Individual Details
Nils Johan Jenson
(22 Aug 1858 - 13 Jun 1934)
Excerpts from the journal Grampa Jenson (Nels J. Jenson, Sr.) kept.
January 1887
This fall I have been asking my acquaintances in America about how things were there. Hagen Jenssen and Dorthea Eliasdatter have both answered my letter and they both think there is work there for willing hands. Now I have tried so many things in Norway but I have no luck with it--no steady work that paid much. With Meyer it doesn't pay to work because there are so many willing to work for cheap wages and he won't give you steady work either. I could take another trip but then I would have to go with Lammen and look out for myself. This doesn't work for a man who has a big family like mine. The only way I can see is to try to make it better in this New Land. I am now hovering between hope and fright. I have tried to get a place as a pilot with both shipsfrom Trondhem and Bergen but had no luck, even if I have good papers from Meyer and others. . .
February 1887
Still I have not made up my mind for sure whether I can go to America because I have no means. I have tried to get some money from the bank by mortgaging my house but they won't accept it. I have asked Andreas Elefson if he would lend me 100 Kroner for Jensine and the children until I can earn enought to send them some money from America. I put hope in L. Marstens who promised me that he would help me but it is just willd promises. It seems everthing is going to stop my going. The only hope seems to be that Anne [Anne Eliasdatter Bang] has offered to give me money to go with her, but she herself is not sure yet because . . . [she is pregnant with Nels' child and afraid of being seasick]. Therefore I have been asking agents about how much the trip would cost. By buyig the ticket from the Guion Line I can buy a ticket through Martin Jensson that I can pay for later and then don't have to give any more security.
March 1887
This winter I have had a chance to stay home with my family. I with Amundsen and Martin Jenssen have been doing some masonry work for Meyer and I have been to Hemmnes to help get the ships through the ice . . . Now I have bought the tickets for myself and Anne for the trip to America of Martin Janssen. We are going the first part of April . . . There are lots of things that have to be done before a man can make such a step. If I could see my way to stay here and get along I wouldn't go . . . Now I have brought home everything that I was able to get on credit from Meyer and some with money from Anne. All I could get together home to my family. I hope Jensine will be able to get along for three or four months on the food she has. After that I hope to be able to send her money to take care of her.
2 Apr 1887
Today is the last day I am hme. While I sat and ate dinner Mundte came from Meyer with an order he wanted me to go after the Tordenskjold. Even if I didn't like to use these last hours away from home I went anyway and was so lucky to get the ship way to Mo, and that was the last thing I did for Meyer. Then I went home and bid farewell to my Jensine and my children and all I can do is leave them in God's care.
Sunday morning, 3rd of April
I cam to Bodo where I went ashore. Captain Aagard paid me some money he owed me. At noon I went south from Bodo with the Lofoten. On the 5th in Bronosund, Anne came on board . . . [they left separetly so it wouldn't be obvious that they were leaving together] . . . In the night of the 6th it was terrible weather but we luckily came to Trondjhem. We got everything in shape for the trip the next day.
April 7th
At 11 o'clock we went aboard the Hero that was leaving at 12 o'clock.
Good Friday, April 8th
We sailed into Aalesund where we took on a big mess of cod liver oil besides some immigrants. At one o'clock we left for sea and it was so dark that the mountains of my Fatherland were hidden by fog. Will I ever be able to see my Fatherland again?
April 10th
Easter on board the Hero on the North Sea. In the afternoon we began to see the coast of England with its gray-white mountains where a few points of land jut out. Late in the evening we came to Hull went on the dock.
Easter Monday, April 11th
I went ashore from the Hero. The custom house looked through our belongings and then we got show to Illags Hotel to have some kind of dinner. That was in the form of one slice of bread and meat with a little beef soup. Then we went to the train depot. From there we went by train at 2 p.m. and came to Liverpool at 7 p.m. where the ship's agent met us at the station and took us up to Svea Hotel where we found quarters. We laid there April 12th to 15th til we finally got ordered to on board the ship that would take us over the ocean. While we stayed in Liverpool we tried to make out what kind of place this was . . . got to know the museum, St. George's Hall and Lukkas Chapel and the Norwegian Library and the Stranger;s Rest.
Frdiay, April 15th
We were ordered to go on the boat that lay in the Alleksander dock. Here we got our places on the ship.
Saturday, April 16th
After 10 o;clock the Nevada left Liverpool and on Sunday we came to Queenstown in Ireland where lots of Irishmen came on board. It is a very pretty city with lots of room in the harbor. There lay two big ships from one of which waved my Fatherland's flg and the other the U.S. After everybody had got on board, the Nevada went to sea to go to the New Land.
Monday, April 18th
On the Atlantic Ocean. There is a wind from the southwest and many are seasick.
Thursday, April 21st
Faint northerly wind by many still seasick. One child died and in the afternoon it got sunk to its wet grave.
Saturday, April 23rd
Anne still seasick and got permission from the doctor to stay in bed and he gave her some medicine.
Sunday, April 24th
The nicest day we have had on board.
Tuesday, April 26th
Storm off the WSW. Many very seasick.
Wednesday, April 27th
Tonight at one o'clock the pilot came aboard and other signs show that we are getting close to land. At 3 p.m we sighted land and in the evening at 9 p.m. we came to New York.
Thursday, April 28th
We went ashore from the Nevada. Then we were brought to Castle Garden and it seems like everything was uncomfortable. They weighed our clothes and said we had too many and we had to pay $15 because they were overweight. This money we didn't have but after a bit of trouble we got this settled. We had to pay when we got on the train. We were brought by ferry to Erie staton where we arrived at 9 p.m.
Friday, April 29th
On the train through New York state.
Saturday, April 30th
On the train through Pennsylvania and Illinois till Saturday night.
Sunday, May1st
We came to Chicago. We were sent to Tingwall Line Hotel where we stayed till after dinner. At 3 p.m. we went from there to Baldwin where we came on Monday, May 2nd at 6 a.m. and met a Norsk who helped us find Ole Olson, brother of Lars. Ole and his kind wife Carolina gave us breakfast and after that we went from there to Brookville where I went to Peter Andreas where I stayed overnight.
