Another Addition to the Our Extended Family.

Lydia Grace Turley

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello Family Both Near and Far,
Today we pause to welcome another member of our extended family! Autumn and Derrick Turley are happy to announce the birth of their second child, Lydia Grace.

Lydia was born on August 12th at 6:05 P.M. at the American Fork, Utah Hospital. She came in at 5 lbs 12 ounces and 19 inches long. Lydia is Autumn and Derrick's second daughter, now having to share her parent's attention with older sister London.

And now, the traditional Relationship Charts so you can see where Lydia's place is in our family: (Click to Enlarge)

Williamson Chart

Mattson Chart

Autumn with Lydia in the Hospital

Autumn, London and Derrick

Welcome to our family Lydia Grace Turley!

Simply,
Victor

Our Cousin and Signer of the US Consitution.

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello Williamsons,
Thanks for joining me at another family history fireside chat. The summer is drawing to a close and that means the start of another school year. I’m hoping all our little Williamsons are ready to do their best in school this year. As for me, it will be my 28th year in public education - all at Central School here in Pleasant Grove where I am currently the Director of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center. I also teach one period of pre-algebra to our advanced 6th graders, just to keep my feet in the fire of teaching daily.

I’m also hoping our older Williamsons in High School and University are ready for another grueling year. It isn’t easy being that age. I remember how difficult it was for me trying to decide what I wanted to be. Today it’s much harder - especially with the current economy and the many career choices my generation didn’t have. Good Luck to All.

In today’s history we learn about Jacob Broom, our 1st Cousin, 8 Times Removed and member of the Constitutional Convention representing the state of Delaware.

Let's begin with the Relationship Chart:

Below is the last page of the US Constitution. You'll see our cousin's signature, the last of the Delaware Delegates (click to enlarge).

Click to Enlarge

And now a Biography of our cousin, Jacob Broom.

Jacob Broom
Delaware
1752-1810

Jacob Broom, born October 17, 1752 in Wilmington, Delaware, was the son of James Broom, a blacksmith turned prosperous farmer, and Esther Willis, a Quaker. In 1773 he married Rachel Pierce, and together they raised eight children.

After receiving his primary education at Wilmington's Old Academy, he became in turn a farmer, surveyor, and finally, a prosperous local businessman. Even as a young man Broom attracted considerable attention in Wilmington's thriving business community, a prominence that propelled him into a political career. He held a variety of local offices, including borough assessor, president of the city's "street regulators;" a group responsible for the care of the street, water, and sewage systems, and justice of the peace for New Castle County. He became assistant burgess (vice-mayor) of Wilmington in 1776 at the age of only 24, winning re-election to this post six times over the next few decades. He also served as chief burgess of the city four times. He never lost an election.

Although the strong pacifist influence of his Quaker friends and relatives kept him from fighting in the Revolution, Broom was nevertheless a Patriot who contributed to the cause of independence. For example, he put his abilities as a surveyor at the disposal of the Continental Army, preparing detailed maps of the region for General Washington shortly before the battle of Brandywine. Broom's political horizons expanded after the Revolution when his community sent him as their representative to the state legislature (1784-86 and 1788), which in turn chose him to represent the state at the Annapolis Convention. Like many other delegates, Broom was unable to attend the sessions of the short meeting, but he likely sympathized with the convention's call for political reforms.

Despite his lack of involvement in national politics prior to the Constitutional Convention, Broom was a dedicated supporter of strong central government. When George Washington visited Wilmington in 1783, Broom urged him to "contribute your advice and influence to promote that harmony and union of our infant governments which are so essential to the permanent establishment of our freedom, happiness and prosperity."

Broom carried these opinions with him to Philadelphia, where he consistently voted for measures that would assure a powerful government responsive to the needs of the states. He favored a nine-year term for members of the Senate, where the states would be equally represented. He wanted the state legislatures to pay their representatives in Congress, which, in turn, would have the power to veto state laws. He also sought to vest state legislatures with the power to select presidential electors, and he wanted the President to hold office for life. Broom faithfully attended the sessions of the Convention in Philadelphia and spoke out several times on issues that he considered crucial, but he left most of the speechmaking to more influential and experienced delegates. Georgia delegate William Pierce [Georgia] described him as "a plain good Man, with some abilities, but nothing to render him conspicuous, silent in public, but chearful and conversible in private."

