JOHN A. THOMSEN, JR

THOMSEN

Posted By: Debbie Clough Gerischer, I.H.P. (email)
Date: 1/21/2010 at 20:27:30

A Narrative History
of
The People of Iowa
with
SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN
EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY,
BUSINESS, ETC.
by
EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, LL. B., A. M.
Curator of the
Historical, Memorial and Art Department of Iowa
Volume IV
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Inc.
Chicago and New York
1931

JOHN A. THOMSEN, JR. This is a name that has been prominent in the
agricultural, business and civic affairs of Clinton County for a great many
years. The late John A. Thomsen, Sr., came to this section of Iowa from Denmark
when a boy of fourteen, and his energy, thrift, good judgment and
integrity made him a substantial figure in that community.

John A. Thomsen, Sr., was born in Denmark January 20, 1857, and died at
his home in Sabula December 19, 1926, at the age of sixty-nine years, ten
months and twenty-nine days. His early education was given him in the schools
of his native country. When the family came to America they located near
Mount Algor, where the son John contributed his part to the upkeep of the
family by working as a farm hand. Later he and his brother Fred rented a
farm and provided a home for their parents.

John A. Thomsen married, in 1883, Miss Elisa Petersen, also a native of
Denmark. She came to America when seventeen years of age. After their
marriage they lived on a farm a mile north of Teeds Grove, later purchasing the
land, and in 1901 they bought the R. E. Walker farm six miles southwest of
Sabula. Mr. Thomsen engaged in farming there until about 1920, when he
moved to the town of Sabula. He was in every respect a self-made man. His
hard work, practice of thrift and the exercise of good business judgment
brought him the competency that enabled him to spend his last years in comfort.
For two years before his death he had been an influential member of the
Sabula City Council. He was baptized when a child in the Danish Lutheran
Church, and was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being
buried under the auspices of that order.

He was survived by his widow, who lives at Sabula, and of their seven
children two daughters died in infancy and the son Frank in 1905, at the age of
sixteen. The surviving children are: Mrs J. H. Petersen, of Sabula; Le
Roy, of Sabula; John Thomsen, Jr.; and Carl, whose home is near Teeds Grove.

John A Thomsen, Jr., is a representative of the family who has made
himself a factor in the business and financial affairs of the Teeds Grove
Community. He was born on the home farm near the town June 1, 1896. His education
was supplied by country schools, the Sabula High School and in 1915 he
graduated from the Clinton Business College. After a year on his father's
farm he entered the Teeds Grove Savings Bank, in 1917, as clerk. Later another
year was given to farming, and since 1919 he has been cashier of the bank
at Teeds Grove. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Thomsen married, February 22, 1922, Miss Vera Jackson, daughter of
William H. and Florence Jackson.l Her parents were born in Iowa and her
father was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Thomsen have two daughters, Myrna and Velma.

Debbie Clough Gerischer
Iowa History Project