Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 5 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 15

Many of the pioneers of Fresno County are still identified with the interests of the commonwealth, some as horticulturists, developing the riches of the soil, some as business men enlarging the commerce of the state, others as professional men devoting their learning and mental resources to the good of the people. Among the honored and thrifty pioneer ranchers of Fresno County, one who has spent twenty-five years in developing the resources of the soil, and is especially interested in the growth of viticulture and horticulture, is Martin Juul, residing in the vicinity of Selma. He is a native of Denmark, born near Grenaae, on February 20, 1863, a son of J. S. and Karen Marie (Rasmussen) Juul, who were both natives of Denmark, farmer folks, owning about seventy-five acres of land. The mother died two years ago; the father is still living in Denmark and has reached the advanced age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of six children, Martin being the third child and the only one residing in the United States of America.

When twenty-five years of age. Martin Juul decided to seek his fortune in America, so he set sail from Copenhagen in October, 1888, on the good ship Heckla of the Tingvalla Line, and after a voyage of two weeks and a half, arrived at Castle Garden, New York City, having stopped for a day and a half at Christiania, Norway, en route. Having acquaintances in Fresno County, Cal., it was but natural that he came at once to the Golden State. After arriving in Fresno County, Mr. Juul secured work as a ranch hand, being employed by the month. By his association with English speaking people he soon learned enough of the language to enable him to conduct his business affairs. After three years of laboring for others he rented land near what is now Del Rey, but, after one year of paying rent to a landlord, determined to be a landowner himself and in 1891 purchased his present place of twenty-five acres. At the time of purchase it was a part of a wheat field, and having no water for irrigation he was obliged to haul it from a neighboring ranch. Mr. Juul began to improve his land and in due time planted ten acres to muscat vines, four to peaches, three acres to Thompson seedless grapes and one acre to alfalfa. He experienced the discouragements that are usually the lot of the early pioneer, but, with a resolute spirit and an indomitable will to succeed, he overcame all obstacles and ultimately won success and gained a splendid ranch in which he has a justifiable pride of ownership.

In 1902, Mr. Juul made a visit to his native land, and seven years later enjoyed a second trip to the land of his birth.

Martin Juul is greatly esteemed in the community where he has resided for so many years, as a man of high principles and unquestioned Christian character, a devoted member of the Danish Lutheran Church at Selma, of which he is a trustee. He is a member and stockholder of both the Raisin and the Peach Growers' associations, and in politics he is a Republican.