Jacobsen, B. M.

JACOBSEN, TADSEN, RASMUSSEN, TRAGER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcribers
Date: 1/28/2003 at 13:52:01

B. M. JACOBSEN 

A brilliant example of a self-made American citizen and a grand exemplification of the progress that an ambitious foreigner can make in this country of unbounded opportunities is shown in the case of B. M. Jacobsen, one of the leading German-American residents of Clinton. Success in any walk of life is an indication of earnest endeavor and persevering effort, - characteristics that he possesses in an eminent degree.

Mr. Jacobsen was born in Germany March 26, 1862, and in 1876 came to the United States with his parents, Boh and Magdelena (Tadsen) Jacobsen, who located in Clinton, Iowa, where they continued to make their home throughout life. The father died in the spring of 1900, the mother six months later. They had a family of six children, namely: Jacob, a sailor, who was lost at sea; Volkert, who died in 1900; Christian, who died in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1888; Maria, who died in Germany; Netha, wife of Robert Rasmussen, who lives near Clinton; and B.M.

Our subject was educated in the schools of his native land, never attending school after coming to this country. He first worked in a brick-yard and later in a sawmill, and in 1877 accepted a position as clerk with Seaman Brothers & Company, with whom he remained six years. He was next in the employ of Towle & Spreter Company until 1886, when he formed his present business connection with Nis Nissen, as proprietors of the Economy, a department store at the corner of First avenue and Second street. They carry a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise and now employ thirty-five clerks. They are one of the most enterprising and progressive firms of the city, and occupy an enviable position in business circles.

In 1885 Mr. Jacobsen married Miss Lena Trager, of Clinton, and to them have been born five children: William, Alma, Alvina, Marvin and Bernice. Mr. Jacobsen is prominently identified with a number of fraternal organizations, including the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Brotherhood of Yoemen (sic) and the Turners Verein. He is also a thirty-second-degree Mason, belonging to Emulation Lodge, No. 255; Keystone Chapter, No. 32; De Molay Consistory, No. 1; El Kahir Temple; and Clinton Chapter, No. 65, O. E. S. His genial, pleasant manner has made him quite popular in both business and social circles, and a public-spirited, enterprising man he is recognized as a valued citizen of the community.
Source: The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.