Advertisement

Andrew Andersson Brodine

Advertisement

Andrew Andersson Brodine

Birth
Västmanlands län, Sweden
Death
19 May 1911 (aged 56)
Turlock, Stanislaus County, California, USA
Burial
Turlock, Stanislaus County, California, USA GPS-Latitude: 37.493069, Longitude: -120.866164
Plot
Lot 36 Block 4
Memorial ID
View Source
Andrew Andersson Brodine was the first born son of Anders Andersson and Anna Andersdotter of Sweden. He was born January 15, 1855 in Bro Sweden.

The forests of Westmandland his constant companion. In a little over a year he was walking. In two he could say "ett, tva,tre. Even, Frya and fem. (one,two,three. Even four and five. Best of all he could say "Mor och Far." that is " Mother and Father."

He was a husky, robust boy from his early years. By the time he was six years of age he was a great help for his mother. Carrying in wood for the fire. Playing with little Per Erik and rocking the cradle for August, the newest arrival. At six he was enrolled in the public school at Bro. A little red schoolhouse with room for about twenty students. Here he would receive an education for a lifetime. Six grades. Partly because that was all the grades offered. Mostly because at age twelve he would be big enough to go into the forest with his father and become a logger to help with the family income. Making a living was more important that further education.

He was capable and eager to learn. He did well. In after hours he learned carpentry. He became good at it. He learned to make furniture. How it fit a joint. He expertise grew with his years. By the time he reached manhood he could handle a saw and chalkline as well as anyone.

As he approached manhood serious discussions centered on the need to make the break. they were in touch with friends in Bishop Hill Illinois. There would ne work. It was time to save funds for the crossing. They knew how much it would take. They knew that a child could for with an adult no fare. Their plan was formulating. Andrew would leave before he could be drafted in the military. With him would go Fredrik. In a few more years August and Per Erick would follow taking Otto, A child, for no fare. As soon as the money could be marshaled the rest of the family would come.

At the age of twenty Andrew, along with 12 year old Fredrik, began the exodus to Amerika.

In Bishop Hill They were among friends. Speaking Swedish and learning English. In a couple of years they were proficient in the ways of Illinois. On thing they knew for certain, the sun came up in the east and set in the west, just like in Sweden. They also knew that being far from the sea there was a food deal led fish to eat. They did grow hungry for the taste of home at times. Yet, they found potatoes were the same. They learned to enjoy more beef, pork and poultry in their diets. All in all they handled the transition and adapted quite well. Being in Swedish community allowed many opportunities for social engagements. They attended church sometimes at the Bishop Hill Methodist Church. No, salvation was not the only attraction at this church. Andrew has his eyes on a little svenska flicka by the name of Betsy Bengston who regularly attended. His interest in Betsy grew to the point that he pursued membership in the church. He was received into membership on Feb 24, 1878 by reverend Jame Iverson. With that move Andrew's stature grew in the eyes of the Bengston family. Perhaps the Bengston and Andersson families were acquainted in Bro.

Andrew continued to Woo Betsy. His efforts were rewarded when he asked for Betsy's hand in marriage and she accepted his proposal. Shortly there after Rev Iverson performed the marriage ceremony for Andrew and Betsy. Eric Bengston (Betsy's brother) was the best man. The church record has both Andrew and Eric Bengston living one and one half miles west if Bishop Hill. This may indicate tat Andrew did, indeed, work for the Bengston family.

One year to the day after Andrew joined the church Betsy bore his first son, Otto August, Feb 24, 1879. In May they brought him to the church to be baptized. Note, here the name given to his first born. It is winter of 1879. This is the year that his brothers are coming to join him. Whether Andrew was homesick for see his family or perhaps he thought it a good luck omen it seems these brothers were on his mind, hence Otto and August he would honor by naming his son after them.

Little Otto August was not a healthy child. He was born with a crippled leg. Betsy's health deteriorated from the birth. In a few months she was dead. In the year that followed relation with the Bengstons' must have waned. For reasons we are not privy to, the Bengston family took the boy and raised him, even changing his name to theirs. He lived to be about 35 years old. He is buried in the Bishop Hill Cemetery. As far as we know, Andrew never hand any further contact with the Bengston family or his son after leaving Bishop Hill in 1880.

After the death of his wife, Andrew was ready to move west. His first years in Bishop Hill were bittersweet. There he savored the opportunity of a free society. It was here be began life as a married man. Yet, so soon was he separated from Betsy by death. Difficulty with his in-laws gave rise to the need to move on. After the arrival of Per Erik, August and Otto, move they did, Yes, and Fredrik as well.

