Fordell suku

[petergmdale]

I’m looking for information on Jöns Fordell. He is the forefather of the Hoffrén / Hoffrenius family. Jöns’ was born approximately 1450 and lived in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1499 he purchased property in Ostrobothnia from Sten Stur the elder. He ultimately appears to have lived in both Sweden and Finland. His daughter Brita married Olof Törielsson / Tyrgilsson. Some sources state that Jöns may have been a Hansa Merchant from Germany. However, his name appears Scottish to me.

Does anyone have any additional background on either Jöns Fordell (born approximately 1450-1512) or Olof Törielsson / Tyrgilsson (born approximately 1480-1548)? Thank you.

Regards,

Pete

**In Finnish**

Etsin tietoa Jöns Fordell. Hän on esi-isä Hoffren / Hoffrenius perhe. Jöns 'syntyi noin 1450 ja asui Tukholmassa. Vuonna 1499 hän osti kiinteistön Pohjanmaalle Sten Stur vanhempi. Hän lopulta näyttää asunut sekä Ruotsissa että Suomessa. Hänen tyttärensä Brita naimisissa Olof Törielsson / Tyrgilsson. Joidenkin lähteiden mukaan Jöns on saattanut Hansa kauppa Saksasta. Kuitenkin hänen nimensä näyttää Skotlannin minulle.

Onko kellään mitään ylimääräistä taustaa joko Jöns Fordell (s. noin 1450-1512) tai Olof Törielsson / Tyrgilsson (s. noin 1480-1548)? Kiitos.

Terveisin,

Pete

[petergmdale]

My theory is that J. Fordell was a Merchant of Scottish background in Germany who moved to Sweden and ultimately Finland. I suspect that his son-in-law Olof was either a Swede who moved to Finland in his employ or a Swedish-Finn from Ostrobothnia. Any thoughts?

[petergmdale]

Greetings, I understand that a number of Scottish merchant families immigrated to Sweden/Finland via German (or German speaking territory) in the 14th and 15th centuries, i.e. Forbus family. I would like to know if anyone has any thoughts or information on the origins of the Fordell family (which is the first known ancestor of the Hoffren, Hoffrenius, Hourenius, Houru families) that originated in north Ostrobothnia (ultimately Oulu) and spread to Savo and ultimately throughout Finland. I welcome your thoughts, evidence and comments. Thank you. Regards, Pete

[Antti Soini]

Hi Peter,
I am a direct paternal descendant of Olof Tyrgilson and member of the Hoffren family (my grandfather changed the name Hoffren to Soini in 1906).
DNA results tells my haplogroup being I1, which supports your theory that also Olof arrived to Finland together with Jöns Fordell and was not of Finnish origin.
I have nothing new to add to your information of Jöns Fordell. He may have come from Scotland or he may also be a Hansa merchant from Germany/Holland who used to "make business" around the Baltic Sea.

What is the origin of your interest to Fordells?

Regards
Antti Soini

[petergmdale]

Hi Antti,

Many thanks for the reply. You may recollect that we corresponded some months ago. Jons Fordell is my 14th G-Grandfather on my mother’s side. I will send you by private e-mail an updated draft of my Tikkanen Family History for your review.

Regards,

Pete

[Markku_Tahkokorpi]

Are You mentioning Tikkanen family from Alavieska or some other Tikkanen family?

[petergmdale]

Hi Markku,

My Tikkanen family comes from Pielavesi Pajumäki and originally from Vaaraslahti. Another branch moved from Vaaraslahti to Heinämäki.

Cheers,

Pete

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

Here are a few links to websites dealing with the Scottish Fordell family. I thought these were kind of interesting. You will note that the Henderson family was granted the Fordell family lands very hear to the time that Jon Fordell appeared in Sweden/Finland, etc. (i.e. 1511).

Is anyone aware of any seals or family crests used by the Fordell family? The Scottish Fordell family is said to have originally been Flemish and received land in Fifeshire, Scotland in return for its service during the Fourth and Fifth Crusades. Kiitos!

Regards,

Pete

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:rpCbL0rfCKIJ:dna-forums.com/index.php%3F/topic/12203-scottish-name-fordell/+%2215th+century+and+their+property+was+given+to+a nother+family,+Hendersson+family+at+1511AD.+The+or iginal+Fordells+is+mentioned+by+a+title+Thane+of+F ordell.+1451AD+John+Thane+of+Fordell+and+later+his +son+Alexander+is+mentioned+in+following+documents .+Where+Fordells+disappeared+and+was+there+some+vi olent+event,+for+example+clan+war+or+an+effort+of+ coup+d'%C3%A9tat+behind+and+considering+as+a+possi ble+reason%22&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:rpCbL0rfCKIJ:dna-forums.com/index.php%3F/topic/12203-scottish-name-fordell/+%2215th+century+and+their+property+was+given+to+a nother+family,+Hendersson+family+at+1511AD.+The+or iginal+Fordells+is+mentioned+by+a+title+Thane+of+F ordell.+1451AD+John+Thane+of+Fordell+and+later+his +son+Alexander+is+mentioned+in+following+documents .+Where+Fordells+disappeared+and+was+there+some+vi olent+event,+for+example+clan+war+or+an+effort+of+ coup+d'%C3%A9tat+behind+and+considering+as+a+possi ble+reason%22&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca)

http://www.castleduncan.com/forum/index.php?/topic/1392-fordell-castle/page__p__18123&#entry18123? (http://www.castleduncan.com/forum/index.php?/topic/1392-fordell-castle/page__p__18123&#entry18123?)

