Halfward Bryngelsson’s Legacy

Written by Karl Swenson 1 August 1936

Introduction

My interest in the genealogy of our family is not a sudden inspiration or impulse. It has lain dormant, with occasional spurts of awaking, since I was a youngster, when I used to listen with wonder and marvel at the stories, told by my father and grandparents, of Klefmarken, their old home back in Sweden. Two personalities invariable permeated the legendary atmosphere, one a King, Charles XII of Sweden, the other a farmer, Halfward Bryngelsson from Klefmarken. Making certain allowances for natural ancestral pride, one can easily understand that the farmer was the greater of the two. There was also interwoven in the stories a certain Royal document (Gavobrevet), a deed to the property comprising Klefmarken, which had been somewhere in the family since its issue to Halfward Bryngelsson in 1716.

The stories, however, were not legend, but facts recorded in Swedish history. Neither is the old Royal document any longer a questionable myth. After nearly a half-century repose in the Augustana College Museum at Rock Island, Illinois, it is again back in the family fold.

When King Charles XII, in 1715, had returned to Sweden from his campaign in Turkey and was planning a conquest of Norway, he became acquainted, through General Dahlfelt, one of his Staff Officers, with Halfward Bryngelsson from Klefmarken, who history records, later served the King in various ways as guide, messenger, and spy during the war with Norway. His last services, and the reward for these services, is the theme of the brief story here related.

His Mission

During the winter of 1715-1716, the King, being quartered with his troops in Christiania [Oslo] and concerned about support from the authorities in Stockholm, decided to send messengers to ascertain if he could rely on Stockholm for help. Five messengers were sent, each with the same message. Halfward was one of them, and the only one to return with an answer. The others were captured by the enemy.

Upon his arrival in Stockholm, Halfward presented his letter to the authorities and waited for their reply. He made notations in a small book, which he carried for that purpose, of the date and time he delivered the letter, as well as the time and date he received the Government’s answer, and started immediately on his return. He traveled on foot. When he arrived at Carlstad, he went to the officer in command and inquired of what orders he had regarding the troops, whether to remain where he was or report to the King. He was not satisfied until the officer had shown him the orders. The orders were for the troops to remain at Carlstad [Karlstad] and were dated after he departure from Stockholm. At his first opportunity he made the important notations in his book and was again on his way.

Avoids Capture

As he neared the Norwegian border, he procured a Swedish uniform and dressed as a Swedish soldier, in order, according to his plan, to be better able to get through the Norwegian lines. From Carlstad on he left the traveled roads and took his way through the woods. After crossing the border he came upon a river that he was unable to cross without help. The cliff-bank was so high and steep that he had to resort to his natural wood-craft to get down to the water. This he did by making a ladder of vines, long enough to reach and strong enough to hold. When this was ready he secured one end to tree and was overjoyed at seeing someone coming down the river in a boat. This proved to be an old Norwegian woman with a supply of home-brew, intended for the soldiers of the Norwegian army, which Halfward was pleased to learn, was encamped farther to the north and on the other side of the river. During the exchange of provincial salutations she wanted to know who he was and what he was doing up there. Halfward answered he was a deserter from the Swedish Army and wanted to join the Norwegians and if she would take him across the river he would pay her well. This interested her. She came closer to the shore and was surprised to see him come down on his improvised ladder. Secure in the boat, he offered to buy a drink, but she said he’d have to wait until they reached the camp, but promised that then he should have the first drink. For this promise he gave her a Norwegian coin.

As they approached the other side of the river, Halfward realized that he must not be seen and run the risk of being captured. He resorted to natural wit and strategy. He feigned a sudden severe intestinal seizure and asked to be let ashore for a natural purpose. He begged her not to leave him but to wait his return, and told her not to worry if he was gone some little time. For another coin she promised to wait for him. Once ashore and under cover of the woods, leaving the old woman waiting, he went his way cautiously, avoiding the enemy lines, and in due time arrived safely at the King’s Headquarters in Christiania [Oslo] with the important message.

