Sodergren family sails from Sweden in early spring ... and finally arrives in America on May 5, 1880

.
City of Berlin

Per (Peter) Johan (John)August SODERGREN
Birth: 6 DEC 1850 in South VI parish Ramsjafall Sodravi Socken (Sweden)
Death: 7 DEC 1908 - buried New Sweden Cemetary - Lockridge, Iowa
Marriage: Johanna (Hannah) MANSON (Magnisdotter) - 28 DEC 1871 in Ramsjofall Sodravi Socken Denb: in Lodhult Norrawi Socken (Sweden)
Hanna Birth: 11 SEP 1847
Hannah Death: 3 FEB 1939, Lockridge, IA
John's Mother and Father (Grandparents, Siblings)

Father: Peter Magnus Persson SODERGREN b: 4 APR 1823 in South VI parish Kalmar Lan (County) Sweden
Mother: Maria Charlotta AMUNDSDOTTER b: 6 OCT 1827 in South VI parish Kalmar Lan
(County) Sweden Peter Johan (naturalized name John) August was the second child of Peter and Maria and he was born at Ramsjofall (now Ramsefall) Sodra VI, Calmar Lan Sweden. Peter John, or John as he was better known in this country, at the age of 21, married Johanna Manson (Magnisdotter) of Norrawi Socken, Sweden. The services were held at Ramsjofall and were performed by Pastor W. Wiltner.
In the early spring of 1880 they left Sweden
with their four children and
arrived in America on May 5, 1880. Having earlier corresponded with a Mr. Cassell, they began their trip west to join his Swedish group at New Sweden, Iowa. Early photo of New Sweden church

After working for some of the farmers, they decided to purchase some land and built their home about 1 mile south of the New Sweden Lutheran Church, which is located about a mile west of Four Corners in Jefferson County.
John served as a custodian for a number of years at that church where the family was a member. John and Hanna farmed until his death, and the farm sale was held the next spring.
Hannah then moved into Lockridge, living alone until she was unable to care for herself, at which time she made her home with her son Victor and his wife Clara in Lockridge.
This couple found rest in the New Sweden Lutheran Cemetary.







The authors and family visited the Church and cemetary and
found both to be well-cared for and the gravestones easy to locate.
New Sweden Church and cemetary today.

Below:..... from a copy that someone wrote out on lined notebook paper,
the copy being at least 65 years old, and possibly translated from the newspaper article.

P. J. Sodergren was born in Ramsjofall, Sodra Vi Socken Kalmar County, Sweden the 6th of December 1850, died in New Sweden, Ia Dec. 7, 1908. He was brought together in marriage with Hanna Magnusdotter Dec 28 1872, came to American 1880 and has been living in New Sweden since then.
Their marriage was blessed with 10 children, 1 died in early years before the father
passed away, leaving me, a mourning wife, and 9 children, 13 grandchildren,
2 sisters-in-law, 4 brothers-in-law, mother and a sister, 3 brothers in Sweden,
1 brother and 1 sister in this country.
His health has ben bad for many years, but he has carried his sufferings with patience, but longs home to be with Jesus whom he loved. Vi don't mourn as those mourn who have no hope. Psalm 499. Farewell, yes farewell, in a short while we will see you, oh husband, again yet a few days of frustrations and struggle, then we shall also pass away in peace to the home up there.

New Sweden, Ia, December 30, 1908
"Hannah Sodergren and the children"
NOTE: Click directly on pictures to see larger size Click here for individual histories
then BACK arrow or HOME to return

Public Sale that followed on March 15, 1909

PUBLIC SALE

I will offer at public sale on my farm 2-1/2 miles northwest of Lockridge

and 2-1/2 miles northeast of Glendale, Ia.,
on MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1909.

Beginning at 10 o'clock a.m. sharp the following.

4 Head of horses - consisting of a black team of geldings,
one gray gelding, and one gray family mare.
8 Head of Cattle - 3 milk cows, 2 fresh lately, 1 coming fresh; yearling
Short Horn bull, yearling steer, 3 yearling heifers, suckling bull calf.
10 Head of Hogs - All Durocs. Sow with 8 pigs, 1 sow,
weight about 200 lbs.

Farming Implements, etc. - High wheel wagon, almost new;
low wheel steel wagon, nearly new; spring wagon, buggy, buggy pole,
disc harrow, hay rack, three-section harrow, two riding cultivators,
mower, hay rake, Hornet seeder,Blue Star corn planter, single shovel plow,
two walking plows,walking cultivator, sulky plow; about 100 ft. each
of 5/8, 3/4 and 1 inch steel hoisting cable, lot of seasoned oak posts.

