HJORTH, Peter Arnold 1835-1924

HJORTH, EDWARDS, JENSEN, DONHOWE

Posted By: Karen L. Robertson (email)
Date: 1/14/2011 at 16:26:44

Peter Arnold Hjorth was born in Langeland, Denmark, September 28, 1835. He was the youngest son of Rasmus and Mary Hjorth.

He was baptized and confirmed in the home parish of the Lutheran church of Denmark.

He came to America in 1850, going first to Manitowoc, Wis., Beloit, Wis., and Preston, Minn. He lived at Preston from 1866 till 1870 at which time he moved to St. Ansgar.

In 1860 he married Miss Sarah Edwards at Manitowoc, Wis. Rev. Otterson officiating. This union was blessed with one child, Mary, now Mrs. Olavus Donhowe, Chicago, Ill.

Mrs. Hjorth died in 1902. At her funeral Rev. Waldeland preached his first funeral sermon in St. Ansgar.

Mr. Hjorth some time later, married Mrs. Anna Jensen, who also preceded Mr. Hjorth in death in January, 1916.

Mr. Hjorth then moved to Story City, Iowa, to live with Mr. and Mrs. Donhowe. In 1919 he moved with them to Clarinda, Iowa, and in 1922 to Chicago.

Mr. Hjorth has been failing since May, 1924. His strength gradually decreased, however, and he spent about one month in bed. His chief ailment was heart failure, gradually growing worse in spite of all medical effort.

He died quietly Sunday morning, November 9, at the age of 89 years, 1 month and 11 days.

St. Ansgar Enterprise