Re: Dahlgrens, Varburg, Sweden - Otto
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In reply to:
Re: Dahlgrens, Varburg, Sweden
TED BLACK 5/06/02
My grandmother was the son of William Levine Dahlgren, who was the son of Otto Dahlgren and Alice Dieter Dahlgren - they lived in the Cairo township, Minnesota.I have this story from a geneology book published for the Dieter side of the family and thought it might interest some of you.I am pretty sure we are talking about the same Dahlgrens - it certainly sheds some light on their character...
Otto was b. in Lindberg (some say Varberg), Halland, Sweden.His father died when he was 9 years of age.At age 21, Otto came to the USA and worked for a railroad in Pa. for 2 years.In January of 1873 his brother-in-law, Mr. Benson, who had homesteaded in Cairo township, lost his life in a severe snowstorm and in the spring of that year Otto went to assist his sister with the farm work.About 2 years later he purchased this farm in Cairo twp. and after marrying Alice (Dieter) this was their home until their deaths.He developed this poperty into one of the choicest and best known farms in this section of Minn.During the early days he suffered many of the hardships of those times, but being industrious and honest he toiled on and made a success of his occupation.
On Dec. 9 1980, Alice was baptized and confirmed at the Clear Lake Swedish Lutheran Church, Gibbon Minn.Her husband Otto was also affiliated with this church.When it was organized he was one of its deacons and remained a staunch and sincere Christian until his death.When but a small boy in his native Sweden, Otto was a herdsman and when attending the herds always carried a Bible with him.He delighted in reciting scriptures.This pioneer, a prominent farmer and highly respected resident of Cairo twp. was ready at all times to give personal help to elevate and improve the social life of the community.
Hope that this is helpful to some of the related Dahlgrens out there ; )