May 3rd
I went to Ole Jenssen and from him I borrowed $15 to pay for the excess baggage which I owed at the depot.
Anne stayed with her sister Dorthea and on May 22nd gave birth to a son, Arne Bang. Nels worked at odd jobs around Baldwin until July when he went to Turtle Lake and found work with the Soo railroad. The rest of the year he worked for the Soo line near Rhinelander where they were clearing and building embankments for the railroad line.
Jensine and the children remained in Norway--Jensine and the three youngest until 1891. The oldest sons, Jens and Olaf, ages 8 and 5, were sent out to work as herd boys on separate farms where they received their schooling and remained until 1898.
[Grandpa Jenson's Journal was translated and transcribed from Norwegian by Gurina Jenson and Helen Jenson Bethel in 1949.]
An undated "copy" letter to the editor of Nordland Folkeblad magazine. It was written in Norwegian and translated by Else Bigton of Barronett, Wisconsin. There were two drafts of the letter, the second had a little different wording.
Mr. Editor:
If you would be as nice as to put these lines in your magazine I would be most thankful. Many of the readers of the magazine are from Lofoton and Finnmark or from Vaerene where the ocean are breaking over the cliffs. These are the people I wish to send a greeting.
I remember them often and have many memories from the time I shared their dangerous trade. About these people Bjornson sand both truthfully and nice when he said, "Here are people in war for life, with loss of men and battles unaccounted." It is a daily message. But the fisherman has done many a brave act although none has been printed. And many a seafaring's life has gotten a wreath of sea weeds. Some of these should have their name written in gold among heros. Yes honor be with these men! These heros of today who risk their life in battle after battle. Their business is not looked upon highly by the people wearing gloves who think of them as only fishermen. But even with this and many other things, the fishing industry is a honorable business. It teaches a man to trust one self. How many a nice little Nordland's boy haven't followed the Lofoton fishermen's departure and arrival, and wished for the day when they could go along.
I remember us small boys talking about what we thought about the people from our town who went out. It was especially in winter time when were were out fishing on the ice between the school hours that we were talking about our heart's desire. Often we got interrupted by the old men who were also there. They told about many a hard day in ice and cold. Andy maybe if you were there then you would not think so highly about it. We could not talk against those with so much experience, but if the old men thought they could cool us down in our materialistic idealism, they were wrong.
And when summer came and we could see the white sails come in one after the other and the Lofot people came, and we met some those who had taken their first trip, we had to question them thoroughly. They told us many a story where the men in charge didn't pay attention and if one of these boys hadn't showed themselves grown up in the situation, there wold been a funeral in Blamyara.
Our idols were the Hovedsmann and Stokkarer, some of these wer only in their 20's. Yes, Albert on Haukenes was only 19 last year the day they sailed the fjord, but they had Micael Straum with it something should come up. It still took a few years before we could go along but we libed and hoped with a youth's delight. Our highest idols were the Nordlandske skippers and steermen. We got to be real friends with the old men and made them tell us about their youth, there were then even more respect for this industry. When the people from northern Norway took their fish and themselves sailed it to Bergen and back, they brought other food they needed. They could tell about many a hard trip with storm from the northwest through this ocean. Followed by Englishmen who didn't want to give up such good loot. But they saved their load--it was just these men they depended on to get them out of the blackest night or snowstorm.
In the 1865-telling for 1832 Heimnes, Nils J. Jensen, Pleiebarn [foster child] os 8 eight years old and living in the household of Peder A. Larsen and wife Sare M. Benonisdatter, a husmad med Jord [a person (cottoer) who rented a house with a small plot of land].
FHL 1,282,789, Book 16, Item 24, Udfluttede (outgoing):
23 Oct 1875
Nils Johan Jenson, b. 22 Aug 1858, "Fladmo, 21 Jun 1874, Luro"
EMIGRATED: Passenger List, S.S.Nevada, 16 Apr 1887 - 28 Apr 1887
Digitalarkivet: Emigrants from Trondheim 1867-1930
#46577
Record type: 5
Year: 1887
Page: 90
Line: 29
New Group: 1
Date of Registration: 06.04.1887
Date: 06.04.1887
Given: Name Nils J.
Last Name: Jens.
Marital status: g
Occupation: Arb
Sex: M
Age 29
Residence: Ranen
Destination: Baldwin, Wisc
Line: Guion
Ship: Hero
[Hero sailed Trondheim - Kristiansund - Aalesund - Hull - and back to Trondheim.]
Ticket:
[Traveling with Nels was #46576, Anne Chrs. Eliasd., martial status: ug, Occupation: Arb; Sex: k; Age 30; Residence: Ranen; Destination: Baldwin, Wisc.]
Letter, 31 October 1974 from Statsarkivet i Trondheim
"Jensine Katrine Petrusdatter", 32 years old, and "Nils Johan Jensen", 23 years old, got married in the church of Mo in the parish of Hemnes, Aug. 8, 1880.
HST, 3 Jul 1891
Letter at Post Office, 4 Jul 1891, Nils Jenson
Hudson Star & Times, July 8, 1898, p5
Jens and Olof Jenson, sons of N.J. Jenson arrived here from Norway on the 5th, and will make Hudson their home. They are 18 and 16 years of age respectively. It is twelve years since Mr. Jenson had seen them.
Hudson Star & Times, March 20, 1903, p5
Parties contemplating trips to Europe will do well to see N.J. Jenson before purchasing tickets. He is agent for several desirable lines and can quote lowest prices. See ad elsewhere.
Hudson Star & Times, March 30, 1903, p5
N.J. Jenson is agent for the Swanson Mallable Grubber, a great machine for the work. He has thoroughly tested the machine and knows what it can do. He did the stump pulling on Col. Bradford's lawn last fall, and will make a contract with anyone having work of that kind to be done. He can be found at his on Twelfth street, near St. Croix.
Hudson Star & Times, May 29, 1903, p5
N.J. Jenson is meeting with good success in placing his patent stump pullers. He recently sold one to a farmer in Kinnickinnic and one to a farmer in Baldwin. He has a half dozen more as good as placed. The puller is so strong it can with a little wise assistance lift a mortgage.
