John Jessen, general merchant,
Strawberry Point, was born in Schleswig-Holstien,
Germany, May 7, 1835. His parents, John Sr. and Anna
Jessen, were likewise natives of Germany. He learned the
boot and shoe maker's trade in Schleswig, and on May 12,
1857, embarked for America. He landed at New York, thence
to Chicago, Ill., and from there to Valparaiso, Ind.,
where he engaged in the boot and shoe trade until 1864,
when he settled in Strawberry Point. He built a store in
1870, and embarked in the general merchandising business,
which he followed until 1876, then brought a farm in
Delaware County, which he cultivated three years, then
returned to Strawberry Point, prior to embarking in his
present business; he engaged in the mercantile business
in Brush Creek, Fayette County, Volga City, and
Farrowsville, Delaware County. He was married in
Valparaiso, Ind., on Oct. 15, 1860, to Agnes Marquardt.
To them have been born seven children, five living--
Emma, William, Frederick, Agnes and Jessie. In politics
Mr. Jessen is a Republican. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 697-698 |