John Erlander
John Erlander (April 7, 1826 - February 14, 1917) was a Swedish born, American businessman and founder of Rockford Union Furniture Company.
Background
John Erlander was born Johan Jönsson, in Slätthög, Kronoberg County in Småland, Sweden. His father, Jöns Petterson, was a carpenter. Erlander emigrated to the United States in April, 1854 with his sister Kajsa Jönsdotter, and his brother Peter Magnus Jönsson.
Career
John Erlander first settled in Chicago where he learned to operate a sewing machine. In 1855 he moved to Rockford, Illinois where he worked as a tailor. In 1861, he entered into a partnership with Sven August Johnson. They open a successful tailoring and men's clothing shop. The partners remained in business until 1885 when Erlander sold his half of the business to Johnson.
Erlander was a lay delegate to the meeting at Jefferson Prairie Settlement during June 1860 at which the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized. He would live to be the last surviving member at that historic meeting.
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