Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 6 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 33

One of the best known Danish-Americans in Fresno County is Christen A. Pilegard, a native of Fyen, Denmark, where he was born November 1, 1873. His intelligence, probity and energy command the respect of both Danish and American friends.

Educated in the public schools of Denmark and brought up and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, he grew up and worked on his father's forty-acre farm at Fyen, Denmark, until he attained the age of nineteen, when he bade farewell to his relatives and the friends of his youth and sailed from Helsingfors, Sweden, on the Steamship "Virginia," of the old Scandia line, landing at old Castle Garden, New York, the latter part of April, 1893. He arrived at Chicago the day the World's Columbian Exposition opened, and came direct to Fresno, where he arrived May 5, 1893, and went to work with his brother George, remaining with him about five years. He then made a visit to his old Danish home to see his parents. His father, who was very ill and not expected to live, died January 29, 1899, two months after Christen arrived at his old home. His mother, who was still living, remained on the old home in Denmark until she died in 1902 at the age of seventy. The father, who was highly respected in his native country, was a member of King Frederick the Seventh's body guard and held that position of trust and honor in Denmark.

Christen returned to Oleander in 1899 and bought forty acres of land for a home. He subsequently added to this by the purchase of twenty acres more. He sold twenty acres, and two subsequent sales of ten acres each reduced his holdings to twenty acres, the area of his home ranch at present. He has bought and sold several places. In 1908 he purchased the twenty acres just east of Bowles. In 1911 he built a beautiful residence on Maple Avenue about midway between Bowles and Oleander.

April 18, 1906, he was united in marriage with Miss Marian Beck, daughter of Chris. M. and Johanna (Schmidt) Beck, who are now living on Mr. Pilegard's place near Oleander. Mr. and Mrs. Pilegard are the parents of two children, Edith and Carl by name.

For the past thirteen years Mr. Pilegard has held the responsible position of Treasurer of the Pacific United Danish Lutheran Church, serving in this position with credit to himself and satisfaction to all. He and his excellent wife and family are highly respected and noted for their extensive hospitality. Mr. Pilegard is a member of the Raisin Growers Association, the Peach Growers Association, and the Danish Creamery; in politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a typical representative of the Danish-American citizen and is considered one of the most substantial and reliable men of the section.