MEMORIES OF CAPT. JEANSON AND FAMILY

Recently I featured a story about Captain R. E. Jeanson who promoted settlement of Swea Township for the American Emigrant Company.  Jeanson himself settled in Eagle Township, building a large estate on the shores of Eagle Lake.  Today I want to share an article that was written by Jennie G. Simpson who served as a governess for the Jeansons’ children in the 1870s.  It was first published in the Swea City Herald on August 18, 1938.

Memories of the Jeanson family

Three of the most satisfying years of my life were spent at “Engendomen,” the Jeanson home at Swea as teacher of the children.  I doubt if I taught them as much as I learned from them.

How can Captain Jeanson be described in a few words, so diversified were his talents and characteristics?

Pastor of the Swedish church, a devout Christian, a shrewd business man, a wit who saw the comical side of every situation, rich in repartee and withal a delightful companion.

Mrs. Jeanson, a fit mate with rare executive ability, kept the many branches of the home running smoothly.  An even-tempered woman, endowed with talent in every line of household activity, no problem was too intricate for her to solve.  She inherited from her gifted mother the “know how.”

Mrs. Jeanson’s mother, “Murmur,” excelled any person I ever knew in household arts and crafts, weaving carpets in intricate designs, braiding straw in artistic patterns and sewing into modish hats for all the family.  And will I ever forget or cease to long for one of her “sil salats.” 

I can hear yet in memory Captain’s call of the children, “Riba, Rina, Robert and Ross,” a symphony in R’s.  Also Captain’s salutation to his mate, “Mina lila, rara, sata, alskade guma!”

I recall with pleasure the helpers inside the house and on the land—Anders, the staid reliable man; Nils Anderson, the joker; Amanda, Matilda, Lena and Anna the cook.  Riba is the serious motherly child; Rina the generous, lively, oft  misunderstood one; Robert, grandma’s especial charge who inherited his father’s gift of repartee; Ross, affectionate and lovable.  He always wore the straw hats made for him pulled down on his head like a hood.  I can yet vision the chic suits Mrs. Jeanson made for all the children.

We never lacked for outdoor activities, summer or winter.  There was boating and bathing at Eagle lake in summer even if we did sometimes find “blood eaglers” between our toes.

Every member of the family except grandma had skates.  I recall the wonderful moonlight nights when we older ones skated; especially the night when the wind almost swept me into Minnesota.  The rough ice finally caused my downfall.  I feared to examine my teeth when I arose, but they were intact.

The little Morgan mares, Nellie and her daughter Lillie, were delightful saddle horses.  The coupe, only one in northern Iowa I imagine, made us feel city bred when we rode to Bancroft in it.  The big covered sleigh rendered travel possible and comfortable in winter.

Permit one or two anecdotes:

Staid Anders was seen doing a highland fling in the field he was plowing; explanation, a toad had hopped up his trouser leg.

I was attracted one afternoon by the ringing of the bell in the tower.  Found small Ross tolling it.  Reason given “the men told me to ring the bell for the old sow are dead.”  The funeral procession then wended its way down to the meadow.

Robert and I were taking a spring walk along the road where the hay had been hauled.  He picked up an armful as he said to help across a swampy place.  When we reached it only a wisp of hay remained under his arm.  Undaunted, he brought to the fore the chivalry inherited from his father, and placed his tiny foot encased in felt boot in the center of the hole with the remark, “there Miss Simpson, step on my foot.”  Did Sir Walter Raleigh do more?

With many happy memories never to be forgotten my tenure of office ended, as do all things.

The memories shared by Miss Simpson give us an intimate look at the daily life of the Jeanson family.  One can picture the fun they shared boating, swimming and ice skating on Eagle Lake.  We are thankful that Jennie Simpson took the time to record her recollections of the time spent in their employ.

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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