Hudson Star & Times, Oct. 9, 1903, p1
Premium and Prize Takers of Hudson Street Fair
Purple top rutabagas, M. Dahkle first, N.J. Jenson, second.
St. Croix Observer, March 8, 1904, p1
New Lodge Organized
Vinje Branch No. 72 of I.S.W.A. (Independent Scandinavian Workingman's Association) was organized at Dania Hall Wednesday evening, March 2nd, with 22 members. It was followed by an oyster supper and both, the degree work and
supper were much enjoyed.
The Lodge was named after the famous Norwegian poet, Anderson Alafson Vinje.
The following officers were elected and installed: T.A. Walby, President; Jens H. Jenson, Vice President; A.J. Samson, Treasurer; J. Kvarnes, Rec.Secy; Anton Arneson, Fin. Secy; O.P. Jenson, Marshall; Andrew Sangsland, Instructor;
O.P. Grim, Inner Guard; P.Peterson, Outer Guard; H.O. Harris, C.H.Olson and O.H. Olson, trustees.
Meetings will be held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.
This is without a doubt the coming order among Scandinavians and it has already become very popular. It is expected that the constitution will soon be amended so as to permit the adoption of social members. Credit for
organization at this place is largely due N.J. Jenson and T.A. Walby.
True Republican, March 30, 1905
Nels J. Jenson ran on the Republican ticket for Third Ward Supervisor against James Deighton.
St. Croix Observer, May 2, 1905
A fire in east Hudson Sunday morning destroyed about 8,000 feet of lumber belonging to N. J. Jenson. The fire caught from a passing locomotive. The lumber was for a new barn that Mr. Jenson was intending to build this summer.
The old barn and stock was saved. Loss about $175.
St. Croix Observer, Oct. 3, 1905
True Republican, Oct. 5, 1905
Circuit Court
Jan. 16, 1907; Nels J. Jenson vs. C.St.P.M&O Ry Co.; settled.
N.J. Jenson left last week for Eau Claire where he will continue his work in the fraternal insurance line.
Hudson Star Observer, 5Sep1912, p5
Nels J. Jenson who had the contract for furnishing 600 cords of rock to the city for riprapping operations on the dike, made a record both in the excellent character of the rock furnished and in the speedy time consumed in its
delivery. His work was so satisfactory that he experienced no difficulty in renewing a contract with the city for 400 cords additional which will be used on the dike.
Hudson Star Observer, 24Oct1912, p1
PROGRESS OF BRIDGE
The city has its nearly three quarters of a mile of dike about finished, surfacing, riprapping and all. It is a piece of work that reflects great credit upon the builders ... A word of praise is more than due contractor Nels J. Jenson, who has been doing the riprapping; a glance at the superior quality of rock he is furnishing and at the thorough and conscientious manner in which he is laying and distributing it excites unqualified commendation. The city has been fortunate in the choice of its contractors and its supervising agents from start to finish...
HSO, 22 Jun 1917, p5
The old Seventh Street school building, which was purchased a couple years ago by Nels J. Jenson, Sr., has been remodeled and made into a commodious and cozy family residence, and Mrs. and Mrs. jenson have, in the past week, moved in from their former home, which Mr. Jenson built 26 years ago when he brought his family here from Norway.
June 3, 1918 - began work for Hudson Shops, Eastern Div., C.St.P.M. & O Ry.
Pamphlet printed by Star Observer Printers, ca, 1928-29; copy in possession of Nancy Hawkinson; original to ARC UW-RF by Willis Miller in 1993; reprinted in The PIPOST, March 1994.
HSO, 22 Jun 1918, p5
The old Seventh street school building, which was purchased a couple of years ago by N. J. Jenson, Sr., has been remodeled and made into a commodious and cozy family residence, and Mr. and Mrs. Jenson have, during the past week, moved in from their former home, which Mr. Jenson built twenty-six years ago when he brought his family here from Norway.
HSO, 23 Aug 1918, p5, c2
N. J. Jenson visited his son, J. H. Jenson, who is at Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, on Sunday, also A.S. Jenson and family.
HSO, 8 Nov 1918, p5, c2
N. J. Jenson of Seventh & St. Croix streets has resumed work at the car shops after being confined to the house for a time with the Flu under the care of Dr. L. P. Mayer. Note: This is 1918. Spanish Influenza (the Flu) is causing schools to be closed and churches were not holding Sunday services. There were many deaths reported in the paper.
St. Croix Forum, Aug. 18, 1927
SONS OF NORWAY AT RIVER FALLS
Attending the Sons of Norway at Glen Park in River Falls were Mr. and Mrs. N.J. Jenson, Sr., Mrs. John Stayberg and Thelma and Herbert, and Mrs. Clarence Erickson.
HSO, 5 Sep 1919, p5
Mr. and Mrs. Ingmar Kvarnes, after a residence of over twenty-five years in their former home on the corner of Fifth and St. Croix streets, have moved into the commodious modern home at 1205 Seventh street, recently purchased of N. J. Jenson. Mr. Jenson built this place some three or four years ago. The Kvarnes family is one of those who surrendered an old established home when larger quarters for the high school became necessary.
Aid Society Norden, Recording Secretary's Book, p176 (note in English in margin)
N. J. Jenson case: N. J. Jenson reported to Sick Committee pm Dec. 27. He sent different parties to J. S. Anderson, Fin. Sek., to pay up dues at three different times and was unable to find him at home. Therefore dues was not paid before 1st of January, but Jenson had by that time benefit coming from Norden for five days, before he was out of good standing. According to Arnquist's ruling in Carlson case, he was therefore allowed his benefit. A doctor certificate was not send with application as that had been sent to insurance company at car shops. But a "Quack" has been accepted before as Doctor.
The Forum, Oct. 6, 1927, p1
Third Ward Schoolhous is Center of Historic Events
An interesting gathering of a number of friends occurred Tuesday evening at the Seventh Street home of Nels H. [J.] Jenson, St. who has requested Congressman James A. Frear to discuss his recent visit to the Scandinavian countries. Friends from Bayport drove over for the event.
It was remarked by those present that the surroundings were significant because Mr. Jenson's attractive home is the former Third Ward Brick school, remodelled. In this building have occurred many lively political contests, when the school was in recent years the Third Ward polling place.