Reports to King

He reported without delay and presented the anxiously awaited letter. When the King had read it he exclaimed:

“Praise God, all is well; I see we will receive help, and so, in triumph, we will soon be on our way.”

“Your Majesty,” said Halfward, “if that is what the letter states, I must tell you that is a downright falsehood.”

“How can you say that?” asked the King.

Halfward produced his notebook showing the notations he had made at Carlstad, of the orders he had seen and read there, with the time and dates.

Confused by this revelation, the King turned to General Dahlfelt.

“Shall we believe the man in all this?”

The General answered: “Halfward might lie to His Majesty’s enemies, but not to His Majesty.” (General Dahlfelt and Halfward had grown up together and were friends from childhood.)

This disturbing yet trustworthy revelation of treachery by the authorities at Stockholm, as revealed by Halfward, of necessity changed the King’s entire plan. He decided, however, to remain at Christiana for the time being.

In the meantime Halfward sought permission to return to his home in order to get at his farming. To this the King replied:

“You have so far been fortunate in your work for us. Some of these times you are certain to meet with misfortune. Remain here with us until we can accompany you; then you will get home safely. If you go now, it is more than likely that you will be picked up by the enemy, and that would be the end of you.”

His Reward

Because of his insistence, however, the King permitted him to go after he had questioned General Dahlfelt as follows:

“What can we do for this man in recognition of his faithful service? Is there any Crown land in his neighborhood that would be suitable for him?”

“Ullerud, in the same district,” answered the General.

Here Halfward interrupted the conversation.

“If His Majesty has in mind such a kindness to me, let me then remain at Klefmarken; there I was born; there my father was also born.”

“Klefmarken,” said Dahlfelt, “is the home of the District Magistrate, and besides is only half of a Political Division, while Ullerud is a whole Division.”

“Even so,” said Halfward, “let the Magistrate have Ullerud and let me stay where I am accustomed and where I feel at home.”

“When one offers the man a whole loaf,” mused the King, “he only asks for a half. Give him a deed to Klefmarken. Have the Magistrate moved to Ullerud.”

When the deed was ready the King said: “It is almost certain to suppose that on your return home you will be picked up by the enemy and for that reason you will not be permitted to take this deed with you. It would surely bring you misfortune should it be found in your possession. In its stead we will give you this ‘proof’ that the deed to Klefmarken has been issued. Let us see now that you can protect it as well as yourself. God bless you. Farewell.”

(He gave him a certificate of ownership to the deed on a small piece of paper, which he might be more able to conceal.)

Arrested

After commending the King, as well as himself, in God’s care, Halfward left and started on his home journey. But what happened? At Fredrikshald [now Halden, Norway] he was arrested on suspicion of being a spy in the King’s service and taken to the Military Headquarters. Here he was severely questioned and so rigidly searched for evidence that his clothing and even his shoes were cut into strips, but to no avail. They did not find the little paper, concealed on his person throughout the whole ordeal, that would have convicted him and cost him his life. He was finally released, went his way, and returned safely to his home.

King’s Visit

On the evening of the 26th of June, following Halfward’s departure from Christiania, the King with his Staff of twelve Officers, all mounted, arrived unexpectedly at Klefmarken. Dordi, Halfward’s wife, was in the yard as they rode up. The King greeted her by name and inquired if Halfward were at home.

“Yes, “ she said, “he arrived a short time ago and is asleep, resting from his long journey.”

In the meantime, Halfward, awakened by the commotion in the year, came out. He was surprised but happy to see the King so soon again. He had come to Klefmarken to assure himself of Halfward’s safe return home. He was interested in Halfward’s description of his arrest and imprisonment at Fredrikshald, and pleased when shown the ‘proof’, which he had been able to conceal and protect from his captors. They rested there for the night and the following morning were on their way, Halfward serving as guide to their next bivouac. This was his last service to the King and proved to be their final farewell.

