This little Swede was my third cousin once removed, born in Standish, Lassen Co., Calif. in 1921. He died in Stockton, Calif. in 2004.

He was of the second generation born in the United States. His great grandfather was Örn Lars Andersson Svedberg, born in Gagnef, Dalarna, in 1844. His grandmother Carolina was born in Stora Tuna, Dalarna, in 1876, and died in Martinez, Calif. in 1960.

These people are relatives on my maternal grandfather’s side. Carolina was his first cousin once removed. My grandfather was a man very proud of his heritage, and one who lived in a constant battle with his curly hair. I can see in online pictures that those same hair genes arrived safe and sound in California.