http://books.google.fi/books?id=pC8njhobGxQC&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=Thainisland&source=bl&ots=LOL50QwBv2&sig=6qFM6KKG-To8m1VDiJQSB2Ynrhc&hl=fi&ei=TNkXTNmBOcuj_AbC-7j1Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Thainisland&f=false (http://books.google.fi/books?id=pC8njhobGxQC&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=Thainisland&source=bl&ots=LOL50QwBv2&sig=6qFM6KKG-To8m1VDiJQSB2Ynrhc&hl=fi&ei=TNkXTNmBOcuj_AbC-7j1Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Thainisland&f=false)

http://www.welcomehome.co.uk/News/Featured-property/A-beautifully-restored-16th-century-castle.aspx (http://www.welcomehome.co.uk/News/Featured-property/A-beautifully-restored-16th-century-castle.aspx)

[petergmdale]

I welcome your thoughts on the following links which may further demonstrate a Scottish connection for the Swedish/Finnish Fordell family:

1. http://books.google.ca/books?id=pC8njhobGxQC&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=john+%22thane+of+fordell%22&source=bl&ots=LON5-PCBv4&sig=7f5XOIK7R6DvbLj-B3hcYkdqLHw&hl=en&ei=D3BHTdbsK8P78AayyqjDDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=john%20%22thane%20of%20fordell%22&f=false (http://books.google.ca/books?id=pC8njhobGxQC&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=john+%22thane+of+fordell%22&source=bl&ots=LON5-PCBv4&sig=7f5XOIK7R6DvbLj-B3hcYkdqLHw&hl=en&ei=D3BHTdbsK8P78AayyqjDDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=john%20%22thane%20of%20fordell%22&f=false)

2. http://books.google.fi/books?id=pC8njhobGxQC&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=fordell+15th+century&source=bl&ots=LOL50QvHw8&sig=70gpugDCfYthFNfnDbHKZENEtxM&hl=fi&ei=zdcXTPHgAZP5_AasqsGQDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFMQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=fordell%2015th%20century&f=false (http://books.google.fi/books?id=pC8njhobGxQC&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=fordell+15th+century&source=bl&ots=LOL50QvHw8&sig=70gpugDCfYthFNfnDbHKZENEtxM&hl=fi&ei=zdcXTPHgAZP5_AasqsGQDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFMQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=fordell%2015th%20century&f=false)

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordell_Castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordell_Castle)

4. http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sweden/index.htm (http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sweden/index.htm)

5. http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Sn5stkgwWgUJ:dna-forums.org/index.php%3F/user/2400-mikej2/page__tab__topics+john+%22thane+of+fordell%22&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&source=www.google.ca (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Sn5stkgwWgUJ:dna-forums.org/index.php%3F/user/2400-mikej2/page__tab__topics+john+%22thane+of+fordell%22&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&source=www.google.ca)

Please let me know your thoughts and I very much appreciate any assistance. Thank you!

Regards,

Pete

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

Is anyone aware of any family seals or family crests used by the Fordell family? Kiitos!

Regards,

Pete

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

Please find below my notes on both Olof Törielsson (Tyrgilsson) Hourula and his father-in-law Jöns Fordell who are the progenitors of the Fordell/Hoffrén families. They are my 13th and 14th Great-Grandfathers, respectively. I’d be grateful if anyone had any comments, additions or corrections to make. I would certainly like to learn more about these 2 interesting men and, if possible, something about their background/parentage. I have my suspicions that perhaps the Fordell family originated in Scotland and came to Finland via Germany and Sweden. You will see my notes on the Scottish Fordell family below. Many thanks for any assistance you can provide.

Cheers,

Pete Dale

Olof Törielsson (Tyrgilsson) Hourula – Olof and/or his family may have been born in Sweden.

Genos 65(1994), s. 131-136 provides a history of the Josander - Jusander family and states the following with respect to Olof and his family. From the 1500s up to the early 1600s the family had positions of power and wealth of extraordinary dimensions. The family's first known ancestor, and also the main representative of its power and wealth, was Olof Törielsson from Salo parish in Ostrobothnia. His power and wealth also contributed to his marriage to Brita who was the daughter of a great merchant and befallningshavanden (Governor) Jons Fordell. He was originally a citizen of Stockholm and it is also possible that Olof Törielsson was born in Sweden. It was primarily extensive trade that created the family's large fortune. At the end of the 1500s the family had several ships which sailed to Stockholm, Tallinn and other towns around the Baltic Sea and were often hired by the Crown for transport. Several generations were Bailiffs in Salo in succession and also entrusted with a number of other missions on behalf of the crown. Olof Törielssons’ sons Joseph and Olof lived in Ostrobothnia while a third son Mark became a citizen of Sigtuna, Sweden. In 1592 Mark wanted to divest himself of his assets in western Finland and sold the farms, probably a dozen, in seven parishes to his brother Olof. This gives a clear picture of the family's position of wealth. In 1567 the Bailiff Joseph Olofsson had 24 cows which was one of the largest herds in the county. His brother Olof's farm was inherited by his son Hans and came to be called Hannuksela 1. (source: http://www.genealogia.fi/genos/65/65_131.htm (http://www.genealogia.fi/genos/65/65_131.htm))

Antti Soini states, in an entry under the thread “Fordell suku” on SukuForum (http://suku.genealogia.fi/showthread.php?p=76218&posted=1#post76218 (http://suku.genealogia.fi/showthread.php?p=76218&posted=1#post76218)) dated October 17, 2010, the following: “I am a direct paternal descendant of Olof Tyrgilson and a member of the Hoffren family (my grandfather changed the name from Hoffren to Soini in 1906). DNA results reveal that my haplogroup is I1, which supports your theory that Olof arrived in Finland together with Jöns Fordell and was not of Finnish origin. I have nothing new to add to your information on Jöns Fordell. He may have come from Scotland or he may also have been a Hansa merchant from Germany/Holland who used to “conduct business” around the Baltic Sea.”