Mr. Frear's first contest for District Attorney and the for the Wisconsin Legislature were at the historic building.
It is locally historic because in earlier years the Frear, Dawson, Nash and other boys bent over its desks with their grade studies....
HSO, 24Aug1933, p1
Hundreds Expected for Norse Festival in Park Here Sunday; Bygdelagenes Festival, Membership all Norwegain Lags.
HSO, 24Aug1933, p6, c5/6
Ole Blegan, an old Hudson resident and brother of Louis Blegan of this city, passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Friday, Aug. 18, 1933 at the age of 77. Born Gran, Hadeland, Norway, Apr. 4, 1856 and emigrated to the U.S. when a young man of 25 going directly to a uncle in Decorah, Iowa. After a two year residence in Iowa...St. Paul...then New Richmond and to Hudson after marriage to Christine Molstad in 1887. Built a home on Seventh St. which they occupied for nearly 20 years. Sold their home in October 1907 because of Mrs. Belgan's health and moved to California with son Carl. [Belgans were friend of Nels and Jensine]
HSO, 31Aug1933
4,000 attended picnic
[We can be pretty sure that Nels and others from his family would have attended; nh]
Hudson Star Observer, June 14, 1934, p1, c7
Nels J. Jenson, Sr. Passes Away on Wednesday
Nels J. Jenson, Sr., a long time resident of Hudson, passed away at his home, at the corner of 7th and St. Croix streets, Wednesday afternoon, following a few days illness. Just before going to press the Star Observer was advised that funeral services will probably be held Saturday afternoon.
Hudson Star Observer, June 28, 1934
Nels J. Jenson, Sr., was born near Hemnes, Nordland, Norway on August 22, 1858 and passed away at Hudson, Wis., June 13, 1934 at the age of 75 years and 10 months.
He was married at Mo Ranen, Norway to Jensine K. Petrusen in 1877 and emigrated to America in May 1887. After four years he had built a home for his family at 1221 7th St., and sent for them. Mrs. Jenson with one daughter and
two sons arrived in 1891. In 1898 the two eldest sons, Jens and Olaf came, thus reuniting the family after 11 years separation.
Mr. Jenson was employed with the railroad company most of the time until he was retired at the age of 70 with the exception of a few years during which he was engaged in the feed business in Hudson. In 1916 Mr. and Mrs. Jenson
moved into their home on 7th and St.Croix where they resided until their deaths.
Mr. Jenson, all of his life, was a great student, delighting in the deepest of literature, poetry, romance, biography and all phases of reading. He had an extensive library of Norwegian and American masterpieces.
He was one of the founders of the Unit. Society and builders of the Unit. church of Hudson, was one of the first members of Aid Society Norden, Sons of Norway, Scandinavian American Fraternity, of which he was for years organizer, and a member of the "Nordlandlag" of America. He was always an active member in church and lodge work until his hearing failed him a few years ago.
He was buried from his home Saturday, June 16, 1934, Rev. Eliot, Pastor of Unity Church of St. Paul officiating, and from the former Unit. church where Rev. Eliot paid fitting tribute to his old friend, a man of brusk exterior but soft as a tender mother in his heart to all whom he loved.
A wealth of floral offerings gave visable tribute to the high respect he held in this community. Russell Solheim and Miss Windahl accompanied by Miss Edith Hanson sang several beautiful selections.
The pall bearers and life time friends of Mr. Jenson, Louis Blegan, Marcus Solheim, Ingmar Kvarnes, George Zahler, Thomas Walby, and Carl Sandeen bore him to his last resting place in Willow River Cemetery where he was buried beside his wife who passed away March 24, 1931 and whom he never ceased to mourn.
He is survived by four sons; Olaf of Whitefish, Montana; Axel of Superior; Nels and Jens of Hudson; and one daughter, Mrs. John Stayber of Hudson; 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mrs. Birger Anderson of Minneapolis, a niece, and Mr. and Mrs. Axel Jenson of Superior.
PROOF OF ARRIVAL/SETTLEMENT IN WISCONSIN:
Diaries of Nels Jenson, 1874-1887, and 1890, originals of which are in the Manuscript Collection at the U of Wisconsin Archives, River Falls, Wis.; in a May 1931 article in Nord-Norge, Nels Jenson states he came to Hudson in
1888. [nh: We know correct year is 1887]
NATURALIZATION:
St. Croix County, Volume 2, pg. 97; on microfilm, St. Croix Series 62;
Index to Naturalization, St. Croix Series 62, UW-River Falls ARC.
Naturalized on April 5, 1894; witnesses Oluf A. Sangestad and Thomas Omdall; arrived at port of New York, April 1887.
??? Our N. J. Jenson ???
St. Croix Observer, Oct. 3, 1905
Circuit Court
Officers of the court include: N.J. Jenson, Under Sheriff.
For many years prior to Nels' death in 1934 the family gathered at Prospect Park for a 4th of July picnic. In June 1985 the family again gathered with seventy-one descendants and families attending.
January 1887
This fall I have been asking my acquaintances in America about how things were there. Hagen Jenssen and Dorthea Eliasdatter have both answered my letter and they both think there is work there for willing hands. Now I have tried so many things in Norway but I have no luck with it--no steady work that paid much. With Meyer it doesn't pay to work because there are so many willing to work for cheap wages and he won't give you steady work either. I could take another trip but then I would have to go with Lammen and look out for myself. This doesn't work for a man who has a big family like mine. The only way I can see is to try to make it better in this New Land. I am now hovering between hope and fright. I have tried to get a place as a pilot with both shipsfrom Trondhem and Bergen but had no luck, even if I have good papers from Meyer and others. . .
February 1887
Still I have not made up my mind for sure whether I can go to America because I have no means. I have tried to get some money from the bank by mortgaging my house but they won't accept it. I have asked Andreas Elefson if he would lend me 100 Kroner for Jensine and the children until I can earn enought to send them some money from America. I put hope in L. Marstens who promised me that he would help me but it is just willd promises. It seems everthing is going to stop my going. The only hope seems to be that Anne [Anne Eliasdatter Bang] has offered to give me money to go with her, but she herself is not sure yet because . . . [she is pregnant with Nels' child and afraid of being seasick]. Therefore I have been asking agents about how much the trip would cost. By buyig the ticket from the Guion Line I can buy a ticket through Martin Jensson that I can pay for later and then don't have to give any more security.