Life was different in Nevada. The work was hard, The pay slim. Yet, living on the ranch, meals were provided. This Benson ranch's meals were prepared by a proper Chinese cook who suffered some indignities from his cowboy constituents including, I suspect, the Brodine brothers. There was a place for them to sleep. What money they earned was save. Life was good. Andrew had his brothers with him. Many an evening did they spend dreaming and planning their next move- a move that would give them the opportunity to be land owners.

Now we find Andrew in Nebraska in 1881. On November 17, 1881 Karen Larsson, daughter of Lars Larsson of Ginka Sweden, became his second wife in Kearney, Nebraska, the county judge officiating. Karen and her twin brother, Lars, were born Sept 24, 1859 in Ginka, Ostervala, Sweden. Karen came to America in 1881; Lars in 1882. They are the first born of Lars Larsson and Anna Olofdotter.

Andrew and Karen has teo children. Mary was born on January 4, 1883. She died on July 10, 1975 in Holdrege, Nebraska. Victor was born on June 12, 1885. He died in Jan 20, 1974 in Kearney Nebraska.

Andrew and Karen and the children has gone to Kearney on a train in March 1887. They walked the five miles from home to Elm Creek. When they returned to Elm Creek from the city the air was filled with smoke. A prairie fire in the hills in northern Buffalo county made the air almost unbreathable. They headed for home with the little ones in tow, four year old Mary and two year old victor. The children had to be carried. The wind was stiff. The smoke was stifling. They did make it home but the effort weakened Karen. Her lungs filled with the residue from the smoke. She contracted pneumonia. Her body could not resist. On Mar 29 1887, she died. Once more Andrew was a widower.

In 1886 the rest of the Lars Larsson family arrived in Elm Creek. Karen's sister, Margareta, Born Jan 7, 1862 became Andrews third wife. They were married July 9, 1887, a little over three months after Karen's death. John Brodine and Karen's brother, Lars Larsson were witnesses.

Greta bore Andrew four children. Nany was born Dec 20, 1889. She died Jan 12, 1890. Esther Malvina was born Sept 27 1890. She also lived only a short time, dying on march 24, 1891. Bada Maragreta was born Sept 15, 1892. She died Sept 22, 1952 in Turlock, CA. Abel Andrew was born Dec 29, 1902. He died in Turlock CA on Oct 9, 1955. All the children were born at Elm Creek, Nebraska.
Andrew Andersson Brodine was the first born son of Anders Andersson and Anna Andersdotter of Sweden. He was born January 15, 1855 in Bro Sweden.

The forests of Westmandland his constant companion. In a little over a year he was walking. In two he could say "ett, tva,tre. Even, Frya and fem. (one,two,three. Even four and five. Best of all he could say "Mor och Far." that is " Mother and Father."

He was a husky, robust boy from his early years. By the time he was six years of age he was a great help for his mother. Carrying in wood for the fire. Playing with little Per Erik and rocking the cradle for August, the newest arrival. At six he was enrolled in the public school at Bro. A little red schoolhouse with room for about twenty students. Here he would receive an education for a lifetime. Six grades. Partly because that was all the grades offered. Mostly because at age twelve he would be big enough to go into the forest with his father and become a logger to help with the family income. Making a living was more important that further education.

He was capable and eager to learn. He did well. In after hours he learned carpentry. He became good at it. He learned to make furniture. How it fit a joint. He expertise grew with his years. By the time he reached manhood he could handle a saw and chalkline as well as anyone.

As he approached manhood serious discussions centered on the need to make the break. they were in touch with friends in Bishop Hill Illinois. There would ne work. It was time to save funds for the crossing. They knew how much it would take. They knew that a child could for with an adult no fare. Their plan was formulating. Andrew would leave before he could be drafted in the military. With him would go Fredrik. In a few more years August and Per Erick would follow taking Otto, A child, for no fare. As soon as the money could be marshaled the rest of the family would come.

At the age of twenty Andrew, along with 12 year old Fredrik, began the exodus to Amerika.

