Madsen, Mads Peter

Mads Peter Madsen was born in Fredericia, Denmark, on July 31, 1867, to parents Jorgen and Maria Matsen. After attending school, serving in the Danish infantry, and working on local farms, he sailed from Copenhagen with his family and arrived in Fresno, California, on May 4, 1894. He initially worked for ninety cents a day near Selma before renting land to engage in the raisin business.

In 1908, Mads purchased his present forty-acre ranch near Parlier, developing it into a successful vineyard of Thompson seedless, muscat, and malaga grapes. He married Carrie Larsen on January 12, 1889, and together they raised seven children: Carl, Mary, George, Carlie, Peter, Christine, and Alma. A loyal American citizen, Democrat, and member of the Danish Lutheran Church near Parlier, he built a prosperous life through industry and thrifty habits.