Helga (Skeie) Svenson/Swenson (1817-1919)

SVENSON, SWENSON, ELLINGSON, PIERSON, SYDNESS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/11/2024 at 14:03:02

From Story City Herald November 20, 1919 (page 1)

102 YEARS

Oldest Lady in Story City Has Passed Away

Mrs. Helga Swenson (Skeie) died at the home of her niece, Mrs. Sydness*, in the east part of town, last Saturday, at the ripe old age of 102 years, five months and six days. She had become increasingly feeble the last several years, but she was really only sick about one week.

She was the oldest person in Story City, and probably in this part of the state.

Mrs. Helga Swenson, maiden name Skeie, was born near Stavanger, Norway, June 9, 1817. This is authentic, as her pastor, Rev. Paulsrud, had taken the pains some time ago to write to Norway for her baptismal attest.

She came to this country with her husband in 1873. For a number of years the family lived northwest of Story City, near the McClure section. Her husband died something over twenty years ago, since when she made her home with the Chris Peterson family. Upon the death of Mrs. Peterson she she continued to live with the latter's daughter, Mrs. Sydness*, who with her brother, Mr. E. C. Peterson, did what they could to make her last days easy and pleasant.

A son and daughter survive Mrs. Swenson, namely Hans Ellingson of Des Moines and Mrs. Pearson of Hillyeard, Wash. The late Hans and Chris Peterson were brothers. Seven grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren also survive her.

The funeral services were held in the Bethel church yesterday, Rev. Paulsrud officiating. The pastor called attention to the fact that the deceased had lived over 37,000 days, truly a long life. The remains were laid to rest in the Boe cemetery, north of town.

*SUBMITTER'S NOTE: The niece "Mrs. Sydness", Helen Mathilda (Peterson) Sydness, wife of T. S. Sydness, was the daughter of Christ Hanson Skeie Peterson and Malene "Malinda" (Pierson) Peterson. I therefore conclude Christ is the brother of Helga.

This is a bit confusing because Helga's daughter, Malene Ellingsdatter “Malinda” (Svendsen) Pierson also married a Pierson--Peter Jacob Pierson. She is referred to simply as "Mrs. Pearson."