SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

John Mogenson, Page 640

JOHN MOGENSON, a Sheboygan vessel-owner, insurance and real-states agent, doing business at No. 735 Pennsylvania Avenue, was born in Arendal, Norway, May 21, 1847, and is a son of Mogens Halverson and Cecilia (Johnson) Halverson.  Following an ancient custom of his native country, our subject took his father's Christian name, adding son, giving Mogenson as a surname.  His Parents are still living in the Old Country.  Our subject was reared and educated in his native country and emigrated to America in 1869, locating at first in Chicago, where he was employed at carpenter work until 1872, at which time he removed to Sheboygan, Wis., and engaged in his present business.

    Mr. Mogenson was married in the city of Sheboygan, February 15, 1877, to Miss Josephine Amelia Hendrickson.  Mrs. Mogenson is a native of Sheboygan, Wis.  Her father was born in Arendal, and her mother in Trensberg, Norway.  They emigrated to the United States in 1853, reaching Sheboygan in August, 1854.  Both are now deceased.  Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mogenson, Julian Mogens Sylvanus and John Thompson.

    In his religious belief, Mr. Mogenson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal, and his wife of the Lutheran Church.  In his political affiliations, he is a Republican.  He was Supervisor  for the Third Ward on the County Board, and is a member of the Common Council.  He is also an active and useful member of the Sheboygan School Board, now serving his fifth year as a member of that body.  He is an enthusiastic admirer of the American free-school system, and believes that the foreign-born citizens of this country are making a great mistake in keeping up parochial schools, instead of educating their children in the public schools, thus laying the foundation for a more distinctively American character.

    On the 6th of December, 1891, Mr. Mogenson and his family set out for Norway to visit their friends and attend the Golden Wedding of his parents, which was celebrated on the 21st of January, 1892.  They returned home February 15, 1892.

    Mr. Mogenson has been quite successful in business, and has accumulated a good property.  He is part owner of the schooners "D. L. Holmes," "Viga" and "Jennie Weber."  He is a genial gentleman, an upright and respected businessman, and an esteemed citizen.