Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-01-02
Swedish immigration to Maine.
Report of Commissioner Oh Immigration
The History and Progress of the SSved-
ish Colony in Maine.

Report of Commissioner Oh Immi grafton
The History md Progress of the Swed-
ish Colony i'm Maine.
From the Report of Hon. W. w. Thomas,
Jr., Commissioner of immigration, submitted
to the Governor and Board of immigration,
we make the following abstract
In 1920 there arrived in the United States
1886 aliens. Since then the yearly number
landed on cur shores has, with some fuctua-
tons, rapidly increased. In 1880 there were
1892 alien arrivals; 94,0G6 in 1910, 10000
in 1850, and in 1857, 427,8 1888, the largest
number prior to 1872; 3lS,4 94 aliens arrived
in 1866, 37S, 796 in 1870, and 449, 4S3 in 1872,
the largest number attained in a single year.
Adding the number that arrived prior to 1920
to the arrivals from that year to 1872, we have
the grand total of 1921, 1877 aliens landing in
the United States. OF these about one and
two-thirds per cent. do not remain; laborers
form about one-fourth of the entire immigra-
ton, and farmers and skilled workmen stand
next.
After dwelling upon the advantages to this
country on account of immigration, and the
inducements to these immigrants to settle in
Maine, the Commissioner speaks of the first
official acts to induce European immigrants to
come to this Countrywide subject of Scandi-
navan immigration being favorably presented
to the attention of the legislature in 1861 by
Gov Washburn. In 1864 an attempt was
made by a company of Maine gentlemen to
procure laborers from Sweden, but the at
tempt was failure. The idea slumbercd un-
til the administration of Gov. Chamberlain.
1t then became fruitful theme of discourse
and interest The question was discussed by
the legislature of 1862 and on the 10Th of
March OF that year, resolve was passed,
providing for the settlement of the public
lands of the State. Three Commissioners
were appointed who made tour of observa-
ton and inquiry through Aroostook county,
and reported to the legislature of 1870, favor
able to recruiting colony of Swedes and
transporting them to Maine. This was to be
an experiment, and by an act passed the 23d
of March, 1870, the legislature authorized the
experiment to be tried. A board of immigra-
ton was created, which appointed Mr.. Thomas
to recruit the colony abroad and superintend
its establishment in Maine. The land was
prepared in Township No. Is, Range 8, in
Aroostook county, and log houses erected.
In July, 1870, a little company Of fifty Swedes,
with their pastor, reached their destination
and settled in our northern forests the spot
was called New Sweden. These Swedes, to-
gether with all who have since followed them,
paid their own passage to Maine. Necessary
tools and provisions were sold them, to be
paid in labor. This course has been contin-
ued throughout. All supplies furnished have
been charged to the individuals receiving
them, and payment has been taken in labor
on the roads, buildings and other public works.
Good crops were raised and many dwellings
erected that year. When the year closed
there was located on the wild lands Of Maine
A COLONY OF ia SwEDEs,
IS men, 90 women, and Sc children; miles
of road had been cut through the woods, $50
acres of trees felled, loo acres cleared, and 20
acres sowed with winter wheat and rye. A
framed public building and &c comfortable
dwelling houses had been built.
OTHER EFFORTS
were put forth by the State to promote immi-
grafton, and with the opening of the next
spring Swedish immigrants began pouring into
our new settlement; a store was established;
industries sprung up, and the colony was IA
vored with regular preaching and pastoral
ministrations. Many of the men in the col
ony, also hired out as mechanics and farmers,
and the women as house servants. AT the close
of 1871, there were 1000 Swedes in Maine,
over one-half of whom were in New Sweden.
Since that time the policy of the State has
been rather towards securely establishing the
Swedes already within our borders, than to
increasing their numbers, until
New SWEDEN TO-DAY
numbers GOO souls; the colonists have taken
up an area of 10000 acres of land. In the
aggregate 2200 acres of trees have been fell
ed, 1900 acres of which they have cleared in
superior manner. But 1000 acres were
cleared last spring, on which crops were rails
ed, consisting chiefly of wheat, rye, barley,
oats, peas, beans, potatoes and turnips.
There was an untmely frost, yet a fair crop
was raised. The grass patches of the colony
amounted to POO acres; 200 acres additional
were seeded to grass this season. The road
from the capitol to Caribou village has been
made a smooth, hard turnpike; the other
roads have also been improved. The Swedes
are debtors to the State for aid from the
founding of the colony, S24, 32l.42. They
have been credited by work from the found
ing of the colony, SIS, 02S.S6; balance due the
State, SIG, 292 sc. This balance will be paid
by the Swedes in labor on the highways, when
there services are required. All State aid
ceased in September, 1873, since which time
the colony has been self-sustaining.
TwENrY-sIN HOUSES
were put up by the State for the colonists in
1870. Since then the Swedes have built l04
houses and $50 barns. Total, 1870 houses.
Two steam single mills and one water power
saw mill have been built and put into opera
ton; the mills have not been profitable in.
vestment to their owners. The variety store
does a good business.
The colonists now own % horses, II oxen,
100 cows, 40 calves, SO sheep, and l25 swine.
One hundred and thirty three men have de-
clared their intention of becoming naturalized
citizens.
SCHOOLS.
The school is in fourishing condition.
The English language is the principal study.
To learn to speak, read and write the Ian
guage of this State and continent, is deemed
of more Importance than all other branches.
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS, AND DEATHS.
| There have been eleven marriages, seventy
one births, and thrty-six deaths.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
| "The Swedish immigration enterprise is a
success" colony of six hundred Swedes