Christ Nissen
Thirty years ago Christ Nissen arrived in the new world, to which he was attracted because of the opportunities it presents for well directed labor. He applied himself with earnestness and zeal and today he is the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and thirty acres in Stockholm township, the abundant harvests gathered from this land each year being visible evidence of his energy and enterprise.
He was born in Germany, March 7, 1857, a son of Paul and Mary C. (Christiansen) Nissen. The parents were both natives of the old country and continued there throughout their entire lives. There were eight children in the family, only two of whom are now living, Christ, the subject of this review; and John, also in America.
Christ Nissen received a common school education and grew to manhood in the parental home, where he early became acquainted with the value of labor. At twenty-four years of age, in 1881, he bade farewell to relatives and friends and crossed the ocean to America, fully determined if possible to make for himself a home under the friendly protection of the republic.
He came direct to Crawford county, Iowa, and worked for three years as a farm hand and then began to operate rented land on his own account. He continued as a renter for eighteen years and, being economical and a good manager, acquired the capital necessary to purchase the place on section 13, Stockholm township, upon which he established his permanent home. His farm has been improved by the erection of buildings and fences, the putting in of tile and the setting out of shade and ornamental trees, so that it is one of the pleasing features of the landscape. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs and as he is well acquainted with his business, his success has been highly gratifying.
In 1884 Mr. Nissen was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Otto, who was born in Germany, September 7, 1861, a daughter of Christ and Christina (Gotwig) Otto. The family came to this country in 1884 and located in Crawford county, Iowa. The mother died September 15, 1906, but the father is still living and makes his home in Denison. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Otto.
Eleven children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nissen, all of whom are now living except the oldest, who died in infancy, The others are William, John, Edward, Christina, Anna, Freda, Louise, Elsie, Amanda and Marvin.
Mr. and Mrs. Nissen are thoroughly familiar with the responsibilities of rearing a large family, and they have acquitted themselves nobly and have instilled into their children lessons of industry, frugality and perseverance so necessary in laying a permanent foundation for worthy objects in life. Both parents and children are identified with the Lutheran church and active workers in its interests. Politically Mr. Nissen gives his support to the democratic party. He is connected with the Odd Fellows, being a member of Lodge No. 993 at Denison and is an earnest advocate of the beautiful fraternal sentiments of that order. As a citizen he is greatly respected by the entire community.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.