3 sets work harness, set single harness, set double driving harness,
if not previously sold, saddle and riding bridle, several collare and pads,
five dozen chickens, about 100 bu. Big 4 seed oats, about 100 bu. corn,
about 3 bu. clover seed, about 4 bu. timothy seed, some hay in barn,
water tank and wagon, Remington typewriter, Columbia graphophone
and 16 records, garden and wood tools, some household goods
and other articles not enumerated.

Terms - Nine month's time on $5 and over;
purchase to give bankable note; under $5, cash

HANNAH SODERGREN

Wenger Bros., Austioneers
J. M. Overstrom, Clerk.

Hannah Sodergren Passes Away - Feb. 3, 1939

Lockridge, Iowa, February 9, 1939
Hannah M. Sodergren

Hanna Monson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Monson, was born on September 11, 1847, Norrawi, Socken, Sweden, and passed away at the home of her son on February 3, 1939, at the age of 91 years, 4 months and 23 days.

On December 18, 1871, she was united in marriage to Peter John Sodergren at Ramsjafall Sodrawi, Sweden, where they lived for nine years.

Hearing glowing reports from relatives who had come to America, they decided to bring their four children, Charles, Charlotta, August and Matilda to this country and early in April, 1880, they left Sweden and arrived at New York harbor on May 5.

They came directly to Fairfield where they spent the night at the Corey home and the next day were taken to the New Sweden settlement where they established a new home.

Six more children were born here, Selma, Hilma, Victor, Paul, Elmer and Archie.

Her husband passed away on December 7, 1908, and two sons and two daughters preceded her in death.

Those left to mourn her passing are:
E.A. of Olds,
Selma Danielson of Fosston, Min.,
P. F. of Dixon, Ill.,
Hilma Messer and
V. O. Sodergren and
A. L. of Fairfield,

also twenty-eight grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren.

She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the age of fourteen and remained a faithful member of the church. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Trinnity Lutheran church in Lockridge and short services at the grave in New Sweden Cemetary, where she was laid to rest beside her husband.

Pallbearers were Clifford, Paul and Howard Messer, Wesley Sodergren, Norton Carlson and Andy Anderson. Services were in charge of Rev. Ragnar Kastman.

Card of Thanks: We wish to thank the many friends and neighbors who were so kind during the illness and death of our dear mother. Also the singers and for the beautiful flowers.

E.A. Sodergren, Mrs. Hilma Messer, Mrs. Selma Danielson, V. O. Sodergren, P. F. Sodergren, A. L. Sodergren

Children of John and Hannah SODERGREN

The ten children of John and Hannah SODERGREN

Family Photo Links - Small or Very Large

Click here to see all on one page, or below to see individual history

1. Charles Johan Hjalmer - Birth: 6 JUL 1873 - Death: 3 FEB 1937

2. Charlotte Efav Cecilia - Birth: 22 NOV 1874Death: 30 APR 1922

3. August Amon - Birth: 11 SEP 1876 in Sidra Wi Sweden - Death: 19 APR 1955

4. Mathilda Louisa - Birth: 14 Oct 1878 - Death: 14 Sep 1911

5. Selma Christina - Birth: 7 JUL 1881 - Death: 23 OCT 1965

6. Hilma Sophia - Birth: 9 NOV 1883 - Death: 12 AUG 1967

7. Victor Oliver - Birth: 13 DEC 1885 - Death: 9 JAN 1970

8. Paul Fredrick - Birth: 21 JAN 1888 - Death: 4 AUG 1958

9. Elmer Edward - Birth: 12 DEC 1890 - Death: 21 - MAR 1891

10. Archie Lavis (Louis) - Birth: 8 MAY 1894 - Death: 1 SEP 1967

Charles Johan Hjalmer SODERGREN - first child of Peter (JOHN) and Hannah Sodergren

Charles Johan Hjalmer SODERGREN
Sex: M
Birth: 6 JUL 1873
Death: 3 FEB 1937
Marriage Mary Alice Fry Powers on 22 JUN 1904
Mary Birth: 2 FEB 1878
Mary Death: 16 MAY 1933

Charles John Elmer Sodergren was the firstborn of John and Hannah Sodergren, and he spent the first 7 years of his life in his native land, Sweden, after which he made the journey to this country in 1880 with his parents.

Reference is made in the Fairfield Public Library of Charles and two of his sisters attending school at the new building at Four Corners, finished in 1890. They were 3 of the 56 pupils listed for the 1890-91 school year. The pupils ranged in age from 5 to 21 years. Photo of the schoolhouse as it stands today

On March 18, 1896 the following article appeared in the Fairfield Ledger: FOUND BURIED TREASURE

For more than a quarter of a century Jacob Schultze made his home on a little farm near Glendale. He led a lonely and retired life, was almost miserly in his habits, and it was generally supposed was possessed of considerable money. When Mr. Schultze died about a year ago, the heirs to his estate were unable to find his money, and a report arose that it was buried on the farm. The place was sold to Miss Mary Damm, and was recently leased to Charles Sodergren. While the latter was repairing a stable a few days ago he discovered a tin can containing $500 in gold and greenbacks. Mr. Sodergren notified administrator Main of Burlington to his find, and the latter took possession of the money as part of the estate. It is said that the deeds under which Miss Damm took possession of the farm conveyed to her not only the real estate, but all personal property thereon, and that she will make claim to the money found by Sodergren.

