Raymetz, Part II

Almost on the day three years after the first time, Jonas is leaving Göteborg, Sweden again. This time he is travelling to Rosenberg, Texas and on the same boat ,with the same goal, is Brita Sköndin. This is the emigrant notation from Göteborg. The parish Hopela is with 100 % certainty Hassela.

Jonas Olofsson, 21 år, Hassela förs. X-län. fr Göteborg, 1894 2/10 till Rosenberg, Texas

Källkod 54:339:61572

Brita Sköndin, 21 år, Hopela förs. X-län, fr Göteborg, 1894 2/10 till Rosenberg, Texas.

Källkod 54:339:61573

The ship Campania reached New York October 12 and the couple, John and Bertha as they normally are called from this moment, are registered there the day after.

Rosenberg is just outside Houston and their final goal are El Campo, Wharton Co about 30 miles further southwest of Houston. The marriage date October 19, 1894 implies wedding as soon as they reach El Campo. This is also the first time they were noted as Raymetz.

As most of the swedes in Wharton Co seem to migrate from other parts of US the decision to go south probably was taken before leaving to fetch his bride in Sweden. Regarding swedes in El Campo, as well as in the rest of Texas, lots of info can be found here. As the contents were collected from 1915 to 1918 when the book was released it does not mention the Raymetz people.

A few years before they arrive the town was what the name says, a camp. It grew rapidly as did the Raymetz family. Four children were born within 7 years: Walter M, Elmer M, Karen V and Bertha M. Census 1900, performed June 23, states the following about John and the farm (Farm schedule number 292, belonging to ED 59 5:th Precinct): Farmer, Own, Mortgaged, Alien.

A few months later, September 8, 1900, they were hit by the “Galveston Hurricane” known as the most severe hurricane ever in terms of number of US victims. The aftermath of this was probably one of the reasons why many families left this area during the following year. Judging from Berthas birthplace the Raymetz family choose to stay at least until 1902. (to be continued)