Feb 12, 2024

1950 Census John Emil and Anna Jacobson

 I found a few things of interest on this census record.

 John Emil and Anna are now living in Chicago at 903 Waller St. first floor. The children are all grown and gone, nor are any grandchildren living with them as in the 1940 census.


line 24-Jacobson, John E,-Handyman-white-male-71-married-born in Sweden-citizen-worker-worked 40hrs last week as a burner? in a railroad supply mfg.

line 25- Jacobson, Anna-maid-white-female-64-married-born in Sweden-citizen-worker-worked 70 hrs. last week as a maid in the home.

Noted is that John Emil is not listed as the head of the household but as a handyman and Anna is not listed as his wife but as an additional employee, a maid. An additional person is also living in the same first floor apartment.

line 23-Lundberg, Anders G.-Head of household-white-male-85-widowed-born in Sweden-citizen-unable to work

My guess is that Anders is the owner of the building. Anna and John Emil live with him, but not as boarders. Anders is quite elderly and unable to work. Perhaps in lieu of rent John and Anna work for him. John Emil does the basic maintenance and upkeep of the building, plus he has an additional job 40 hours a week. Anna is a sort of live in maid for him and judging by the amount of hours she works weekly 70!! she most likely also has an additional job as a full time maid for someone else. 

903 Waller Chicago, Illinois

My Great Uncle
John Emil Jacobson
1878-1962

My Great Aunt
Anna Abrahamson Jacobson
1885-1965

As a child I was always aware that Onkel Emil and Tante Anna were poor immigrants (as were my grandparents) but I guess I really had no clue. Seems a far cry from life on the lovely and loving farm of Albin and Anna Abrahamson?







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