Bio
Andrew cam to America with his parents John and Anna Kjellgren sometime after his birth in Sweden. They brought his brother August with them too. Many Swedes were attracted to Rockford because the furniture there needed fine craftsmen.
Census records show that in 1880 Andrew and his family are living at 1002 5th Avenue in Rockford where he works as a cabinet maker. He and his wife Christina Mathilda (called Matilda) have many children. The oldest, Ellen, is ten in 1880. Seven years later they have Martin (who becomes Aunt Dodo's father-in-law) then Martha, Garda, Blenda, Harold, and finally Anna.
The hard working immigrant Andrew becomes one of those classic American success stories. He gets some investment money and starts his own furniture companies which are very successful.
When the Flu pandemic claims the lives of three of his beloved children in a few short months, Andrew himself falls into poor health and he dies just three years after them.
Click image for details
Find A Person
Enter part of First and/or Last Name (or just click Search)