After the convention, Broom returned to Wilmington, where in 1795 he erected a home near the Brandywine River on the outskirts of the city. Broom's primary interest remained in local government. In addition to continuing his service in Wilmington's government, he became the city's first postmaster (1790-92).

For many years, he chaired the board of directors of Wilmington's Delaware Bank. He also operated a cotton mill, as well as a machine shop that produced and repaired mill machinery. He was involved, too, in an unsuccessful scheme to mine bog iron ore. A further interest was internal improvements: toll roads, canals, and bridges. A letter to his son James in 1794 touches upon a number of these pursuits.

Broom also found time for philanthropic and religious activities. His long-standing affiliation with the Old Academy led him to become involved in its reorganization into the College of Wilmington, and to serve on the college's first Board of Trustees. Broom was also deeply involved in his community's religious affairs as a lay leader of the Old Swedes Church.
He died at the age of 58 in 1810 while in Philadelphia on business and was buried there at Christ Church Burial Ground.

And Now, Grandma Elda in the 1960's

Grandma Elda and Grandpa Emerson taken on April 4, 1969
at Uncle Ed's Home in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
This last week dad and I cleaned out the garage. I found a cardboard box on the top shelf with several of Grandma Elda's things. Over the next few weeks I'll post the more interesting items from the collection.


We start with a letter and two drawings sent to Grandma Elda in 1963 / 64 from Kim, Kevin and I. The first is a letter written by Kim. Such good penmanship and the grammar, faultless as one would expect with a South Dakota education, provided at Jefferson Elementary School (which is no longer a school, the last I know the building still sits at the bottom of Signal Heights, Rapid City - and is used as school district storage site).

Above you'll see my contribution to the package. This is my rendition of me on a house with our LDS church building and me holding something near the sun. I've pondered over this drawing racking my brain for the meaning. Those ponderings have proven useless. I have no clue what I was on about but that's OK. Let's just enjoy the Picasso like surreal art produced by a 5 or 6 year old child prodigy.

And finally, Kevin's drawing for Grandma. This is considered enlightened for a 3 year old, although I wonder if our 48 year old Kevin could do any better today!

This picture of Kim and I was found in her possessions. The picture is well worn telling me she kept it in her purse where she could gain quick access to show off her two eldest (and cutest) grandchildren.

This picture was taken at the Holiday Inn in Rapid City in 1964. You see (from left to right) me with my red vest and suit, Uncle Ed (Grandma Elda's youngest brother), Grandma Elda, Kevin, Kim, Uncle Ray (Grandma Elda's older brother), Luella and Charles. Uncle Ray was visiting from Ohio where he worked as a Vice President for Western Union.

One of the few pictures we have of the three Vercellino siblings together. Ed Vercellino, Elda Vercellino and Ray Vercellino.

And finally, we have Grandpa Liessman with Grandma Elda and Charles standing on the front lawn of our home at 210 North 42nd Street, Rapid City, South Dakota. We moved to 42nd Street from Signal Heights when I was 7 or 8 years old. This picture was taken in June of 1968. We moved to our home at 2214 38th Street during the school year of 1968/69. Again, one of the few pictures we have of Charles with his mom and step dad. And a special treat - in this picture you see another member of the Williamson family for many years, our 1958 blue Rambler Station Wagon. This, you recall, is the car of so many stories from our childhood.

Once again, More to follow.

Simply,
Victor

Announcing the Newest Member of our Williamson Clan.

Bryce Hunter Williamson

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
Andrew and Heather Williamson are please to announce the birth of their son, Bryce Hunter Williamson. Bryce was born on the evening of August 12. He came in at 9 pounds and 21 inches long. Both Bryce and Heather are doing fine.

Andrew and Heather

Heather With Bryce

Andrew, Heather and now Bryce live in Fairbanks, Alaska. Andrew is stationed at Ft. Wainwright.

For more information please contact Grandpa Bill at
postinobj@msn.com

Welcome to the family Bryce!

Simply,
Victor

Our Swedish Letter Translated!

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
Our 9th cousin Pertti responded to my call for help and translated the letter (written in Swedish) sent to our Great Grandmother Ida from her sister Hilma. That's right, Hilma. Luella always remembered Ida calling her Wilma. There is another mystery waiting to be solved.

