CHRISTIAN JENSEN

JENSEN, ANDERSON, NELSEN, ERICKSEN

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 8/12/2004 at 20:58:49

Christian Jensen, who owns three hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in the county, has met gratifying success as a farmer and stock-raiser. His home farm is on section 28, Prussia township, and he is highly esteemed in his locality. A native of Denmark, he was born in August, 1857, a son of Jens and Marie (Anderson) Jensen, both also natives of that county. The father followed the carpenter’s trade in Denmark until 1890, when he retired and came to America, making his home with our subject until his death, which occurred in February, 1908. His wife survived for more than four years, dying in November, 1912.
Mr. Jensen grew to manhood in Denmark and there received his education. He worked as a farm hand until 1881, when he decided to come to American as he believed that this country offered unusually good advantages to young men with little capital but with energy and good judgment. He first located at Sheffield, Bureau county, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for four years. At the end of that time he removed to Shelby county, Iowa, and rented land, which he operated for two years. He then came to Adair county and for two years farmed rented land, but at the end of that time his finances were in such condition that he was able to buy one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Prussia township. He at once took up his residence upon the place and concentrated his energies upon its improvement and cultivation. He prospered and added to his holdings from time to time until he now owns three hundred and sixty acres, two hundred and forty of which is on section 28, Prussia township, and one hundred and twenty in Summerset township. He uses the latest machinery and up-to-date methods in carrying on the work of the farm and his well directed industry has brought him excellent financial returns. In addition to growing the usual crops he raises stock, feeding about a carload of cattle per year.
In March, 1887, Mr. Jensen was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka M. Nelsen, who was born in Denmark in October, 1861, and a daughter of Nels and Johanna (Ericksen) Nelsen, natives of that country. Her father died when she was about fifteen months old but her mother survived until 1909, passing away in her native land. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen are the parents of nine children, namely, Henning, Marie, Johanna, Hans, Albert, Tina, Ernest, Eva and Lillie.
Mr. Jensen gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. While living in Denmark he served for one and a half years in the army. He is recognized as an enterprising and efficient farmer and is also identified with other interests of the county as he is a stockholder in the Farmers Lumber Company of Fontanelle. The success which he has gained is due entirely to his own efforts and good management, for he began his independent career without capital or the aid of influential friends.
Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.