Hybrid (in-person and Zoom)

Presenter: Jean Larson Adams, SGSC Member and Communications Coordinator

Join Jean Larson Adams as she explains the complicated research into a family story about Emma Bengtsdotter, a bold Swedish woman who is not Jean’s ancestor. It all started with Jean’s research into the Swedish immigrants in Summit County, Colorado, and their occupations. One stood out – Emma (Bengtsdotter) Ballif, whose occupation was listed as a hay farmer in the 1910 census. A family story claimed that a man owed Emma $12.00. When he realized he couldn’t pay, he gave Emma his homestead. Would you believe that story?

Jean’s research started in Swedish records using ArkivDigital, then she went down the rabbit hole of US Federal Censuses, newspaper articles, oral histories, land records, maps, and cemetery records. The struggles to homestead land in the Rocky Mountains are documented in Emma’s Bureau of Land Management Application and Final Proof Statement. Jean discovered some fascinating twists to Emma’s homestead story and a connection to living relatives in Sweden.

During her academic life, Jean earned BS and MS degrees in Science from Purdue University and an MBA from the University of Indianapolis. In 2011, Jean retired and moved to Colorado to be near her family. Genealogy became her new hobby and passion. During the winter months, Jean lives in Lone Tree, where she volunteers for the Lone Tree Arts Center, Cherokee Ranch and Castle, Columbine Genealogy and SGSC. In the summer, Jean lives in Breckenridge and volunteers with the Summit Historical Society as a schoolhouse museum docent and historical boat tour guide.