Carl Erlandson was my Great Grandfather. He was an immigrant from Sweden. He enjoyed being in America. In America he saw many family members and met and married his wife Bertha. I think he missed his home country, but I think that he liked it better here in America.

My Great Grandfather wanted to immigrate for a few reasons. The worst was he was by himself when he was fifteen years old working on a farm. He was also very poor, sometimes only having potatoes to eat. Also, many of his family members were already in America. I’m glad he came to America because if he didn’t his life would have been miserable.

When Carl immigrated he only brought a couple of things. The most important thing he had was his Swedish Bible that his mother had given him. He brought that because he had a strong faith which was a big part of his life. I have the exact Bible that he brought with him. The only other things he brought were one or two changes of clothes.

There were probably many things he was hoping to see and find in America. I think he was hoping to find and start a family on his own the most, especially a wife. He was also looking to build himself a beautiful homestead house for him and his family in a beautiful place. I think he was looking for a positive job, too.