Juul, Martin J.

Born near Grenaae, Denmark, in 1863, Martin Juul emigrated to the United States in 1888, traveling directly to Fresno County. After working three years as a farm laborer and renting land near Del Rey, Juul purchased twenty-five acres of unimproved wheat land near Selma in 1891, hauling water to the property before developing it into a productive ranch planted to Muscat and Thompson seedless grapes, peaches, and alfalfa.

Overcoming the early hardships of pioneer farming, Juul established a prosperous fruit ranch and actively supported regional agricultural cooperatives as a stockholder in both the California Associated Raisin Company and the California Peach Growers, Inc. A devout member and trustee of the Danish Lutheran Church at Selma, Juul earned high regard throughout the Selma community for his integrity, industry, and Christian character.