Haddonfield, NJMarie Bates Boisvert, West Chester, PAFrederick
Robeson Miller, Lafayette
Hill, PAStephen Robeson Miller, Cambridge, MAMartha B.
Striedich, Phoenixville, PA
Johan HendrickssonRonald Henrickson, Moorestown, NJ
Johan Hendricksson (Bilderback)Marlene Dillinger Melching,
Decatur, IN
Matthias Claesson HolsteinBarry R. Holstein, Shelburns Falls,
MAHarrison G. Moore, IV, Houston, TX
Hans Hopman (Hoffman)Creston F. Laager, IV, Nassau, NY
Peter Jochimsson (Yocum)Gerald H. Barr, Warminster, PAHelene
Yocum Basile, Berwick, PALois Berry, St. George, UTY. Bernita
Bundy, Barnesville, OHPeter S. Craig, Washington, DCJoan Paver
Gleibs, Plano, TXDavid L. Greth, Reading, PAJune Yocum Greth,
Reading, PAJames Jeffrey Hepler, Middletown, DELouana G. Johnson,
Duluth, MN
Ellen Ohnmacht, North River, NYDorothy Lee Smith, Surprise,
AZDarryl Stroup, Great Mills, MDBeverly Walker, Wyndmoor, PARalph
H. Walker, Mansfield, TXKatherine Williams, Seminole, OKFrederick
W. Yocum, Jr., Brewer, MEHarold A. Yocum, Edmond, OKHoward C.
Yocum, Aston, PAJames Allan Yocum, Blue Bell, PAJames R. Yocum,
Tacoma, WA
Anders Jöransson (Anderson)Nicki F. Haas-Kovalcik, Penn,
PABarbara T. Harrell, San Antonio, TXKeli A. Kovalcik-Spiegel,
Jeannette, PA
Clement Jöransson (Clements)Louise Powell Dobbs, Calhoun, GAReva
Dillard Powell, Calhoun, GA
Jürgen Kühn (Keen)Bonnie Hillman, Seattle, WADawn A. Hillman,
Los Angeles, CAHeather L. Hillman Mutz,
Laguna Beach, CAKendra Jean Hillman, Brooklyn, NYTatnall Lea
Hillman, Aspen, COPaul J. Holsen, Fort Myers, FLRobert C. Jackle,
Westminster, MDGeorge M. Jenkins, St. Davids, PAWilliam R. Johnson,
Plymouth, MNGordon L. Keen, Bryn Mawr, PAPatricia T. Marshall,
Milford, DEDavid R. Ross, Bryn Mawr, PAMargaret Scott, Bala Cynwyd,
PASusan Thompson, Ft. Washington, PAWilliam Thompson, Ft.
Washington, PADortha Watkin, Marble Falls, TXEleanor K. Williams,
Berwyn, PA
Paul Larsson Corvhorn (Paulson)William B. Neal, Claymont, DE
Marcus Laurensen (Huling)Carla V. Chamberlain, Schellsburg,
PAVirginia Hulings Hill, Oakmont PA
Lars Carlsson LockMatthew Lee Grannell, Lancaster, PABarbara
Locke Powers, Conowingo, MD
Måns Svensson LomLeigh David Abraham, Frostburg, MDKay Jordan
Campbell, Lawrenceville, KSJames Edwards Garrett, Jr., Pegram,
TNGary Jordan, Täby, SwedenAnne L. Kerr, Marlton, NJSandra Springer
Pfaff, Haverford, PA
Nils Mattson (Nelson)John R. Daggan, Staten Island, NY
Hans Månsson (Steelman)Eugene Bocelli, Mt. Laurel, NJGloria R.
Hoppe, Big Sandy, TXJoann Klontz, Swedesboro, NJEmma Matthews,
Hamilton, NJShirley Ann Schmidt, Bordentown, NJEarl G. Stannard,
III, Andulon, NJJames F. Steelman, Ocean City, NJJeffrey B.
Steelman, Aston, PARobert B. Steelman, Bridgeton, NJRobert H.