Charles and Mary Alice (Mayme) Fry (Powers, adopted name) of Keokuk were married in 1904 in Burlington and and spent their married life in that city where Charles worked as a machinist for the Murry Iron Works.

The couple found their resting place at Memorial Park Cemetary in Burlington, Iowa.

Click here to see family photo: John, Hannah, children & spouses
including Charles and Mary Alice

Children:

Francis Virginia - b: 8 DEC 1906
Click here to see Four generations: Hannah Sodergren,
son Charles, his daughter Francis and her baby, Shirley Ann, b: 1930?)

Alice Evelyn - b: 20 MAR 1908

Florence Mildred - b: 24 APR 1911
Married: Laurence Albert Hoffeditz
Children:
Laurence George Hoffeditz b: 22 JAN 1931
Married briefly - Div. 1952
Children:
Vicki Kay - Children: 1 boy, 1 girl (four great grandchildren)
Married: Marion M. Amidon - b: 31 JAN 1934 - d: MARCH 2004
Children:
David Laurence - b: 9 MAY 1954
Daniel Lee - b: 1 NOV 1955
Thomas Elliott - b: 2 APRIL 1957
Laurie Elaine - b: 9 MAY 1959
Paul Alan - b: 31 JAN 1963

Laurence grew up in Burlington and attended school there until his Freshman year when the family moved to Rock, Island, Ill. He graduated from Sherrard High in May 1949. He then enlisted in the Army in the fall of 1949 and served in Arkansas and Colorado until July of 1951. He worked as a printing pressman at the Rock Island Argus and Moline Dispatch for 33 years, and 7 years at Bawdan Printing in Eldridge, Ia before retiring in January 1963. The family lived in Reynolds, Ill for 30 years, and in 2000 they built a new home on two acres south of Andulsia, Ill where Laurence still currently resides (2009).

Evelyn Jeanne - b: 1936 (Logan)

John Joseph "Dutch" - b: 4 NOV 1937 d: 5 JAN 2002
Married: Vera K. Mc Daniel on 9 Sept. 1963
Children:
John
Joe
Michael "Tony"
Rene (Moore)
Roxanna (Price)
Rita (Peek)
Lisa (Wynn)
Jean (Duffy)
Tera Hoffeditz
Sara Hoffeditz

Mary Florence - b: 1939

Edna Charlotte - b: 8 MAR 1913

Eva Charlotta SODERGREN - second child of John and Hannah Sodergren

Charlotta Efav Cecilia SODERGREN
Sex: F
Birth: 22 NOV 1874
Death: 2 MAY 1922

Eva Charlotta, as she was christened, also was born in Sweden and came to the U.S. with her parents in 1880. She spent her childhood near the Four Corners-Lockridge area. Lottie, as she was nick named, married Frank Carlson of Burlington, and lived there when first married. When John and Selma Danielson (a sister and brother-in-law) moved to Minnesota about 1913, they moved there too, and he farmed. They later moved back to their home in Burlington where she died at an early age. Frank lived there for awhile and later moved to Illinois to be near some of his brothers. He died in that state. Lottie was buried in Burlington, IA.

Children of Lottie and Frank:

Norton L
Frances
Le Roy - no further information

Norton Carlson - one child Thelma - last known address information - San Bernadino, CA area

Frances Carlson - one child - Harry Burdick - last known information - Roy, Utah
Harry Burdick - four or five children:
Wayne
Dale
Merlyn
Arlys

Eva Charlotte Sodergren passes away - May 2, 1922

Obituary (1922)

Eva Charlotte Sodergren was born Nov. 22nd, 1874 at Sodre ve Socken, Sweden. The family came to America in 1880 and settled in Jefferson County. She was confirmed in the Lutheran church at New Sweden in 1889.

Oct. 3, 1899, she was married to Frank C. Carlson and all their married life was spent in Burlington until ten years ago the family moved to Minnesota.

She died May 2, age 48 years, 5 months and 10 days.

Besides the sorrowing husband, she leaves the following children:

Frances Matilda, now Mrs. Harry Burdick of Burlington,
Victor LeRoy and
Norton La Verne at home.

Two grandsons, Wayne and Dale Burdick of Burlington also mourn the loss of a devoted grandmother.

