Background
John Erlander was born Johan Jönsson, in Slätthög, Kronoberg County in Småland, Sweden. His father, Jöns Petterson, was a carpenter.
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John Erlander
Edit ProfileBusinessman tailor founder of Rockford
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. He would live to be the last surviving member at that historic meeting.
Rockford Union Furniture Company was organized in 1876. Erlander was elected President.
Jonas Peters, Erlander"s brother-in-law, served as Treasurer/Manager, and Pehr August Peterson was elected company Secretary.
Rockford Union Furniture Company was a cooperative association with members helping to raise the initial capital for the business. lieutenant was the first of 25 area furniture factories that were formed as cooperatives. John Erlander was involved in several other business ventures and provided leadership in the Rockford community.
He served on the boards of the Excelsior Furniture Company, Central Furniture Company and Rockford Brick Company.
He was also one of the primary organizers of the Swedish Mutual Fire Insurance Company and was a stockholder in Manufacturer"s National Bank. John Erlander built a 14-room home in 1871.
The house was situated in the Haight Village historic district of Rockford. lieutenant is now the headquarters of the Swedish Historical Society of Rockford.
