Ms. Turnquist was the longtime, beloved organist for the Swedish Lutheran Church that once stood on Jones St. She played faithfully there until the church closed, and the property was sold to the telephone company. Her descendents have recently donated the organ Ms. Turnquist played in the church to the Thorsby Museum. It is planned to be on display in the museum’s new location at this year’s Swedish Fest.

Iver S. Gerald, born in Norway, and his wife, Hattie Mae Gerald, who was born in Maine, both came to Thorsby from Minnesota. Mr. Gerald opened Thorsby’s first bank; in fact, the bank building that he built still stands at the corner of Montgomery Ave. and Jones St. Their children, Ruth and husband Vinson H. Sutlive Sr., Mary Ella and husband Chester Macomber, and Thora all are buried in the cemetery along with a granddaughter, Mary Doris Gerald. Mr. Gerald’s granddaughter, Jane Sutlive, is currently living in the last remaining building that was part of the Thorsby Institute property. That historical property is on the market to be sold, as Ms. Sutlive, a retired Methodist missionary, is moving to North Carolina. She is very proud that her grandfather’s bank building will be the new location for the Thorsby Museum and will be open for this year’s Swedish Fest.

These are only a few of the early Thorsby residents who are resting in the Scandinavian Cemetery. Others will be listed in following articles.

–Tracia Bussey is a community columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. She can be reached at traciadbussey@gmail.com.