Nels was born in the farming settlement of Lörby in the parish of Mjällby (early records spell it "Mjellby"), but his birth name was Nils Nilsson. His parents were Nils Pehrsson and Pernilla Nilsdotter, who resided at homestead No.13. Nils Nilsson left the parish of Mjällby on May 9, 1876, along with three other neighbor boys ranging in age from 16-24. The fact that the four boys travelled together at least as far as New York City, helped confirm the itinerary. Records indicate they first travelled to Hamburg, Germany. From there they travelled to Scotland, and in Glasgow, boarded the S.S. State of Virginia, which arrived in New York City, June 10, 1876. From New York, Nils made his way to Whiteside County, Illinois, probably by train. It is not known why he chose "Hammer" as his American surname, but as Nels Hammer, he became a naturalized citizen on April 6, 1894. On March 12, 1884, in Morrison, Illinois, he married Ella Christopher, who was also from the parish of Mjällby and whose birth name was Pella Jönsdotter.
Nels was born in the farming settlement of Lörby in the parish of Mjällby (early records spell it "Mjellby"), but his birth name was Nils Nilsson. His parents were Nils Pehrsson and Pernilla Nilsdotter, who resided at homestead No.13. Nils Nilsson left the parish of Mjällby on May 9, 1876, along with three other neighbor boys ranging in age from 16-24. The fact that the four boys travelled together at least as far as New York City, helped confirm the itinerary. Records indicate they first travelled to Hamburg, Germany. From there they travelled to Scotland, and in Glasgow, boarded the S.S. State of Virginia, which arrived in New York City, June 10, 1876. From New York, Nils made his way to Whiteside County, Illinois, probably by train. It is not known why he chose "Hammer" as his American surname, but as Nels Hammer, he became a naturalized citizen on April 6, 1894. On March 12, 1884, in Morrison, Illinois, he married Ella Christopher, who was also from the parish of Mjällby and whose birth name was Pella Jönsdotter.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
