In English

The Argillander Family Association the Argillanders of Central Finland was established in 1978 in Pihtipudas where Corporal Israel Israelsson Argillander (c. 1713‒1779) spend most of his life.

The members are descendants of Israel Argillander. He was first a Drummer at the age of 14 and then a Corporal in the Swedish army. (Finland belonged to Sweden until 1809, after that, until independence in 1917, to Russia.)

Israel was married to Margareta Wesandra (c. 1712‒1777). They had nine children, eight of them had children of their own.

Argillander is a typical name for educated class in Sweden at the time Finland belonged to it. First part, argilla, comes from Latin and means clay or potter’s earth. Second part comes from Greek word andros meaning a man.

Israel Argillander’s father, also an officer in the Swedish army, died in the Battle of Isokyrö/Storkyro (Napo/Napue) on February 19, 1714. Israel’s grandfather, Israel Erici Argillander (died in 1692) was the Vicar in Saarijärvi. Y-gene haplogroup is R-BY136990 referring to ancestry in Medieval Sweden.

At the time of founding the Argillanders of Central Finland Corporal Israel Argillander’s ancestry was unknown. Currently the association is considering widening the membership to all descendants of the vicar Israel Erici Argillander of Saarijärvi, which is also in the Central Finland.

Israel's wife's, Margareta's ancestry has been studied to some extent. She comes from a long line of clergy.

Family Reunion 

Every third year there’s a Family Reunion. Smaller gatherings are held every Summer. To join, fill the form on LIITY JÄSENEKSI.

Coat of Arms

Israel Argillander was a drummer as a young boy. The military drum is included in the Coat of Arms. Members of the Association and their family members have the privilege to use the Argillander Coat of Arms which you find in the membership pages. It is also used to decorate the wallpaper on these pages.

Genealogy database and contact information

We have a database with more than 20 000 descendants of Corporal Israel Argillander. If you are interested in your Finnish roots, please contact us. Get in touch either using a form below or by email to ailat.pajunen@gmail.com.

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