Steelman, New York, NYWilliam D. Steelman, Moraga, CARushton D.
White, Williamsburg, VAWilliam G. White, Deptford, NJ
Knut Mårtensson (Morton)William R. Stevenson, Vero Beach, FL
Marten Mårtensson (Morton)Charles M. Allmond, III,
Wilmington, DEJane R. Buch, Tampa, FLWalley G. Francis,
Syracuse, NYTheodore J. Hazlett, Jr.,
Wilmington, DERichard Morton, West Chester, PAWilliam Ward IV,
Toughkenamon, PA
Pal Jonsson Mullica (Poulson)Morgan D. Pope, Hillsboro,
ORBarbara Jean Poulson Hines,
Uhrichsville, OHRalph E. Poulson, Jr., Powell, OH
Jonas Nilsson (Jones)Martha Dupecher, McLean, VACarol Harmon,
Traverse City, MIDoris S. Hopkins, Dataw Island, SCCarol B. Kehler,
Broomall, PAElizabeth A. McFarland, Haverford, PAEsther Ann
McFarland, Haverford, PA
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17Swedish Colonial News
FOREFATHERS
George McFarland, Jr., Haverford, PAGeorge McFarland III,
Haverford, PAMegan D. McFarland, Haverford, PALarry W. Penwell,
Arlington, VAJohn G. Taylor, Jr., Wallingford, PAJoan M. Young,
Somerdale, NJ
Samuel Petersson (Peterson)C. Matthew Peterson, Bountiful,
UT
Johan PrintzMargaretha Bengtsson,
Kungälv, SwedenJulie Gustafson, Göteborg, SwedenMonica
Gustafson, Göteborg, SwedenKerstin L. Nordenham,
Stenungsund, SwedenKarin Nordenham,
Stenungsund, SwedenSophie Nordenham, Stenungsund,
Sweden
Peter Gunnarsson RamboLewis Stetson Allen,
Prides Crossing, MAJohn Michael Baxter,
Newtown Square, PAJudy Baxter, Haverford, PAWilliam Allen
Baxter,
Center Strafford, NHAnne Marie Brancati, Wilmington, DEAlexander
G. Carson, Newark, DEKarol Flesher Childs, Sierra Vista, AZCarolyn
Rambo Cooper, Edison, GALarry R. Cornell, Aurora, OHMarie A.
Cornell, Aurora, OHBruce Runyan Engstrom,
North Little Rock, ARCynthia V. Forde, Hempstead, TXMyra
Vanderpool Gormley, University
City, WAWilliam James Hill, Mohrville, PASharon Holmberg,
Vestal, NYLinda Carol Hooper, Dallas, TXMary Ann B. Horning,
Hockessin, DEScott W. Jordan, Albuquerque, NMRobert T. Kellner,
Harrisville, PAJane R. Lohmeyer, Coatesville, PAElaRuth McCullough,
Nacogdoches, TXMary Beth McDermott,
Wilmington, DEFreda Jo Bankston Porter,
Arlington, TX
Sunshine S. Payne, Ocoee, FLEdwin S. Rambo, Ringgold, GAGlenn
Rambo, Wyomissing, PAHerbert R. Rambo, Berlin, NJJohn Gunnar Rambo,
Laurel, MDJ. H. T. Rambo, New York, NYKeith D. Rambo, Lady Lake,
FLMichael R. Rambo,
Winston-Salem, NCMichael W. Rambo, Overland Park, KSMary Anne
Robinson, Fremont, CAJean Carson Roll, Easton, MDMarianne Sandels,
Uppsala, SwedenRolf Sandels, Stockholm, SwedenEvelyn Scullawl,
Bartlesville, OKAnn Hooper Stacy, Dallas, TXJeffrey S. Waddell,
Portsmouth, RIWilliam A. West, Kansas City, MORoy White, Salt Lake
City, UT
Rev. Andreas RudmanKatharine A. E. Campbell, Malvern, PA
Johan Thorsson ScogginJohn W. Gareis, Lancaster, PA
Sven SkuteJulie Jensen Bryan, Philadelphia, PAJohn J. Hagan,
Lawrenceville, NJEllan Thorson, Annapolis, MD
Charles SpringerAnnabel C. Audet, Sacramento, CAAlice C. Byrnes,
Green Bay, WIEileen D. O’Brien, Baltimore, MDE. William Ross,
Villanova, PAGary E. Young, Centreville, MD
Måns Petersson Stake (Peterson)Kenneth S. Peterson, Whiting,
NJRobert P. Peterson, Mullica Hill, NJ
John Andersson StalcopRichard S. Baskas, Tampa, FLE. Susan Cox,
Grundy, VAJoseph J. Pepe, Clayton, NCJanet S. Rontz, Albuquerque,
NMCarlisle Skeen, Elkton, MDEdward Smith, Lincolnton, NCJanice M.
