Anders Ersson Bong

  General Notes:

Move 1791 from Sunnana to Blekberg.

Going back from your grandmother, Signe Anderson - her mother was Margareta Ersdotter; Margareta's father was Erik Zakrisson; his mother was Magnild Ersdotter; her father was Erik Andersson Bang; his father was this Anders Eriksson Bang.

Article of
Nr. 40
Country Newspaper
Stockholm, Tuesday the 9th of April. year 1793.
Helsingland, the 2nd of April
Story about the farmer Anders Eriksson Bäng in Lillherrdal

When, I in the previous month of March, was in Söderhamm and met with the Province Medical Doctor Mr. Assessor Tilleus and Mr. Professor Grass, I was informed that the farmer was in the city which they had on earlier trips described for me his insight about the knowledge of herbs and art of healing. I would have been more displeased having left Söderhamm without having met this man than if I would have been had I left Rome without seeing the Pope . It gave me immediate opportunity to satisfy a curiosity which I would have been ashamed of if it hadn't happened. In company with Mr. Assessor Tillieus, I was with Professor Grass when Anders Ericsson entered the room. "See here", said my two friends, "is our colleague". On my first inspection I found him to be no more than a simple farmer, distinguished only by the Kingly Patriotic Society medal on his chest, but our conversation soon brought us right to the subject which was the ______ upon his countenance, and then I found in his glad eyes the peculiar fire which distinguishes immediately the soul's desire for knowledge and capacity to understand them. It is not my intention to go into details about his insights on Botany and the art of healing. I am not the judge. Such belongs to the doctors and the scientists of nature. Therefore, I hope that a detailed description shall in short be conveyed. But I cannot omit with a summary description on the causes which happened and the means which sent Anders Ersson on this search for knowledge. The attentiveness of the citizens on a farmer who by his own brilliance and craft had delved deeply into the Knowledge of Nature. Already in his youth there awoke in him a desire to learn the nature of herbs and their benefit. The first to spark his attention was Tanacetum vulgare. "Is there not a better use for it than as food for animals"? he asked his father. "I don't know", his father answered.

