The Swedish Side of the Family
What lies below is also what can be found in somewhat more useful PDF versions in the family Google Drive. It originates from a rich and full family tree put together by Elon Gustafson, Mildred March, and Lucile Coe. It has a great deal of family history as far back as 1754 with Rev. Seth Kellogg and 1801 with Benjamin March and into the names that come to mind more readily with the March line and Gustafson line.
The Gustafson Family (and earlier)
I recommend reading through the family tree and the letters from Mildred March to the March Clan. There are pieces of context and information that are connected and come together in the family's local history. Then later, the Swedish extension of the family reconnected to Elon Gustafson, and the network of connections grew deeper and a bit more challenging to draw the through lines with. As this project grows, I expect this to grow more as well, with additional entries that don’t fit well and finding a home in blog posts that take a deeper dive.
The family history has two main branches with the Coe, Gustafson, Baker, March, Kellogg leniage, with a significant branch at the Gustafson line that brings the conversation back to Sweden.
The Gustafson Family Tree (in the USA at Least)
December 1953 and later, from Milded March to the March Clan
Oliver Kellogg and Sarah Sherwood circa 1788
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The History of Ogle County with a specific interest in Oliver Kellogg.
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A note about the History of Lee County about Oliver White Kellogg and Sarah Sherwood.
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Notes from an 1850 Census detailing Benjamin March as a Blacksmith in New Hampshire.
Roes were Founders of Lighthouse Church
The Dixon Telegraph
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May 5, 1873
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TERRIBLE CALAMITY
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The Dixon Telegraph - May 5, 1873 - TERRIBLE CALAMITY -
Irene Baker, sister of Sarah Baker. The daughters of Eli Bradford Baker and Ann Elizabeth Kellogg.
Tragedy Strikes Dixon, Illinois
TERRIBLE CALAMITY
The bridge collapsed with terrifying force, leaving devastation in its wake. It's believed that over 200 individuals were on the bridge at the time of the disaster. Sadly, many perished, and numerous others were wounded.Mrs. P. M. Meander, previously reported wounded, succumbed to her injuries this morning. Mrs. Daniel Cheney's condition is improving, while Mr. Charles May has a leg fracture and other injuries but is recovering. Mrs. May is also comfortable and improving. Miss Ella Campbell of Descent Mound, severely injured, is reportedly stable. Addison Gema is not seriously hurt, and Mr. Cook is also in stable condition. Mrs. Vann is not expected to survive, but there's some improvement noted this morning.Several individuals in buggies were on the bridge, miraculously escaping injury. Dr. C. J. Reynolds, J. I. Downey, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler, John Eustace, George Morris, and W. Shillcook were among them. One buggy remains lodged on a bent portion of the bridge.Reports suggest that several children's bodies have been found at Sterling and Rock Falls, though the accuracy of these reports is uncertain.Despite the chaos, heroic acts abound. Jacob Armstrong Jr., trapped in the wreckage, managed to crawl out and assist others. Charles McBridge's courageous efforts saved many lives, including that of Mrs. Dr. Smith's child. Unfortunately, Mrs. McBridge remains missing.Tom Brantton, an 8-year-old boy, clung to a plank and was rescued downstream. Mr. Patrick and Will Davis bravely saved numerous lives, even fashioning a makeshift raft.Efforts to recover bodies are underway, with some found as far as a mile downstream. A derrick has been erected to aid in the retrieval process.The full extent of the tragedy is still unknown, with fears that many missing individuals may be trapped within the bridge's wreckage. Survivors are nursing various injuries, with hopes for their speedy recovery.Mrs. Wilson remains alive, raising hopes for her recovery. C. Barih, P. Downey, Will Summich, Joseph Hagan, Thomas Mountain, Mrs. Hampton, and others sustained injuries but are expected to recover.We provide this update hastily, as it encapsulates the grim aftermath of the disaster. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking event, including Mrs. Hendrix's two children and Joseph W. Sias, who suffered a leg injury. Mrs. Lilly and Mrs. Loftland are also among the injured, facing a difficult road to recovery.The Death of Irene Baker, Sister to Sarah Baker.
The Swedish Family Continued
The Swedish Family Continued
Olof Esping mailed a letter to Elon Gustafson in 1992, a reconnection to the family line. Olof Esping wrote a letter internationally to Elon Gustafson that made the connection to the side of the family that left the family and went to America from Jönköping Sweden.
My grandfather Johan Johansson on my mother’s side was brother to your grandmother Leontino born 9.9.1855 in Lekerjist outside Jönköping and my grandmother on my mothers side was sister to your grandfathr earl Johan Gustafson born in Säby 3.1.1852.
There are multiple correspondences about the Swedish Family Connection after this contact, and the picture is slowly built to develop an understanding of where the Gustafson family came from.
Letter from Olof Esping, Swedish Family 1992
Swedish Family Tree from Olof Esping
Swedish Family Tree from Olof Esping
Swedish Family from Olog Esping