We begin with the letter itself.





And now, the Translation:

Dear Sister With Your Family!

I have to put my thoughts into action and let you hear from me. It's been a really long time since I wrote to you and everyone else with you. I feel good and everyone so does everyone else here at my house.

I'm wondering just how you have it [how are things during the war] and how you are so far away from homeland. Homeland that you might have forgotten for a long time ago. But unfortunately we must admit we have a good homeland. Just think that we still have everything compared with other countries. [Sweden was neutral during World War 2]

Pertti's remark: (Unfortunately might here have the meaning that from Hilma's view that Ida has lost her good homeland).

Lately we have not suffered any shortages except for coffee, which we do not have at all now. I was going to beg coffee of you. The coffee there [ in the USA] is so cheap. And it is sent so much from there. Coffee is coming continually from America. I envy those who get it. I have the post so I can see all the packages that are coming. So I think you might probably also send some to us. For you know, it feels unpleasant to be entirely without coffee when you have become used to it from childhood.

Now I hope you show your sister's love and send me a couple of kilograms of coffee. They generally come in two kilos packages and you pay the customs duty yourself. Now don't forget it away! I will send this letter by air mail so it goes faster.

Well, Valter is at home with his wife, and how many children they have. Astrid is now to take real (school subject?) in spring. If she gets it (the grade?), I'll send a card for her.

Lennart is reading for the third year. Hasse started school in the previous fall and Rolf is five years. Charles is 20 years.

You might have heard that Nanna Tornberg is dead. Arthur is also at home in Karungi. He has become a bit strange during his long stay away from homeland. But he is not so dangerous. He has some kind of repair station. Adriana, she also lives in Karungi. Her husband is in Canada. All her children are adults. She has four children.

We are still having full winter here. You of course have a lot warmer weather there. But soon we have the lovely Nordic spring here with sunshine and summer.

Well how is Valter [Grandpa Walter, Ida's husband] is he at the front or is he at home? Yes, we also have electric lights here with radio and everything, so now there are other [modern] times here in the Torne Valley than in the old days. You should come and see. You would not recognize the home region. Yes, now I have scribbled a lot so I have to stop.

Do not forget the coffee. And do not forget to write some time. It's nice to hear something about you. It's awful, that we are just two siblings and never write to each other. So much should you still have fellowship with one another that you write some time.

Yes, I become 50 years old in August. Sure I am old. In August 30th is my birthday. You must be 56 or so. Think we are old people. And mother has been lying 10 years in the grave. Greetings to Valter and Albert with his wife.

Writes sister Hilma
Neistenkangas

Sveden

ANSWER BACK

Do not forget the coffee drop!

Greetings to the aunt

Kalle

Pertti adds the following:

By the way, I think Hilma speaks of her and Ida's cousins in this letter, like Nanna and Adriana.

Best regards
Pertti

Great Grandmother Ida Tornberg's Arrival to the United States

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
More information on Great Grandmother Ida (Walter Mattson's Mother).

We begin with Ida's departure from Sweden (above). This is the immigration manifest from Sweden. You'll notice that Ida was traveling with friends. You'll see her destination was Houghton, Mich.

Next we have the passenger list for those wanted to enter the United States from Canada on the Canadian Ship SS. Empress of Britian. The ship departed from Liverpool on 7 May, 1909. The Atlantic crossing was a 4 or 5 day affair.

This is the passenger list (Click to Enlarge). You'll notice that Ida is listed as a domestic (servant). You'll notice that her father's name was Isak Tornberg and that her final destination was Houghton, Mich.

Ida sailed on one of the finest and fastest ships of its day, the SS Empress of Britain



We move to the 1910 Census showing Ida working in Houghton, Michigan as a servant for the Miller family.


From here we have a postcard proving Ida was living in northern Michigan (please refer to the earlier post of the day).

Finally, we have Ida and John Albert marrying in Lead, South Dakota on 11 March 1911.

Simply,
Victor

A Letter to our Great Grandmother Ida Tornberg in Swedish. Anyone Out There Read Swedish and Can Translate?

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
Today I'm posting a letter written to our Great Grandmother Ida Tornberg from her sister Wilma. The letter was posted from Sweden, written in Swedish. I'd use Google Translator to translate the general meaning of the letter but can't due to the odd handwriting. I can't make out many of the letters.

