Jensen, Christjan

Born in Thisted, Denmark, in 1861, Christjan Jensen learned the blacksmithing trade under his father before serving three years in the engineering department of the Danish army. Following his honorable discharge, he married Anna Kjargard and emigrated to the United States in 1888. Settling in Chicago, Jensen operated his own shop and spent five years managing the blacksmith shop for the City of Chicago’s electrical department.

In 1908, Jensen relocated to Fresno County and established a successful blacksmith shop in Reedley. Alongside his trade, he engaged in real estate development, acquiring, improving, and profitably selling multiple ranch properties in the district while investing in residential and commercial lots in Reedley. Following his second marriage in 1906 to Helen Scholanber, Jensen maintained a modern home near Reedley High School, earning wide recognition as a skilled mechanic, enterprising property developer, and public-spirited citizen.