Älvsborg County, Sweden Genealogy
Sweden Wiki Topics | |
Beginning Research | |
Record Types | |
Sweden Background | |
Local Research Resources | |
Moderator | |
|
Guide to Älvsborg County (now part of Västra Götaland) ancestry, family history and genealogy: birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, parish registers, and military records.
Contents
How to Do Research in Älvsborg, Sweden[edit | edit source]
Most of your genealogical research for Älvsborg will be in online church records. Methods for locating and reading them are given here.
History[edit | edit source]
Älvsborg County was created in 1634. On Dec. 31, 1997 the County was dissolved, becoming part of the County of Västra Götaland on Jan. 1, 1998. Älsvsborg County is part of Dalsland Province and Västegötland Province. The county letter for Älvsborg is: P
Knowing Your Locality[edit | edit source]
To search effectively, it will help if you know the farm, parish, and county where your ancestor lived. The Wiki articles Gather Family Information and Finding a Place of Origin in Sweden describe many strategies you can use to find this. Sweden 1951 Place Names Register and the Swedish Parish Pages list in this Wiki will give you searchable lists of places, particularly parishes and the farms within those parishes.
Districts[edit | edit source]
- Ale härad
- Bjärke härad
- Bollebygds härad
- Flundre härad
- Gäsene härad
- Kinds härad
- Kullings härad
- Marks härad
- Nordals härad
- Redvägs härad
- Sundals härad
- Tössbo härad
- Valbo härad
- Vedbo härad
- Vedens härad
- Väne härad
- Vättle härad
- Ås härad
Parishes[edit | edit source]
The map below is based on 1890 county/parish boundaries.
Click here for parishes by number.

- 113 Alboga
- 166 Ale-Skövde
- 123 Algutstorp
- 142/143 Alingsås
- 32 Ambjörnarp
- 149 Angered
- 125 Asklanda
- 209 Bengtfors
- 93 Berghem
- 161 Bergstena
- 148 Bergum
- 212 Billingsfors
- 74 Bjättlunda
- 21 Bjurbäck
- 103 Björketorp
- 09 Blidsberg
- 72 Bogesund
- 104 Bollebygd
- 189 Bolstad
- 110 Borgstena
- 66 Borås Caroli
- 66 Borås Gustaf Adolf
- 21 Bottnaryd
- 88 Bredared
- 04 Broddarp
- 71 Brunn
- 187 Brålanda
- 128 Bråttensby
- 85 Brämhult
- 179 Brätte
- 203 Bäcke
- 141 Bälinge
- 16 Böne
- 06 Börstig
- 210 Dals-Ed
- 196 Dalskog
- 25 Dalstorp
- 08 Dalum
- 51 Dannike
- 210 Ed
- 219 Edsleskog
- 133 Eggvena
- 03 Eriksberg
- 191 Erikstad
- 164 Erska
- 46 Finnekumla
- 14 Fivlered
- 170 Fors
- 100 Fotskäl
- 87 Fristad
- 64 Fritsla
- 181 Frändefors
- 213 Fröskog
- 137 Fullestad
- 168 Fuxerna
- 81 Fänneslunda
- 184 Färgelanda
- 132 Fölene
- 156 Gamla Lödöse
- 188 Gestad
- 207 Gesäter
- 86 Gingri
- 97 Grimmared
- 190 Grinstad
- 79 Grovare
- 119 Grude
- 23 Grönahög
- 19 Gullered
- 60 Gunnarsjö
- 197 Gunnarsnäs
- 126 Gällby
- 22 Gällstad
- 173 Gärdhem
- 92 Hajom
- 89 Hedared
- 145 Hemsjö
- 131 Herrljunga
- 219 Hesselskog
- 52 Hillared
- 140 Hol
- 199 Holm
- 40 Holsljunga
- 139 Horla
- 98 Horred
- 112 Hov
- 117 Hudene
