Jens Christian Abildtrup and Else Marie Pedersen -- 54 years


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Jens Christian Abildtrup and Else Marie Pedersen -- 54 years.


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Jens Christian emigrated from Haslev parish in Sorø County to Chicago in 1902, where he had a milk delivery route. He met Else Marie during a return visit to Denmark and arranged for her to come to America following his return. She traveled alone from New York to Chicago, and JC was “relieved to see this little girl safe” when he met her train. They were married shortly after her arrival in 1909. In 1912 the couple relocated to the Audubon area, where JC farmed, was an agent for the Farmers Mutual Aid Insurance Co., and served as treasurer for several schools and the City of Audubon. He was a ‘big R’ Republican and a voracious reader. They were both very devout and tended to analyze rather than laugh at jokes and funny stories. The couple had 3 children: Niels, Margaret and Arnold.

  • Courtesy of grandson Michael Abildtrup, Fort Dodge IA.

  • Photograph courtesy of grandson Michael Abildtrup, Fort Dodge IA.