“Olof Törielinpoika, in other words Olli Torkkelinpoika, married Brita Fordell who was the daughter of the Stockholm native, and Bailiff, Jöns Fordell. Jöns had purchased the farm of Salo in 1499 from Sten Sture. The Crown tried to reacquire the farm for its own use in 1559 from the grandsons of Jöns but they had carefully kept the deed safe and won the case.” (source: http://suvut.genealogia.fi/simelius-simojoki/historia/salo_juusola.html (http://suvut.genealogia.fi/simelius-simojoki/historia/salo_juusola.html))

Wikipedia provides a history of Salo which is one of the oldest parishes in Ostrobothnia. At the end of the Middle Ages the Fordell dynasty from Pietarsaari was in possession of several houses including Juusola, Hannuksela and Tokola, among others, in the parish of Salo. The houses of Juusola and Hannuksela had earlier been for some time in the possession of the regent Sten Sture (file:///C:/wiki/Sten_Sture). Sten Sture sold the farm, from which the parish name Salo was adopted, to Jöns Fordell who was from Pirilössä of Pietarsaari. Jöns’ son-in-law was named Olli Torkkelinpoika who lived in Juusola and was employed by Jöns. Supposedly Olli had already come to Salo as a representative of Sten Sture. Olli Torkkelinpoika’s sons were named Juuso, Olli and Hannu who were later men of power in the parish in the 1500s. Juusola received its name from Olli’s son Jusso and Hannuksela was later separated from Juusola. Hannu Ollinpoika lived in Tokola. The masters of Juusola acted as the Rural Police Chiefs of the parish for a number of generations. Olli’s sons’ neighbours were Simo and Olli Fordell who were obviously members of the same family. Other large houses during that period in the village of Salo were Honka, Orava, Siniluoto and Kulju which were all established in the 1500s at the latest. (source: http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saloisten_historia (http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saloisten_historia)

b. approx. 1480 – Finland or Sweden
m.
d. before 1548

Jöns Fordell – Jöns was a Bailiff and Merchant in Stockholm. The first members of the Hoffrén family settled in Bothnia, on the Western coast of Finland, close to the present city of Pietarsaari (Jakobstad) about 1490. A German Hansa-Merchant, Jöns Fordell, living in Stockholm, Sweden, came over to Finland and stayed. Brita Fordell, the daughter of Jöns Fordell, married a local farmer called Olav. Their descendants moved north to the Pyhäjoki parish where one of their sons settled down by the Houru Falls in the river Pyhäjoki. That is how the family got its name: Houru/Hourula = Hourenius (the Latin form) – Hoffrenius - Hoffren. There are still people living in Pyhäjoki called Hourula. (source: http://suvut.genealogia.fi/simelius-simojoki/historia/salo_juusola.html (http://suvut.genealogia.fi/simelius-simojoki/historia/salo_juusola.html) and www.finlandforum.org (http://www.finlandforum.org/) e-mail dated September 5, 2005 - http://www.finlandforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=29222&start=45 (http://www.finlandforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=29222&start=45)).

Juhan genealogy news blog dated November 20, 2009 states that the Fordell family appeared in Ostrobothnia by the end of the Middle Ages. The originator was an important Merchant and Bailiff. The family’s origin is unknown and it is thought that Jöns was from Finland or Stockholm (as family members spent considerable time in, and there were clearly family links to, Stockholm). It may have originated in Germany. In 1499 Jöns was a Chief Judge and representative of Northern Ostrobothnia on the board of electors that chose a successor to King Christian II. In the same year, Jöns purchased from Sten Sture the Elder (Regent of Sweden) an estate in Saloinen parish for 150 DM which had belonged to the Bishop of Turku (Salo is near the city of Raahe). It was located on the coast near the harbour and marketplace which was likely what interested Jöns in purchasing the property. Furthermore, Jöns had a country home in Pyhäjoki and in the parish of Pedersöre. He likely lived in the latter. Later there was Fordellsgarden and Pinnonäs - manor houses which were located in the present town of Pietarsaari. Pinnonäs was changed in the 1590s, during the Club War, into a Crown Manor House. Jöns was still mentioned in Stockholm in 1512. He had seven children entitled to an inheritance. Two children are clearly identified - Anna and Knut and 4 others are identified with considerable probability:

1. Anna Fordell, died at the latest 1567, spouse Stockholm citizen Jöns Jakobsson (aka “Rauma Jöns”)
2. Brita Fordell, died approximately 1545, spouse Olof Törielsson (Tyrgilsson)
3. Knut Fordell, Merchant, Bailiff and Rural Police Chief, spouse Karin Olofsdotter
4. Jöns Fordell, the Clergyman of Pedersöre 1538-42
5. Markus Fordell, who is mentioned as a Merchant from Tornio in 1543
6. Henrik Fordell, Farm Owner in Salo in 1557
7. ?
(source: http://juhansuku.blogspot.com/2009/11/fordellit.html (http://juhansuku.blogspot.com/2009/11/fordellit.html))

Another source (from the website: http://www.toivohoffren.com/suku/Juuret.htm (http://www.toivohoffren.com/suku/Juuret.htm)) states that Jöns was from Germany and a Merchant in Stockholm. Jöns bought the farm of Hourula in the municipality of Pyhäjoki in Pohjankylä in 1499 from Sten Sture the Elder who was the Regent of Sweden.