Besides these she leaves her aged mother, Mrs. Hanna Sodergren of Lockridge,
and the following brothers and sisters:

August of Olds,
Charles and Archie of Burlington,
Paul of Dixon, Ill,
Victor of Lockridge,
Mrs. Garfield Messer of Lockridge, and
Mrs. John Danielson of Fosston, Minn.

Edmond August SODERGREN - third child of John and Hannah Sodergren

August Amon SODERGREN
Sex: M
Birth: 11 SEP 1876 in Sidra Wi Sweden
Death: 19 APR 1955

Marriage: Carrie Hauenstein on 3 APR 1904
(Wedding photo right)
Carrie Birth: 4 AUG 1884
Carrie Death: 15 JUN 1961
Couple found rest at Center Cemetary, NE of Wayland in Henry County Iowa

Hauenstein (Sodergren) Family Photos
Edmond August Sodergren was a child of four years when he made the six week trip to the United States. August, as he was known, left home at about the age of 14, and walked the distance to Wayland, IA, having to ford the Skunk River on his way. There he made his home with his uncle, Carl Sodergren, and family, working in Carl's carriage and wagon shop, thus learning the arts of carpentry.

On the third of April, 1904, he married Carrie Hauenstein, the daughter of John and Gertrude Hoffmeier Hauenstein who farmed a couple miles northwest of Olds, Iowa. They lived with Carrie's parents for a time, then purchased a farm of their own NE of Olds. In 1923 August and Carrie had their farm sale and moved to the town of Olds with their two daughters.
For several years after that August worked for Henry Co. Maintenance Crew running a road grader. He later worked for the Spahn and Rose Lumber Co. in Olds, building almost everything, including hog houses, loading chutes, pick-up racks, fed bunks, and even ox-yokes, although they were nearly a thing of the past at that time.
Children - two daughters
Martha Elizabeth Sodergren
Esther Blanche Sodergren

Martha Elizabeth Sodergren (Anderson) - first daughter of August and Carrie (Hauenstein) Sodergren

Martha Elizabeth Sodergren

Birth: 28 Jan 1908 in Olds, Henry, Iowa, USA
Death: 7 Sep 1985
Marriage: Elsworth (Andy) A. Anderson, 5 Dec 1932

Children (5) of Martha and Andy

They are the great, great, great grand-children of Peter Persson SODERGREN, the great, great grand-children of Peter Magnus Persson SODERGREN, great grand-children of Per (Peter) Johan (John) August SODERGREN, grand children of August Amon SODERGREN, and children of Martha Elizabeth (Sodergren) and Elsworth Anderson.

Elva Marie Anderson Waters - b: 1 JUN 1934 at Perry, IA - d:
Marriage: 10 OCT 1958 to Norman Richard Waters - b: 22 SEP 1932 at Crawfordsville, IA - d:
Children (2)
Jo Ellyn Sue Waters - b: 17 JUNE 1959 at Mt. Pleasant, IA - d:
Marriage: 28 JUNE 1980 to Robert D. Owens
Children (1)
Erin Elizabeth - b: 31 MAY 1987
Scott Richard Waters - b: 28 AUG 1963 at Mt. Pleasant, IA - d:
Marriage: 11 APR 1987 to Peggy Alma Lynn Doyle - b: 13 JAN 1963

Alice May Anderson - Died at birth in 1936, buried Center Cemetary

Richard Leroy Anderson - b: 7 JUL 1938 - d:
Marriage: 24 SEP 1965 to Jeanette Marie Mangler
Children (4)
John M
Tammie
Mark
Paul

John Robert Anderson - b: 5 MAR 1940 - d: 12 MAY 1981 - buried at Silent City Cemetary, Monroe, Iowa
Marriage: 29 FEB 1964 to Clara Margaret Vaught

Baby boy Anderson, died at birth in 1945, buried Center Cemetary


Martha E. Sodergren Anderson
Olds IA Henry County
Bio:
Martha Elizabeth Sodergren Anderson was born to August and Carrie Hauenstein Sodergren on January 28, 1908 on a farm in Wayne Township County of Henry near the town of Olds, Iowa. Martha had a sister, Esther Blanche Sodergren Duncan, born on September 7, 1912 at the same location. Esther died of Leukemia on December 1, 1984.

Martha attended her grade and high school years in Olds, Iowa where she graduated from Olds Consolidated High School in May 1926. She attended Iowa State College from fall quarter 1926 thru winter quarter 1929, where she stayed in Margaret Hall. Margaret Hall has been torn down, and the present Home Economics building was extended to the area which previously had been the sight of Margaret Hall. Martha majored in Home Economics and was a member of the group of girls who was known as, "The Gang."

