Coming to America

In 1865, there were approximately 25,000 Swedes in America. By 1890, the United States Census shows the Swedish-American population at nearly 800,000. About 1,300,000 left Sweden for America between 1820 and 1920, peaking in 1880 when the Ekquists came, and the Lundwalls came a year or two later.

Crop failures in Sweden, a poor economy, pending military service, glowing accounts from emigration agents, availability of free land, religious persecution, and letters from friends or relatives telling of work available in the United States, all played a part. The letters told of forests, lakes, and climate similar to Sweden, with less light at night in the summer and less darkness during the day in the winter. The Swedes were farmers, also experienced working in woods and mines -- work available in Upper Michigan, Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. The cost of crossing the Atlantic also dropped by more than half between 1865 and 1890, and even poorer Swedes were now able to emigrate.

Mines were opening in Florence, Iron Mountain, Iron River and the area around Marquette. Pine logging was in full force during the 1880s and the virgin stands lasted until 1920. The peak of the great timber harvest was reached in 1889-1890 when mills cut a total of 5.5 billion board feet of lumber, mostly pine in Michigan alone. Swedes were in great demand. The U.S. Homestead Act beginning in 1862 was a big draw, offering 160 acres of free land for building a house, clearing the land, and living there for five years, only a dream in Sweden.

The Baptist church was built in Homestead. Grandma Teckla and Grandpa Oscar were married by a Baptist minister in Iron Mountain. Grandma Teckla later was a member of the Baptist Temperance Society. Baptists were not treated well in Sweden. Fines, imprisonments, seizure of property were common. Babies were forcibly removed from their parents and baptized in Lutheran churches. One Baptist minister was brought before the courts sixteen times, imprisoned six times, shackled for many days, and paid a large fine. Persecutions were instigated by State clergy or approved by them. The Swedish Lutheran Church was created by Gustav Vasa in 1527 and part of the government until just a few years ago in 2000.

The United States was considered the land of opportunity, where it was possible to live a good life. Life as hard as it seems, may have been full of hope for the future and for their children. After five years, our great-grandparents fulfilled a dream; they now owned 161-3/4 acres free and clear.