The website for the city of Kokkola, Finland states the following with respect to the Fordell family: “Fordell (Fordel, Fordeel) - The Fordell family was a merchant and bailiff family in western Finland. A Knut Fordell is mentioned in Stockholm in 1485 and Jöns Fordell is mentioned in 1499 as a representative of Northern Finland at Christian II's election to the Swedish throne. Fordell bought that year from Sten Sture the Elder a farm in Salo in North Ostrobothnia and is mentioned in Stockholm in 1512. He also owned property in Pedersöre in Southern Ostrobothnia. Among his seven children were Anna (dead at the latest in 1567), married to the Stockholm Merchant Jöns Jakobsson, or Rauma Jöns (Board 1525-52), Brita, wife of Olof Tyrgilsson (Törielsson) in Salo and the mother of the Steward in Northern Ostrobothnia in 1560-63 Olof Olofsson, and Knut Fordell, the Bailiff of Pedersöre, Kokkola and Vörå 1530-51. Knut Fordell, who is said to have been engaged in large commercial ventures, held the farm of Pinnonäs in Pedersöre.” (source: http://www3.kokkola.fi/historia/nuijasota/fordellsv.htm (http://www3.kokkola.fi/historia/nuijasota/fordellsv.htm))

The Finnish National Biography Centre states the following with respect to the Fordell family:

“The Fordell family was a considerable peasant Merchant and Bailiff family from Ostrobothnia at the beginning of the modern age. There is no sure information about the origin of the family but it may have been originally from Germany. The oldest information about the family is from Stockholm from the 1480s.

The Fordells came to Ostrobothnia seemingly with trade connections between Ostrobothnia and Stockholm. The first known representative of the family from Ostrobothnia was Jöns Fordell who bought a farm in the parish of Salo in 1499. He already owned at that time property in Pietarsaari which became the base for the family. King Kustaa Vaasa surrendered to the grandson of Jöns Fordell, Lars Fordell, in a fief letter from Pietarsaari Pirilön dated September 1, 1546 certain islands which were earlier said to have belonged to his ancestors.

Jöns Fordell had at least seven children. Knut Fordell was a Bailiff of the municipalities of Kokkola, Pietarsaari and Vöyri from 1530 - 1551 and he owned the manor house of Pinnonäs in Pietarsaari. He conducted large land trades in Ostrobothnia and became wealthy. Jöns Fordell was a clergyman of Pietarsaari from 1538-1543. With respect to Jöns’ daughters, Brita Fordell’s spouse was named Olof Torgelsson who was a farm owner from the parish of Salo. One of their sons was named Olof Olofsson who served, among other things, as the Bailiff of Norrbotten [which is the northern most county in Sweden, see - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norrbotten_County (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norrbotten_County)] and Josef Fordell was a wealthy farm owner, Merchant and Rural Police Chief of the parish of Salo. Jöns’ son Henrik inherited the estate in Salo but he lived seemingly in Luleå. However, the peasant branch of a family of Fordells continued to reside in Salo and conduct land transactions.

The second spouse of the Bailiff Knut Fordell is identified as Katarina Olavsdotter who received in 1551 “protection books” from King Kustaa Vaasa against her stepsons. It is uncertain from which marriage all of Knut’s children descend. However, his sons Hans, Lars, Jöns and Knut are obviously from the first one. Of the boys, Jöns was dead already in 1556 and shortly after Knut died who had lived in Rodnäsissä in Kruunupyy.

Lars Fordell died approximately 1563 and was a farm owner in Rudsnäsissä in Kruunupyy. He occupied the office of District Judge of Ostrobothnia from 1555-1562. He was the Bailiff of the municipality of Liminga from 1555-1558 and the Bailiff of Pinnonäs from 1558–1561. He was also King Kustaa Vaasa's Crown Furs Buyer in Ostrobothnia. Furthermore, Lars Fordell conducted wide land trades by which he became wealthy. The King forbade land transactions by the Fordells in 1563 but in practice the prohibition was of little significance. Lars Fordell often got positions of trust from the King past actual civil servants. He died in 1563 in Kruunupyy when he was killed by a farm owner. There were descendants of his branch of the family in the 1600s in Oulu, including citizens and mayors.

Hans Knutsson Fordell died approximately 1574 and likewise conducted wide land trades and also acted repeatedly as the Bailiff of different municipalities in Ostrobothnia in the 1560s and the 1570s. He did not have scruples about his office and used it to his own advantage which is why he was discharged several times as a result of complaints. Because he was princely rich he was able to grant loans to the King and was able to assist also by equipping ships, among others things. Thus Hans Fordell acted as the King's uppermost Governor in Ostrobothnia from the year 1568 until his death.

Hans Knutsson’s younger son Knut served as the lukkari in Pietarsaari from 1600-1606. Hans Hansson Fordell (approximately 1535-1606) inherited Pinnonäs and increased its prosperity by practising farm trading. He also acted at times as the Rural Police Chief of Pietarsaari. During the years of the Club War he gained fame as a leader of, and advocate for, the farmers of Ostrobothnia.

One of the daughters of Hans Hansson Fordell was Lucia Fordell who died in 1599. She was married to Knut Henriksson who was the Clergyman of Pietarsaari. Their son Johannes Canuti studied in Wittenberg and received his Master of Arts in 1610. He took the name Forthelius. Other sons became farmers. The daughters, however, were married to Clergymen who were mainly from Ostrobothnia.

Sources and Literature: E. Anthoni, Släkten Fordell och dess släktförbindelser // Historisk Tidskrift för Finland 3/1963; E. Anthoni, Ett bidrag till släkten Fordells historia // Historisk tidskrift för Finland 2/1964; Y. Blomstedt, Fordeliorum Familia // Historisk Tidskrift för Finland 1/1965; A. Luukko, Pohjois-Pohjanmaan ja Lapin historia II. 1954; J. Mäkitalo, Fordell-suvun Luulajan haara // Genos 59. 1988.

