If you read my previous post you will know that this man was actually my great Uncle- somehow my brain just can not recognize this! I grew up knowing him as my grandpa and "grandpa" he will always be!
He was born in 1885 in rural Princeton, Il to Swedish immigrants Pehr Pehrson ( Peter Pierceson) & Pernilla Swenson ( Nellie Swanson). They came from Kristiansatd, Sweden to Princeton,Il in 1881.
He was a very quiet, gentle man who never complained. He worked hard at farming and at giving every one in his family all that he could.
I remember being 4 years old follwing him around the farmyard while he did his chores. The gathering of eggs in the hen house was not something I enjoyed! In fact all the clucking & flapping scared me half to death & I spent the entire venture hanging onto the tail of his cardigan sweater!
My grandmother passed away in 1857- 13 years before he did.
Grandpa's Cristmas took a turn downhill after that- every year that I can remember he got the same things! They were all his favorites- a box of King Edward cigars, a gallon of Mogan David- which I think lasted the whole year!, chocolate cream drops, and a new cardigan sweater!
I remember there was always a box of Gingersnaps- a Swedish cookie- on the table along with a bowl of sugar cubes. Must be where I get my passion for sweets!
Although his first name was John he was always called " Jack"- something I still don't get!
The photo was taken in 1967 during our town's Centennial celebration-The back row is my dad, grandpa- he was 82, my uncle Harry, his 2nd wife Mary Ann.
The boys in the front are my uncle Harry's step sons.
I am still working to turn the bottom photo upright- with out much success!( Click to enlarge)
My grandfather developed Parkinson's disease and passed away in 1970.
His memory will live in my heart forever as he was truly the greatest man I have ever known!
I love you Grandpa!
Note- My friend Holly was able to get my pic upright! Thanks Holly!
I am still trying to remove the older one!
Ja, well dat's yust too little information about yer Swedish grandpa, my dear!!! Uff Da! I think both the Swedes and the Norwegians say that...
ReplyDeleteOh gosh Holly ! You can always make me laugh! Tack sa micket ( thanks so much in Swedish) for doing so!
ReplyDeleteYay! The post is up!
ReplyDeleteThe Swedes I have known (and I've never met a bad one yet) loved those sugar cubes with their coffee, they would put one in their mouths, clamped between their back teeth, and drink their coffee...I guess it sweetened it as it went down!!!
I can help you with that picture, Deb...easy to turn it right-side up...
It would be great if you can fix the picture- thanks Holly!
ReplyDelete