Alfred & Anna Olzon

NOTE: The following information about Alfred and Anna Olzon was researched and provided by Mae Sieckert, granddaughter to Alfred's brother, Fred.

Alfred Olzon was born on October 12, 1855, in Stockholm Sweden. Alfred was actually an illegitimate son of Johan Frederick Olsson (spelling was later changed to Olzon). Story has it that Mr. Olzon was a wholesale liquor dealer and considered wealthy.

Alfred's mother, Christina, left her parents (Sven and Stina Anderson) in her early teens and moved to Maristad Sweden and became a housekeeper in the home of Johan Frederick. She bore two sons by Mr. Olzon - Fred and Alfred.

Fred was 5 years older than Alfred. At the age of 17, Alfred left Sweden and emigrated to the United States in 1872, and settled in Aurora, Illinois. In 1877 he homesteaded land in Nebraska - Rock Creek Precient - and later moved on to Helvey, Nebraska. On December 8, 1881 at age 26 Alfred married Anna Nelson in Sarronville, Nebraska.

Anna was the daughter of Inga Brun and Jacob Nelson. She was born July 8, 1863 in Maheda Parish Sweden. Her parents immigrated to the United States on May 4, 1870. Anna's sister Lizzie married Alfred's brother Fred.

Alfred and Anna had seven children: Emmor, Ada, Emma, twins Jessie and Josie, Alma, and Veda. What did Alfred do to support a family of 6 girls and 1 son? I assume he had farmed. I know my grandmother referred to her father as a dreamer and an artist.

I often wonder what it was like for my great grandfather to leave his mother behind and follow older brother Fred across an ocean (no easy journey in 1872) and make his way to the middle of America. Even though the Civil War had ended in 1865, our country was still very, very new and enduring growing pains. Nebraska had just been admitted to the union in 1867.

Eventually, Alfred and brother Fred brought their mother Christina to the United States of America. Fred provided her with a small home on his farm. She died on May 23, 1905 in Jefferson County Eurecka Township, which is near Helvey, Nebraska.

Christina was buried in the Powell Cemetery with no headstone. At a gathering of the Olzon cousins in the 1980's, it was decided that a headstone should be provided. Donations were taken, the headstone was purchased, and then placed on the grave.