Jensma, Andrew D.

JENSMA, BIERMA, ROBERTS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 9/1/2009 at 07:36:23

Jensma, Andrew D.

No class of emigrants who reach our shores from the kingdoms and republics of Europe show a greater aptitude in adapting themselves to our peculiar institutions than those who come from Holland, and while they find many things different from what they had been accustomed to, they, in due course of time, become familiar with our political methods and customs and appreciate the advantages which are offered by our laws. The result is that they are at once contented and straightway proceed to make the most of their new surroundings. After their home is established and they have attained some degree of comfort, they look around and soon take a hearty and intelligent interest in our form of government and prevailing institutions. One of the best known and most successful of the colony of Hollanders who have favored Jasper County by casting their lots with us is Andrew D. Jensma, a progressive young farmer of Mound Prairie Township.

Mr. Andrew D. Jensma was born in Holland on July 2, 1880, and he is the son of Johannas and Sarah (Bierma) Jensma, both born in Holland, and there they grew up and were married and there the father operated a large farm, which he rented. His death occurred in 1888. His family consisted of five sons and two daughters, namely: James, John, Levi, Andrew D., Peter, Anna and Sarah. All these children and their mother immigrated to America after the father's death and settled in Marion County, Iowa, near Monroe. The year following their arrival there they rented a farm in Fairview Township, Jasper County, and here they became very comfortably fixed. Andrew D. Jensma attended school both in Holland and in America, and, applying himself very carefully, made rapid progress. He remained with his mother until he was of legal age, then started in life for himself by renting land. He saved his earnings and in 1909 bought an excellent farm of three hundred and twenty acres, known as the old D. C. Gifford farm, known at present as the Bear Grove Stock Farm. Here he is making a pronounced success as a general farmer and stock raiser, and he feeds a large number of cattle and hogs annually. He is gradually bringing his place up to a high standard of improvement and cultivation, and he has a pleasant dwelling and substantial outbuildings.

Politically, Mr. Jensma is a Republican, but has not sought public recognition, merely exercising his rights of citizenship in a manner, which appeals to him as being right under approved and established standards.

On April 12, 1905. Mr. Jensma was united in marriage with Maud Roberts, daughter of W. Edward Roberts, an early settler in Jasper County and a highly respected citizen. Two interesting children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jensma, Edward and Freddie. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 901.