This article on the Fordell family was prepared by Jouko Vahtola, Julkaistu October 28, 2003.” (source: http://www.kansallisbiografia.fi/kb/artikkeli/2648/ (http://www.kansallisbiografia.fi/kb/artikkeli/2648/))

The surname “Fordell” is also of Scottish background and in Scotland originates in Fife, Scotland. The book ‘Medieval Scotland, Crown, Lordship and Community’, edited by Alexander Grant and Keith J. Stringer states on page 81 in an addendum regarding the family “Fordell (in Fife)” the following: “This may have been a thanage or have had a thane. In 1451 there was a John Thane of Fordell and his son Alexander, and in 1457 an Alexander Thane of Thainisland (Dunfermline Reg., nos. 435-9, 452); these can be linked to the 1543 retour of ‘Thainislandis, viz tertia parte de Strabrune, Fordell et Fotheris’ (Retours, Fife, no.2). John and Alexander may have been descended from a John ‘Thyanus’ (i.e. ‘Thaynus’) who was chamberlain to the abbot of Dunfermline in 1316 (Dunfermline Reg., no. 348). Unfortunately, it is impossible to be certain about it, and therefore Fordell has not been included among the thanages discussed in this essay.” (source: http://books.google.fi/books?id=pC8njhobGxQC&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=Thainisland&source=bl&ots=LOL50QwBv2&sig=6qFM6KKG-To8m1VDiJQSB2Ynrhc&hl=fi&ei=TNkXTNmBOcuj_AbC-7j1Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Thainisland&f=false (http://books.google.fi/books?id=pC8njhobGxQC&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=Thainisland&source=bl&ots=LOL50QwBv2&sig=6qFM6KKG-To8m1VDiJQSB2Ynrhc&hl=fi&ei=TNkXTNmBOcuj_AbC-7j1Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Thainisland&f=false))

The Wikipedia entry for Fordell Castle states: “Fordell Castle is a restored 16th-century tower house (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_house), located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north-west of Dalgety Bay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalgety_Bay) and 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Dunfermline (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunfermline), in Fife (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fife), Scotland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland). The lands of Fordell were given to the Henderson family by King James IV (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_IV_of_Scotland) in 1511, and the castle was built in 1567 on the site of an earlier structure. Mary, Queen of Scots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary,_Queen_of_Scots), stayed here when Marion Scott, one of her ladies-in-waiting, married George Henderson, the laird (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laird). The castle was destroyed by fire, but rebuilt c.1580. The castle was damaged again by Oliver Cromwell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Cromwell)'s army in 1651.” (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordell_Castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordell_Castle))

The website www.castleduncan.com (http://www.castleduncan.com) states the following with respect to Fordell Castle: “As might be expected from a castle which is reputed to date from around 1210, Fordell has a rich history. The main Keep which forms the original castle was built for a Flemish family by the name of de Camera on land thought to have been granted to them for their services in the Fifth Crusade [1213-1221 – see - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Crusade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Crusade)]. The star and half moon motif which appears throughout both the castle and the gardens originates from this time. The castle was then extended in 1567 to create its present form when it was passed to James Henderson of Fordell and a date stone can be seen above the main entrance door bearing the year 1567. The castle now comprises a four storey oblong fortified house with stairwings to the north and south west corners with corbelled turrets above. The north-west wing also has a square turret with battlements. Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Fordell Castle with her husband Lord Darnley and is reputed to have returned when she escaped from her imprisonment at Loch Leven Castle.” (source: http://www.castleduncan.com/forum/index.php?/topic/1392-fordell-castle/page__st__10 (http://www.castleduncan.com/forum/index.php?/topic/1392-fordell-castle/page__st__10))

The website www.historic-scotland.gov.uk (http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/) states the following with respect to Fordell Castle: “Lands at Fordell were granted to a Flemish family called de Camera, along with a keep, said to have been built c. 1210. In 1220, Richard de Camera presented 13 acres of his lands, between Dalgety and Leuchat, to the Monastery of Inchcolm. These lands became known as ‘St Thereota's lands’, where there was a chapel by 1510. In 1511, the Hendersons who had acquired Fordell Castle in the early 16th century, acquired a charter of barony from James IV. The castle was enclosed with walls, had a portcullis gate and drawbridge. Following a fire the castle was rebuilt c. 1580, by James Henderson, a favourite of James VI. The modified barmkin wall forming the castle enclosure is probably part of this work. During the late 16th century, the Hendersons began working coal from outcrops near Broomieside Farm, starting the exploitation of the rich coal seams on the estate which, in the future, came to form the basis of their wealth and the estate economy.” (source: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/largertext/gardenssearchmoreinfo?s=&r=&bool=0&PageID=2123&more_info=Site (http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/largertext/gardenssearchmoreinfo?s=&r=&bool=0&PageID=2123&more_info=Site))

A picture of Fordell Castle can be seen at the following link - http://www.castleduncan.com/forum/index.php?/topic/1392-fordell-castle/page__st__10 (http://www.castleduncan.com/forum/index.php?/topic/1392-fordell-castle/page__st__10))

For more pictures of Fordell Castle and its interior see - http://www.welcomehome.co.uk/News/Featured-property/A-beautifully-restored-16th-century-castle.aspx (http://www.welcomehome.co.uk/News/Featured-property/A-beautifully-restored-16th-century-castle.aspx)

