Chapter 3: Swedish Johansson to American Ogren

Emil Ogren and Amanda Streed's Family

As was mentioned previously, Emil Ogren and Amanda Streed were married. You may have noticed that Magnus Emanuel Ericsson Blad and Ellika Andersdotter appear in Generation 3 of Emil ancestors and also in Generation 3 of Amanda's ancestors. They were the grandparents of both Emil and Amanda, who were cousins.

Now back to Amanda Gustafsdotter who married Emil Ogren to become Amanda Ogren.

Amanda Streed; Emil & Amanda Ogren, 50th Anniversary, April 27, 1939, New London, MN

In the last picture above Emil is 82 and Amanda is 81. Because they were married in the United States, it might be true that they were married at the Lebanon Church that is beside the Lebanon Cemetery. I have not yet established the date that the church was built. (It is now a building for the historical society.)

Lebanon Church, New London, MN, in 2004

Emil and Amanda Ogren had six children: Alvin Adolph (1890), Cecil John (1892), Hannah Ella Leonora (1894, twin), Solimon Peter Leonard (1894, twin), Manley Marion (1896) and Edith Evelyn (1900).

left to right: Manley, Edith, Hannah, Cecil, Amanda (mother), Alvin, Peter, Emil (father).

The 1910 U.S. Census lists Emil Ogren's family. Emil's brother John was living in the same house with Emil, Amanda and their six children. The family appears to live on State Street in New London Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. The official enumeration day of the 1910 census was April 15, 1910 so all ages and dates should be based that date.


In addition, the census shows that Emil's profession was "General Farmer", Alvin and Cecil were both laborers doing "Odd Jobs" and John was a laborer "Working Outdoors". Hannah, Solomon, Manly and Edith were all in school. Emil and John were naturalized citizens. The entire family spoke English and was able to read and write. Emil owned his own home and farm but still had a mortgage on it. Another interesting fact to notice: Alvin Ogren was the census taker for New London.

Alvin Ogren's signature as the 1910 census enumerator for New London, MN

The 1920 Census also lists Emil Ogren's family still on a farm in New London Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.


It also indicates: Emil, Amanda and Edwin became naturalized citizens in 1898. Emil's mortage was paid off by 1920. The whole family can speak both English and Swedish. Emil was a general farmer, Alvin was a "Park Master", Peter was working in a grocery store and Edwin was a laborer working outdoors. Edith was the only one in school.

The 1930 Census includes Emil Ogren's family in New London Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.


It also indicates: Emil was a farmer and it calls his farm a "Truck Farm" (not sure what that is), Alvin was the postmaster at the postoffice, and Cecil was an artist doing "Commmercial Art". Cecil was a veteran of World War I. They had a radio in their home. It says that Emil immigated in 1874 and Amanda in 1876, though there is enough documentation (including the 1910 census) to indicate otherwise so this must be a mistake.

Emil remained a farmer in New London, Minnesota throughout all the active years of his life. Amanda died on June 2, 1948 at 90 years of age from apoplexy (a stroke). Two years later, Emil died in New London on January 16, 1950 at the age of 93. He died of orthostatic pneumonia ("walking pneumonia") due to senility. They are buried together in the Lebanon Cemetery.

Continue