March 1887
This winter I have had a chance to stay home with my family. I with Amundsen and Martin Jenssen have been doing some masonry work for Meyer and I have been to Hemmnes to help get the ships through the ice . . . Now I have bought the tickets for myself and Anne for the trip to America of Martin Janssen. We are going the first part of April . . . There are lots of things that have to be done before a man can make such a step. If I could see my way to stay here and get along I wouldn't go . . . Now I have brought home everything that I was able to get on credit from Meyer and some with money from Anne. All I could get together home to my family. I hope Jensine will be able to get along for three or four months on the food she has. After that I hope to be able to send her money to take care of her.
2 Apr 1887
Today is the last day I am hme. While I sat and ate dinner Mundte came from Meyer with an order he wanted me to go after the Tordenskjold. Even if I didn't like to use these last hours away from home I went anyway and was so lucky to get the ship way to Mo, and that was the last thing I did for Meyer. Then I went home and bid farewell to my Jensine and my children and all I can do is leave them in God's care.
Sunday morning, 3rd of April
I cam to Bodo where I went ashore. Captain Aagard paid me some money he owed me. At noon I went south from Bodo with the Lofoten. On the 5th in Bronosund, Anne came on board . . . [they left separetly so it wouldn't be obvious that they were leaving together] . . . In the night of the 6th it was terrible weather but we luckily came to Trondjhem. We got everything in shape for the trip the next day.
April 7th
At 11 o'clock we went aboard the Hero that was leaving at 12 o'clock.
Good Friday, April 8th
We sailed into Aalesund where we took on a big mess of cod liver oil besides some immigrants. At one o'clock we left for sea and it was so dark that the mountains of my Fatherland were hidden by fog. Will I ever be able to see my Fatherland again?
April 10th
Easter on board the Hero on the North Sea. In the afternoon we began to see the coast of England with its gray-white mountains where a few points of land jut out. Late in the evening we came to Hull went on the dock.
Easter Monday, April 11th
I went ashore from the Hero. The custom house looked through our belongings and then we got show to Illags Hotel to have some kind of dinner. That was in the form of one slice of bread and meat with a little beef soup. Then we went to the train depot. From there we went by train at 2 p.m. and came to Liverpool at 7 p.m. where the ship's agent met us at the station and took us up to Svea Hotel where we found quarters. We laid there April 12th to 15th til we finally got ordered to on board the ship that would take us over the ocean. While we stayed in Liverpool we tried to make out what kind of place this was . . . got to know the museum, St. George's Hall and Lukkas Chapel and the Norwegian Library and the Stranger;s Rest.
Frdiay, April 15th
We were ordered to go on the boat that lay in the Alleksander dock. Here we got our places on the ship.
Saturday, April 16th
After 10 o;clock the Nevada left Liverpool and on Sunday we came to Queenstown in Ireland where lots of Irishmen came on board. It is a very pretty city with lots of room in the harbor. There lay two big ships from one of which waved my Fatherland's flg and the other the U.S. After everybody had got on board, the Nevada went to sea to go to the New Land.
Monday, April 18th
On the Atlantic Ocean. There is a wind from the southwest and many are seasick.
Thursday, April 21st
Faint northerly wind by many still seasick. One child died and in the afternoon it got sunk to its wet grave.
Saturday, April 23rd
Anne still seasick and got permission from the doctor to stay in bed and he gave her some medicine.
Sunday, April 24th
The nicest day we have had on board.
Tuesday, April 26th
Storm off the WSW. Many very seasick.
Wednesday, April 27th
Tonight at one o'clock the pilot came aboard and other signs show that we are getting close to land. At 3 p.m we sighted land and in the evening at 9 p.m. we came to New York.
Thursday, April 28th
We went ashore from the Nevada. Then we were brought to Castle Garden and it seems like everything was uncomfortable. They weighed our clothes and said we had too many and we had to pay $15 because they were overweight. This money we didn't have but after a bit of trouble we got this settled. We had to pay when we got on the train. We were brought by ferry to Erie staton where we arrived at 9 p.m.
Friday, April 29th
On the train through New York state.
Saturday, April 30th
On the train through Pennsylvania and Illinois till Saturday night.
Sunday, May1st
We came to Chicago. We were sent to Tingwall Line Hotel where we stayed till after dinner. At 3 p.m. we went from there to Baldwin where we came on Monday, May 2nd at 6 a.m. and met a Norsk who helped us find Ole Olson, brother of Lars. Ole and his kind wife Carolina gave us breakfast and after that we went from there to Brookville where I went to Peter Andreas where I stayed overnight.
May 3rd
I went to Ole Jenssen and from him I borrowed $15 to pay for the excess baggage which I owed at the depot.
Anne stayed with her sister Dorthea and on May 22nd gave birth to a son, Arne Bang. Nels worked at odd jobs around Baldwin until July when he went to Turtle Lake and found work with the Soo railroad. The rest of the year he worked for the Soo line near Rhinelander where they were clearing and building embankments for the railroad line.
Jensine and the children remained in Norway--Jensine and the three youngest until 1891. The oldest sons, Jens and Olaf, ages 8 and 5, were sent out to work as herd boys on separate farms where they received their schooling and remained until 1898.
[Grandpa Jenson's Journal was translated and transcribed from Norwegian by Gurina Jenson and Helen Jenson Bethel in 1949.]
An undated "copy" letter to the editor of Nordland Folkeblad magazine. It was written in Norwegian and translated by Else Bigton of Barronett, Wisconsin. There were two drafts of the letter, the second had a little different wording.
Mr. Editor:
If you would be as nice as to put these lines in your magazine I would be most thankful. Many of the readers of the magazine are from Lofoton and Finnmark or from Vaerene where the ocean are breaking over the cliffs. These are the people I wish to send a greeting.
