Fred Jessen, an enterprising and representative agriculturist of Delaware county, within the borders of which he has always resided, now owns and operates a valuable farm of three hundred and ten acres on sections 22, 23 and 26, Richland township. His birth occurred in that township on the 27th of May, 1875, his parents being John and Agnes (Marquardt) Jessen, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in the early '60s and resided for some time in Indiana, subsequently coming to Iowa and locating at Strawberry Point, Clayton county, where the father worked at his trade and also conducted a general store. Both Mr. and Mrs. John Jessen have passed away. To them were born five children, as follows: Emma, who is the wife of Lawrence Glass and resides in Clayton county, Iowa; William, who is engaged in business as a general merchant at Strawberry Point; Fred, of this review; Agnes, who gave her hand in marriage to Michael J. Johannes, of Minneapolis; and Jesse, who conducts a store at Strawberry Point.
      Fred Jessen received his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty-seven years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. He rented the farm which is now in his possession and subsequently purchased the property, owning at the present time three hundred and ten acres of rich and arable land on sections 22, 23 and 26, Richland township. The substantial buildings on the property stand as monuments to his enterprise and energy, and the place in its neat and thrifty appearance bespeaks the supervision of a careful and progressive owner. Mr. Jessen has won gratifying success in his undertakings as an agriculturist, the well-tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.

      In 1902 Mr. Jessen was united in marriage to Miss Laura Hesner, a native of Delaware county, Iowa, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Barr) Hesner, who were born in this state and still reside at Strawberry Point. They have two children, namely: Mrs. Laura Jessen, and Elsie, who is employed as a bookkeeper in the First National Bank.
     Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Jessen has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing firmly in its principles. Both he and his wife have always lived in Delaware county and enjoy a very extensive and favorable acquaintance here.