S. (Salomon) Ilmonen
Amerikan ensimäiset suomalaiset : $b Eli Delawaren siirtokunnan historia
"Amerikan ensimäiset suomalaiset: Eli Delawaren siirtokunnan historia" by S. Ilmonen is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the origins and development of the Delaware colony, emphasizing the involvement and experiences of Finnish settlers in seventeenth-century America. Its subject matter covers both the broad context of early European colonization and the more specific role played by Finns as some of the first representatives of their nation in the New World. The opening of the book lays out its purpose and structure, beginning with a preface that highlights the significance of Finnish immigrants who arrived in Delaware during the seventeenth century. It then provides a sweeping overview of the discovery and colonization of America, detailing the early expeditions of Norse explorers, Columbus, and other key European nations. Attention shifts to the foundation of European colonies in North America, particularly the Swedish-Finnish settlement along the Delaware River. The narrative introduces important figures such as Willem Usselinx and Peter Minuit, outlines the establishment of the "New Sweden" colony, and describes the challenges of recruiting settlers—especially Finns—from Sweden and Finland, including policies that both encouraged and coerced them to join the transatlantic venture.