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- ANDREW JENSON, the present Mayor of Edgerton, and one of
- the largest and most successful dealers in leaf tobacco in
Rock County, is a native of Norway, having been born in that
country on the 4th day of June, 1843. His father, Jens OLESON,
never came to America, but is still a resident of Norway. The
mother of our subject died when he was two years of age, leaving
four children, after which Mr. OLESON was again married, and
by his second union had a family of five children.
- Our subject was reared to the occupation farming, and remained
in
- his native land until 1869, when, believing that the New
World furnished better opportunities than were afforded by the
old countries, he crossed the broad Atlantic to America, and
came at once to Rock County, where was living a Mr. JOHNSON who
came form his immediate neighborhood in
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- Norway many years before, and was well known by his people.
Mr. JENSON, however, almost immediately after his arrival, went
Albion Prairie, in Dane County, where he secured employment with
Samuel CLARKE, with whom he continued for about six months. He
then attended school for a few weeks, making his home with the
family of Clark CRANDALL, whom he assisted in the labors of the
farm each night and morning for his board. In 1870 he rented
land on shares of Ole O. ANDERSON, a farmer of Albion, whereon
he raised a crop of tobacco. At the end of that time, he had
become somewhat familiar with the cultivation of the plant, and
resolved to continue the business. Accordingly, in the season
of 1871, he sent to Norway for a friend to assist him, and raised
tobacco on shares for Thomas THORANSON, and was quite successful
in the enterprise, clearing about $600. In 1873 he engaged with
CARR & TAYLOR, receiving as a compensation for his services
$25 per month, and in the winter if 1873-4 was employed in packing
for Mr. SAWYER, who was engaged in the tobacco business in Chicago.
The following season he was associated with Martin MASON, on
Wheeler Prairie, carrying on general farming, but later in the
season he sold his interest to his partner and removed to Edgerton
with the intention of establishing business for himself, having
added somewhat to his capital each year. In the winter of 1874-5
Mr. JENSON engaged in the tobacco business with Thomas HUTSON,
as a member of the firm of HUTSON & JENSON, which partnership
continued until 1880. In 1876 the firm erected a warehouse which
Mr. JENSON retained on the dissolution of the firm. In 1879 he
extended his business by becoming a partner of Osman GUNDERSON,
at Stoughton, where he also erected a warehouse. In 1882 another
building was constructed at Edgerton, known as Warehouse No.
12, and three years later he erected his present splendid brick
structure, at a cost of about $12,000. It is, perhaps, the finest
and most substantial building of its character to be found in
the State, and is an ornament to the city. In 1885 he still further
extended his interest by establishing a branch business at Westby,
Vernon Co., Wis., where he also erected a warehouse.
- The success to which Mr. JENSON has attained in his business
career is evident form the fore-
- going statement of the progress which he has made. In 1869,
only twenty years ago, he arrived in Edgerton from his native
land, a poor boy, unacquainted with the language or the ways
of the people, but is now numbered among the substantial and
successful business men of Rock County. His life is an example
of what may be accomplished by industry, enterprise and ability.
- On the 1st day of January, 1877, Mr. JENSON formed a matrimonial
alliance with Miss
- Hannah, daughter of Jacob JOHNSON, a resident of Edgerton,
and unto them have been born seven children, six of whom, four
sons and two daughters, are yet living, namely: Joseph Alfred,
Oscar Jacob, Adolph Herman, Lydia M., Clara M. and Carl Andrew.
Their third child, a little son, is now deceased. Mr. JENSON
is now serving his third term as Mayor of Edgerton, which testifies
to his ability and the faithfulness with which he discharges
the duties of his office. Previous to his first term he filled
the position of Alderman for two years. He is well known throughout
the community, where he has gained a large circle of warm friends,
and we are not only pleased to give this brief sketch, but to
present to our readers the fine lithographic portrait of Mr.
JENSON, who, within a period of twenty years, has made such rapid
advancement in what is to him a new country.
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-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 635-636; lithograph from
same book.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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