Swedish Names

[Gene Linden]

My Grandfather, born Frans Oskar Snäll in Jersnäs, Småland, emigrated to Texas around 1890.
His father, Clas Frederik Snäll, was a soldier. I
understand the Swedish Army often assigned surnames to preclude too many soldiers with similar surnames.  Is there a source, Army records, etc. where one could find the original  
surname?

[Micael Granström]

Hi
It was rather common, at least up to the 19th century to take the name after your father. This would mean that in your case your Grandfathers surname could have been Classon. But this is pure speculation from me.  
The place for a possible source is the National Archives in Sweden. Web page: http://www.ra.se. They have a page in english too.
 
MVH
Micael Granström

[Elisabeth Thorsell]

The way to find out the original surname of Clas Fredrik Snäll is to follow him backwards until he enlists in the army, and then see where he was living before that. That's where his original name would be listed.
 
As he enlisted during the 1800s his original name probably is also listed in the General Muster Rolls, but then you have to know his regiment and company number to be able to find him in those, so it is easier to track him in the church records.

[Sam Blixt]

Hello Gene,
 
Check the church records of clerical survey or household examination roll for Järsnäs parish, Finneryds Frälsegård. Carl Fredrik Snäll lived there, when he married Anna Kristina Magnusdotter 1866, April 20.
 
Regards
 
Sam Blixt
Oskarshamn

[Dan Vincent]

I am trying to find the parents of John Carlson born about 1818 in Sweden, he married Elissa Johansson. They had a son Gustave Eric Carlson born 19 Apr 1859 in Varmland, Sweden. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
 
Dan Vincent

[Christina Backman]

Did Gustav Eric Carlsson emigrate to the USA and if so when? Do you have any other details?

[Elisabeth Thorsell]

The following family emigrated 1869 Aug.23 from Rud Östra in Stavnäs parish, Värmland:
 
Carlsson Johan 1819-April-12
Eriksdotter Lisa 1825-Aug-26
Johansdotter Christina 1849-April-13
Johansson  Carl 1856-Oct-19
Johansson Erik Gustav 1859-April-19
Johansson Anders 1866-April-10
 
All born in Stavnäs. Due to the patronymic naming system the children were Johanssons or Johansdotter in Sweden, but Carlsson in the U.S.