Viewing Henry J. Gjertsen (1861-1911).

Henry J. Gjertsen (1861-1911).

Emigrants from Norway, the family of seven year old Henry J. Gjertsen settled on a farm near Minneapolis. After preparing for the ministry for three years, he began studying law and was admitted to the bar in 1884 at age twenty-three. Besides building a large practice in Minneapolis, he was active in public affairs. He served on the city's first charter commission, held important posts in the administrations of Governors John Lind and Samuel Van Sant, and was elected to the state senate in 1902. He died on December 2, 1911, at age fifty. The following year a memorial was presented to the American Bar Association. It read in part:

"Mr. Gjertsen was a man of excellent physique, splendid mentality and strong personality. He had a large practice, enjoyed the confidence of the courts and bar alike, and as a trial lawyer had few equals at the Minnesota Bar. He will be remembered as a man of sterling character, unimpeachable integrity and unswerving fidelity to his client, and usefulness as a citizen."

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