Soren Mortensen Biography


	This biography appears on pages 743-744 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. I (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	SOREN MORTENSEN. - The world instinctively pays deference to the 
man who has risen above his early surroundings, overcome the obstacles 
in his path and reached a high position in his chosen calling. This is 
a progressive age and he who does not advance is soon left far behind. 
By the improvement of the opportunities by which all are surrounded Mr. 
Mortensen has steadily and honorably worked his way upward until he is 
today one of the wealthiest farmers of Yankton county. A native of 
Denmark, he was born April 21, 1846, and is a son of Morten and Mary 
(Christensen) Mortensen, who spent their entire lives in that country. 
Bidding good-by to home and friends, the subject sailed for New York in 
1869 and first located in Long Island, where he was employed on a farm 
for seven years and a half. He then brought his family to South Dakota 
and since 1876 has been an honored resident of this state.  

	In 1874 Mr. Mortensen was united in marriage to Miss Meatha 
Amelia Larson, who died June 13, 1896, leaving nine children, namely: 
George, who married Regina Olson and is now engaged in clerking in 
Gayville, South Dakota; Martin, a farmer of Clay county, this state; 
Matilda, now the wife of Ira Harden, a resident of Gayville; and Bena, 
Andriea, Chris, Edward, Mabel and Melvin. All are being provided with 
good educations and the two oldest sons have attended the State 
University at Vermilion, South Dakota. Mr. Mortensen was again married 
June 23, 1900, his second union being with Miss Nora Grant, a daughter 
of- H. N. and Catherine (Pearson) Grant. Her father is a prosperous 
farmer of Douglas county, South Dakota, and one of the leading and 
influential citizens of that locality. For two terms he most 
efficiently served as sheriff of the county, was deputy sheriff the 
same length of time, and also filled the office of city marshal in a 
most creditable and acceptable manner. During the dark days of the 
Rebellion he manifested his love of country and patriotic spirit by his 
service in the Union army.  

	On coming to the new world Mr. Mortensen's capital consisted of 
but one dollar, but he always made it a point to save a part of his 
earnings and on his arrival in South Dakota had twelve hundred dollars, 
which he invested in an improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. 
For a few years he gave his attention principally to the raising of 
wheat, but several times had his crops destroyed by the grasshoppers 
and floods. In later years he has made stock raising a specialty and 
now handles about five hundred head of cattle and shipped two hundred 
and five head in 1903, while in 1902 he marketed one hundred and sixty-
nine head. He keeps good horses and has a fine drove of two hundred and 
fifty Chester White hogs. As he has prospered in business affairs and 
his financial resources have increased, Mr. Mortensen has added to his 
property from time to time until he now owns fifteen hundred acres of 
fine farm land, seven hundred acres of which is under cultivation and 
well improved. In 1886 he erected upon his place an elegant brick 
residence and has also built good barns and cattle sheds, so that he 
now has one of the best improved farms in the county. Upon the place 
are three artesian wells which amply supply his stock with water. His 
success in life is due entirely to his own well directed efforts, good 
management and untiring industry.  

	In politics Mr. Mortensen is a Republican. His wife, who is a 
most estimable lady, was educated in the schools of Armour, South 
Dakota, where her parents make their home. Socially the family is one 
of prominence in the community where they reside and their many friends 
are always sure of a hearty welcome at their hospitable home.