FAMILY STORIES

of their parents were involved in farming in the late 1800's. Emfred followed in his father's footsteps, continuing to farm. Ruth was a teacher.

   I cannot claim to be so blessed with pioneer farm days, as I was born and raised in Wahoo. My parents were Roland and Ruth Howe Anderson. My father was an electrician and an early radio station owner and broadcaster of station 9 DUP located in Wahoo. My mother was a teacher. I have one sister, Gayle. When Don and I were married in 1949, I had a lot of quick learning to do about the "life on the farm", and had a wonderful teacher in Don's father.

   We are parents of two children: Sharon Ruth Swanson Ludi, who resides in Cincinnati, Ohio; and Timothy Martin Swanson, who was taken to heaven several hours after birth.

   Sharon, or Sheri, as she prefers, is a graduate of Wesleyan University, with an education major. Her husband, Nick J. Ludi, is a graduate of JFK College, and has a career in aviation. They are the parents of Allison Jean and Amanda Christine, and as grandparents, we are most proud.

   Don and I are presently involved in farming north-west of Wahoo. We have seen so many changes in the way of life, attitudes and goals of the farm community. Remembering the days of horse-drawn machinery, then talking to our children and grandchildren about the space age, we feel we stand between generations. What an exciting time to be alive! Jeanne L. Swanson

   John and Hanna Mattson and their daughters, Elna and Anna, came from Sweden in 1878. They settled on 40 acres in Section 3, Richland Precinct, southeast of Swedeburg. They became active members of the Swedeburg Lutheran Church.

Emor and Bernice Swanson

   Three brothers, Henry, Andrew, and Nels Swanson, came from Sweden to Nebraska and found work in Malmo, Mead, and Swedeburg areas. In 1892, Nels Swanson married Elna Mattson and bought land in Section 14 where their 4 children were born, Edna (Edstrom), Emor, Norvin, and Newton. Their father passed away in 1910 when Emor was 12 years old. It was a hard struggle for the mother and children.

   Anders John and Sophie Anderson came from Malmo, Sweden in 1876, and homesteaded on land bought from the U.P. Railroad between Malmo and Colon, where they built their first home. Lizzie was the oldest of their children. They became members of the Edensburg Lutheran Church.

   Andrew and Johanna Christenson came from Sweden in 1867 to Omaha, Nebr. where they lived until 1870. Then they moved to Saunders County and settled on the homestead 2 miles west of Colon. William had 4 sisters and 1 brother. In 1890, William Christenson bought 80 acres joining his father's land, and, in 1895, married Lizzie Anderson. Here their 4 children were born, Edna (Paulson), Hattie (Anderson), Bernice and Irvin. They attended the same school their parents went to, Pleasant Hill Dist 88. In 1920, William and Lizzie Christenson, Bernice and Irvin moved to Wahoo where Bernice attended Luther Academy, and Irvin, High school.

   In 1925, Emor Swanson and Bernice Christenson were married at Wahoo. Their first home was on a farm in Section 10, that Emor had rented and later bought. Their 3 children, Leland, Joyce (Heyen), and Loren were the third generation going to School Dist. 48.

   In 1974, Emor and Bernice moved to Wahoo. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1975. Their 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild are 5th and 6th-generation members of Grace Lutheran Church near Swedeburg.

   Ernest W. Swanson was born January 31, 1918, to Magnus and Anna (Anderson) Swanson of Ceresco. He was baptized and confirmed at the Ceresco Covenant Church. He graduated from Ceresco High School in 1936 and attended Midland College at Fremont one year. He remained at home a year to work on Highway 77 as it was being built, and also sold popcorn at free shows, band concerts and summer carnivals for education funds and spending money. He graduated from University of Nebraska in Lincoln, June 14, 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While at the University, he pitched baseball and lettered three years in athletics, receiving a lifetime pass to University of Nebraska sports.

