Jorgensen, Chris

Born in Middelfart, Denmark, in 1859, Chris Jorgensen completed his education at the Danish Agricultural College before emigrating to California in 1881. After settling in Fresno County, he acquired a ranch in West Park and engaged in grain farming while developing an expertise in viticulture. When the American Vineyard Company was formed, Jorgensen became its superintendent, associate manager, and director, managing over 600 acres of vineyards and building the company’s first packing house equipped with early hand-powered raisin stemmers over his 21-year tenure.

Jorgensen served as a Fresno County supervisor for over 14 years, spending a decade as chairman of the board. During his public service, he directed key public works projects, including the construction of the County Almshouse, expansion of the County Hospital, installation of concrete bridges across the San Joaquin and Kings Rivers, and the implementation of a $4,800,000 bond issue to build and improve 315 miles of county roads. Married to Hannah Larsen, with whom he had three children, Jorgensen was also president of the Scandinavian Mutual Fire Insurance Company, a director of the Union National Bank and Fresno Savings Bank, and a founding director of California Peach Growers, Inc.