- 28 Hulared
- 10 Humla
- 91 Hyssna
- 211 Håbol
- 35 Håcksvik
- 157 Hålanda
- 01 Hällestad
- 75 Hällstad
- 80 Härna
- 193 Högsäter
- 49 Hössna
- 96 Istorp
- 147 Jonsered
- 117 Jällby
- 195 Järbo
- 198 Järn
- 36 Kalv
- 97 Karl Gustav (note: off map, to the right of 97)
- 94/99 Kattunga
- 153 Kilanda
- 63 Kinna
- 65 Kinnarumma
- 17 Knätte
- 136 Kullings-Skövde
- 96 Kungsäter (note: off map, to the right of 96)
- 124 Kvinnestad
- 116 Källunga
- 06 Kärråkra
- 11 Kölaby
- 15 Kölingared
- 165 Lagmansered
- 127 Landa
- 220 Laxarby
- 160 Lena
- 206 Lerdal
- 147 Lerum
- 18 Liared
- 168 Lilla Edet
- 26 Ljungsarp
- 122 Ljur
- 53 Ljushult
- 158 Långared
- 44 Länghem
- 156 Lödöse
- 162 Magra
- 48 Marbäck
- 199 Mellerud
- 02 Mjäldrunga
- 39 Mjöbäck
- 217 Mo
- 111 Molla
- 31 Mossebo
- 77 Murum
- 45 Månstad
- 37 Mårdaklev
- 07 Möne
- 179 Naglum
- 27 Nittorp
- 175 Norra Björke
- 114 Norra Säm
- 12 Norra Åsarp
- 106 Norska Skogsbygden
- 107 Norunga
- 149 Nya Lödöse
- 149 Nylöse
- 107 Nårunga
- 176 Näs
- 150 Nödinge
- 223 Nössemark
- 78 Od
- 121 Ornunga
- 56 Redslared
- 129 Remmene
- 41 Revesjö
- 55 Roasjö
- 171 Rommele
- 194 Rännelanda
- 205 Råggärd
- 84 Rångedala
- 159 Rödene
- 208 Rölanda
- 89 Sandhult
- 156 Sankt Peder
- 90 Seglora
- 54 Sexdrega
- 138 Siene
- 34 Sjötofta
- 146 Skallsjö
- 97 Skedeskamma (see Karl Gustav)
- 57 Skephult
- 155 Skepplanda
- 200 Skållerud
- 115 Skölvene
- 12 Smula (note: off map, area above 12)
- 13 Solberga
- 154 Starrkärr
- 212 Steneby
- 151 Stora Lundby
- 163 Stora Mellby
- 20 Strängsered
- 186 Sundals-Ryr
- 94/99 Surteby-Kattunga
- 218 Svanskog
- 42 Svenljunga
- 102 Sätila
- 118 Södra Björke
- 134 Södra Härene
- 47 Södra Säm
- 70 Södra Ving
- 76 Södra Vånga
- 180 Södra-Ryr
- 29 Södra Åsarp
- 130 Tarsled
- 74 Timmele
- 202 Tisselskog
- 68 Toarp
- 61 Torestorp
- 182 Torp
- 67 Torpa
- 222 Torrskog
- 101 Tostared
- 30 Tranemo
- 177 Trollhättan
- 135 Tumberg
- 167 Tunge
- 50 Tvärred
- 214 Tydje
- 109 Tämta
- 83 Tärby
- 209 Töftedal
- 105 Töllsjö
- 214 Tösse
- 43 Ullasjö
- 72 Ulricehamn
- 172 Upphärad
- 183 Valbo-Ryr
- 82 Varnum
- 179 Vassända-Naglum
- 120 Vesene
- 73 Vist
- 221 Vårvik
- 180 Väne-Ryr
- 174 Väne-Åsaka
- 178 Vänersborg
- 176 Vänersnäs
- 108 Vänga
- 176 Västra Tunhem
- 215 Åmåls (Lands-)
- 216 Åmåls (Stads-)
- 201 Ånimskog
- 169 Åsbräcka
- 59 Älekulla
- 39 Älvsered (note: off map, area under 39)
- 224 Ärtemark
- 69 Äspered
- 185 Ödeborg
- 144 Ödenäs
- 204 Ödskölt
- 24 Ölsremma
- 192 Ör
- 5 Öra
- 62 Örby
- 33 Örsås
- 169 Ösbräcka
- 152 Östad
- 38 Östra Frölunda
- 58 Öxabäck
- 95 Öxnevalla
Patronymics and Naming Customs[edit | edit source]
Most Swedish surnames are patronymic. Patronymic surnames changed with each generation. Also, Swedish surnames can be changed for a variety of reasons. Understanding surname changes is more important in Swedish research than in United States or Great Britain. To prepare yourself to cope with these changes, carefully study Sweden Names, Personal.
