Christian Thomsen Jensen and Helen Cathrine Hubschmann – Helena Jensen’s Grandparents
My Grandfather, Christian Thomsen Jensen, was born on
August 18, 1832, in Norre Bork, Ringkobing, Denmark (see map
in section 9). His father's name was Jens Christiansen who
was a county commissioner. His mother's name was Kristine
Nielsdatter. After completing his normal schooling,
grandfather attended the Academy for two years where he
learned how to become a school teacher. While attending the
Academy, Grandfather was required to work part time for his
board and room in order to finance his education. In spite
of his financial squeeze, he graduated from the Academy with
high honors in 1852.
Grandfather Jensen taught school in the city of Norre Nebel
from 1852 to 1858 (see map in section 9, just south of Norre
Bork). Then he moved to Vrads. In addition to his teaching
career at Vrads, he became the chorister for the Danish
People’s Church (Lutheran). In 1859, Grandfather moved to
Underup, to teach school and became the head school master
(see map in section 11). At Underup, he continued his
musical activities with the church and was given the added
duty of Tegn (parish clerk or deacon). He continued these
three activities for 40 years.
Grandfather married Helene Cathrine Hubschmann, the daughter
of Johan Hubschmann, on August 16, 1854. Their first child,
named John Anton Jensen, was born on February 22, 1856 in
Norre Bork, Ringkobing. The second child, Jens Valdemar
Jensen, was born on July 2, 1859 in Vrads. Five additional
children were born in Vrads. The family then moved to
Underup; their last child was born in Underup in 1874. My
grandfather's first wife died March 6, 1878; the mother of
eight children. Grandfather Jensen married his second wife,
Ane Vinther (daughter of Jens Petersen Vinther), in Underup
on April 29, 1878. Grandfather's second wife delivered four
children. Two of these children died very young. Grandfather
retired with a monthly pension of 1719 Kroner and 33 Ore on
September 1, 1899, and died November 20, 1915, in Underup,
where he was buried.
Written by Helena Jensen Thomsen, November 20, 1980
| Jens Valdemar Jensen wrote his father’s, Christian Thomsen Jensen, table (meal) prayer. In Danish, this prayer rhymes. A translation is as follows: | |
Before meal time: In Jesus’ name, we sit at our table to eat and drink of your word, To God’s honor and for our benefit, Then we eat in Jesus’ name. Amen. After meal time: Father thank you for our daily bread, Thank you for food for our souls, Always give us your mercy, And yonder let us meet at your solemn table, When we move from this Earth saved by your grace. Amen. |
 |
Christian Jensen and his second wife outside their front door.
Christian Jensen and his student at the Underup school in 1892. It mentions that Christian was a capable and smart teacher.
Christian Thomsen Jensen
C. T. Jensen’s tombstone in Underup
School House in Vrads where Christian Jensen was a school teacher and where Jens Jensen was born. Helena Jensen and Christian Peter Thomsen, in their trip to Denmark in 1952
Church in Underup in 1997
School House in Underup where Christian Jensen was the school master. This picture was taken in 1952 with Helena Jensen on right in front of school house. The school house is just in front of the parish church.
Helene Cathrine Hubschmann
Interior of the Underup Parish Church in 1997. This is where Christian led the choir and preached.
Helene Hubschmann’s Copper Tea Kettle
View looking east from the Underup Parish Church. The mounds in background are Viking graves.