I'm hoping someone out there reading the blog either reads Swedish or knows someone that does and would be kind enough to translate this letter for me.

We are still searching for our nearest relatives living in Sweden. Ida's sister Wilma may be the key and finding her descendants is a priority.

Simply,
Victor

We start with this post card written to Ida before her marriage to John Albert Mattson on 11 March 1911. At the time Ida was living in South Range, Michigan. It is my opinion that Ida moved to South Range from Sweden. I asked myself why would anyone choose to live in South Range Michigan when first immigrating to the United States? The only answer was family or friends.

I did more research and found the following person living in South Range at the same time.

Karl Levi Isaksson Tornberg b. 1876 d. 1939 Immigrated to America without certificate about 1903-1904. Later residing in South Range, Michigan, USA. Died in a mining accident.

Now, considering the population of South Range in 2000 was 797, I'm inclined to believe that a family member moved there first and Ida followed.

We also have record of another Tornberg living in South Range:

Charles Levi Isaksson Tornberg b. 1876 d. 1939
Immigrated to America around 1903 to 1904 Migration. Lived in South Range, Michigan

There are also several Tornberg immigrants living in nearby towns in Michigan and one or two that moved to Lead, South Dakota where Ida settled after marrying John Albert Mattson.

Johan Isaksson Tornberg b. 1863, d. about 1920 To N. America 1.6.1883. Later residing in Lead, South Dakota, USA

Karl Adolf Persson Forsman b. 1862 d. 1923 who immigrated to N. America 11.6.1884. Residing in Houghton, Michigan, USA. Married: Greta Wilhelmina Isaksdotter Tornberg b. 1859 d. 1946 who immigrated to N. America 11.6.1884. Karl and Greta returned to Sweden on 6 Oct. 1894 They married in the USA on 27 July 1884.

Their Children born in Houghton, Michigan:
Karl William b. 1885 d. 1951
Anna Vilhelmina b. 1887 d. 1975
Sedi Sofia b. 1888 d. 1910
Elisa Amanda b. 1891 d. 1961
Etna Teresia b. 1893 d. 1917
All Returned home to Sweden with their parents

Isak Wilhelm Isaksson Tornberg b. 1862 d. 1948 Immigrated to N. America without certificate about 1884. Later residing in Ishpeming, Marquette, Michigan, USA

Kaisa Maria Isaksdotter Tornberg b. 1866 d. 1959 Immigrated to N. America 15 June 1889. Arrived from Göteborg (Gothenburg, Sweden) destination Hancock, Michigan. Married 1893 to Johan Kermuniemi (John Kermu; se above 1883), residing in Mass City, Michigan, USA

Herman Abiel Fredriksson Tornberg b. 1881 To N. America without certificate about 1903

Oskar Isaksson Tornberg b. 1879 d. about 1910-1915 Immigrated to N. America without certificate about 1903-1904. According to family information he should have immigrated to America 25 Nov. 1910 and settled in Ironwood, Michigan, USA

Once again I believe it is safe to say that Ida immigrated and moved in with relatives in northern Michigan. We also know that her sister Wilma did not immigrate and married a Laplander.

And now the letter from Wilma to Ida:

Front. We see that this letter was mailed in 1942 at the height of World War 2. Sweden was neutral in the war.

The back of the envelope with Wilma's return address in Sweden.

Neistenkangas, Sweden

Page 1 (Click to Enlarge)

Page 2 (Click to Enlarge)

Page 3 (Click to Enlarge)

Page 4 and End (Click to Enlarge)

Luella's Day of Freedom! No More Trips to the Canal. And Pictures of the Early Mattsons!

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello To All,
A major purchase for the Fortress was made today. A new washer and dryer will be delivered on Thursday to make mother's life a bit easier. I took Luella to Best Buy and RC Willey once she returned this morning from doing a load of laundry down at the canal. She was overjoyed with the announcement that after all these years of knuckle scrapping on a wooden washboard, Dad and I were finally willing to spend the money to get a completely automatic, ELECTRIC no less, washer and dryer for the Fortress.

