Olof Petter Olsson (1824-1910) & Johanna Gertrud Gardell (1828-1885)

In the serene village of Tomsarve, within the Parish of Hogrän on Gotland Island, Sweden, Olof Petter Olsson was born on December 7, 1824, and baptized shortly thereafter on December 12, 1824. His early life was steeped in the traditions and rhythms of rural Swedish life.

Johanna Gertrud Gardell entered the world on March 18, 1828, also in Tomsarve, Gotland. She was the daughter of Christopher Christophersson Gardell and Elin Johansdotter, and her upbringing was likely influenced by the rich cultural heritage of Gotland.

Olof and Johanna’s paths converged, leading to their marriage on January 5, 1854, in the same parish where they were both born. Their union was blessed with several children:

  • Anna Johanna Albertina Olsson (born September 27, 1856)

  • Johan Petter Olsson (born April 15, 1859)

  • Emma Christina Olifvia Olsson (born July 24, 1861)

  • Selma Josephina Fredrika Olsson (born September 29, 1864)

  • Hjalmar Julius Olsson (born December 24, 1868)

The family lived in Tomsarve Grund, a picturesque area in Gotland, where Olof likely engaged in farming or other local trades, and Johanna managed the household. Their home was a reflection of the pastoral life that characterized much of Gotland during the 19th century.

Johanna Gertrud Gardell Olsson passed away on September 8, 1885 in Gotland, Sweden.

In 1888, seeking new opportunities, Olof made the significant decision to emigrate to the United States. He departed from Jsome Grund, Väte, Gotland, and arrived in America on October 9, 1888. His journey was part of a larger wave of Swedish immigrants seeking a new life in the Midwest.

Upon settling in Michigan, Olof continued his life in the United States. In the 1900 U.S. Census, Olof was residing in Bear Lake Township, Manistee County, Michigan, living with Charles and Caroline Wedgren as a servant. At that time, he was noted to be able to read but could neither write nor speak English.

Olof Petter Olson passed away on November 21, 1910, in Manistee, Michigan. He was laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee County, Michigan, marking the end of a journey that began in the rural landscapes of Gotland and led to the shores of Lake Michigan.

Detailed Timeline

Olof Petter Olson

Born: 07 DEC 1824 in Tomsarve, Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden
Note: Baptism on 12 DEC 1824

First Name Variation: Ole

Surname Variation:  Olofsson

Marriage:  05 JAN 1854 to Johanna Gertrud Gardell in Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden
     
Note:  The pictures on the right are the Parish of Hogran in Gotland, Sweden.
The tower is a remnant of a 12th century church, from which some facade reliefs have been preserved in the southern wall of the present church from about 1300. The lofty nave and the light chancel combine to shape a magnificent room. The altar piece was procured in 1634 by the dean Hans Nilsøn Strelow, known as the author of the first real history of Gotland “Chronica Guthilandorum”, edited in Copenhagen in 1633. From the oldest church the Rood and the baptismal font by “Byzantios” have survived. The pulpit was made in 1637 and painted by Johan Bartsch the Y. in 1674. In the 17th century choir-stall the front of a medieval bench has been fitted.

Birth of Daughter:  27 SEP 1856
Name:  Anna Johanna Albertina Olsson
Place:  Thomsarve Grund, Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden

Birth of Son:  15 APR 1859
Name:  Johan Petter Olsson
Place:  Thomsarve Grund, Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden

Birth of Daughter:  24 JUL 1861
Name:  Emma Christina Olifvia Olsson
Place:  Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden

Birth of Daughter:  29 SEP 1864
Name:  Selma Josephina Fredrika Olsson
Place:  Tomsarve, Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden

Birth of Son:  24 DEC 1868
Name:  Hjalmar Julius Olsson
Place:  Thomsarve, Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden

Immigration:  09 OCT 1888 from  Jsome Grund, Vate, Gotland, Sweden to America

1900 Census:  28 JUN 1900
Place: Bear Lake Twp, Manistee Co, Michigan
Note: Living in the household of Charles and Caroline Wedgren as a servant.   Can read but cannot write or speak English.

Address:  1910
Place:  89 Grant St, Manistee City, Manistee Co, Michigan

Death:  21 NOV 1910 in Manistee, Michigan

Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Manistee, Manistee County, Michigan

Click here to see parents:  Olof Johansson and Anna Knutsdotter

Johanna Gertrud Gardell   

Born:  18 MAR 1828 in Tomsarve, Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden

Death:  08 SEP 1885 in Gotland, Parish of Hogran, Sweden

Click here to see parents:  Christopher Christophersson Gardell and Elin Johansdotter

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