Ernie and Margie Swanson

   Ernie married Margie Kolb of Ashland on June 18, 1942. He was drafted into the military service and spent much of that time in Texas in the Air Force and Infantry. They resided at Shephard Field, Wichita Falls and Gainesville, Texas.

   After being discharged from the Army in November, 1946, they returned to Ceresco where they started the IGA Grocery business. Ernie then branched off into the appliance and television business, starting out by putting the television in the trunk of his 1946 2-door Ford and driving to find the customer. He later purchased what was formerly known as the old Turney hall owned by the Mason's, a postoffice and restaurant building. The business has grown extensively, adding the furniture and carpeting lines, remodeling several times, with approximately 40 to 60 employees. They experienced the loss of a warehouse and service department in April, 1978 by fire.

   During his spare time, Ernie coached basketball one year at Ceresco High. He served on the school board eighteen years at Ceresco District 31. He served as president during the building project of the gymnasium, traveling to Washington D.C. to acquire Federal Funds for the project. He is an avid sports fan and follows the Big Red football team to all the home and away games.

   Ernie is a permanent member of Ceresco American Legion Post #244 and served as Commander in 1957. He is a thirty-year member of Saunders County Veterans Service Committee. He served on the Fire Department many years.

   Margie graduated from Ashland High School in 1939. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church at Yutan. She was the daughter of Chris and Bertha Kolb and spent her childhood in the Ashland and Greenwood area. Margie's mother passed away when she was not quite four years old.

   Her special interests have been with the American Legion Auxiliary. She served on the state level sixteen years, and served as State President in 1973, and National Executive Committeewoman in 1974, representing Nebraska on the national level. She is presently serving as president of the Ceresco Unit 244 for the sixth term. She is a member of Dodge County Eight and Forty and is a volunteer at the Lincoln VA Medical Center. She has been active in her community serving as president of PTA, Band Mothers, Boosters Club and officer in Covenant Women. They are members of the Evangelical Covenant Church where Margie taught Sunday School for twenty years.

   They have one son and one daughter. Mary (Mrs. Paul) Pack of Lincoln graduated from University of Nebraska, has two children, Korby and Paul Jr. Dean married Beverly Carlson of Mead. They both graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan and have a son, Tyler, and daughter, Stephanie Brooke. Dean is operating manager of Ernie's Store. They reside in Ceresco.

   Raymond Emil Martin Swanson was born July 27, 1902 on the dividing line of Saunders and Lancaster Counties near Ceresco, Nebr., the sixth child of Martin and Emma (Helsing) Swanson. He attended Dist. 70, Luther College, University of Nebraska and the Des Moines Still College of Osteopathy, graduating in 1927. His office for the first 35 years was above the Rexall Drug Store, now Thege Insurance Co. Then for the last 16 years, he and his brother, Dr. Roy, practiced in the remodeled building which was the Wolf Grocery store. They retired in 1978 after practicing Osteopathic Medicine for 51 and 41 years respectively. Dr. Jack was a City Councilman for 8 years, and the Mayor of Wahoo for 10 years. He served on the Luther College Board for 25 years, the Kennedy College Board 10 years, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Board 12 years, many years on the Wahoo Fire Department, and belonged to the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce all of his business life.

Dr. Jack and Vera Swanson

   Dr. Jack drove Fords. He bought his first car for $425, in 1928 from his good friend, Alfred Brodahl of Brodahl Motor Co., and traded for a new one every year until the company closed shop. Since

page 431

then, he has bought other makes and models and enjoys them too.

   His name has confused many people. Some one nicknamed him Jack when a little boy. He hated it so and cried; of course, it stuck. To clarify documents, insurance companies, and the like, he had to take legal action and the name is J. Raymond Swanson.

   On June 25, 1936, he married Vera Flodman, daughter of Julius and Augusta (Stenholm) Flodman. I was born in a house where the old Marietta Presbyterian Church now stands. With his brother, Dr. Roy, and wife, Gladys, we built a duplex on the lots that my mother had bought in 1890. Our three children are: Jewel, Mrs. William Rapp of Aurora, Colorado; Raymond of Lincoln; and Miriam, Mrs. Karl Mendenhall of Potomac, Maryland, and six grandchildren.