Further searching by Anders Ersson was delayed for many years by this unsatisfactory answer, since he knew no one else but his father to turn to for knowledge. But the desire for knowledge on this subject could not be suppressed. Necessity which always awakens our thoughts and draws out the genius from ignorance about oneself became a help to Anders Ersson. In the year 1775, when 26 years old he was severely stricken with gout, which after a year and a half time more and more took hold of him. Poor and remote from the nearest town, Chirurgu 19 miles and from Prov. Medical Doctor 23 miles, he could not seek help from a doctor; but he thought to himself, some cure must be available in Sweden concerning illnesses men suffer and their cure. He asked after such information and put the question before the Assessor of Darelis parish pharmacy, then after finding the records and means he was able to cure his illness. Glad and thankful over the outcome, he was desirous that some one in this remote province would have the desire to gain insight into the art of healing, but he was not interested in the proposal. Circumstances soon led him on this path. Neighbors, witnessing the cure he had done on himself, began to seek his help when sick, and he was successful in healing them with the help he received from the parish pharmacy. But he soon found that his poor neighbors couldn't make use of the remedies which they must buy from the pharmacy some 20 miles away. Among all the herbs which grow around us, he thought, there must be some the creator put down here with the power to cure illnesses, but where shall I learn about them. The desire for this knowledge made him energetic and he gladly seized upon the opportunity and turned to Mr. Archiatern and the Knight Bäck, who were already known and respected for their willingness to help in the wild lands of Härjeådalens. A letter from him to Mr. Archiatern soon procured for him a copy of the Royal Doctor Sofberg's book, "Help to Understanding the Plant Kingdom". And what is most strange is that my simple knowledge of botany increased, which shows that deep knowledge is not inaccessible for the diligent and gifted, and that this Anders Ersson, without the slightest verbal instruction, on his own accord was able to assemble a great deal of knowledge of Latin. He had made such a big step forward that on his first visit to Söderhamn in 1787, to Mr. Assessor Tileus' amazement after the exam by Hoffberg, he could give the correct Botanical name of the plant Reseda Odorata (English Migraonette) which was in the room. On account of this he was questioned more fully and found to have scientific knowledge of herbs and plants in his area, and after further examination of the Linnei system, found to be knowledgeable about herbs in other lands and could identify genus and species. After this praiseworthy zealousness that the fore mentioned doctors had for his knowledge, Anders Ersson was now better instructed, endowed with money, and furnished with serviceable books which he was very appreciative, he went home. On his next visit in February the following year he was furnished with seed from a pure line of Larex -Rhubarb, Pheum palmatum, which is called Rhubarb Chard, Pheum Rhaporticum. He sowed both types the same spring. The next year, 1790, he set out the new plants. The next year he did a new and larger sowing of Rheum palmatum, which also included seed he had received from Söderhamn. A considerable number of new plants would now be out planted in the spring. The next year, 1792, he had the satisfaction of sowing seed from these plants which had matured on his own farm and from the stands of Rhubarb Chard he had specifically planted for this purpose. From these he got a considerable number of young plants for the next year's spring planting. The needs of the poor sick people compelled him to use the 2nd stand from the first sowing even though they were only years old or 2 years after they had been out planted. The roots of these plants did not appear as strong as the Rhubarb Chard he had received before from the pharmacy, and were sufficient for him for a year. That fall he again had to use his first plantings and dug up 4 stands whose roots when dried could easily be ground to power on a grater, when combined together weighed 4 (Skalp) which he sold for 37 and 1/3 part sum of money to a man who often chewed Rhubarb Chard, and which he found to his taste and rather good: of the rest of the sowings he still had sufficient for his and his patients needs. Also he thought that from now on he would not take up more than was necessary. Consequently he would not sell any of his Rhubarb before the first plants, about 30 plants, reached at least 12 years 4 age. Nevertheless, for the above named sake, will be reduced to 20 plants. In the 3rd and even more in the 4th year, thereafter, he had a more abundant harvest from those which were sown in 1791 and 92, and which yearly he hoped to continue with sowings and plantings, which he could expect from the anticipated yield, not only with some joyful hope, see a nice tolerable retirement on his little homestead of about 5/64 parts Mantel (unit of land). And also, to leave to his children a plantation which can be easily maintained, at least they can put in some stands if they would only follow his example (instructions), to use some more seed among the chaff, straw and bark, which they were compelled to do in places where the little seeds were often destroyed by frost. Which often happens to Jordparon (some type of fruit or vegetable), which was being farmed, and which is a main subject for Anders Erssons thoughts on farming from which botany and the knowledge of healing, long from drawing his attention and hard work, has made him skillful. Where even Prof OckRidd Gadds discussion gave him a good recommendation.
So unexpected skillfulness and service in the knowledge and particularly so far away, is certainly notable and encouraging with respect and attention. This has Anders Ersson experienced, consequently of Archiatern and Knight Bäck, which by reason, part by the before named in this letter, part by Assessor Tillie, testimony and good recommendation bestowed books and money, and there with supported his diligent studies. Also Mr. Archiatorn and the Royal Patriotic Society sent him a medal in silver, plus 12 Riks dollars (sum of money). A sum which Anders Ersson never had before but which he used wisely to improve his farm and clear new land, and which now he could hire a clever Dalkarl (farmhand from Dalarna) to help. I mentioned that Anders Ersson even sowed seed of Rh. Rhapont, Munk . There are still some stands of these which he has kept, because it has a poor root, yet because of its large elevated leaf invites a daintiness to them which loves vegetables and especially spinach which it most resembles but has a better taste and tenderness. Anders Ersson has used it in Kale and soups at his table, but his neighbors have very little knowledge of the food which he prepares from Renmossen Lichen rangiferinus cooked in water and then blended with flour, then he processes it with flour or bread and it makes a nourishing meal. End /Fritz/ [the genealogist from who we received so much of our Swedish information]

