John Jaenson Malberg was born in Grahntarr, Woreda Soken, Jonkopings Lan, Sweden April 23, 1827. He emigrated from Sweden to the U.S. in 1853. Malberg landed in Boston, then traveled to Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. His future wife, Christina (Jonson) Malberg, was born in Reaby, Grenna Soken, Jonkopings Lan, Sweden November 27, 1833. She emigrated from Sweden in the fall of 1853. Christina landed in New Orleans, then traveled to Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. John and Christina were married in Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minnesota on July 18, 1857. They lived in Red Wing for some time. In the spring of 1860 they moved to a farm in Cannon Falls, Leon Township, Goodhue County. That fall, they assumed ownership of the property through preemption rights. The Malbergs lived on this farm for the rest of their lives. John and Christina had seven children, Peter Bennet (FEB 1858), Ida Helena (OCT 1869), Phebe Johanna Marie (SEP 1861), Olive Matilda (AUG 1864), Amos (OCT 1866), Adelia Malvina (NOV 1868), and John Sidney (FEB 1875).

John J. Malberg was a farmer and carpenter. As a farmer, he raised small grains and livestock. As a carpenter, he built coffins and did work for his church. In his spare time John loved planting trees. He died on his farm October 14, 1903 at the age of 76. Christina also died on the farm January 12, 1927 at the age of 93. Both John and Christina are buried at the Cannon Falls Cemetery.