Mr. and Mrs. Olof Englund
Olof Hansson Englund and Brita Olsdotter
Picture possibly taken in earlier years in Sweden, or recently after emigration to America.
Family emigrated with infant son, Hans (Henry), in 1869 from Alfta, Sweden to America.
They first came to Clay Center, Kansas (Clay County) and in 1884 settled and helped devlop Wayne Village, Kansas in Grant Township, Republic County.
The family was Swedish Methodists. A newpaper article (written after 1884, but probably prior to 1900) contained the following regarding the Swedish Methodist Church in Clay Center, Kansas:
"This country being opened for homesteaders brought many brave and industrious men out here to try their fortune in the wild west, and that the Swedes who have inherited the bravery of the Vikings and being in addition thereto hardened by sacrifices, should be well represented, is natural. Amont those of our countrymen who made their home in Clay County, Kasas, were also a few Methodists families from Bishop Hill and other places in Illinois. Among these were George Erickson, J. Engstrom, N. Swanberg, J. Johnson, D. Danielson, A. Printz, Olof Englund, H. Englund, O. Nordstrom, P. Forslund, O. Bjork, Mrs. Wickstrom, Mrs. Nordling, J. Kennedy, and Lars Lindberg.
Many of the above names came here through favorable reports sent them by A. Brodine (Andrew Phillip Broden). Andrew Brodine has also been one of the active supporters and contributed to the advancement of the society in every possible way. Especial mention is also due N. Swanberg and George Erickson for their faithful services in behalf of the congregation.
As could be expected, they at once began to think of church work. Several of the above named were able to take charge of their meetings, and in their company they also had Rev. J. Engstrom, the pioneer of the Methodists of Kansas. With the above named families and with Rev. Engstrom in charge, this congregation began its successful career.
Soon after their arrival in 1870, they began holding meetings in their dugouts, which at that time were the only houses they had.
Sunday, the 10th day of April, 1870, Brother Engstrom, who had then arrived, held his first sermon in Brother J. Johnson's dugout, his text being taken from the ninth verse and third chapter of Genesis, "Adam, where art thou?: On the 27th day of February the following year, in George Erickson's home, the Swede M. E. congregation of Clay County, Kansas was organized by Nels Peterson, presiding elder, from Chicago, with twenty-seven members.
The following are the names of the members: Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Engstrom, Mr. and Mrs. George Erickson, Mr. and Mrs. D. Danielson, Mr. and Mrs. Olona Bjork, Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. O. Englund, Hans Englund, Mr. and Mrs. A. Printz, Mr. and Mrs. Olof Nordstrom, Mrs. Allison, Mr. and Mrs. N. Swanberg, Lars Lindberg, Mrs. Wickstrum, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy.
By probation: Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hedberg, Mr. and Mrs. O. Edling, Mr. and Mrs. E. Peterson.
Of the members, the following still belong to the congregation: Mr. and Mrs. George Erickson, Mr. and Mrs. N. Swanberg, A. Printz, Mrs. Allison.
Those living in other places are: Mr. and Mrs. D. Danielson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Engstrom, Mr. and Mrs. O. Englund, Hans Englund, Mr. and Mrs. O. Nord.
Three congregations, Randolph, Scandia, and Wayne, have organized through this one and it is probable that in the near future another will be organized."
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