I remember them often and have many memories from the time I shared their dangerous trade. About these people Bjornson sand both truthfully and nice when he said, "Here are people in war for life, with loss of men and battles unaccounted." It is a daily message. But the fisherman has done many a brave act although none has been printed. And many a seafaring's life has gotten a wreath of sea weeds. Some of these should have their name written in gold among heros. Yes honor be with these men! These heros of today who risk their life in battle after battle. Their business is not looked upon highly by the people wearing gloves who think of them as only fishermen. But even with this and many other things, the fishing industry is a honorable business. It teaches a man to trust one self. How many a nice little Nordland's boy haven't followed the Lofoton fishermen's departure and arrival, and wished for the day when they could go along.
I remember us small boys talking about what we thought about the people from our town who went out. It was especially in winter time when were were out fishing on the ice between the school hours that we were talking about our heart's desire. Often we got interrupted by the old men who were also there. They told about many a hard day in ice and cold. Andy maybe if you were there then you would not think so highly about it. We could not talk against those with so much experience, but if the old men thought they could cool us down in our materialistic idealism, they were wrong.
And when summer came and we could see the white sails come in one after the other and the Lofot people came, and we met some those who had taken their first trip, we had to question them thoroughly. They told us many a story where the men in charge didn't pay attention and if one of these boys hadn't showed themselves grown up in the situation, there wold been a funeral in Blamyara.
Our idols were the Hovedsmann and Stokkarer, some of these wer only in their 20's. Yes, Albert on Haukenes was only 19 last year the day they sailed the fjord, but they had Micael Straum with it something should come up. It still took a few years before we could go along but we libed and hoped with a youth's delight. Our highest idols were the Nordlandske skippers and steermen. We got to be real friends with the old men and made them tell us about their youth, there were then even more respect for this industry. When the people from northern Norway took their fish and themselves sailed it to Bergen and back, they brought other food they needed. They could tell about many a hard trip with storm from the northwest through this ocean. Followed by Englishmen who didn't want to give up such good loot. But they saved their load--it was just these men they depended on to get them out of the blackest night or snowstorm.
In the 1865-telling for 1832 Heimnes, Nils J. Jensen, Pleiebarn [foster child] os 8 eight years old and living in the household of Peder A. Larsen and wife Sare M. Benonisdatter, a husmad med Jord [a person (cottoer) who rented a house with a small plot of land].
FHL 1,282,789, Book 16, Item 24, Udfluttede (outgoing):
23 Oct 1875
Nils Johan Jenson, b. 22 Aug 1858, "Fladmo, 21 Jun 1874, Luro"
EMIGRATED: Passenger List, S.S.Nevada, 16 Apr 1887 - 28 Apr 1887
Digitalarkivet: Emigrants from Trondheim 1867-1930
#46577
Record type: 5
Year: 1887
Page: 90
Line: 29
New Group: 1
Date of Registration: 06.04.1887
Date: 06.04.1887
Given: Name Nils J.
Last Name: Jens.
Marital status: g
Occupation: Arb
Sex: M
Age 29
Residence: Ranen
Destination: Baldwin, Wisc
Line: Guion
Ship: Hero
[Hero sailed Trondheim - Kristiansund - Aalesund - Hull - and back to Trondheim.]
Ticket:
[Traveling with Nels was #46576, Anne Chrs. Eliasd., martial status: ug, Occupation: Arb; Sex: k; Age 30; Residence: Ranen; Destination: Baldwin, Wisc.]
Letter, 31 October 1974 from Statsarkivet i Trondheim
"Jensine Katrine Petrusdatter", 32 years old, and "Nils Johan Jensen", 23 years old, got married in the church of Mo in the parish of Hemnes, Aug. 8, 1880.
HST, 3 Jul 1891
Letter at Post Office, 4 Jul 1891, Nils Jenson
Hudson Star & Times, July 8, 1898, p5
Jens and Olof Jenson, sons of N.J. Jenson arrived here from Norway on the 5th, and will make Hudson their home. They are 18 and 16 years of age respectively. It is twelve years since Mr. Jenson had seen them.
Hudson Star & Times, March 20, 1903, p5
Parties contemplating trips to Europe will do well to see N.J. Jenson before purchasing tickets. He is agent for several desirable lines and can quote lowest prices. See ad elsewhere.
Hudson Star & Times, March 30, 1903, p5
N.J. Jenson is agent for the Swanson Mallable Grubber, a great machine for the work. He has thoroughly tested the machine and knows what it can do. He did the stump pulling on Col. Bradford's lawn last fall, and will make a contract with anyone having work of that kind to be done. He can be found at his on Twelfth street, near St. Croix.
Hudson Star & Times, May 29, 1903, p5
N.J. Jenson is meeting with good success in placing his patent stump pullers. He recently sold one to a farmer in Kinnickinnic and one to a farmer in Baldwin. He has a half dozen more as good as placed. The puller is so strong it can with a little wise assistance lift a mortgage.
Hudson Star & Times, Oct. 9, 1903, p1
Premium and Prize Takers of Hudson Street Fair
Purple top rutabagas, M. Dahkle first, N.J. Jenson, second.
St. Croix Observer, March 8, 1904, p1
New Lodge Organized
Vinje Branch No. 72 of I.S.W.A. (Independent Scandinavian Workingman's Association) was organized at Dania Hall Wednesday evening, March 2nd, with 22 members. It was followed by an oyster supper and both, the degree work and
supper were much enjoyed.
The Lodge was named after the famous Norwegian poet, Anderson Alafson Vinje.
The following officers were elected and installed: T.A. Walby, President; Jens H. Jenson, Vice President; A.J. Samson, Treasurer; J. Kvarnes, Rec.Secy; Anton Arneson, Fin. Secy; O.P. Jenson, Marshall; Andrew Sangsland, Instructor;
O.P. Grim, Inner Guard; P.Peterson, Outer Guard; H.O. Harris, C.H.Olson and O.H. Olson, trustees.
Meetings will be held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.
This is without a doubt the coming order among Scandinavians and it has already become very popular. It is expected that the constitution will soon be amended so as to permit the adoption of social members. Credit for
organization at this place is largely due N.J. Jenson and T.A. Walby.
True Republican, March 30, 1905
Nels J. Jenson ran on the Republican ticket for Third Ward Supervisor against James Deighton.