Snead, Saltville, VALarry S. Stallcup, Virginia Beach, VA
Timen Stiddem (Stidham)Frances O. Allmond, Wilmington, DEMary E.
Casseday, Lewes, DEHarold Douglas Ford,
Stone Mountain, GANoria I. Gerig, Colorado Springs, COFlorence
Oletta Hodge, Sherman, TXMargaret R. Nesbitt, Mesa, AZDonna Jean
Porter, Denver, COLynn Turner Shea, Louisville, KYRichard L.
Steadham, San Diego, CAWilliam O. Stidham, Washington, MIWalter D.
Stock, Laurel Springs, NJJohn William West, La Plata, MD
Olof Stille (Stilley)Margaret Sooy Bridwell, Berwyn, PARuthellen
Davis, Newtown Square, PAJan LeMoyne Hedges, Castle Rock, WAMildred
W. Hollander, Ames, IAJames A. Kimble, Holland, OHTimothy W.
Lockley, New Castle, PAJill W. Van Horne, Mills River, NCSandra G.
Van Amburgh,
West Chester, PAAdelaide Weidknecht, Manahawkin, NJKim-Eric
Williams, West Chester, PAMarjorie E. Williams, West Chester,
PA
Christina, mother of Elias Johnsson Toy
James W. Toy, Lawton, OK
Walraven Jansen de VosFrank Walraven, Indianapolis, IN
Johan Van Culen (Culin)Christopher Cameron, Malvern, PAJohn C.
Cameron, Malvern, PAMeghan Cameron, Malvern, PAHarvey J. von Culin,
Blue Bell, PAW. Warren von Uffel, Elliot City, MD
Jacob and Catharina Van der VeerFelicia P. Stidham, Washington,
D
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18 Swedish Colonial News
Doriney SeagersNEW MEMBERS
Keith Arbin, Mountlake Terrace, WA, descended from NilsAndersson
through his son, Peter Nilsson Laican and hisson, Anders Laican, of
Berks County, Pennsylvania.
E. Susan Cox, Grundy, VA, descended from JohanAndersson Stalcop
through his son, Peter Stalcop, and hisdaughter, Maria, who married
Hans Jurgen Smidt of Falun,Sweden and New Castle County,
Delaware.
Susan M. W. Leerstang, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, descendedfrom Anders
Swensson Bonde, through his son, NicholasBoon, and his daughter,
Catherine Boon, who married DavidHugh of Abington, Philadelphia
County, Pennsylvania.
Sandra Springer Pfaff, Haverford, PA, descended from
MånsSvensson Lom, through his daughter, Maria Lom, who mar-ried
John Mattsson and their daughter, Anna Mattson, whomarried Stephen
Jones of Gloucester County, New Jersey.
David Reese, Hazard, KY, descended from Peter NilssonLaican
through his son, Andrew Lykin, and his son, PeterLykins, of
Botetourt County, Virginia.
Edward Smith, Lincolnton, NC, descended from JohanAndersson
Stalcop through his son, Peter Stalcop, and hisdaughter, Maria, who
married Hans Jurgen Smidt of Falun,Sweden and New Castle County,
Delaware.
