Wilhelmina "Mina" Johnson

10/29/09 -- Wilhelmina was listed on two different Swedish reports as Maria (Stina). Obviously Maria or Stina may have been entered instead of Mina. However, there seems to be more to Wilhelmina's name than what we know now.

The first being: HFL at GID: 730.12.13600 AI:15 page 95 1846-1850 Skerrud, Gestad. The birth date listed on the record is the same as what we have previously had for Mina.

The second report is the 1890 Swedish census:

Missing since 1881-1890 in the 1890 Swedish Census, left with out permission.

Post 2903009

Maria

b. 1860 i Gestad (Älvsborgs län, Dalsland)

d. Woman, single (child)

Qvarstående obefintlige sedan åren 1881-1890:

Gestad (Älvsborgs län, Dalsland)

Place of birth (original source): Gestad Elfsb.

______________________________________________

Wilhemina was baptized "Mina." Two daughters had been named Kristina. Both had died. It was customary to name an infant after a deceased child. Mina's parents seem to have abandoned this old custom after their second Kristina died.

Family lore suggests Mina's family accompanied her to America, leaving October 28, 1881, because Mina was about to become a "mail-order" bride. Supposedly, the was nearly blind and required "coke-bottle" glasses. The remainder of the family was afraid her intended husband would not want to marry her when he realized her near-blindness.

She indeed did marry a widower with six children. They, in turn, had another ten children of their own.

The story of near-blindness is treated skeptically by others. There is no record from Sweden of such a condition and it would likely have been recorded by the local Vicar. In addition, it would be unlikely she would have been admitted into the United States with such a condition. Those familiar with Swedish custom note that such stories of mail-order brides are common on the American side of the ocean but rare on the Swedish side. The family was not in desperate straits as they continued to support their daughters at home well past thehir 15th birthday, when they could officially take a job. They were also careful parents.

second wife of thore halvorsen johnson and raised 16 children, 10 of her own and 6 from the previous marriage.