His Character

Halfward Bryngelsson was 44 years of age at this time. He was married to Dordi Johsdotter and had a family of six children, five sons and a daughter. He was an interesting person with many attributes of character that won for him confidence and recognition. He was a farmer by birth and inclination; crafty, cunning, intelligent, honest, and trustworthy. He distinguished himself for fidelity, initiative, and courage. He had a naïve sense of provincial humor that made him cheerful and agreeable, and a natural poise that enabled him to carry out successfully the various duties he was called upon to perform. It was these qualities in his personality that won for him the high regard and esteem, and the sincere attachment and lasting friendship of his Monarch.

Klefmarken

Klefmarken was an extensive tract of land, comparing in size with some of our National Forests, and like them, owned by the Government or Crown. It comprised an area somewhat over 500,000 acres. It lies between Big Lee Lake and the Norwegian border, about ten miles west of the Church of Ed, in Dahlsland, Sweden. It was this property that Halfward Bryngelsson received in recognition of his faithful services, from King Charles XII. It was the home of the District Magistrate. Up to the time he received it, Halfward had been a renter on the place, as had been his father before him. He now became its sole owner. It was, in time, divided among his children, and subdivided through the generations that followed.

His Legacy

Engelbrecht, the youngest son, married to Eli Jansdotter, occupied it after Halfward’s death. He bought his sister’s and one of his brother’s share. This then went to his daughter Maria, married to Sven Asmundsson, and in turn to their son Andreas, married to Maja Svensdotter, then jointly to their two children, Johanna, married to Jon Johansson, and Sven Magnus Andreasson (our Grandfather), married to Katarina Andersdotter. These two families lived on the place together until 1870, when grandfather sold his interest (100,000 acres) and came to America. It has been in the family now for 220 years. [Editor’s comment: as of 2002, Klefmarken has been in the family now for 286 years.]

Many things of interest pertaining to those early days were kept at the old home and treasured because of their historic connection. The King made several visits to the place and at one time Klefmarken served as his Staff Headquarters. Fire destroyed the house on New Year’s Eve, 1892, when everything there of any interest and value was lost. A new and more modern house now occupies the old site. A commemorative monument to King Charles XII has been erected in the yard by the people of the District, and a Swedish flag waves over this interesting old place.

Deed Saved

The original deed to Klefmarken is an interesting document. It measures approximately 8 x 12 inches and it written on both sides of the paper in a somewhat flourishing handwriting that is clear and distinct, despite its age. It is dated April 9th, 1716, at Christiania. The Royal Seal is quite well preserved, and the King’s signature “CAROLUS” is also clear and distinct. It is made out to Halfward Bryngelsson and his heirs, to have and to hold forever, or as long as they paid the required taxes. The deed was in possession of the owners of Klefmarken up to and including Grandfather Andreasson. When he had sold his interest and was preparing to leave for America it came near being destroyed and forever lost. When going through his books and papers, discarding everything he considered of no value, he came upon the deed. He studied over it some little time and decided it could be of no value in America. He was about to toss it into the fire when my father, then 16 years of age, asked if he could have it. He could, and so it was brought to America. Father kept it for some time but found difficulty in taking care of it, as it was showing sings of wear and weather. He was in Rock Island, Illinois, at this time. There was a museum there in connection with Augustana College. Here he asked permission to leave it until such a time as he could properly care for it. This was granted.

Deed Recovered

One day father was telling about it and said he guessed it must still be there. I became curious as well as interested and suggested that he write back there and see if he couldn’t reclaim it. There did not seem to be much of a chance, since more than 40 years had elapsed and it would be difficult to establish ownership. Nevertheless, father wrote a letter. It so happened that the President of Augustana College at that time was once a boy in one of father’s Sunday School classes in Kansas and remembered Emanuel Swenson. The exchange of correspondence resulted in father’s receiving the long-absent document.

Father framed it substantially, with glass on both sides, so it can be seen and read with handling. It shows the wear and tear of 220 years. It has escaped destruction by fire three different times. I, in turn, received it from father some time before he passed away.

It has a value only as an old and unique relic.