Sometime during the spring or just before summer, 2002, 1 received a phone call from a Sune Zachrisson who request that I help him with some information, and that he would be coming by in the middle of August. He phoned later and said he would be coming on Monday. On Sunday I drove to Maja Tjernmon to see if she had the recipe book which Anders Ersson Bäng had written in 1794. We search for it but could not find it. Later Maja phoned her daughter Mary to see if she knew where we could find it. I felt bad when I understood that Zachrisson wanted to see it, Monday came, Kerstin and I sat and drank coffee when Zachrisson arrived. Sit down and have a cup of coffee. He sat down and began to talk about Blekberg and the Bangs. We phoned Oskar Olofsson who came also for coffee. Then the phone range, it was Mary who called and said she had found the book. She said that she didn't know where it was last night. During the night she woke up and then she knew where it was. It was in the safe. We continued to listen to Zachrisson's interesting story. We sat for 1-1/2 hours and listened. Later we went to Maja Tjernmon and Zachrisson got his wish filled as he handled the pages of the recipe book. Kerstin had questions concerning how we could carry this interesting story further. We phoned several persons and invited them to come and listen to Zachrisson at 7 pm. We sat there, 8 persons, for 2 hours absolutely still and listened. A wonderful evening. He told us that for many years (about 18) he was the director for the Northern Museum. After he retired he became the director for Julitta dard, one of the museum's donated farms. After a time the Agricultural University in Ultuna heard of them and wondered if they could take over their rhubarb chard plantations, which due to a lack of space, didn't have room for. Zachrisson promised to take about 25 plants (stands), he received 200 which has now been reduced to 140 plants (stands). These plants are now the world's gene bank for Rhubarb Chard. Now Jolitta farm held this gene bank and no one knew particularly much about rhubarb. Zachrisson began to get interested and do research about rhubarb. After a time he began to learn about Anders Ersson Bang and his growing of rhubarb chard in Blekberg, Lillhardal. Rhubarb chard grown in Blekberg was used as a remedy for Dysentery and as a laxative. This laxative was used in hospitals into the 1930s, when it was replaced by Purex.
This Anders Ersson Bäng was very knowledgeable about illnesses and had a great desire to gain more knowledge. He had contact with several doctors which he visited over many years. He was well known in Söderhamn, and a reporter wanted to meet this man on his next visit there. When Anders Ersson Bäng visited Söderhamn in 1793, the above article in the Inrikes Newspaper was the results. At this same opportunity Bäng was able to borrow several books which had cures covering several illnesses. When he returned home he copied off these cures which he completed by the end of 1794. This recipe book which he bound in a leather cover he gave to his son Erik who was born in 1794. This Erik tried to become the chief, District Health Services in Härjeådalens, but because he lacked the formal education he didn't get the position. Yet he functioned as the doctor for the town folk.
This Erik Andersson Bäng was a member of the Parliament 1817 -18, 1823, and 1828 - 1830.(Source: Hardalsboken 1980, page 9). Other sources also include 1819.
Nevertheless, Erik's father, Anders went blind due to Cataracts (gra - Starr). During the first parliament he met with several doctors in Stockholm and got some instructions on how he could help his father get his eyesight back. About 1819, he came back to Blekberg. He placed his father, Anders before a south facing window and placed drops of Bella Donna in his eyes, which caused the pupils to dilate. This substance was also used by women who wanted to be pretty, thus the expression "Beautiful girl. Anders also received some type of pain killer and then an incision could be made. Erik then stuck a little probe which he got in Stockholm in the eyes and dug out the gray mass which blinded his father's sight. The operation was successful and his father got his sight back. Think, in 1819 a cataract operation was performed in Blekberg

A more detailed article on rhubarb chard will be coming out in 2004 also.

[a note from the translator]
Bro. and Sis. Brown.

We have read through the papers you sent and have translated them as best we could. There are two articles, one is a copy from the Country's News paper from Stockholm, published Tuesday the 9th of April 1793, and was written the 2nd of April 1793, 'in Helsingland. It is the Story about the Farmer Anders Ericsson Bang from Lillhardal.

The Second article was written 'in 2002, by someone who received a phone call from a Stine Zachrisson who was asking for assistance to locate a recipe book which Anders Ersson Bang ( Anders Ericsson Bang) had written in 1794. The person who wrote this article relates some other stories about Anders Ersson Bang and his son Erik Andersson Bang-

In the first article are some words from the old Swedish and possibly of Norwegian origins which we are making a guess as to what they mean so we hope we will be able to help you.

We have added some punctuation to make it read better and also dropped some phrases which did not make any sense. We tried to keep the intent of the article and letter as best we could. Sorry it has taken so long but I think it will be of historical value to you. It was a good practice for both my wife and I. We had to use the dictionary and also pick our brains to understand what was being said.

The second letter was much easier to translate because it was more modem Swedish and also not as technical as the first. Thanks for the opportunity to do this for you.

Tom Katwick

Anders married Karin Jonsdotter, daughter of Jon Ersson and Märeta Mattsdotter, on 5 Apr 1772 in Lillhärdal, Jamtland, Sweden. (Karin Jonsdotter was born on 9 Jul 1747 in Sunnanå, Lillhärdal, Sweden and died on 23 May 1837 in Lillhärdal, Jamtland, Sweden.)