The gang's members were Martha Sodergren Anderson, Martha Canby, Cory Osa Young, Cory Giddeon, Esther Bakehouse, Fern White, Alice Whetstone, Soultz (Marion) Hilda Block, Marian Isminger Branson, and Nadine Drayer. Martha then transferred to Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls for spring and summer of 1929 in order to begin her teaching career. Martha taught at Toddville, Stanwood, Crawfordsville, Consolidated Winfield-Mt. Union WACO, and Mt. Pleasant Community Schools.

Martha married Elsworth A. Anderson on December 5, 1932 in Elizabeth, Illinois. To this union was born five children: a daughter, Elva Marie Anderson Waters, on June 1, 1934; a stillborn daughter in 1936; a son, Richard Leroy Anderson, on July 7, 1938; another son, John Robert Anderson, born on March 5, 1940 (and died on May 12 1981); a stillborn son in 1945. J. Robert Anderson worked in the business office at Iowa State University while his wife Clara was attending and graduating from Iowa State University. Martha taught home economics, second grade, and special education. She graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa in 1963. Later, she continued her education at the University of Iowa, working on a Master's degree.
Martha had six grandchildren: John M. Tammie; Mark and Paul Anderson; and Jo Ellyn Waters Owens, a graduate of Iowa State University in Accounting in 1981; a grandson-in-law, Robert D. Owens, graduated from Iowa State University in Construction Engineering in May 1984; and a grandson, Scott Richard Waters, who attended Iowa State University for three years.
Jo Ellyn, Robert and Erin Owens Scott Waters, and daughter Elva Anderson Waters are the ones responsible for the brick with Martha E. Sodergren Anderson's name and donation to the "Carrie Chapman Catt Foundation."

Martha's most proud moment was when she had three grandchildren go to Iowa State University and graduate. Martha found it necessary to graduate from another college, but her true love was always ISU, and if she were alive today (she died Sept. 7 1985 on her sister's birthday from Pancreatic Cancer), she would be overwhelmed with joy at being one of more than 2,500 women honored in "The Plaza of Heroines", honoring the renovation of "Old Botany" on the Iowa State University campus.

-By Elva Anderson Waters 5/95
Honored by: Jo Ellyn, Robert and Erin Owens Scott Waters, and daughter Elva Anderson
Brick Location Section: E Row: 5

Esther Blanche Sodergren (Duncan) - second daughter of August and Carrie (Hauenstein) Sodergren

Esther Blanche SodergrenBirth: 07 Sep 1912 in Olds, Henry, Iowa, USA
Death: 1 Dec 1984, buried Center Cemetery, Wayland, IA
Marriage: Arthur Le Moine Duncan, 28 Feb 1937 In Mediapolis, IA
Arthur birth: 23 Aug 1904

Arthur death: 8 Oct 2001, buried Center Cemetery, Wayland, IA

They had two children

Elaine Louise Duncan Scillo, May 12, 1941
Paul Royce Duncan, September 26, 1946.

Link to A. L. DUNCAN family history

Mathilda Louisa SODERGREN - fourth child of John and Hannah Sodergren

Mathilda Louisa SODERGREN
Sex: F
Birth: 14 Oct 1878
Death: 14 Sep 1911
Marriage: Fred Kroeger, 25 Jun 1902
Fred Birth: 15 Oct 1877
Fred Death: 29 Aug 1966

Mathilda Louisa Sodergren was the fourth child in the family, and was also born in Sweden, coming to this country at the age of 19 months. She grew up in the New Sweden home and married Mr. Fred Kroeger. They spent their married life in Burlington where Fred worked for the CB and Q Railroad. Tillie died at the young age of 33. Fred remarried in 1912 and continued to live in Burlington. He worked for the railroad for over 40 years, and retired to become secretary and club manager for the Moose Lodge in Burlington. This couple found rest at the Aspen Grove Cemetary in Burlington, IA.

Children of Tillie and Fred:

Harold Fredrick - Birth: 31 MAR 1903
Married: 17 JUN 1931 to Berdena Gertrude Kline, born 25 JUL 1904

Mrytle Louise: - Birth: 14 MAY 1905
Married: King (no further information)

Two Children born to Harold and Berdena:
Robert Frederick - b: 16 JUN 1936
Married: 28 AUG 1964 - to Joyce Eileen Johnson - b: 24 OCT 1939
Nancy Joan - b: 26 AUG 1938
Married: 29 JUL 1966 - to Kenneth Robert Scarbrough - b: 22 DEC 1938

One daughter born to Mrytle Louise:
Mary Ann King - b: 14 MAR 1938
Married: Jacob Ausec, Jr. (divorced)

Selma Christina SODERGREN - fifth child of John and Hannah Sodergren

Selma Christina SODERGREN
Sex: F
Birth: 7 JUL 1881
Death: 23 OCT 1965
Marriage: 31 MAR 1901 to John Alof Danielson - b: 9 Jan 1877 - d: 4 FEB 1957