St. Croix Observer, May 2, 1905
A fire in east Hudson Sunday morning destroyed about 8,000 feet of lumber belonging to N. J. Jenson. The fire caught from a passing locomotive. The lumber was for a new barn that Mr. Jenson was intending to build this summer.
The old barn and stock was saved. Loss about $175.
St. Croix Observer, Oct. 3, 1905
True Republican, Oct. 5, 1905
Circuit Court
Jan. 16, 1907; Nels J. Jenson vs. C.St.P.M&O Ry Co.; settled.
N.J. Jenson left last week for Eau Claire where he will continue his work in the fraternal insurance line.
Hudson Star Observer, 5Sep1912, p5
Nels J. Jenson who had the contract for furnishing 600 cords of rock to the city for riprapping operations on the dike, made a record both in the excellent character of the rock furnished and in the speedy time consumed in its
delivery. His work was so satisfactory that he experienced no difficulty in renewing a contract with the city for 400 cords additional which will be used on the dike.
Hudson Star Observer, 24Oct1912, p1
PROGRESS OF BRIDGE
The city has its nearly three quarters of a mile of dike about finished, surfacing, riprapping and all. It is a piece of work that reflects great credit upon the builders ... A word of praise is more than due contractor Nels J. Jenson, who has been doing the riprapping; a glance at the superior quality of rock he is furnishing and at the thorough and conscientious manner in which he is laying and distributing it excites unqualified commendation. The city has been fortunate in the choice of its contractors and its supervising agents from start to finish...
HSO, 22 Jun 1917, p5
The old Seventh Street school building, which was purchased a couple years ago by Nels J. Jenson, Sr., has been remodeled and made into a commodious and cozy family residence, and Mrs. and Mrs. jenson have, in the past week, moved in from their former home, which Mr. Jenson built 26 years ago when he brought his family here from Norway.
June 3, 1918 - began work for Hudson Shops, Eastern Div., C.St.P.M. & O Ry.
Pamphlet printed by Star Observer Printers, ca, 1928-29; copy in possession of Nancy Hawkinson; original to ARC UW-RF by Willis Miller in 1993; reprinted in The PIPOST, March 1994.
HSO, 22 Jun 1918, p5
The old Seventh street school building, which was purchased a couple of years ago by N. J. Jenson, Sr., has been remodeled and made into a commodious and cozy family residence, and Mr. and Mrs. Jenson have, during the past week, moved in from their former home, which Mr. Jenson built twenty-six years ago when he brought his family here from Norway.
HSO, 23 Aug 1918, p5, c2
N. J. Jenson visited his son, J. H. Jenson, who is at Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, on Sunday, also A.S. Jenson and family.
HSO, 8 Nov 1918, p5, c2
N. J. Jenson of Seventh & St. Croix streets has resumed work at the car shops after being confined to the house for a time with the Flu under the care of Dr. L. P. Mayer. Note: This is 1918. Spanish Influenza (the Flu) is causing schools to be closed and churches were not holding Sunday services. There were many deaths reported in the paper.
St. Croix Forum, Aug. 18, 1927
SONS OF NORWAY AT RIVER FALLS
Attending the Sons of Norway at Glen Park in River Falls were Mr. and Mrs. N.J. Jenson, Sr., Mrs. John Stayberg and Thelma and Herbert, and Mrs. Clarence Erickson.
HSO, 5 Sep 1919, p5
Mr. and Mrs. Ingmar Kvarnes, after a residence of over twenty-five years in their former home on the corner of Fifth and St. Croix streets, have moved into the commodious modern home at 1205 Seventh street, recently purchased of N. J. Jenson. Mr. Jenson built this place some three or four years ago. The Kvarnes family is one of those who surrendered an old established home when larger quarters for the high school became necessary.
Aid Society Norden, Recording Secretary's Book, p176 (note in English in margin)
N. J. Jenson case: N. J. Jenson reported to Sick Committee pm Dec. 27. He sent different parties to J. S. Anderson, Fin. Sek., to pay up dues at three different times and was unable to find him at home. Therefore dues was not paid before 1st of January, but Jenson had by that time benefit coming from Norden for five days, before he was out of good standing. According to Arnquist's ruling in Carlson case, he was therefore allowed his benefit. A doctor certificate was not send with application as that had been sent to insurance company at car shops. But a "Quack" has been accepted before as Doctor.
The Forum, Oct. 6, 1927, p1
Third Ward Schoolhous is Center of Historic Events
An interesting gathering of a number of friends occurred Tuesday evening at the Seventh Street home of Nels H. [J.] Jenson, St. who has requested Congressman James A. Frear to discuss his recent visit to the Scandinavian countries. Friends from Bayport drove over for the event.
It was remarked by those present that the surroundings were significant because Mr. Jenson's attractive home is the former Third Ward Brick school, remodelled. In this building have occurred many lively political contests, when the school was in recent years the Third Ward polling place.
Mr. Frear's first contest for District Attorney and the for the Wisconsin Legislature were at the historic building.
It is locally historic because in earlier years the Frear, Dawson, Nash and other boys bent over its desks with their grade studies....
HSO, 24Aug1933, p1
Hundreds Expected for Norse Festival in Park Here Sunday; Bygdelagenes Festival, Membership all Norwegain Lags.
HSO, 24Aug1933, p6, c5/6
Ole Blegan, an old Hudson resident and brother of Louis Blegan of this city, passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Friday, Aug. 18, 1933 at the age of 77. Born Gran, Hadeland, Norway, Apr. 4, 1856 and emigrated to the U.S. when a young man of 25 going directly to a uncle in Decorah, Iowa. After a two year residence in Iowa...St. Paul...then New Richmond and to Hudson after marriage to Christine Molstad in 1887. Built a home on Seventh St. which they occupied for nearly 20 years. Sold their home in October 1907 because of Mrs. Belgan's health and moved to California with son Carl. [Belgans were friend of Nels and Jensine]
HSO, 31Aug1933
4,000 attended picnic
[We can be pretty sure that Nels and others from his family would have attended; nh]
Hudson Star Observer, June 14, 1934, p1, c7
Nels J. Jenson, Sr. Passes Away on Wednesday
Nels J. Jenson, Sr., a long time resident of Hudson, passed away at his home, at the corner of 7th and St. Croix streets, Wednesday afternoon, following a few days illness. Just before going to press the Star Observer was advised that funeral services will probably be held Saturday afternoon.
