Fresno County, California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


HANS J. JORGENSEN. � Two important facts are illustrated in the 
life-story of Hans J. Jorgensen, who died in the fall of 1916, widely lamented 
because of his sterling character and his successful and most useful career. 
The one is that no man should neglect to provide for the rainy day which 
may overtake his family if not himself, and that it is the part of highest wis- 
dom to do what Mr. Jorgensen did � acquire something of value and put it in 
that shape that others may find it serviceable. The other suggestive fact is 
the desirability of every housewife who is the companion of a practical man 
becoming experienced and practical also, and so being able, as Mrs. Jorgen- 
sen has proven herself to be, to take charge of an estate, maintain it at a 
high standard, and in the end realize even more than was formerly obtained 
through the investment and its working. 

Born in Fyen, Denmark, on December 24, 1865. the son of Peter Jorgen- 
sen, a business man of Melleinhagen noted for his sagacity and sense of 
honor, Hans was educated in the excellent public schools of his country, 
and arriving at manhood, served his full time in the Danish army. In Den- 
mark, too, on April 3, 1888, he was married to Miss Anna K. Hansen, a 
native of Horslev, Fyen, Denmark, and the daughter of Jorgen and Marie 
(Jensen) Hansen. Her father was a brick manufacturer who did service in 
the Danish-German War of 1864-66, and who came to California, about May, 
1892. The next year he died, survived by Mrs. Hansen, who made her home 
with her daughter, Mrs. Jorgensen. until her death December 19, 1918, almost 
eighty-one years old. Of her children three boys and three girls grew up, 
although but one boy and two girls are now living. 

Having come to America and Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen located 
at Jackson, in May, 1888, and there they remained until the following August, 
when they moved west to California and chose Fresno for their home. Their 
decision was due to the presence here of one of Mrs. Jorgensen's brothers, 
who assisted Mr. Jorgensen to make such connections that he easily entered 
the vineyard business. He bought twenty acres in Wolter's Colony and 
at once improved it so that he might grow vines and have an orchard of 
pears and peaches ; and in the exploitation of that property he was engaged 
for ten years. During this time he was also in the employ of the Fresno 
Flume and Lumber Company, and it was then that his devoted and practical 
wife showed her ability by running the ranch in her husband's absence. He 
was really in the service of the aforesaid company nineteen years, and in 
that long period Mrs. Jorgensen acquired an experience and knowledge of 
the greatest possible value, while her husband demonstrated his fitness in 
filling the post of tallyman for the company. 

After selling the Wolters Colony place Mr. Jorgensen bought the prop- 
erty now owned by his widow, twenty acres in the Helm Colony, three miles 
southwest of Clovis, and there he built a fine residence and serviceable build- 
ings, adding much to the worth of the home-place. Mrs. Jorgensen super- 
intended the setting out of the malaga, Thompson and zinfandel vines. She 
is a member of the California Associated Raisin Company. 

Five children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen, and all have 
done well in their start in life. Marie, Julia and Laura are all graduates of 
Heald's Business College at Fresno, and all are engaged in Fresno as stenog- 
raphers ; while Ellen and Clarence are at home. 

On September 2, 1916, Mr. Jorgensen died, in the fifty-first year of his 
age, a consistent Lutheran, as is also his faithful companion. Since then Mrs. 
Jorgensen has continued to manage the vineyard, and with marked business 
ability she has made it more than ever an excellent producer. Mrs. Jorgensen 
does not confine herself, however, to business affairs ; but she takes a proper 
leadership in the ladies' society of the Dania, and never neglects an oppor- 
tunity to do her full duty as a patriot in supporting every civic endeavor 
worthy of endorsement.