The early history of Thorvald Dahlqvist (Dahlquist in english) is obscure. The names of his parents and siblings are not documented with one exception. A song that Thorvald was fond of singing when feasting mentions a sister. The song is still sung to this day at family gatherings. Here are the lyrics.



It's a fine clear morn'n, the fresh snow has fall'n

the deer and the bear are easy to track

I'll hunt them all day and bleed them and skin them

then drag them back to my sister Estrid

she cuts them up nicely with sharp and strong blades

just like she cut up that greedy handed man



oh sister oh sister why such a temper

can't you see that you need a man

oh sister oh sister you'll die on old spinster

oh sister oh sister my sister Estrid