Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Trunk |
Source |
Museum of Danish America |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Statewide Settlement (1869-1896) |
Chronological Tag |
The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930) |
Catalog Number |
2018.048.012 |
Credit line |
Museum of Danish America - Elk Horn, Iowa |
Description |
The trunk belonged to Karl Madsen who immigrated to the United States in 1891. His destination, Exira, Iowa, is seen on the trunk, though with a different spelling – "Exsaira" – and his first name is spelled with a "C". Madsen was born on April 20, 1861 in Haderslev, Denmark, in northern Jutland. He was the son of Mads and Karen Nielsen, and since his father's first name was Mads, Karl’s last name became "Madsen". Family records show that Karl married Marie Jensen, also from Haderslev. For a time Karl lived and worked in Svendkløv planting trees. He, his wife, and children Lena, Peter, and Mary immigrated to America, settling first in Exira, Iowa and later in Gray, Iowa. In both places, Karl worked for the railroad. Later they rented farmland to the southwest of Audubon, known then as the "Roche" farm. It is unknown when Madsen died. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
This object connects to the following standards: Standard SS.3.27 Immigration and Migration: A lesson could be created on Danish immigration in Iowa. Standard SS.7.27 Iowa Role in Global Issues Today: This object could be tied to a lesson on current immigration into the United States. The story of Karl Madsen could be compared and contrasted to stories of people who are currently immigrating to the United States. |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - Local |
County Tag |
Audubon |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Arts & Culture Denmark Family Families Farms Emigration & immigration Luggage |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Museum of Danish America and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