A post on the website DNA-Forums (A Genetic Genealogy Community) dated June 15, 2010 under the heading “Scottish name Fordell” states the follow: “Does anyone know about the history of the medieval Fordells? It looks like it was a medieval Scottish clan that disappeared at the end of the 15th century and their property was given to another family, the Henderson family in 1511AD. The original Fordells are mentioned by a title Thane of Fordell. In 1451AD John Thane of Fordell and later his son Alexander are mentioned in the following documents. Where did the Fordell family disappear to and was there some violent event, for example a clan war or an effort at coup d'état, behind its disappearance?” (source: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Sn5stkgwWgUJ:dna-forums.org/index.php%3F/user/2400-mikej2/page__tab__topics+john+%22thane+of+fordell%22&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&source=www.google.ca (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Sn5stkgwWgUJ:dna-forums.org/index.php%3F/user/2400-mikej2/page__tab__topics+john+%22thane+of+fordell%22&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&source=www.google.ca))

‘Mikej2’ responded to the post above on June 20, 2010 and stated the following: “Yes, this was my question. We have in Finland quite a large Fordell family, but its origin is unknown. The name is always spelled exactly as the Scottish name. We know that many other Scots came to Finland before the 17th century and this family popped up in Finland at the end of the 15th century, which corresponds exactly with the time when the Scottish family disappeared in Scotland. They probably came through Germany and Sweden because this Jöns (the man that was mentioned in your link, estimated birth date 1450AD) bought an estate near my birthplace from Swedish Sten Sture the Elder 1499AD. http://en.wikipedia....Sture_the_Elder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sten_Sture_the_Elder) . So this man was probably a noble man. Sten Sture hardly did business with common people.” (source: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:hSC7Csv2SnYJ:dna-forums.org/index.php%3F/topic/12203-scottish-name-fordell/+%22fordell+family%22+%22sweden%22&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&source=www.google.ca (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:hSC7Csv2SnYJ:dna-forums.org/index.php%3F/topic/12203-scottish-name-fordell/+%22fordell+family%22+%22sweden%22&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&source=www.google.ca)

b. approx. 1450 – Germany or Holland. Likely of Scottish origin.
m.
d. 1512

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

I have read on numerous occasions regarding the following:

1. the purchase by Jöns Fordell (1450-1512) of property in Finland from Sten Sture the Elder;

2. that he was an elector in Sweden to the election of a Swedish monarch (who and when?); and

3. in 1512 he is referenced in Stockholm – with some references stating that he died there.

As I’ve previously stated, Jöns is my 14th Great-Grandfather. I’m trying to identify, to the extent possible, the original source material for many of the statements in family trees and even the Finnish government published biographies of the Fordell family that I have recently reviewed. If anyone can point me to the historical source material and kindly translate what it specifically says regarding Jöns Fordell I’d be very appreciative. Kiitos!

Regards,

Pete

[petergmdale]

Just a brief follow-up to my e-mail above. I very much appreciate the information from Jouni regarding the participation of Jöns Fordell (1450-1512) as an elector in 1497. I would still be very interested in learning more about the following events which are widely articulated regarding the Fordell family:

1. the purchase by Jöns Fordell of property in Finland from Sten Sture the Elder; and

2. in 1512 he is referenced in Stockholm – with some references stating that he died there.

As I’ve previously stated, I’m trying to identify the original source material for the foregoing. If anyone can assist me it would be appreciated. Kiitos!

Regards,

Pete

[Jouni Kaleva]

An article in the Historisk Tidskrift för Finland

http://www.historisktidskrift.fi/artikelindex/?p=artikelindex

Should be of importance.

1963 :3 Eric Anthoni: Släkten Fordell och dess släktförbindelser.... 99-126.

Is it available in the web? Does anybody have access to it?

[Antti Soini]

Additionally in Historisk tidskrift för Finland H.2 1964 (p.41-50) there is an article by Leo Nyholm: En rannsakning av år 1630 och dess upplysningar om släkten Fordell,
and p. 51-53 by Eric Anthoni: Ett bidrag till släkten Fordells Historia.

I have both issues - somewhere.

Antti Soini

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

I’m following up on a question above regarding the Eric Anthoni article on the Fordell family. I assume that this article is the basis for the various references I’ve seen to the purchase by Jöns Fordell of property in Finland from Sten Sture the Elder.

I’m trying to establish the evidentiary basis for the following statements that are frequently mentioned in genealogies about the Fordell family:

1. The land property transaction in 1499 between Jöns Fordell and Sten Sture. What is the source reference for this and is there any other information provided? Are there any more particulars available in the Anthoni article or elsewhere? Was this a normal transaction for the time for Sten Sture or was this atypical. I’m trying to determine how this may shed light on the Fordell family’s origins and where they came from.

2. Statements that Jöns Fordell is mentioned in Stockholm in 1512 and that he died there in that year. What is the source reference for this and is there any other information provided?

3. Statements thatJöns Fordell was one of the electors of Christian II in 1499? I understand that he was a representative of the peasantry of Northern Finland. I would have thought he would have been a Burgher? What is the source reference for this and is there any other information provided?

Many thanks for any assistance and if anyone can send me a link for the Anthoni article or scan it that would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Pete

[Jouni Kaleva]

Greetings,

I’m following up on a question above regarding the Eric Anthoni article on the Fordell family. I assume that this article is the basis for the various references I’ve seen to the purchase by Jöns Fordell of property in Finland from Sten Sture the Elder.

I’m trying to establish the evidentiary basis for the following statements that are frequently mentioned in genealogies about the Fordell family:

1. The land property transaction in 1499 between Jöns Fordell and Sten Sture. What is the source reference for this and is there any other information provided? Are there any more particulars available in the Anthoni article or elsewhere? Was this a normal transaction for the time for Sten Sture or was this atypical. I’m trying to determine how this may shed light on the Fordell family’s origins and where they came from.