Our first stop today was Best Buy in Orem. Luella wasn't impressed with the salesman at Best Buy. He was young and wasn't able to answer all her questions. I think he was thrown off his game by her appearance. She looked like an old Chinese washerwoman with bleeding knuckles (I didn't give her time to wash up before we left). He printed the information on an out of model LG washer and dryer and we went on our way.

Luella enjoyed our next stop and the RC Willey across the busy street. The salesman was sales veteran. He was upon us the moment our feet hit the Appliances Department. He looked like he was dressed for church (1950's style). He had polished shoes, perfectly pressed slacks, a crisp white shirt with tie and hair cut and combed back off his face (a lesson the Best Buy kid should learn). He knew the answer to every question. He enjoyed talking washers and dryers. He even had washing and drying jokes! He had the Consumer Reports Books on hand for comparison shopping. He knew every screw and magnet in the machines and threw in enough goodies and rebates to seal the deal. Luella was overjoyed. To be honest, I was more interested in the new 3D Panasonic Television they had on display at my 11:00 o'clock position.

We drove back to the Fortress several hundred dollars lighter in the wallet.

I wonder if our clothes will be any cleaner? Will they smell better? Don't know. I do know it won't take three days to dry a full load of towels in a new dryer. That should save some electricity. Anyway, the money will be well worth it to keep mother from making another trek to the canal below the Fortress with her washboard and soap to do the laundry. Bless her heart but could we continue to let her push a full load of canal washed, wet clothes back up the hill of 1100 North in that borrowed WalMart shopping cart with the wobbly wheel? This new washer and dryer will be well worth not having to put up with the neighbor's dirty looks and the never ending calls from Social Workers banging on the door asking uncomfortable questions about Elder Abuse.

And now, for tonight's enjoyment as we gather around the digital fire we will look at some old pictures of a simpler time in the 1950's for the Mattsons of Montana and Spearfish, South Dakota.

In this picture we have Luella, Grandma Violet holding baby Linda and Grandpa Walter. This picture was taken around 1942 on the Montana Ranch. This is one of Luella's favorite pictures of her parents.

This is Luella proudly modelling her new coat. She thinks she is a junior in high school.
She loved the coat. Isn't it a sad commentary on life today when you think that Luella, even after all these years, can still remember everything about that coat. Just getting a new coat was such a special occasion you had to stop to take pictures of it!

In this picture you have Uncle Marvin, Uncle John, Great Grandmother Vesta and Luella in her new coat. This was taken early in the morning. Luella is still in her pj's. Luella was about 15 years old. John was 11 and Marvin was 9.

This is a picture of Great Grandma Vesta with her husband Jim Logan. Standing beside them are Luella and Charles, newlyweds of two days. Back then, Charles took his shirt off all the time to show off his muscles. If he did that now, at 74 years old, Immigration would be called in to deport the strange starving Ethiopian on the loose every day in the Orem, WalMart.

This picture was taken in June 1956. After their wedding, the couple went to Newcastle, Wyo and stayed the night (giving them a one night honey moon. Romantic, yet cheap - important in those days). They had a lovely little apartment near Spearfish Park for the first few months of their marriage. Dad got a job in Deadwood with the State Highway Department so they moved to Deadwood. They had an apartment above the Montgomery Ward Store. Luella worked at Goldburg Grocery running the Bakery Concession Stand.

This is a picture of John Albert Mattson holding Luella as an infant. Ida and John were so proud of their first grandchild (they only had one child - our Granddad Walter). John Albert had large hands. He was a very hard worker and loved to walk whenever it was possible. He and Ida were born in Sweden. He was the black sheep of the Mattson family. He loved to drink before he and Ida married. After their wedding Ida took control of his spending money. Whenever they went to town Ida would give him one dollar to spend in the saloon and that was it. His drinking was under control.

The Mattson's drove to Belle Fourche, South Dakota from the Montana Ranch for a picnic and to take a few pictures. In the top picture you have Linda with her curls, then Uncle John, their first cousin Diane Pierce (daughter to Violet's brother Walter) and finally Uncle Marvin.

In the lower picture we have Luella proudly posing to show off her new saddle shoes. All the girls wore them with white anklets. Luella was 12 or 13 in this picture. Shocking isn't it. She was very tall for her age. The pictures were taken in Belle Fourche Park.




These are pictures of Uncle John as a baby.

