San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1523
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 10/27/2009
FERNANDO CHRISTESEN
A citizen of more than usual importance is Fernando Christesen, marshal and superintendent of streets of Lodi. His official service is always faithfully and promptly performed, and he is as loyal to the welfare of his community as he is to his private business interests. He is a native of Franklin, Cal., where he was born March 30, 1874, a son of Robert and Lena Christesen. His father, Robert Christesen, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and in 1868 arrived in California on a sailing vessel. He settled in Sacramento County and farmed a large acreage to grain. Mr. and Mrs. Christesen had eight children: Louis A., of Galt; Mrs. Lena Walthers; Fernando; Mrs. Mary Meihl; Mrs. Tessie Krumb; Mrs. Emma Ehardt; Robert, of Bruceville; and Henry. The father died at the age of sixty-seven and the mother at seventy years of age, she passing away at Lodi.
Fernando Christesen attended the common school and the Sacramento Institute and worked with his father on the ranch until he was eighteen, then struck out for himself and was variously employed in different places until 1897, when he was employed on the ranch of Mrs. Anna Powers. The following year he was in Eastern Oregon and in 1899 came back to California and started to learn the trade of machinist with the Holt Manufacturing Company, but he did not stay long as he entered the employ of the San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley Railroad (now the Santa Fe). In 1901 he formed a partnership with Ed Powers to engage in the vineyard business near Lodi, where they also raised melons; later they extended their operations to Manteca where they continued the melon industry. This partnership continued until 1912. In the meantime Mr. Christesen had bought thirty acres of land, part of a stubble field, located on Terminus Road about three and one-half miles from Lodi, which he set to vines and where he erected a suitable home and installed a pumping plant. He made this his home until 1920, when he sold out and moved into Lodi. In 1904 he had purchased 240 acres of his father's ranch at Bruceville, leasing it for grain raising; later he sold off eighty acres and in 1920 disposed of the balance. On April 15, 1922, Mr. Christesen was appointed city marshal and superintendent of streets of Lodi, and how well he has administered his official duties is well known to the citizens of that thriving city.
On August 28, 1902, at Lodi, occurred the marriage that united Mr. Christesen with Miss Estelle Powers, born in Lodi, daughter of John and Anna Powers, of Missouri and California, respectively. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs. Christesen three children have been born: Madeline Fern, Edna Mae and Leland Fernando. In politics Mr. Christesen supports the best men and measures that he believes will be best suited to the public good. He served as a trustee of the Henderson school while living on his ranch and was a deputy assessor under Cy Moreing four years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the Lodi Aerie of Eagles, No. 848.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2011; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.