2. Statements that Jöns Fordell is mentioned in Stockholm in 1512 and that he died there in that year. What is the source reference for this and is there any other information provided?

3. Statements thatJöns Fordell was one of the electors of Christian II in 1499? I understand that he was a representative of the peasantry of Northern Finland. I would have thought he would have been a Burgher? What is the source reference for this and is there any other information provided?

Many thanks for any assistance and if anyone can send me a link for the Anthoni article or scan it that would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Pete

3.
This is the document about the electors in 1499. (FMU 4834)
Jöns Fordel should have been a so-called land-merchant, thus belonging to the peasantry rather than Burghi (who were city merchants).
http://extranet.narc.fi/DF/detail.php?id=4834

[Antti Soini]

The source reference Anthoni is using regarding the land property transaction is: K. Grotenfelt, Muutamia asiakirjoja maatilusoloista Suomessa ja erittäin n.s. Vaasa-tiluksista 1500-luvun keskivaiheilla.
This has been published in Historiallinen Arkisto XV (1898), p. 100, 106.
An additional reference there is: Konung Erik XIV:s nämnds dombok, p. 48.

Reference to 1512, Jöns Fordell in Stockholm, is Stockholms stads tänkeböcker 1504-1514, p. 269. This document, as well as Erik XIV..., are most likely available in Riksarkivet, Stockholm.

Antti

[petergmdale]

Many thanks Jouni and Antti for the information! It is exactly what I was looking for. I wish you both a Happy Midsummer Holiday.

Cheers,

Pete

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

Please find below an e-mail I received from Professor Jüri Kivimae who is a professor at the University of Toronto and teaches in the Department of History. His interest is fifteenth and sixteenth-century Europe, focusing on economic, social and cultural history of the Baltic sea region and especially on medieval Livonia. I inquired of him, among others, regarding the Fordell family of Finland. He replied:

“Please have now some of my comments on your research field.

Jöns Fordell's origin from Germany is a 'civilized guess' only, there is no hint to identify him as a German Hansa merchant. There is no doubt that Stockholm had many Germans in the late 1400's, but his name seems to have Nordic roots rather than German. Jöns is actually Jens and thus we may expand the guess that he had e.g. some Danish roots. This is the question, whose supporter he was, did he belonged to the Danish party of Christian II or the Swedish one? His last name sounds more Nordic than German or Dutch. But these are my first thoughts to question Jöns Fordell's identity."

Cheers,

Pete

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

I was reviewing my notes on Jöns Fordell. I see that he is said to have paid 150 marks for the purchase of property from Sten Sture the Elder in 1499 (Riksföreståndaren Sten Sture säljer 1499 för 150 mark Stockholms mynt åt Jöns Fordell Salo gård i Salo socken i Norrbotten - Se konung Erik XIV:s nämnds dombok (Histor. Handl. XIII), sid. 48). I’m curious if anyone has any information or basis to establish (as an estimate) how substantial this sum is.

Has anyone seen a copy of Jöns Fordell’s will? Where may it be viewed?

Can someone please advise me what is the specific description of Jöns Fordell, if any, in the document that lists him as an elector of Christian II in 1499. What is it in Swedish? Does it mean “land merchant”? Are there any other descriptors? (please see - http://extranet.narc.fi/DF/detail.php?id=4834 (http://extranet.narc.fi/DF/detail.php?id=4834)).

I have been reading a little regarding the history of Scandinavia during the period that Jöns Fordell lived. His appearance as an elector of Christian II (June 22, 1499) and the purchase of the property in Ostrobothnia from Sten Sture (1499) both took place between Sten Sture’s two Regencies, i.e. 1470-1497 and 1501-1503. During this period 1497-1501 King John ruled relatively unopposed in Sweden with Sten Sture holding the next most powerful position. Both King John and Sten Sture solicited and employed support from the Peasant (or non-Noble) ranks. It would seem to me that there is no evidence to confirm whether Jöns Fordell was a supporter of the Danish (i.e. King John and Christian II) or Swedish (Sten Sture) factions. Perhaps the fact that he was an elector for Christian II suggests he was a Danish league supporter. However, his children and grandchildren seem to have had considerable economic and other relationships with the administration of King Gustav Vasa which suggests the family may have been sympathetic to the Swedish (Sture/Vasa) cause.

Nothing in the foregoing or, for example, the names of his 6 known (or suspected) children provides any further clues as to his origin. I am now, however, leaning towards the belief (it is only unsubstantiated conjecture at this point) that the Fordell family may indeed have originated in Denmark and, perhaps, moved to Finland-Sweden during the reign(s) of Kings Christian I or John. With time and luck we may discover more!

Cheers,

Pete

[Jouni Kaleva]

Can someone please advise me what is the specific description of Jöns Fordell, if any, in the document that lists him as an elector of Christian II in 1499. What is it in Swedish? Does it mean “land merchant”? Are there any other descriptors? (please see - http://extranet.narc.fi/DF/detail.php?id=4834 (http://extranet.narc.fi/DF/detail.php?id=4834)).

I have been reading a little regarding the history of Scandinavia during the period that Jöns Fordell lived. His appearance as an elector of Christian II (June 22, 1499) and the purchase of the property in Ostrobothnia from Sten Sture (1499) both took place between Sten Sture’s two Regencies, i.e. 1470-1497 and 1501-1503. During this period 1497-1501 King John ruled relatively unopposed in Sweden with Sten Sture holding the next most powerful position. Both King John and Sten Sture solicited and employed support from the Peasant (or non-Noble) ranks. It would seem to me that there is no evidence to confirm whether Jöns Fordell was a supporter of the Danish (i.e. King John and Christian II) or Swedish (Sten Sture) factions. Perhaps the fact that he was an elector for Christian II suggests he was a Danish league supporter. However, his children and grandchildren seem to have had considerable economic and other relationships with the administration of King Gustav Vasa which suggests the family may have been sympathetic to the Swedish (Sture/Vasa) cause.