Hudson Star Observer, June 28, 1934
Nels J. Jenson, Sr., was born near Hemnes, Nordland, Norway on August 22, 1858 and passed away at Hudson, Wis., June 13, 1934 at the age of 75 years and 10 months.
He was married at Mo Ranen, Norway to Jensine K. Petrusen in 1877 and emigrated to America in May 1887. After four years he had built a home for his family at 1221 7th St., and sent for them. Mrs. Jenson with one daughter and
two sons arrived in 1891. In 1898 the two eldest sons, Jens and Olaf came, thus reuniting the family after 11 years separation.
Mr. Jenson was employed with the railroad company most of the time until he was retired at the age of 70 with the exception of a few years during which he was engaged in the feed business in Hudson. In 1916 Mr. and Mrs. Jenson
moved into their home on 7th and St.Croix where they resided until their deaths.
Mr. Jenson, all of his life, was a great student, delighting in the deepest of literature, poetry, romance, biography and all phases of reading. He had an extensive library of Norwegian and American masterpieces.
He was one of the founders of the Unit. Society and builders of the Unit. church of Hudson, was one of the first members of Aid Society Norden, Sons of Norway, Scandinavian American Fraternity, of which he was for years organizer, and a member of the "Nordlandlag" of America. He was always an active member in church and lodge work until his hearing failed him a few years ago.
He was buried from his home Saturday, June 16, 1934, Rev. Eliot, Pastor of Unity Church of St. Paul officiating, and from the former Unit. church where Rev. Eliot paid fitting tribute to his old friend, a man of brusk exterior but soft as a tender mother in his heart to all whom he loved.
A wealth of floral offerings gave visable tribute to the high respect he held in this community. Russell Solheim and Miss Windahl accompanied by Miss Edith Hanson sang several beautiful selections.
The pall bearers and life time friends of Mr. Jenson, Louis Blegan, Marcus Solheim, Ingmar Kvarnes, George Zahler, Thomas Walby, and Carl Sandeen bore him to his last resting place in Willow River Cemetery where he was buried beside his wife who passed away March 24, 1931 and whom he never ceased to mourn.
He is survived by four sons; Olaf of Whitefish, Montana; Axel of Superior; Nels and Jens of Hudson; and one daughter, Mrs. John Stayber of Hudson; 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mrs. Birger Anderson of Minneapolis, a niece, and Mr. and Mrs. Axel Jenson of Superior.
PROOF OF ARRIVAL/SETTLEMENT IN WISCONSIN:
Diaries of Nels Jenson, 1874-1887, and 1890, originals of which are in the Manuscript Collection at the U of Wisconsin Archives, River Falls, Wis.; in a May 1931 article in Nord-Norge, Nels Jenson states he came to Hudson in
1888. [nh: We know correct year is 1887]
NATURALIZATION:
St. Croix County, Volume 2, pg. 97; on microfilm, St. Croix Series 62;
Index to Naturalization, St. Croix Series 62, UW-River Falls ARC.
Naturalized on April 5, 1894; witnesses Oluf A. Sangestad and Thomas Omdall; arrived at port of New York, April 1887.
??? Our N. J. Jenson ???
St. Croix Observer, Oct. 3, 1905
Circuit Court
Officers of the court include: N.J. Jenson, Under Sheriff.
For many years prior to Nels' death in 1934 the family gathered at Prospect Park for a 4th of July picnic. In June 1985 the family again gathered with seventy-one descendants and families attending.
Events
| Birth | 22 Aug 1858 | Hemnes, Nordland, Norway |  | ||
| Christen | 5 Sep 1858 | Hemnes, Nordland, Norway | |||
| Marriage | 8 Aug 1880 | Mo i Rana, Helgeland, Norway - Jensine Cathrine Petrusdatter | | ||
| Marriage | 1887 | (Not Married), - Anne Kristiana Eliasdatter |  | ||
| Emigration | 1887 | ||||
| Emigration | Apr 1887 | | |||
| Burial | Jun 1934 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, Willow River Cem | |||
| Death | 13 Jun 1934 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin | |||
| Alt name | Nels Johan Jenson or N. J. Jenson |
Families
| Spouse | Jensine Cathrine Petrusdatter (1848 - ) |
| Child | Jens Herman Jenson (1879 - ) |
| Child | Olaf Peter Jenson (1882 - 1964) |
| Child | Karine Marie Jenson (1883 - 1973) |
| Child | Axel Zahl Jenson (1885 - 1945) |
| Child | Nels Johan Jenson (1886 - 1947) |
| Spouse | Anne Kristiana Eliasdatter (1855 - 1935) |
| Child | Arne Normand Bang (1887 - 1948) |
| Father | Jens Henrik Hansen (1792 - 1872) |
| Mother | Zakarine Olsdatter (1817 - 1895) |
| Sibling | Hans Hendrik Jenson (1840 - 1905) |
| Sibling | Gulle Andreas Jensen (1846 - 1903) |
| Sibling | Gidsken Kristine Jensdtr. (1850 - 1915) |
| Sibling | Ole Andreas Jenson (1852 - 1930) |
| Sibling | Jensine Helene Jensdtr. (1856 - 1891) |
| Sibling | David Andreas Jenson (1860 - 1860) |
Notes
Marriage
Nils and Anne Eliasdatter were not married. Their child, Arne Bang, was born in Pierce County, in 1887.Endnotes
1. Erling Nordli, Gard og Slekt i Hemnes, Hemnes Kommune (1992), Bind I/p.465.
2. Den Norske Kirke, Hemnes prestegjeld (Nordland), Kirkebøker Genealogical Society of Utah, FHL 0,307,095; Hemnes, Book 11 (1842-1869), p199, item no. 6.
3. Statsarkivet i Trondheim.
4. Den Norske kirke. Nord-Rana prestegjeld (Nordland) (Main Author) , Kirkebøker Genealogical Society of Utah, 0,125,209.
5. Digitalarkivet http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/, Emigranter fra Trondheim 1867-1930.