Anna Linnea Beck Lundbeck, known as Linnea, was born on May 27, 1899 in Siknäs, Kalix, Sweden. The Beck family, which included eight children, lived on a small farm provided for them since Linnea's father, Johan Beck, was a soldier. Sadly, Johan died at an early age after falling off a barge. The children worked a great deal to support the family. Linnea attended school for six years and then was confirmed. Her family celebrated Christmas in a traditional way, but they did not attend church as is customary because their farm was too far away. Linnea worked as a housekeeper for a while before she moved to America. Her brothers encouraged her to come, so she moved when she was 28 years old. Linnea took a ship called the Gripsholm and then took a train to Tacoma to meet one of her brothers. Soon Linnea found several jobs as a housekeeper. In Tacoma she met her future husband, Emil Lundbeck. They lived in Seattle for a brief period of time and then returned to Tacoma; Linnea and Emil had one son named Floyd. Shortly thereafter, Linnea attained her United States citizenship. She has returned to Sweden once, and while Linnea enjoys living in America, she maintains several Swedish customs. For instance, she still speaks the language and prepares traditional Swedish food, especially during the Christmas season. Linnea also treasures some of the Swedish keepsakes that she has brought over from Sweden.
Lineage
Maiden Name: Anna Linnea Beck. Father: Johan Peter Johanson Beck. Mother: Maria Emelia Rönnkvist. Paternal Grandfather: Johan Peter Johanson. Paternal Grandmother: Margareta Josefsdotter. Maternal Grandfather: Gustav Erik Anderson Rönnkvist. Maternal Grandmother: Anna Erika Rokström. Brothers and Sisters: Elin Josefina Åström, Jenny Margreta Eriksson, Johan Edgard Beck, Petrus Beck, Arvid Heikel, Ester Maria Jacobsson, Astrid Johansson, Petrus Beck, Johan Beck. Spouse: Emil Lundbeck. Children: Floyd Lundbeck.
From the guide to the Anna Linnea Beck Lundbeck Oral History Interview, 1982, (Robert A.L. Mortvedt Library Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Collection Archives and Special Collections Department)