Cheers,

Pete
Hello

In this document, Jöns is only listed among the "gode mæn" which means "good men" i.e. trusted men, board members. He has no other description. He was representative of Norrefinlandh = Northern Finland. This, at the time, meant a certain region north of Turku, quite different from the present day concept of Northern Finland.

Whatever his inclination might have been, between Danish and Swedish factions, I feel, here he was "howling with the wolves".

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

What is the basis to establish that Jöns Fordell was a member of the “Peasant” class. I am curious if there is any historical evidentially basis to confirm this or if it is an assumption based on the lack of evidence to the contrary. For example, are other individuals who were signatories to the election of Christian II as the future King of Sweden specifically identified as Nobles, Clergymen or Peasants? I am trying to understand how Jöns, who appears to have had enormous economic resources and purchased property directly from the Regent of Sweden, would have been a “Peasant” or commoner? Was this upward mobility possible in late Medieval Scandinavia?

Cheers,

Pete

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

I trust everyone has had an enjoyable Fall. I have not received any responses to my past post. Thus, I’m assuming that I will need to retain a Finnish genealogist. I would appreciate it if anyone would kindly provide me with the name and contact information for a professional Finnish genealogist who may assist me in the following research:

(1) Establishing Jöns Fordell’s social class identification with respect to: (i) his relationship with Sten Sture the Elder in connection with Jöns’ purchase of property from Sture; and (ii) his participation as an elector of King Christian II of Sweden/Finland; and

(2) obtaining a copy of Jöns Fordell’s will?

Cheers,

Pete

[Ingeborg Palmén]

Unfortunately I can´t give you any specific answer to you very pertinent questions. - However I think it would be advisable to try to explain what we mean by "peasant". - That was the fourth estate in Sweden (i.e. nobility, clergy, burghers and the "peasantry" ) A better translation might be "yeoman". These peasants had political influence, electing, not very democratically, but still, representatives to Parliament. They might be very wealthy and influential in their own provinces. Some of them were traders as well, owning ships or parts of ships.Just as for the other three estates there were very strict rules according to which you belonged to a certain estate. - There were of course, yeomen who had no influence at all, or very little, all were not "local chiefs", but some rose to fairly important positions because of wealth and/or personal qualifications.
What I now have written might be too much influenced by 19th century historical myths, but I strongly believe there is a difference between the so called peasantry in Sweden (and Norway) and continental Europe. I also have the impression that their influence and importance increased the northern you got in the country, perhaps because there were fewer towns and very little nobility in those provinces. We still have a proverb saying that noblemen and crayfish don´t thrive in Osthrobotnia.
Best wishes Ingeborg

[petergmdale]

Hi Ingeborg,

Thank you for the informative description of the estate system in Sweden-Finland. To corroborate what you said, I recollect reading somewhere else that the impact of the Nobility was diminished the further north one lived in Finland due their relative scarcity.

As far as the Fordell family, I would still be interested to know/discover if the Estate to which Jons was a member was every specifically described in any documentation or, rather, just inferred. All I am aware of him being described as is a “good man”.

I believe that his will would make fascinating reading. I have no idea whether records, or copies thereof, relating to his estate still survive. I have always presumed that this is how his children, both established and presumed, were identified.

It is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and I am looking forward to a wonderful turkey dinner with my whole family tomorrow evening!

Cheers,

Pete

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

I would like to touch base and make an inquiry to see if any academic members of this forum have addressed, conjured or epiphanized any new insights into the origin of the “Fordel” family as per its relationship with Suomi or Scandinavia generally. My working thesis is that Jöns Fordel was a Dane and that he and his family ended up in Stockholm during the latter years of the Kalmar Union as opportunists. I suspect that the reference to “Knut Fordel” in 1485 was a reference to the Finnish Fordel antecedent ‘Jöns’ brother Knut who was a trouble maker. I would be very interested if there was any academically motivated intellectual impetus to further explore these hypotheses. I recognize that I may be intellectually indulgent; however, I remain open and welcome to input. Kiitos.

Cheers,

Pete

[Canth]

Hello

I have a secondary source (swedish Släkt och Hävd 1971:2) that Lars Knutsson Fordell (d. 1563?) had a daughter Brita. married to vicar Daniel Schillerus in Stigtomta (Sweden). Has anybody made any research on Lars children, that can confirm this?

[maurimy]

Unfortunately I have no possibility to read my genealogical notes now, but want to add now a couple thoughts. Almost everything has already written here, but obvisiusly Hoffren-Houru family was from Pyhäjoki, not from Oulu. This is interesting because the estate that Fordell bought from Sten Sture the elder was also in Pyhäjoki. I'll check my documents and add if I found something more.

I don't think that Jöns can be derives without doubt from Jens. Jöns was really common name in Finland during that time and I would not make a conclusion about danish-swedish origin. Swedishing names was a common practice and we can see many Jöns' living among Finns. In fact I recall and have to check it that former writing was Jons, derived obviously from a biblical name Johan. I really have to check how common Jons was during the 1500s. The written Swedish language changed remarkably during centuries from the 1500s to the 1700s and so did also given names. But certainly Jöns Fordell had foreign roots.

[petergmdale]

Greetings,

Any update re Fordell/Hoffren, etc. family history? Any further thoughts from Mauri Myllylä or others would be most welcome!

Cheers,

Pete