Henry J. Gjertsen

Henry J. Gjertsen (October 8, 1861 – December 2, 1911) was a Norwegian-born American lawyer of Minneapolis and Minnesota state senator who was interested in civic and policical affairs.

In 1868, he removed with his family to the U.S. and settled in Hennepin County, Minnesota, in what is now a part of the city of Minneapolis.

This was, in fact, largely precluded by his age at the time of arrival in the U.S.. Henry had eight siblings: Nels H., John C., Eli O., Lewis C., Sarah, Emma, Sophia, and George H. Gjertsen was six years old when the family came to the U.S.[3] Gjertsen's early education was obtained in the district school in Richfield, Minnesota, where his father was engaged in farming.

Subsequently, he took a six years' term in the collegiate department of the Hauges Seminary at Red Wing, Minnesota, a theological institution, graduating in 1881.

[3][1] Gjertsen was an active supporter of Republican policies and his counsel was often sought by his colleagues in the management of party affairs.

They had one child, Beatrice, who was a student of music in Germany and completed her musical education by making her debut as "Elizabeth” in Tannhäuser (Richard Wagner) with the Royal Opera in Weimar in February, 1909, with the result that she was immediately engaged as leading dramatic soprano for a period of five years at Hof Opera in Weimar.