Nils Pitt Falkman Emigrates to the U. S.
Nils's story starts back in 1863. The year he was born. Thursday, May 28th to be exact. His parents were John and Corine Falkman. And more than likely he lived with them until his emigration to the United States.
Whether or not Nils had siblings isn't know at this time. But I would think that he must of had brothers and sisters. Family planning was not heard of in the 1800's. And the more children you could raise, meant more help on the farm. Or the bigger your business could grow. Not to mention just propagating the family name. It's only in recent times do we limit out families to one or two children. As for Nils's profession. The census records have him listed as a shoemaker. And like most trades of that time, it was probably passed down from his father, John.
The Falkman's were a Christian family. And it would be at a church function that Nils would eventually meet Korin Noren. Anyway their relationship grew. And as time went by Nils would see more and more of Korin. It would appear that they had fallen in love and made a pack together. This pack would be that Nils would travel to America and Korin would follow as soon as possible. (less that a year later).
The Journey
Now back in the 1800's travel wasn't as easy as it is today. No planes, and the railroads were just coming into existence. And also traveling a great distance wasn't to be taken on lightly. Many emigrants died on their migrant trip to America, Canada or Australia. And also it was rather expensive. I'm sure that Nils and Korin both had to save up for their pending trip. Maybe taking a year or more. Or even borrowing some of the money from family members. With the promise to repay the loan when they reached America. (Which we all know, had streets of gold... Ha Ha). I can almost feel Nils's excitement when he finally has enough money to purchase his ticket. He would have gone off to see the 'ticket agent' from whom he would have purchased a one-way, ticket to America. The ticket agent would have arranged all of the travel plans. Much like our 'travel agents' of today. There would have been coach or train transportation to the boat. The boat fare itself and any lodging expenses that would have been incurred.
And so it was that on Tuesday, the 6th of October 1891. Nils shook his father's hand and gave his mother one last hug. Then said 'Good Bye' to the rest of the family members present. And off he would go to start his journey. He left from Hudiksvall (See the link under Places) on the eastern coast of Sweden. It would have been a cool, crisp morning and Nils would have been anxious to start. For this would be a long journey. A journey of a life time. He wouldn't have a chance to see Korin. As she lived over 40 miles away and had to attend to her family choirs. Nils would have either traveled by train or coach (stage coach). Had he traveled by train it would have been an all day excursion. Arriving in Göteborg later that evening (See Göteborg under Travel Notes). Or even the next day. Had Nils traveled by coach, it would have been even a slower journey. Not arriving until the 8th of October. How ever he traveled Nils did arrive in time. And boarded the ship on the 8th of October. And set sail for Kingston on Hull on the 9th. Nils traveled on the SS Romeo. A steamship built and owned by the Wilson Steamship Line. (More under Transportation).
Upon arriving in Hull, Nils would have more than likely stayed on board the ship until transportation was available for the trip to Liverpool (See Kingston on Hull, under Travel Notes) Once transportation was available, Nils would have boarded the train. Along with the other passengers headed to Liverpool. And the second leg of his journey would begin.
Karin Noren
Katherine as she was call in America. Lived in as small central eastern town called Arbrä. It is located about 42 miles from Hudiksvall, where Nils lived.
Katherine Noren immigrated to America in May of 1892. She left from Göteborg the same as Nils. She traveled on the SS Norden. Upon her arrival she set off for Dubois Penn. She was married shortly after arriving in Dubois, on the 25th of May 1892. This leads me to believe that they must have known one another while still in Sweden. Her first child was born in September of 1893 (Herman). Shortly after Herman's birth the family decided to move to Chicago, Il.
Katherine's Father was a Traveling Minister (in Sweden). I think for the Swedish Covenant Church. He also had a profession of cabinet maker. Katherine was also employed, as a maid, at the time. It is not an uncommon practice for a daughter to accompany her father on his missionary circuit. I think this is what Katherine did. Taking in laundry to earn a few cents and also taking care of her fathers need as he traveled on his circuit. This may also explain how she came to meet Nils Peter. He may have seen her at one of the church functions. They started talking and Peter told her of his forcomming trip to America. He may have even asked her to accompany him on his trip. I don't know how long the two had know each other before making the decision to go to America.
I think she had a stepmother... This information was confirmed by my cousin, Karin, who lived with Katherine, (her grand-mother), when she was a small child.
After moving to Chicago. Her husband, Peter, landed a job with the rail road. Where he was eventually killed in a work related accident. With the insurance money the family bought a place in the Austin area. This is were the children were raised and went to school.
My earliest memories of her unfortunately are when she was sick and confined to bed. Her two daughters Lillian and Ester remained in the home. Never marrying. Ester would take care of her and Lillian would be the one that was out working.