Solomon E. Peterson Letters

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: OGLMC-1357

Scope and Contents

Correspondence to Solomon (Sam) E. Peterson from family members in Sweden and America. Many of the letters are from his father, Peter Olofsson, and from his siblings. Most of the correspondence took place between 1887 and 1892. The letters have not been translated. Much of the content seems to pertain to everyday life and local news from Sweden.

Dates

created: 1887-1934
Other: Date acquired: 02/03/1998

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

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Salomon Edvin Petersson was born 23 July 1869 at Boarp Rasmagård, Södra Ljunga Parish, Kronoberg County, Sweden. He was one of eight children born to Peter Olofsson (born 28 August 1829 and died 19 September 1905 in Södra Ljunga) and Lotta Andersdotter (born 7 June 1834 in Pjätteryd Parish and died 4 October 1920 in Södra Ljunga). According to parish records, Salomon and his sister, Emilia Maria, emigrated in May 1887, settling in Minnesota. Their older brother, Carl Johan (Charley), had emigrated in the early 1880s and was living in Duluth. Salomon, known as Solomon or Sam in America, settled in the village of Oneota, which was later annexed to Duluth. Emilia, also known as Emma, was in Duluth as well. Other siblings were sisters Jenny and Tekla, and brothers Nils Gustaf, Frithiof Emil, and Frans Evald. Both Nils and Frithiof moved to locations in northern Sweden beginning about 1887. Jenny emigrated in 1895. Solomon returned to Sweden in 1897 to visit family. He eventually moved to St. Thomas, Pembina County, North Dakota, and worked as a bank clerk. He married Mary J. Cowin, a native of Canada, 1 June 1910 in Pembina County. They had three sons. Solomon died 27 July 1954 and is buried in St. Thomas Cemetery in Pembina County.

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