This is an updated English version of the Pelo family history prepared by Hugo Lagstrom in 1931. I have added information about some of the Pelo families who came to America. Also, I have included the Heinola branch which was not included in Lagstrom's version. After discovering Aake Pelo, I was able to obtain new information about a branch of the Pelo family which moved to Nivala, Finland in 1887.

I couldn't verify the accuracy of most of the information which was obtained from various sources. The table numbers in this version will not always agree with the table numbers in Lagstrom's version. Reference is made to the Slotte, Friis, Haals, Warg, and Vessi/Lågland families. These histories have been published in Finland. I have prepared family books which include my Warg and Vessi/Lågland family connections.

Further examination of this history indicates that other members of the Pelo family traveled to America, but it's not known where they settled nor if members of their families are still here. In 1990 I was contacted by Adrian Niemi of Tower, Minnesota who sent me information about Brita Olofsdotter Pelo, who married and raised a large family in Kaustby, thus doubling the size of this book. The families of Kaino and Torp in Vetil have been well-known in the cultural history of Finland. Many of the culturally great men and women were descended from these families. Among them: Eric Cainberg, Finland's first sculptor (linked through Tab. 209,221); Finland's national poet Johan Ludwig Runeberg (linked through Tab.6a); Finland's folk singer and kantele player Kreeta Haapasalo (Tab. 215); noted glassware designer Tapio Wirkkala (Tab. 266); poet Alexander Slotte (linked to Tab. 91); Anders Chydenius' brother Jakob, pastor in Vasa (Tab. 44); Johan (Bastubacka) Backman, Finland's noted church artist (linked through Tab. 69); Bo Aurén, well-known artist in Scandinavia (Tab. 167).

You will notice the high infant mortality rate. Farm women thought it most unfortunate if they gave birth in the summer time, as it interfered with summer chores. A pregnancy with "birthing" due in the winter was considered a real bonus.

In Finland when land was surveyed, the acreages were legally named according to predominant geographical features and recorded as such. This became the description for tax purposes and in some cases was called "the name of the gate." When places changed hands, the new owner took the name of the property. Some men preferred to keep their family name, but legally he had the new name, too. There are many such instances in this history. If a man lived with his in-laws, his wife's maiden name became his surname. This did not apply to ownership of houses in the cities.

Denna webbversion av June Pelos släktutredning följer efterkommande till Matts Mattson Pelo Den är uppgjord med tanke på en släktträff som hålls sommaren 1998.