Selma Christina Sodergren was the fifth child in the family but the first to be born in this country. She was born at the farm home in New Sweden and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Selma became the bride of John Alof Danielson. the son of Albert and Lottie Danielson who lived in the same area. They were married at New Sweden and lived at Lockridge until 1913, when they moved to St. James, Minn. They farmed there until 1920 when they again moved, this time to Fosston, Minn. They were active memebers of the First English Church in Fosston. Selma and John farmed until they retired and moved into Fosston, where John became a night policeman and Selma did some babysitting. Their health was good until the last, and both enjoyed travel. Just before John's death they made a visit to California, visiting their family for 2 months. He did some gardening as they had lived in cold country and he really enjoyed planting a garden in January!
This couple found rest at the Rose Hill Cemetary in Fosston, Minn.

Children of Selma and John

Carl Henry - b: 7 FEB 1902
Married: 19 NOV 1927 to Anna Clarice Tollefson - b: 17 MAR 1907
Raymond Paul - b: 13 JUN 1903
Elsie Charlotte - b: 29 JUN 1906
Leslie V - b: 14 FEB 1908
Gilbert Russell - b: 2 MAY 1911

Hilma Sofia SODERGREN - sixth child of John and Hannah Sodergren

Hilma Sophia (Sophie) SODERGREN
Sex: F
Birth: 9 NOV 1883 in Lockridge Township, Jefferson County, Iowa
Death: 12 AUG 1967 in Fairfield, Iowa
Marriage: Garfield Messer - 12 FEB 1906
b: 6 FEB 1881 in Rome, Trenton Township, Henry County, Iowa
d: 26 SEP 1968

Hilma Sophia was born at the farm home at New Sweden, Iowa. She married Garfield Messer at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa where his parents farmed NW of the city. Several generations of Garfield's family had lived in Iowa, but came originally from New York state, and at one time owned the land where a part of New York city now stands.

Hilma and Garfield lived on a farm south of Lockridge and in Lockridge until they retired and moved to Fairfield in 1951.
This couple found rest at Evergreen Cemetary at Fairfield, Iowa.

Children (8)

Violet May Messer - b: 21 MAY 1907
Clifford Cornelius Messer - b: 10 Oct 1908 - d: 19 Nov 1968
Paul Virgil Messer - b: 21 Jan 1910 in Round Prairie, Jefferson, IA,
Blanche Elizabeth Messer - 22 MAY 1911
Thelma Bernice Messer - b: 12 May 1915
Howard Archie Messer - 10 NOV 1918
Wayne Garfield Messer - b: 19 MAY 1921 (other info 19 MAY 1924) - d: 8 Aug 1965
Russell Keith Messer - b: 29 JUL 1926 - d: 29 Aug 1928

Victor Oliver SODERGREN - seventh child of John and Hannah Sodergren

Victor Oliver SODERGREN
Sex: M
Birth: 13 DEC 1885
Death: 9 JAN 1970
Marriage: Clara May Turner in Burlington, IA on 2 SEP 1914
Clara birth: 5 DEC 1890
Clara death: 14 JAN 1973

Victor Oliver, the seventh child, was born at the family farm home at New Sweden. He married Clara May Turner at Burlington, Iowa. Clara's father was James Turner and her mother was Minnie C. Martens, both born in Galena, Ill. Mr. Turner was custodian at Parsons College for many years, and Clara was born on the Parsons College Campus. The house has since been torn down.

Vic and Clara lived in Fairfield a short time after their marriage and then moved to Lockridge. They built their home in 1916 and lived there all their lives. Vic was a carpenter by trade. He served on the Lockridge school board for a number of years, and on the Jefferson County Board of Review for 16 years. They were both members of the Augustana Lutheran Church in Lockridge.

This couple found rest at the New Sweden Lutheran Cemetary.

Children (2) of Clara and Victor Sodergren

Wesley Eugene Sodergren - b: 24 AUG 1915 - d: 13 MAR 2001 - buried New Sweden
Married: 18 SEP 1936 to Lula Pauline Long - b: 13JUN 1918 - d: 30 OCT 1993

Children (2)
Wesley Eugene, Jr. - b: 30 SEP 1937 - d:
Married: 27 AUG 1960 to Gretchen Ann Gager - b: 14 APR 1938
Children (2)
Eric Wesley - b: 25 SEP 1962 - d:
Kristin Sue - b: 13 SEP 1965 - d:
Jerry Lee - b: 18 OCT 1939 - d:
Married: 15 JUN 1963 to Joyce Joan Kern - b: 28 JUN 1933 - d:
Children (2)
Victoria Maxine - b: 19 JUN 1968 - d:
David Lee - b: 10 JUN 1969 - d:

Carl Turner Sodergren - b: 5 APR 1919 - d:
Married: 15 AUG 1955 to Virginia Rae Batstone
Children (3)
James Michael - b: 6 FEB 1957 - d:
Kathleen Rae - b: 20 JAN 1959 - d:
Gordon Christopher - b: 8 AUG 1965 - d:

Paul Fredrik SODERGREN - eighth child of John and Hannah Sodergren

Adolf Fredrik SODERGREN
Sex: M
Birth: 21 JAN 1888
Death: 4 AUG 1958
Marriage: Selma Mabel Nelson - 10 MAY ????
Birth 7 JAN 1889

The eighth child was Paul Fredrik. He married Selma Mabel Nelson at Fairfield, Iowa. She was born at Alexis, Illinois in Warren County. Paul worked for a time for the Hoskins Funeral and Furniture Store in Fairfield. They moved to Washington, Iowa where he worked for McNamera Furniture and Undertaking. For a time he travelled extensively in Iowa, Illinois and adjoining states Chittenden and Eastman, and then later moved to Dixon, Illinois where he worked for the Illinois State Health Dept. as a policeman in the State park. NOTE: At the time of this information (1968) Mabel was still living with her son Charles and family in Dixon - this info will be corrected ASAP.

Paul found rest at the Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Dixon, Illinois.

• Children (2) of Paul and Selma Sodergren
  
  Charles Richard Sodergren - b: 11 SEP 1915 - d:
  Marriage: 17 AUG 1940 to Helen Pauline Miller - b: 7 MAR 1918 - d:
  Children (3)
  Linda Ann - b: 10 NOV 1941
  Marriage: 10 JUL 1965 to Gary John Ege
  Carol Joyce - b: 29 AUG 1943
  Marriage: 23 JAN 1961 to Kenneth Frey
  Children (4)
  Amy Lynn - b: 19 JAN 1963
  Lori Ann - b: 19 JAN 1964
  Jeffrey Scott - b: 25 JAN 1965
  Matthew Ryan - b: 6 MAR 1970
  Richard Miller - b: 1 JAN 1947
  Marriage: 27 Jan 1968 to Maureen Mienke (divorced)
  Children (1)
  Jennifer Lynn - b: 9 SEP 1968
  
  John Donald Sodergren - 2 OCT 1922

Elmer Edward SODERGREN - ninth child of John and Hannah Sodergren

Elmer Edward SODERGREN
Birth: 12 DEC 1890
Death: 21 MAR 1891

The ninth child in the family lived for only a few months
and is buried in the New Sweden Cemetary
near Four Corners in Jefferson County, IA

Archie Louis Eugene SODERGREN - tenth child of John and Hannah Sodergren

Archie Louis Eugene SODERGREN

Sex: M
Birth: 8 MAY 1894
Death: 1 SEP 1967
Archie below with parents John and Hannah
Click directly on any image to enlarge


Married 1: Florence Nellie Kirk b: 26 NOV 1904 - (divorced)

Married 2: 1 JAN 1931 to Nora Cox - b: 21 AUG 1878 - d: - 16 AUG 1963
buried Lockridge Cemetary

The tenth child was named Archie Louis Eugene, but was better known as Archie. He was a veteran of WWI and was a top notch mechanic and could operate any type of heavy construction equipment. He loved guns and hunted a lot. He later lived in Fairfield and worked for many years at the sewage disposal plant there.

1930 Census - Archie and Richard D. both living with
Hannah, Archie's mother, Richard's grandmother

Gravestone

Archie found rest at the Lockridge Cemetary near Lockridge, IA

World War I Draft Registration card below: dated June 5, 1917

(Click directly on each image to enlarge)

Children (2) of Archie and Florence Sodergren


Richard Donald - b: 1 OCT 1922 - d: 30, June 1999
Married: 16 DEC 1945 to Irene (Bohle) - b: 9 DEC 1925 - d:
Children (2)
Richard Donald, Jr. - b: 4 NOV 1946

Kimberly Sue - b: 29 SEP 1954
Married: 1 OCT 1972 to Dennis Rodgers
Married: Michael G. Blackley (b: 22 MAY1957)

Mother's (Irene Bohle Sodergren) parents, Edward E. Bohle
& Annie Hoff, marriage certificate.

1930 Census above - click to enlarge

 

Rosalie Marjorie - b: 1 MAR 1924

Married: __JAN 1942 to Eugene Irvin Wolbert
Children (2)
David Lee Wolbert- b: 21 MAY 1946

Married: 12 AUG 1967 to Corinne Mertens
Children (2)
    Brian David - b: 27 JAN 1968
        Lucia Ann - b: 2 NOV 1970
    Donna Lena Wolbert - b: 23 MAY 1952
    Married: 14 MAR 1971 to Gary Lee Wunderlich

Donna L. Wunderlich, 60, of Burlington died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at Great River Medical Center, West Burlington.

