Maine Memory Network

Two of New Sweden’s first settlers were the Olsons; Nils Olson served as the first lay preacher and religious leader.

Thomas personally chose the applicants for immigration. All the men were farmers, among them a lay pastor, a civil engineer, a blacksmith, carpenters, a basketmaker, a wheelwright, a baker, a tailor and a shoe maker. Thomas noted the women were diligent workers, and, “All were tall and stalwart, with blue eyes, blonde hair and cheerful, honest faces.”