Church Records[edit | edit source]
Church records from the county of Älvsborg contain the following types of records. Click on the Swedish name of the record to link to important facts and clues that can be found in each record.
- Clerical surveys (Husförhörslängder)
- Registers of birth, marriage, and death (födda, vigda, döde)
- Move-in and move-out lists (in- och utflyttede)
- Confirmations (konfirmation)
- Church accounts (räkenskaper)
Household Examination Records (Husförhörslängder)[edit | edit source]
The Household Examination Records are a key source in Swedish genealogical research, not found in many other countries. Perhaps their greatest value is that they gave detailed data organized in families for each year. This is particularly helpful in sorting out the duplication of names created by the use of patronymics. The contents of a Household Examination Book varied according to time, place and the minister. As you search the books you might see:
|
|
Online Records
- 1880-1920 - Sweden, Household Examination Books, 1880 - 1920 at FamilySearch — index and images
1. Online Digital Records for Church Records[edit | edit source]
The easiest way to access the Swedish Church Records is through the internet, using these sites:
- FamilySearch Historical Records,
- Ancestry.com ($),
- MyHeritage.com ($),
- Arkiv Digital ($), and
- SVAR , ($). In SVAR, Älvsborg parishes are listed under Västra Götaland. The English translation app incorrectly interprets Västra Götaland as Bay State and occasionally, Michigan.
Four of these sites require a subscription for access. (ArkivDigital, Ancestry.com, and MyHeritage.com are available at a FamilyHistory Center near you free of charge.)
FamilySearch Historical Records Online Databases for Sweden[edit | edit source]
The original copies of the church records before 1895 are preserved by the Naional and Regional Archives in Sweden. FamilySearch has partnered with The National Archives of Sweden to create indexes of the Swedish church records. For more detail on the contents and coverage of these records, see: Sweden Church Records, 1308 – 1940 Images Published on FamilySearch.
- 1642-1897; index 1681-1860 - Sweden, Älvsborg Church Records, 1642-1897; index 1681-1860 at FamilySearch —index and images by parish.
- 1642-1897; index 1681-1860 - Sweden, Älvsborg Church Records, 1642-1897; index 1681-1860 at FamilySearch —images by parish.
- 1611-1920 - Sweden Baptisms, 1611-1920 at FamilySearch — index.
- 1630-1920 - Sweden Marriages, 1630-1920 at FamilySearch — index.
- 1649-1920 - Sweden Burials, 1649-1920 at FamilySearch — index.
Ancestry.com Online Database for Sweden[edit | edit source]
Älvsborg Index and Images[edit | edit source]
- 1880-1893 - Sweden, Selected Indexed Household Clerical Surveys, 1880-1893, index and images, ($). To browse this image set, select Älvsborg County, the parish, the records type, and the year range in the search boxes in the right sidebar.
- 1451-1943 - Sweden, Church Records, 1451-1943, index and images, ($). To browse this image set, select Älvsborg County, the parish, the records type, and the year range in the search boxes in the right sidebar.
- 1860-1941 - Sweden, Indexed Birth Records, 1860-1941, index and images, ($). To browse this image set, select Älvsborg County, the parish, the records type, and the year range in the search boxes in the right sidebar.
Sweden Including Älvsborg[edit | edit source]
- 1783-1991 - Sweden, Emigrants Registered in Church Books, 1783-1991, index and images, ($)
- 1611-1920 - Sweden, Select Baptisms, 1611-1920, index, ($).