   I was an organist and teacher. After my Sophomore year at Luther, in the depths of the depression, I applied for a teaching job in a rural Saunders County school. The director told me, "You look just like an eighth grader; the kids wouldn't mind you." They paid $30 a month and some lucky girl was hired.

   Our dates were different. I tagged along while Dr. Jack made house calls from one end of the county to the other. He knew every road and farm house and was a friend to all. When World War II came, we were told to be patriotic and save gas. People were to go to the office instead of the doctor going to them. The office was busy six days a week with Saturday the busiest of all. The doors didn't close until 10 or 11 at night.

   Our lives have centered around our Lutheran Church and Wahoo. Now that we are Senior Citizens we Thank and Praise the Lord for all of these many years of happiness and for family and friends. Submitted by Vera Swanson

   The original homestead of Lars Swanson was two miles southeast of Colon. He came to America in 1869 from Gotland, Sweden. While proving up his homestead, Lars worked at a stone quarry in Ashland. He walked back and forth from Ashland to his homestead, carrying the lumber he needed for his new home. In 1874, he married Anna Fritz who was originally from Underness, Sweden. They became the parents of children, John, Charles Oscar, Gustof, Amanda, Reka, and Fritz. Lars was killed at the age of 72 when a horse kicked him in the chest.

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Swanson and Family, Diane and Bill's Wedding

   My grandfather, Gustof, married Lena Benson on Mar. 7, 1900. Lena was the daughter of John Benson, also a Swedish immigrant who lived in the Marietta community. Gustof and Lena became the parents of Mable Swanson Parson and Lloyd Swanson.

   Lloyd married Ethel Carlson of Mead on Dec. 25, 1929. They lived a mile east of Colon on their farm until 1978 when they retired and moved to Wahoo. Their farm is a half-mile from the original Swanson homestead. I, Larry, was born on this farm as was my older sister, Roma. We usually had horses around for work and pleasure. They were also our transportation to grade school. As we grew up we went to many amateur horse shows and rodeos where I usually competed. After a four-year hitch in the service I came back to Colon to farm. In 1958, Jean Wollen of Valley and I were married.

   Through the years we have been members of the Presbyterian Church in Wahoo where Larry has served on the board and Jean has helped where needed. We have also been 4-H leaders for many years and Larry is currently on the Fair Board. We belong to the Wahoo Saddle Club and attend many rodeos where our children now compete. Jean is also a board member of the Saunders County Hospital Auxiliary.

   Our oldest daughter, Diane, married Bill Fromm in August of 1982. She was a graduate of Wahoo High School and the University of Nebraska where she enjoyed playing in the band. Diane also was a member of 4-H for several years and enjoyed showing horses.

   Our second daughter, Lisa, is a registered nurse and works part-time at the Saunders County Hospital. Lisa also attends college at the University where she is a member of the rodeo team. In 1982, Lisa was high point girl on the team and competed at the College National Finals in Bozeman, Montana.

   Russell is currently living on the Swanson home place and helps with the farming. He also works at the Wahoo Sale Barn and trains horses when he's not traveling to a rodeo. Russell earned his Professional Card to Compete in PRCA rodeos in 1982.

   Roger, the youngest, is a senior at Wahoo High School where he will graduate in 1983. Roger has also been in 4-H for many years like his sisters and brother. He enjoys helping with the farm work. By Larry Swanson

   Leland is the son of Emor and Bernice Swanson, born October, 1931 in Saunders County. Wife, Carol, whose birthplace was Pawnee City, Nebr. is the daughter of Walter and Lydia Stweart.

   Leland, who served 4 years in the Air Force is a member of Ceresco American Legion Post 244.

   Carol, a graduate from St. Elizabeth School of X-Ray Technology is a Member of the Women's Auxiliary Post 244.

