The grandparents of Caroline Beatrice Prim—John and Beata Prim, and Andrew and Carrie Barquist—emigrated from Sweden in 1866 and 1873. They descended from the common people of Sweden—farmers and crofters who made their living from the land. Their emigration was part of a wave of people who left Sweden in search of a better life in America in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. This is their story and the story of the first generation of their descendants in America. Because the families in America and Sweden have maintained contact for nearly 150 years, it has been possible to include some of the stories of those who remained in Sweden.