Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Christian Eriksen, who has long been actively and busily engaged in general agricultural pursuits, came to the United States as a young man without capital but through the utilization of the opportunities that have come to him, he has accumulated a valuable farming property, embracing three hundred and twelve acres, from which he derives a good annual income. Mr. Eriksen was born in Denmark, May 6, 1851, and was reared and educated in his native country. In 1872, when he had attained his majority, he decided to try his fortune in the new world and accordingly set sail for the United States. He first located in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked at any labor that would yield him an honest living. During this time he managed to save a small sum of money and in 1876 continued his journey to Buena Vista county, Iowa, where in 1879 he purchased forty acres of wild land, which in course of time he improved and placed under a high state of cultivation. In 1881 he added to his original purchase forty acres more and from time to time extended its boundaries until he now owns altogether three hundred and twelve acres situated in Nokomis township. He has built a good house, barn and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, has tiled and fenced the land, set out fruit trees and altogether made it a valuable farm property. Since the time of his arrival in Buena Vista county in 1876 he has been engaged in tilling the soil and has now accumulated a competency, which has enabled him to put aside business cares and he has removed to Alta, having in 1905 purchased a residence here, which he has remodeled to suit the convenience of Mr. Eriksen and wife. No man is more deserving of success than he, for no one has labored more earnestly and energetically to gain a foothold in the business world.

Mr. Eriksen chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Jensine P. Peterson, whom he wedded in 1878. She is likewise a native of Denmark and is the eldest of a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Eriksen has been blessed with six children: Erick S.; Rena E., the wife of Frank Wilson, who is engaged in farming in South Dakota; Rane; George; Christian Jr.; and Mary, a young wife at home.

Mr. Eriksen gives his political support to the republican party and for twelve years served as school director, while at present writing he is acting as road supervisor. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. He came to this country a poor man but through the enterprise, industry and frugality so characteristic of his race, he has worked his way upward until he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Buena Vista county.