And that is it for today.

Simply,
Victor

A Quiet Evening with our Swedish Ancestors

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Today, an old Lutheran hymn sung in Swedish, one of the languages of our Tornberg and Mattson ancestors. This scene comes from the Academy Award winning film "Babbett's Feast".

Over the last few days I discovered that many of our Swedish and Finnish ancestors were Lutheran pastors and priests. Faith played a major role in their day to day lives. The people of that time, as they do now, relied on their faith to see them through life's dark times.

In my mind's eye I see our ancestors sitting in this room on a dark cold Scandinavian night enjoying each other's company in word and song.



Oh, watch the day
once again hurry off,
and the sun bathe itself in water.

The time for us to rest approaches

O God, Who dwelleth in heavenly light;
Who reigns above in heaven’s hall.
Be for us our infinite Light,
in the valley of night

The sand in our hourglass will soon run out.
The day is conquered by the night.
The glories of the world are ending;
so brief their day,
so swift their flight.

God, let Thy brightness ever shine!
Admit us; Thy mercy divine.

A Few Stories about our Tornberg Ancestors

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
I've been in email contact with Pertti Ervasti, my 9th Cousin on the Tornberg family line, from Finland. He has been extremely helpful in helping Angie and I trace the Tornberg genelogy. We are into the 1600's now.

There are a few interesting stories about the early Tornbergs I'd like to share with you translated from Finnish into English by Google Translation. So... the stories are as good as the translation makes possible.
__________________________________________________________

Our 9th Great Nicolaus Nicolaii Ulopolitanus Tornberg b. 1605 d. 1676. married Maria Nilsdotter Falk b. 1610.

It appears Nicolaus was a mayor or alderman of the city of Oulu, Finland. The city had just been founded. Nicolaus was a chaplain in Hietaniemi in 1637-1641 and a priest and pastor at another location until his death.

Maria's father (Nicolaus Philippi Falkia) was the priest of Yitornion from 1625 to 1638. In the Autumn of 1636 the parsonage burned along with the residential Buildings, stables and warehouses. The impoverished family received a two year exemption from taxation. Maria's father died in 1638. Fortunately our 9th Great Grandfather Nicolaus married his daughter Maria and saved the family from ruin.

to

8th Great Grandfather Johannes Nicolai Nilsson Tornberg b. 1640 d. 3 Jan. 1717. married Brita Isaksdotter Curtelia b. 1651. d. 6 April 1740 in Hietaniemi Lappi, Finland.


The walking stick in the picture above was owned by our 8th Great Grandfather. He was the minister of Övertorneå congregation. The cane's silver knob is missing, replaced with wooden knob.

Russian cossacks were visiting Övertorneå in 1717, during the last years of "the Great Wrath" (a twenty year war between Russia and Sweden fought on Finnish soil). The cossacks attacked the city, killing many and stealing everything of value. They broke into Johannes' Church (he was also a Lutheran Pastor) and tried to force him to tell them where he had hidden the church's valuable silver and gold. Johannes refused to tell. The cossacks took our Great Grandfathers walking stick and beat him with it, then stole the silver knob. Johannes Nicolai died from his wounds three days later.

to

Our 7th Great Grandfather Isak Johanneson Tornberg b. 1677 d. 29 Sept. 1743 and Magdalena Hermannindr (?) Kempe b. 1678 d. 24 Sept. 1755.

Isak Johanneson Tornberg was a Lutheran chapel assistant from 1718-1743. He was ordained a priest. In 1710 he became the pastor to the ironworks at Köngäksen.

Rapids on the Torne River between Sweden and Finland in Lapland

Our Grandfather's life as a child was full of adventures, many of which could have killed him. One of the earliest is when his father was a vicar in Kautokeino and the whole family was traveling in the summer. The family had to cross a river. While passing through the rapids, Isak fell off the reindeer's back he was riding upon and fell into the swirling water. The family didn't realize he was missing for a few moments and when they did the power of the rapids carried him downstream quite a distance.

And so we learn more about our ancestors day by day. Consider how the daily occurrences in our life's can have such profound influence on the future. If our Great Grandfather had drowned in that river, which he could have easily done so, then none of us would be here today! Entire possible futures disappear with many actions and decisions we make day to day.

Simply,
Victor