It has been told that he as an eight year old shepherd boy scared off wolves from the
sheep. He grew up at Loppetorp and became clever, persistent and strong - qualities
that came in handy during the least 5000 day's work he carried out at Floda Manor.
He got himself additional income by making brooms, and his strength was enough to 
to take on lease for one more crofter's holding, Bockaberg.

Wisdom and a critical view of the world around marked this man of  honor way into
old age - he became over 90 years old. Being quick-witted and sly he mastered some 
difficult situations. The most well known of the histories around Janne is "The white
'tatoes".
- - - 
Once upon a time at potato picking time at Floda Manor the day workers were 
ordered by the squire von Proschwitz  to keep on picking even though it started
to grow dark. The squire was present and  pushed the workers, who got more
and more tired and longed to get home. This is when Bottna-Janne spoke up:
Janne:          -Next year sir, you ought to plant white 'tatoes instead of the kind
                     we are picking now.
The squire:   -Why is that?
Janne:          -Well, it would be better for you sir. The white 'tatoes you can see well
                     enough to pick even when it's dark. These other ones you can't see
                     that well so many of them get left behind in the ground.
The squire:   -Stop picking immediately and go home for the day!
 

Source:
      Livet på Floda säteri kring sekelskiftet. skrift nr 4, 1976. Skallsjö Hembygds- och
      Fornminnesförening.