- 1901-2006 - Sweden, Births from the Swedish Death Index, 1901-2006, index. ($)
- 1630-1920 - Sweden, Select Marriages, 1630-1920, index, ($)
- 1649-1920 - Sweden, Select Burials, 1649-1920, index, ($)
- 1840-1860 - Sweden, Selected Indexed Death Records, 1840-1860 and 1878-1942, index, ($)
MyHeritage.com Online Databases for Sweden[edit | edit source]
- 1880-1920 - Sweden Household Examination Books, 1840-1947, index and images, ($).
- 1611-1920 - Sweden, Baptisms, 1611-1920, index, ($)
- 1630-1920 - Sweden, Marriages, 1630-1920, index, ($).
- 1649-1920 - Sweden Burials, 1649-1920, index, ($).
ArkivDigital Online Databases for Sweden[edit | edit source]
These lessons will teach you how to use ArkivDigital:
Here are links for registering, direct link to Älvsborg records, the main search page, and a library of instructional articles on Swedish genealogy methods.
SVAR[edit | edit source]
- SVAR digital archives for parishes in Älvsborg . In SVAR, Älvsborg parishes are listed under Västra Götaland. The English translation app incorrectly interprets Västra Götaland as Bay State and occasionally, Michigan.
2. Microfilms of Church Records for Sweden[edit | edit source]
Microfilms of the original records used for developing the online databases are also available for research. You will find additional records that have yet to be digitized. Currently, they are being digitized, and plans are to complete that project by 2020. Check back occasionally to see if your records have become available. In the meantime, some of them might be available at a Family History Center near you.
To find a microfilm:
- a. Click on this link to see a list of records for Sweden, Älvsborg .
- b. Click on "Places within Sweden, Älvsborg " and a list of towns and cities will open.
- c. Click on the town or city you wish to search.
- d. Click on "Church Records" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
- e. Choose the correct event and time period for your ancestor.
- f. Some combination of the icons shown below will appear at the far right of the microfilm listed for the record.
Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the microfilm.
Reading the Records[edit | edit source]
- You do not have to be fluent in Swedish to read your documents. Genealogical records usually contain a limited vocabulary. Use the Swedish Genealogical Word List to translate the important points in the document. This interactive dictionary allows you to enter a word in the search box and receive the translation: Swedish Historical Dictionary Database, SHDD.
- Online interactive slideshow lessons are available to help you learn to read these records:
- Reading Gothic Handwriting for Swedish Genealogy, Lesson 1
- Spelling and Phonetics for Swedish Genealogy, Lesson 2 — Names, dates, and key genealogical words
- Reading Gothic Handwriting for Swedish Genealogy: Put It All Together, Lesson 3
- Scandinavian Handwriting
- Scandinavian Handwriting, part 3 - No part 2 available
- Birth and Christening Records for Swedish Genealogy
- Instructions, document examples, and translations are given for Reading Swedish Birth and Christening Records 1717, 1752, 1771, 1792, 1803, 1834, 1854, and 1894.
- Dates are frequently written using feast days. These charts will enable you to convert feast days to more normal dates:
Search Strategy and Tips[edit | edit source]
- First find the birth and baptism record of your ancestor. Once you know his date and place of birth and his parents' names, you can locate the family in the Household Examination Records.
- Search every Household Examination Record that your ancestor appears on (from birth to death). You will pick up valuable clues along the way, find children who died young, and establish correct family member relationships.
- All birth, marriage, or death dates found in Household Examination Records need to be verified in the actual birth, marriage, or death records.
- Pay attention to relationship titles, occupations, military status, and remarks. See word list for Vocabulary for Household Examination Records.
- Dates are written in the European order of day, month, and year.
- The Family History Library created a basic key words list to help with reading the column headings (for when they exist in the actual records.) This copy has been given out at the Nordic Reference Counter for many years. To print your own copy see: Swedish Parish Register and Household Exam Roll Headings