Austin Texas Swedish Settlers
We all have a unique history. Mine is very unique to Texas. I just love geneology and love to learn about Texas History as it relates to my family and other people I know. My mother's family came to the Austin, Texas area from Sweden about 1870 settling in the New Sweden and Lund areas of Travis County just east of Austin, Texas. Later addresses were 1903 Red River, now part of UT and 608 Texas Avenue in Austin, Texas.
One of the best books I have found on Swedish Texans is simply called The Swedish Texans by Larry E. Scott Copyright 1990. This book has many pictures of my family in it. I also have the two volume set on the Swedish settlers in Texas entirely in the Swedish language that have been passed down to me from my mother and grandmother. This book, Swedes in Texas was published in 1918 but there is a second edition published in English in 1988.
New Sweden, Texas is located east of Pflugerville, Texas and northeast of Manor, Texas. New Sweden Church was organized Sunday, February 23, 1876. Back at this time, the area had been known as Knight's Ranch. The original church stood over where the New Sweden Cemetary is. The new church at 12809 New Sweden Church Rd., Manor, Texas 78653 (512) 281-0056 was built in 1921. Back at this time, the area had been known as Knight's Ranch.
There is a Scandinavian Club in Austin Texas to learn more about this culture. The Austin Texas Scandinavian Club meets at Gethsemane Lutheran Church every second Friday of the month. There is also a Texas Swedish Pioneers Association. Swedes In Texas.com is a great online resource I use and have contributed information and photos to.
What is your family's history? I'd love to hear! Contact Betty Saenz by e-mail or by phone at (512) 785-5050 I am a Native Texan REALTOR ready to help!
