Early Years of churches in Rock Island, Moline, and Andover, 1858

The Lars Paul Esbjorn and Esbjörn family papers, 1778-1982 and undated, contains notebooks, personal writings, letters, and professional writings that pertain to Lars Paul Esbjörn’s life and career as Augustana’s first president. Also included are letters from Esbjörn’s wives and children. This collection has been arranged into seven series.

Series I: Biographical and Background Material (1882-1960 and undated) includes a collection of articles and excerpts pertaining to L.P. Esbjörn’s life and work as a minister. Background materials include clippings and maps of L.P. Esbjörn’s home in Sweden.

Series II: Documents, Letters, and Financial Records (1778-1925 and undated) contains official documents (originals and copies), including L.P. Esbjörn’s grades and official school documents, documents from L.P. Esbjörn’s time as a minister and professor, and personal family records, including material related to Esbjörn's wives. This series is arranged into four subseries.

Series III: Writings-Personal series (1825-1869, 1982 and undated) contains L.P. Esbjörn’s autobiographical accounts of his years at school in Sweden, dairies and excerpts from his immigration to America and his trip east, as well as notes and thoughts on mathematical and scientific readings. This series is arranged into four Subseries.

Series IV: Professional Writings and Papers (1828-1870 and undated) contains articles and notes on biblical passages, accounts and advice to immigrants, records of Augustana Theological Seminary, letters to other academic and ministry professionals, and a collection of L.P. Esbjörn’s sermons. This series is organized into three Subseries.

Series V: Newsclippings and Printed Matter (1849-1911 and undated) contains printed material collected by L.P. Esbjörn related to his research and interests as well as information about personal and professional contacts. Information included is in both Swedish and English.

Series VI: Compilations (1848-1948 and undated) contains information about L.P. Esbjörn compiled by peers and other parties including Constantin Magnus Esbjörn, Sam Ronnegord, Ira O. Nothstein, S.W. Harkey, and O.N. Olsson. This series is organized into three Subseries.

Series VII: Library Books (1826-1860) contains a small collection of books from the personal library of L.P. Esbjörn including a bible in Swedish and a Handbook of Comparative Religions in Swedish.