Born May 23, 1952 in Burlington, she was the daughter of Eugene and Rosalie Sodegren (Elaine, here is the misspelled name, and it is also misspelled in today's Hawk Eye, this obit I am typing is a Paid Obit whereas today's paper's is a regular obit that the paper publishes as part of the news) Wolbert. She married Gary Wunderlich, and they later divorced.

Donna was a graduate of Burlington High School. She worked as a clerk with Burlington Medical Center for 19 years, and also was a telemarketer for Apac. When she was younger, she enjoyed horseback riding. Donna was an avid Bible reader, her favorite verse was Psalm 91, and she was committed to her faith in Jesus Christ. She loved fishing, spending time at the cabin and watching movies. She also enjoyed having her nails manicured often.

Survivors include one son, Justin Wunderlich (LaDana) of Burlington; one brother, Dave Wolbert (Corky) of Sperry; one nephew, Brian Wolbert (Kim) of Eldridge, Iowa; one niece, Lucia Francis (Steve) of Burlington; and special friends, Christina Hester and Dorothy Harwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Friends may call from noon until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 11th, in Lunning Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service for Donna will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 12th, in Lunning Chapel, with Pastor Preston Smith officiating. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in memory of Donna.

Peter (JOHN) Sodergren's Grandparents - Father - Mother - Brothers and Sisters

GRANDPARENTS
Father's SidePeter Persson SODERGRENBirth: 1 JAN 1788
Death: 1831
Kristina KNUTSDOTTER
Birth: 23 APR 1787
Death: 1838
Mother's SideAmund LARSSON
Birth: 8 MAY 1794
Death: 1850
Karin KNUTSDOTTER
Birth: 27 OCT 1794
Death: 1870


PARENTS
Peter Magnus Persson SODERGRENBirth: 28 MAR 1823 in South VI parish Kalmar Lan (County) Sweden
Death: 1893
Marriage: 25 JUN 1848 to Maria Charlotta AMUNDSDOTTER
Maria Charlotta AMUNDSDOTTER (one of 9 children)
Birth: 6 OCT 1827 in South VI parish Kalmar Lan (County) Sweden
Death: 1867-1922
Marriage: 25 JUN 1848 to Peter Magnus Persson SODERGREN


BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Christina Charlotta
Sex: F
Birth: 1 OCT 1848
Death: 23 JAN 1921
Peter Johan (John) AugustSex: M
Birth: 6 DEC 1850 in South VI parish Ramsjafall Sodravi Socken (Sweden)
Death: 7 DEC 1908 - buried at New Sweden Cemetary - Lockridge, Iowa

Karolina Sofia
Sex: F
Birth: 4 JAN 1854
Death: WFT Est. 1855-1948
Laisa Amalia **
Sex: F
Birth: 20 APR 1856
Death: 7 JUL 1856
Lars Magnus
Sex: M
Birth: 12 JUL 1857
Death: Est. 1858-1947
Karl AlfredSex: M
Birth: 11 APR 1860
Death: 31 OCT 1936
Marriage 2 JUN 1891 to Augusta M. Nelson - Mrs. Sodergren died in 1930
Children (1)
Clair Sodergren - b: 2 OCT 1892
Married: Eva M. - b: 1898?
Children (2)Richard C - b: 1923?
Robert L. - b: 1927?Carl Sodergren Obituary
Pioneer resident of Wayland dies at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 20 days. (Died Oct. 31, 1936)

Carl Sodergren, father of the editor of the Wayland News, passed away at the home of his son, Sunday afternoon at one o’clock. Mr. Sodergren had a stroke of paralysis on October 19th and suffered still another 11 days later from which he never rallied.

Mr. Sodergren, although born in Sweden, April 11, 1860, has been a resident of this country since 1880. He located near Fairfield in Jefferson County where he engaged in farming for a short time. From there he went to Burlington where he worked for a wagon-maker named, Gudekaunst.
He came to Wayland in 1888 and worked for the late William Henss Sr. Mr. Sodergren later became established in the manufacturing of wagons and in this achieved the reputation of thoroughness and honesty of business that extended far beyond the Wayland trade territory.
He was married to Miss Augusta M. Nelson, June 2, 1891. Mrs. Sodergren died in 1930.

One son, Clair survives him.

He is also survived by one brother, Audel Sodergren in Sweden.

Mr. Sodergren was confirmed in the Swedish Lutheran church in Sweden but upon his coming to Wayland united with the local Methodist church of which he has been a member for many years.

Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church Wed. afternoon at 1:30 o’clock
and will be in charge of his pastor, Rev. O. J. Fix.
Adolf Fredrik
Sex: M
Birth: 16 DEC 1865
Death: Est. 1866-1955
Adrian
Sex: M?
Birth: 1870
Death: 1892