Jessenj  
 

Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",  published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.


     JONAS JESSEN was born in Germany, on July 14, 1857, and now resides about seven miles north from Almira on a fine estate that he has acquired since coming to this country.  He is a prosperous farmer, a popular man, and a patriotic citizen.  His parents, Paul and Mary (Nickolansen) Jessen, were born in Germany.  The father served in the war between Germany and Denmark in 1864.  Our subject was educated in his native country and then worked for wages until the age of twenty-one, when he enlisted in the German army.  In 1882, he made his way to the New World and finally located in San Francisco.  A year later, he came to his present location and took a homestead and preemption and afterward bought land until he has four hundred acres.  He has given his attention to the cultivation and improvement of his estate and has succeeded excellently.  Good buildings, fine orchard, and other improvements are the result of his labors and his residence is beautifully situated among shade trees, which makes it one of the choice spots in the county.
     In 1893, Mr. Jessen married Miss Johannah E., daughter of Carl and Minnie Busch, natives of Germany.  They came to Lincoln county in early days and now live north from Almira.  Mrs. Jessen was born in Iowa.  To this marriage five children have been born, Paul W., Nora M., Ruben C., Viola M., and Ruth E., deceased.
     Mr. Jessen's parents were wealthy and prominent people in Germany and although they assisted him somewhat in his start here, yet the major portion of all that he now owns is the result of his labors and wise management.  When Mr. Jessen first came to this country he determined to master the English language and he has done so thoroughly, being able to write and speak it well.  He stands well in the community and is an influential citizen.
 

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