Sven Henric was born in Forsaström, Gärdserum, Sweden. Sven's mother (Maja Stina Lomell) and father (Sven Hindric) were third cousins. Sven became a tailor and did his apprenticeship under Johan Roos (birth name Jaen Andersson). According to the Swedish household records Sven moved to Kvarntorpet in the village of Nästeshult (see picture below and right) in 1826 and was listed along with Johan Roos, his wife Stina Månsdotter, and their son, Johan Magnus.

He was only 14 years old, and that is perhaps why he was listed with the Roos family members. Interesting observation - in the household records there were 3 items that were tested: Reading, Knowledge of the Catechism, and Knowledge of some treatise that tells the meaning of the Catechism. There was sometimes a 4th category: General Knowledge of it all -- where they were tested with questions to answer in their own words. We were pleased to find that Sven Henric tested "A" in all of the three categories on those records -- a very good showing for a fourteen-year-old. He may have just finished school and confirmation. It was not common to find all A's !

He is also in the 1831-35 Roos Record, but this time he is listed below family members. It is noted on both records that he is ofärdig i ena läret, crippled in one hip. Sven Henric's name is crossed off the later record as it appears that he left about 1834 at age 22. He then married Lovisa Nilsdotter on October 30, 1836. It's interesting to note that Lovisa's father, Nils Jaensson, was also a tailor and had trained with Johan Roos at Kulla. (Apprenticeship and household record information courtesy of Marilyn Anderson Hunwick, a descendent of Johan Roos.)

Sven and Lovisa took up residence in Getgölen, which is the name of the house. The house was situated between 'Big Goat Lake' (N-NW) and 'Little Goat Lake' (S-SE). His son Nils lived nearby in a house called Nain.

Sven's later years were spent in Uddetorp (also in Hjorted Parish) until his death in 1880. Uddetorp was a croft or cottage on Getterum farm No. 2. It's been demolished, but the "hembygdsförening" has marked the exact location with a sign.

We know that he lived to the age of 68, and he apparently never left Sweden. We were trying to locate his burial location, but were informed that in Sweden grave sites can be reclaimed after 50 years if not maintained. We are still searching for more information about him.