Anna's Journey: A Tale of Early Swedish Immigrants to Texas - Paperback

by Elroy Haverlah (Author)

Anna's Journey is a true story of two dozen immigrants who left behind the security of their homes in Sweden and became in 1848 the first pioneers in the untamed frontier of central Texas. Andrew, one of Anna Palm's six sons, narrates their family's tale of hardship, tragedy, romance, and war. Why did they leave Sweden? Who would survive the four-month long trip across the Atlantic? Where should they settle? How did they adjust to the dangers of Comanches, the issue of slavery, the approach of secession and Civil War, and the harsh Texas weather? This family is representative of thousands of other brave immigrant families whose common dream for a better life built this country. This book honors their courage and faith, and can encourage and inspire us today to pursue our own dreams despite the obstacles.

Author Biography

Elroy Haverlah, a native Texan who has lived in various locations across the state and served as a minister for over four decades, half of which were spent at Palm Valley Lutheran Church, Round Rock, Texas, a congregation founded by Swedish pioneers. His personal conversations with descendants of those settlers, plus extensive research led him to a deep appreciation of those immigrants and a desire to share the story of their journey. He and his wife have two married children and four grandsons.