   They were married in 1955, at Pawnee City. They moved to their farm which was purchased by Nels Martinson in 1954.

   Leland, Lynne, Kathlene and Amy were all baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Wahoo. Carol joined in 1956.

   Children include Mrs. Greg Hahn (Lynne) of Lincoln, graduate of Southeast Community College; Kathlene, who is employed at Russ IGA, in Lincoln as Manager of General Merchandise; and Amy, a junior at Raymond Central High School with summertime employment at Farmer in the Dell of Ceresco.

   Lester Swanson was born on March 24, 1913, in Ceresco, Nebraska, son of Magnus and Anna Swanson. He attended the Ceresco Public School, graduated in 1931, and later was graduated from the Lincoln School of Commerce. He worked as a billing clerk for J.C. Ridnour Company, Wholesale Dry Goods, in Lincoln for seven years.

   On January 3, 1940, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ithaca, Nebraska, Lester was married to Mabel Jacobs, daughter of George and Anna Jacobs, of Memphis, Nebraska. Mabel was born September 28, 1916, attended grade school in District 47, in what was known as the Plainview Community. She was graduated from Wahoo High School in 1934, and attended Lincoln School of Commerce, after which she was a legal secretary in the County Attorney's office four years. Then she worked for a short time in the County Clerk's office.

   Lester and Mabel made their home in Lincoln until the spring of 1942, when Lester received an appointment as a civil service clerk in the U.S. Engineer's office in Nebraska City, Nebraska. They moved to Nebraska City in May of 1942. In December, 1942, Lester was transferred to clerk at the Brownville office at Brownville, Nebraska, so they then moved to Auburn.

   As this was the time of World War II, Lester requested and was granted a transfer to the Nebraska Ordnance Plant at Mead, Nebraska, and was employed as a government inspector of ordnance material and ammunition. They moved to Ceresco in March, 1943, and were happy to be "back home" -- but it wasn't for long. In July, 1943, Lester was transferred to the Naval Department, U.S. Ammunition Depot at Hastings, Nebraska. Due to housing shortage in Hastings, the family was not able to move until December of that year. Lester worked as an Ordnanceman at the Depot for the duration of the war and until February, 1949, when he decided to move back to Ceresco and join his brother, Roy, in operating the Ford Agency for their mother, Mrs. Anna Swanson. After the death of his mother, Lester purchased the business and is presently owner of Swanson Ford in Ceresco.

   Lester and Mabel are members of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Ceresco. They are the parents of five children.

   Darrel, born December 5, 1940, in Lincoln, resides with wife, Diana, in Ceresco, where they operate Swanson Auto and Body Shop. Their children are David and Wayne Swanson of Lincoln and Tami and Steve McCoy at home.

   Anne Swanson Rissler, was born September 25, 1942, in Lincoln, and resides with husband, Larry, and children, Matthew and Jennifer, in Woodbridge, Virginia. Larry is with the FBI in Washington, D.C.

   Douglas was born November 9, 1946, in Hastings, Nebraska. He and his wife, Elaine, and daughters, Anna and Kaya, reside in Ceresco, where Doug is associated with his father at Swanson Ford.

   Gary was born February 10, 1952, in Lincoln. He is employed as a brakeman for Burlington Northern Railroad and lives in Ceresco with his wife, Susan, and daughters, Amy and Wendy Smith.

   Jean was born September 26, 1953, in Lincoln. She lives in San Francisco, California, and is a Flight Attendant for United Airlines and a Registered Pharmacist.

   Lars Fredrick Anderson was born in Ostergotland, Sweden in 1845 and came to America to homestead west of Swedeburg on May 28, 1870. He married Elizabeth Edlund, also a native of Ostergotland, on July 4, 1875 at Swedeburg. The couple lived in a sod house for several years where 5 daughters were born to them. Their daughter, Hedvig, married Henry Roseberg. Harold Roseberg, grandson to Lars, now owns and operates the farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Swanson

page 432