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Greetings. I am researching my father's family and have recently determined that my great grandfather, Magnus Lofquist, very likely emigrated from Vanersborg. I am interested in trying to confirm this and learning whatever I can about his parents and earlier generations.

Here is what I have been able to figure out: Magnus Lofquist was born in Sweden in January 1870 (though sometimes reported as 1869 or 1871). His parents (Neelds Lofquist and Gany Dolberg, I believe) died, probably in a smallpox epidemic, in the early/mid-1870s. Magnus was apparently taken in by his aunt and uncle, August S. Lofquist (born 1845) and Mathilda Amalia Lofquist (born 1848 or 1849). Once he reached adulthood, he immigrated to the US, either in 1889 or 1890. August and his family followed in 1897, and they lived together in New York City. I have a ship record of August and family's departure from Gothenburg/Goteborg that links them to Vanersborg.

I have been looking for years for information about where in Sweden Magnus originated. Now that I have found something, I would love to learn more about him and his parents and even earlier generations. Any direction would be much appreciated.




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Replies to This Discussion

According to the Swedish Census 1890, August Svensson Löfkvist was born 1845 in Berg parish, Skaraborg. In 1890 he lived in the city of Sundsvall located farther north in Sweden. He worked as a barber.

His wife was Matilda Amalia (née Löfkvist), born 1848 in Skara, Skaraborg. The household in 1890 also mentions their daughter Hanna Svea Matilda Löfkvist, born 1879 in Kungsholm, Stockholm.

The surname Löfkvist was Matilda's maiden name which means that August probably adopted this surname at marriage. His childhood name was Svensson (i.e. son of Sven). When emigrants moved to the U.S. the letters ä, å and ö were often changed to a and o. In other words, Löfqvist became Lofquist. It litterally means leaf branch.

I would suggest continuing the search in August's birth parish Berg. The birth book 1845 will show the village of origin and from there you can continue the search for Magnus.

Best regards,
Sven Hennig
Mr. Hennig:

Thanks so much, both for the information about my family and about Swedish genealogy. I very much appreciate your assistance and will follow up on the leads you have provided.

Best regards,
Bill Lofquist

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