NEW FOREFATHER MEMBERS
___________________________________________________________________________Active
members of the Swedish Colonial Society may apply for recognition
as “Forefather Members” if they can prove descentfrom Swedish
colonists arriving in the United States prior to the Treaty of
Paris, marking the close of the Revolutionary War,in 1783.
Application forms may be obtained from the SCS website
www.ColonialSwedes.org or from Dr. Peter S. Craig, 3406Macomb
Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran
Church in AmericaMark Hanson is a Minnesota native, descended from
Swedish immigrants and a Lutheran evangelist father. Mark is the
thirdPresiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. He has a reputation as a strong advocate for social
justice.
The Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop,
Episcopal ChurchKatherine Jefferts Schori is the 26th Presiding
Bishop of the Episcopal Church. In Stockholm for the 50th
anniversary ofwomen’s ordination, she acknowledged her Swedish
great-grandfather, Carl Gävert of Norrköping, who came to America
inthe 1800s,
The Honorable Marilyn Ware, former United States Ambassador to
FinlandFollowing a career in industry, Marilyn Ware, a Pennsylvania
native, was appointed Ambassador to Finland from 2006-2008.She is
one of the founders of Janus School and the successful Lancaster
Farmland Trust. Ambassador Ware now lives inStrasburg, Pa.
HONORARY
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Eddie E. and Nancy R. Genga, Hamden, CTCarol A. and Charles H.
Likens, Dover, DEKristine Peterson and Steve Schmidt, Havertown,
PA
Mark E. Roberts and Family, Philadelphia, PAEdward Smith and
Family, Lincolnton, NCTorgny and Ann Margret Wallin, Uppsala,
Sweden
FAMILY MEMBERS
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Keith Arbtin, Mountlake Terrace, WARoberta Ruth Reno Caito,
Indianapolis, INSusan M. W. Cox, Grundy, VAMichael J. Dunn, Asbury,
MOJessica Lauren Duke, Las Vegas, NVHoward W. Gant, Warminster,
PA
Teddy Hazard, North Versailles, PASusan Leerstang, Fort
Lauderdale, FLGeorge R. Likens, Anderson, INLee Ann McNabb,
Cincinnati, OHDavid Reese, Hazard, KY
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
_________________________________________________________________________________
ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBER
____________________________________________________________________________
FamilySearch Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, Salt Lake City, UT
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19Swedish Colonial News
NEW MEMBERS
OBITUARIES
Patrons,Officers &Councillors
High PatronHis Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf
King of Sweden
Deputy High PatronHer Royal Highness
Crown Princess Victoria
PatronHis Excellency Jonas Hafström
Ambassador of Sweden
Deputy PatronHis Excellency Ulf HjertonssonConsul General of
Sweden
Associate PatronHon. Agneta Hägglund Bailey
Consul of Sweden
Honorary GovernorsThe Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric WilliamsRonald A.
Hendrickson, Esq.
Herbert R. RamboWilliam B. Neal
John C. Cameron, Esq.Wallace F. Richter
Dr. Erik G.M. Törnqvist
GovernorHerbert R. Rambo
Senior Deputy GovernorMargaret Sooy Bridwell
Junior Deputy GovernorKenneth S. Peterson
Treasurer The Rev. David B. Anderson
Financial SecretaryEmily Peg Berich
RegistrarA. Doriney Seagers
Recording Secretary Aleasa J. Hogate
Corresponding SecretaryFrances O. Allmond
ChaplainThe Very Rev. D. Joy Segal
MarshalKenneth S. Peterson
HistorianDr. Peter S. Craig, F.A.S.G.
CouncillorsBret M. Apell
Marie B. BoisvertAl CapostostoDeAnn ClancyFred DavidsonMax D.
DooleyTina Fragoso
Christina W. LassenHans Ling
Marianne E. MackenzieMary McCoy
Alfred J. NicolosiSandra S. PfaffMark E. RobertsEdith A.
RohrmanEllen T. Rye
James D. Seagers, IIEarl E. SeppäläSylvia Seppälä
Katarina K. SheronasSusan B. SpackmanRichard L.