In Bishop Hill They were among friends. Speaking Swedish and learning English. In a couple of years they were proficient in the ways of Illinois. On thing they knew for certain, the sun came up in the east and set in the west, just like in Sweden. They also knew that being far from the sea there was a food deal led fish to eat. They did grow hungry for the taste of home at times. Yet, they found potatoes were the same. They learned to enjoy more beef, pork and poultry in their diets. All in all they handled the transition and adapted quite well. Being in Swedish community allowed many opportunities for social engagements. They attended church sometimes at the Bishop Hill Methodist Church. No, salvation was not the only attraction at this church. Andrew has his eyes on a little svenska flicka by the name of Betsy Bengston who regularly attended. His interest in Betsy grew to the point that he pursued membership in the church. He was received into membership on Feb 24, 1878 by reverend Jame Iverson. With that move Andrew's stature grew in the eyes of the Bengston family. Perhaps the Bengston and Andersson families were acquainted in Bro.

Andrew continued to Woo Betsy. His efforts were rewarded when he asked for Betsy's hand in marriage and she accepted his proposal. Shortly there after Rev Iverson performed the marriage ceremony for Andrew and Betsy. Eric Bengston (Betsy's brother) was the best man. The church record has both Andrew and Eric Bengston living one and one half miles west if Bishop Hill. This may indicate tat Andrew did, indeed, work for the Bengston family.

One year to the day after Andrew joined the church Betsy bore his first son, Otto August, Feb 24, 1879. In May they brought him to the church to be baptized. Note, here the name given to his first born. It is winter of 1879. This is the year that his brothers are coming to join him. Whether Andrew was homesick for see his family or perhaps he thought it a good luck omen it seems these brothers were on his mind, hence Otto and August he would honor by naming his son after them.

Little Otto August was not a healthy child. He was born with a crippled leg. Betsy's health deteriorated from the birth. In a few months she was dead. In the year that followed relation with the Bengstons' must have waned. For reasons we are not privy to, the Bengston family took the boy and raised him, even changing his name to theirs. He lived to be about 35 years old. He is buried in the Bishop Hill Cemetery. As far as we know, Andrew never hand any further contact with the Bengston family or his son after leaving Bishop Hill in 1880.

After the death of his wife, Andrew was ready to move west. His first years in Bishop Hill were bittersweet. There he savored the opportunity of a free society. It was here be began life as a married man. Yet, so soon was he separated from Betsy by death. Difficulty with his in-laws gave rise to the need to move on. After the arrival of Per Erik, August and Otto, move they did, Yes, and Fredrik as well.

Life was different in Nevada. The work was hard, The pay slim. Yet, living on the ranch, meals were provided. This Benson ranch's meals were prepared by a proper Chinese cook who suffered some indignities from his cowboy constituents including, I suspect, the Brodine brothers. There was a place for them to sleep. What money they earned was save. Life was good. Andrew had his brothers with him. Many an evening did they spend dreaming and planning their next move- a move that would give them the opportunity to be land owners.

Now we find Andrew in Nebraska in 1881. On November 17, 1881 Karen Larsson, daughter of Lars Larsson of Ginka Sweden, became his second wife in Kearney, Nebraska, the county judge officiating. Karen and her twin brother, Lars, were born Sept 24, 1859 in Ginka, Ostervala, Sweden. Karen came to America in 1881; Lars in 1882. They are the first born of Lars Larsson and Anna Olofdotter.

Andrew and Karen has teo children. Mary was born on January 4, 1883. She died on July 10, 1975 in Holdrege, Nebraska. Victor was born on June 12, 1885. He died in Jan 20, 1974 in Kearney Nebraska.

Andrew and Karen and the children has gone to Kearney on a train in March 1887. They walked the five miles from home to Elm Creek. When they returned to Elm Creek from the city the air was filled with smoke. A prairie fire in the hills in northern Buffalo county made the air almost unbreathable. They headed for home with the little ones in tow, four year old Mary and two year old victor. The children had to be carried. The wind was stiff. The smoke was stifling. They did make it home but the effort weakened Karen. Her lungs filled with the residue from the smoke. She contracted pneumonia. Her body could not resist. On Mar 29 1887, she died. Once more Andrew was a widower.

In 1886 the rest of the Lars Larsson family arrived in Elm Creek. Karen's sister, Margareta, Born Jan 7, 1862 became Andrews third wife. They were married July 9, 1887, a little over three months after Karen's death. John Brodine and Karen's brother, Lars Larsson were witnesses.

Greta bore Andrew four children. Nany was born Dec 20, 1889. She died Jan 12, 1890. Esther Malvina was born Sept 27 1890. She also lived only a short time, dying on march 24, 1891. Bada Maragreta was born Sept 15, 1892. She died Sept 22, 1952 in Turlock, CA. Abel Andrew was born Dec 29, 1902. He died in Turlock CA on Oct 9, 1955. All the children were born at Elm Creek, Nebraska.


Sponsored by Ancestry

Advertisement