NISSEN, Nis

NISSEN, HASS

Posted By: Nettie Mae
Date: 1/19/2003 at 01:18:01

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

NIS NISSEN

Nis Nissen is a leading representative of the business interests of Clinton, being a member of the firm of Nissen & Jacobsen, proprietors of the “Economy,” a large department store at the corner of First avenues and Second street. Of excellent business ability and broad resources he has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of Clinton and is a recognized leader in public affairs.

Mr. Nissen was born in Germany October 12, 1853, and was reared and educated in his native land. At the age of nineteen years he emigrated to America and first settled in Plano, Illinois, where he worked on a farm for some time, remaining in that state until coming to Clinton county, Iowa, in 1877. Here he was also employed on a farm for about six months, and then engaged in the saloon business until he embarked in his present enterprise. It was in 1886 that he formed a partnership with B. M. Jacobsen, and opened a dry goods and clothing store on the corner where they still carry on business. In 1891 they added a boot and shoe department, and in 1898 put in a stock of furniture, crockery, groceries and meats, so that they now handle everything except hardware and drugs. Their store occupies about a half block, being one hundred and twenty by one hundred feet in dimensions and two stories in height. This is occupied exclusively by them, the middle portion of the second floor being devoted to their furniture and carpet department. Their meat market is supplied by home stock and they do their own butchering. The firm enjoys an excellent trade, and employs about thirty-five clerks.

In 1881 Mr. Nissen married Miss Margaretta Hass, of Clinton, and to them have been born four children: Carl, who is now with his father in the store; and Freda, Alma and Louise, who are all in school. Socially Mr. Nissen is a member of the German Society, of Clinton, the Turners’ Verein and the Knights of Pythias. In his political views he is a stalwart Democrat, and takes a very active and prominent part in local politics and municipal affairs. For five years he efficiently served as alderman of the city. He has won success by his well directed and energetic efforts, and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well deserved.