WaldronMargaretha Talerman
Rev. Frederick S. WeiserThe Rev. Frederick S. Weiser, a Lifetime
Member of the Swedish Colonial Society, died January
26, 2009, at the York, Pa. Hospital. He graduated from
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary in 1960and was ordained in the Central
Pennsylvania Synod. Fred served as a lecturer at GettysburgCollege
and numerous pastoral assignments, including a year in Germany.
Rev. Weiser authoredseveral books with topics ranging from
theology, genealogy to German folk art. Survivors were hissister,
Harriett Russell of South Carolina, and a nephew, Mark. A memorial
service was heldFebruary 3rd with a private burial in Evergreen
Cemetery, Gettysburg, Pa.
The Swedish Colonial Society welcomes new members. No Swedish
relative orancestry is required – only an interest in colonial
history. Contact our Registrar:Doriney Seagers, 371 Devon Way, West
Chester, PA 19380 or visit us online at:www.ColonialSwedes.org. The
annual membership fee for an individual is $30.An annual family
membership, which includes two adults and minor children, is$35.
Life membership is available for $400.
New Members Welcomed Doriney Seagers resides in West
Chester,Pennsylvania, and has received the designationof Fellow of
the Swedish Colonial Society. Shehas been serving as Registrar for
the SwedishColonial Society. She is presently on the Boardof
Governors for the American SwedishHistorical Museum, a member of
VASA andother Swedish organizations.
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Swedish Colonial NewsThe Swedish Colonial Society916 South
Swanson StreetPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
19147-4332www.ColonialSwedes.org
Editor:Max [email protected]
Publisher:Cataleno & Company
Newsletter Committee:Margaret S. BridwellDr. Peter S. CraigV.
Eugene McCoyKenneth S. PetersonHerbert R. RamboEllen T. RyeA.
Doriney SeagersKim-Eric Williams
PRESORTED FIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDLAFAYETTE HILL, PA
PERMIT NO. 14
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Nearly Forgotten Heritage ofSalem County – Symposium June
6th
A symposium, The Nearly Forgotten Heritage of SalemCounty,
sponsored by the New Sweden Heritage Forum, willbe held June 6,
2009. The Symposium will explore how thefour cultures—Lenape,
Swedish/Finnish, Dutch andEnglish—influenced the development of
Salem County in the17th century. Location: Trinity United Methodist
Church inPennsville, N.J., starting at 10 a.m.
In conjunction with the symposium, Salem County’shigh school
students were encouraged to research their rootsduring an essay
contest conducted during March and April.The contest winners will
be awarded their cash prizes at theconclusion of the program.
Following the symposium, a commemorative ceremonywill be held at
the Riverview Beach Park to mark the fifthanniversary of the
dedication of the New Sweden HeritageMonument and to recognize the
400th anniversary of NewNetherlands.
For additional information: Phone: 302-429-0464 or856-678-5511
or e-mail [email protected], check New Sweden Centre
calendar of events onwww.colonialnewsweden.org.
The Ninth National Stiddem/Stidham/Stedham Family Reunion
The Timen Stiddem Society will hold its 9th reunion
inWilmington, Del., June 26-28, 2009. Wilmington is celebratedas
the place of origin for the Stiddems/Stidhams/Stedhamsand is one of
the favorite cities for their reunions.
The reunion gets underway Friday evening at theBrandywine Suites
Hotel with light refreshments and informalget reacquainted
sessions.
The Saturday program begins with a guided bus tour tomany New
Sweden sites important to the Stiddem/Stiddham/Stedham family. It
begins at the New SwedenCentre, where a new miniature historical
figure representingTimen Stiddem will join the other heritage
figures on display.Other Wilmington stops include Holy Trinity (Old
Swedes)Church; Clifford Brown Walk & 15th Streets, site of
TimenStiddem’s home; New Sweden Heritage Monument inPennsville,
N.J.; Salem City Log Cabin; Trinity Old Swedes,Swedesboro, N.J.;
and the Finnish monument in Chester, Pa.
Information and registration details, contact DavidStidham,
615-791-9094 or [email protected] (Membersof the Swedish
Colonial Society and guests are welcome.)