Bio: Jensen, Andreas F. F. (History - 1839)

Contact: Janet Schwarze

Surnames: JENSEN NICHOLINE HUGOBOOM WILMORE

----Source: 1891 History of Clark and Jackson Co., Wisconsin; pg. 238-239

ANDREAS F. F. JENSEN, a general merchant of Dorchester, was born in Denmark, March 15, 1839, the son of Peter D. and Severine (Nicholine) Jensen. The parents had twelve children, only two of whom still survive: Andreas and Amelia. The latter, the widow of Mr. Russell, lives in Millbank, Grant County, South Dakota. Andreas F. came to the United States in 1851, stopping first in New York city, where he clerked in a store until 1853, and was then engaged in farming until 1873.

April 26, 1861, he enlisted in the late war, in Company A, Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in May 10, same year, at Baraboo, in Sauk County Riflemen. He participated in the battles of Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, Fitzburgh Crossing, Gettysburg. Hatcher's Run, Mine Run, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Appomattox, Wilderness, Spottsylvania and others. He was wounded at the latter battle and also at Appomattox, and now draws a pension. He was musterd out July 15, 1865.

In August, 1873, Mr. Jensen came to where Dorchester no stands, and built a shanty on his homestead on section 32, township, 30, range 1 east, Mayville Township. At that time there was no settlement at this place, it being a wild forest. In 1874 a small sawmill was built by Mr. Sands, which was operated a part of that season in 1875 Mr. Evans built another mill, which was run six or seven years, when he failed, and since that time other mills have been built and operated. The first store was built by D. O. Wilmore in 1874, where was kept the first stock of goods in the place the second store was started by Mr. Benson in April, 1876, Boulais La Bassics established a boot and shoe store, and later put in a general stock the first hotel was built in 1874 by Solomn Hugoboom, but it was burned in 1890. The city now contains over 400 people. Mr. Jensen engaged in his present business in 1881, where he lost what he put in by giving credit. Mrs. A. F. F. Jensen start business in 1883, with money coming to her from her mother. She owns sixty acres of land in the suburbs of Dorchester, and there are a store, dwelling, barn, icehouse, etc., on this place.

Mr. Jensen was married, July 4, 1864, in Ironton, Sauk County, while home on a furlough, to Huldah Small, a daughter of Joseph Small, also of Ironton. They have had fourteen children, twelve now living, namely: Joseph O., Nels, Eleanora, Rhoda, Peter, Walter, Pearl, Hattie, Andrew, Frederick, Harry and Ray. Mr. Jensen was a charter member of the G. A. R. post, and has held the office of Town Supervisor one year, Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows lodge two terms, and Secretary one term. Politically he is a Republican.

General Store of A. F. F. Jensen.

The above is a cut of the general store of Mr. Jensen, of Dorchester. The main store building, which is here represented, is 26X60 feet, and his warehouse near by is 20X6o. He started a grocery store in 1881, which he ran until 1888, when he built the fine new building which he now occupies, and commenced doing a general mercantile business. He also dealt in flour and feed exclusively for a few years. He now has a large stock of goods and is doing a good business. "Clark County Illustrated" by Saterlee, Tifft & Marsh; 1890

Military Records for Andreas Frederick Ferdinand Jensen

(Click on the documents below to enlarge them)

Contributed by Glen Jensen, RM2