This is a portrait of my great-great-grandfather 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗚𝗼̈𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻. He was born to Sara Greta Jönsdotter and Sven Persson on December 18, 1831 in Högstad, Mjölby, Östergötland, Sweden. He immigrated to America in 1883. He was an expert carpenter, cabinetmaker, and furniture maker. His son Carl Erick, known by his nickname “Charlie,” was a talented woodworker also. In addition to building the farmhouse and barn at the old homestead in Bertha, Minnesota, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗚𝗼̈𝗿𝗮𝗻 handcrafted all types of furniture including rocking chairs, large cupboards with glass doors, chests of drawers, dressers, wood framed mirrors, and spinning wheels. Charlie made oak wardrobes, tables, and ornate picture frames. My parents actually have some of these heirlooms in their house; a framed picture of the old homestead is hanging in the primary bedroom.