John A. Nyden Family Collection, 1850-1989 | North Park University

The Nyden Collection of correspondence and genealogical information was begun by John Augustus Nyden. The work of collecting this information was carried on for nearly 50 years by his daughter, Miss Valborg Nyden.

John Augustus Nyden was born in Nybygget, Moheda, Sweden on March 25^th, 1878. He immigrated to the United States in 1897, arriving at the port of New York with only one dollar in his pocket. From that humble beginning, he put himself through school and became a prominent architect, including State Architect for the State of Illinois in 1926-1927. Mr. Nyden also was very active in church and community affairs, serving on the boards of directors of numerous businesses and organizations.

He died of a heart attack September 4^th, 1932, and was survived by his wife and two daughters. One of those daughters, Valborg Nyden, took up his interest in family history and began corresponding with her known relatives. This work grew as she learned of additional relatives, and she dedicated the better part of almost 50 years of her life pursuing it.