10. May 12 1869

In this letter written by Sven Petter and signed by Johan August, Sven Petter Swenson and their sister, Lovisa's, husband, Hans Olson, who are in America, there is a discussion of what to do about Spakarp Farm.  As more of the family emigrate to America, there is concern for the "old" (the parents) and what will happen to Spakarp.  Victor is deciding whether to stay in Sweden or move his family to America and seems to have made an offer for Spakarp.  There is some concern about their brother, Hans Alfred, who we think has had some personal mental problems.  The letter is complicated with money denominations that are hard to understand.  Irene has done a wonderful job of translating, but I will shorten that part of the discussion.
Roselyn


This is a response to your question in your last letter about how to divide Spakarp.  We have given much thought about that what the best should be.  We have decided that if "the old" will agree that the farm be sold to Victor, part of that money would be deposited in the bank for the loan and part will be for the "old" with money left.  Hans shall have some money as a compensation for being at home and giving his best days.  Then some of the rest would be given to each who has not received their inheritance.  The money from the auction of other things would be given to the children.  There is a little debt on the house, which must be paid first from the children's inheritance.

Father, I (Sven Petter talking) will say a little about brother Hans and his compensation.  You should not forget that it is only you who pay him.  He has been at home and worked ten years, the best time of his life and helped his parents and siblings and brother-in-law.  He should not have to come here with bad body and clothes like rags.  It should not be so. Some of you say he has what he needs.  If anyone says that,  I say it is unjust and not right.  The one who is religious, which I think you are, Father, will say yes to that.


Now we have told you what our opinion is and wish that all will be satisfied.  We think that Fredrik and also Karl Magnus think that the asking price is too high for a farm that does not feed people.  Then my wish is that of seven sons, somebody ought to stay in the father's house and take care of the father's ground.  You talk about renting, which will be much worse.  The farm will be ruined.  If brother Victor will agree, do not say no to that.  It is better for him to do that than to go to America with wife and so many children without having somewhere to live.  My dear parents, I wish that Victor and his wife will be kind to you.  You can let the young work and the old be restful.

Now we leave it to "the old" and may see how it will be, because it is not polite that the children oppose the parents.  The Lord says:  "The one who goes against his father and mother is not worth welcome when I come".   S.P Swenson

We have dry and warm weather and are planting corn now, or as you say in Sweden "maize, so we are in a hurry.  We use two pair of horses and we have another three younger ones, and 33 swine,  I would be happy if I could just send you 5 swine and a load of wheat in a letter.

J.A. Swenson, Hans Olson, S.P. Swenson

When you have read the letter and thought it over, we will wait to know what you decide.  Kindest regard and farewell to you all.

From Roselyn:  Jonas Victor Swenson (my ancestor) decided not to buy Spakarp and emigrated with his wife and family the next year to settle in Riley CO. Kansas.  The final heir to Spakarp was Gustav Albert, some of  whose descendants now own the Spakarp Farm.