bullet Hovel Jensvold was born in 1823. He died in 1830. Parents: Johannes Gulbrandsen Jensvold and Kirsti Haavelsdatter Erstad.

bullet Hy Hovel Jensvold was born in 1830. He died between 1831 and 1920. Parents: Johannes Gulbrandsen Jensvold and Kirsti Haavelsdatter Erstad.

bullet Inger Mathea Jensvold was born in 1817. She died between 1818 and 1911. Parents: Johannes Gulbrandsen Jensvold and Kirsti Haavelsdatter Erstad.

bullet Johannes Jensvold was born on 26 Mar 1857 in Albany, Green Co., Wisconsin. He died on 2 Jun 1940 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. This information was taken from a Memorial Address for John Jenswold
delivered at the opening of Court on the 8th day of January, 1941 by
Henry J. Grannis, an obituary, and other family information.

In May, 1864 (or 1865), John Jenswold, Sr. moved to Zumbrota, Iowa
in a covered wagon, the trip taking two weeks. John Jenswold, Jr., then
seven (or eight) years old, drove Buck and Bright, the oxen. In the
wagon were all their household furniture and their cookstove. They
proceded to Borkable, Lainsborrough, Rochester, Pine Island and then to
Zumbrota. In 1869 they moved to Ft. Dodge and took a river boat to
Prairie Du Chein, leaving the mother and children in Zumbrota. At
Badger, they stayed with the Champlin family until 1871, when they
platted their land at the land office in Ft. Dodge and moved up to
Emmetsburg, Iowa to the homestead where they lived permanently, preparing
for the winter cutting wild hay for the oxen, John assisting his father
in all his endeavours.
This seven (or eight) year old boy attended the one room log school
house. It has been told that as the students played at Anti Anti Over
they could plainly see through the chinks in the logs which way the boys
ran. His early youth in Iowa was that of a farm boy of pioneer parents
and it was while working on their farm that he determined to get an
education and become a lawyer. He attended the State Normal School at
Winona, Minnesota, and thereafter taught country schools to earn enough
money to attend college. He was a student at Luther College at Decorah,
Iowa, and there after entered the law school of the University of Iowa,
from which he was graduated in 1880, with his law degree.
He opened his first law office in Emmetsburg, Iowa as a junior
partner of the firm Harrison & Jenswold. He also had an office for a
short time in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before coming to Duluth in
1888. He had considerable practice in Iowa as is shown by the fact that
his firm appeared in the Supreme Court of the State of Iowa in a case
reported in 25 Northwestern Rrporter 701, December 18, 1885, and in two
cases reported in 38 Northwestern, Pages 400-404 in May 1888.
He was married October 12, 1889 to Miss Helena Darrah of Emmetsburg,
Iowa, bringing her to Duluth, Minnesota that fall. In 1890 they built
their first home at 5820 London Road, where they both died years later
and where they brought up their three children, the first having died in
infancy.
He was an active Democrat, but never served in office. In the 1890s
he ran for mayor on the Populist ticket and in 1912 was the Democratic
candidate for congress. In 1908 he was discussed as a candidate for
Governor and the party sought to draft him to run as a successor to
Governor John A. Johnson, but he declined to seek the office and Johnson
was renominated instead. He served as a member of the old St. Louis
County poor commission and the Duluth Park Board. As a member of the
park board he was instrumental in development of the Western Extension of
the Boulevard. He was a member of Lakeside AF&AM, the Scottish Rite
bodies and Aad Temple of the Shrine, serving as potentate in 1916.
His chief professional distinction was that of a trial lawyer,
though he mastered any branch of the law which he had occasion to deal
with. The extent of his practice naturally led to much appeal work. An
examination of the Minnesota reports shows that between 1889 and 1936
from volumes 41 to 197, Mr. Jenswold appeared and argued two hundred
forty three cases in the Supreme Court of the State of Minnesota.
Those who came in contact with him either at the bar or on the
bench, were impressed by his sincerity, the thorough preparation of his
cases, both on the facts and the law, and his unrailing courtesy to the
court and counsel. He was a powerful advocate, but if the court ruled
adversely to his contention he accepted the decision with equanimity,
made his record and proceded with the trial. He made it a rule to be
ready for trial when his cases were reached, and considering his
extensive practice this shows that he was methodical and had thoroughly
prepared his cases well in advance of the trial.
As a trial lawyer, particularly in negligence cases, he had few
equals in the state. He did not rely upon oratory or cheap appeals to
prejudice to win his verdicts. His fairness, his practical knowledge of
affairs, his manifest common sense, and his conception of the realities
of a given situation, appealed to the average juror. His tireless energy
and memory of details were the marvel of his associates. He had deep and
strong convictions but was not a bitter partisan and could differ with
others and still hold their respect.
Though favored by nature with a powerful physique and a strong
constitution, the ravages of time finally prevailed, and Mr. Jenswold was
forced to retire from active work in his chosen profession in 1936. He
lingered for a few years in the quiet of his home surroundings, and
passed away at the age of eighty-three, leaving an enviable record of a
professional and civic career which should be an inspiration to those
left behind.
He was always interested in farming and his farm at Carlton,
Minnesota was his hobby. He had insatiable love for poetry especially
and a great love of the best literature and a deep understanding of
nature at its finest.
[The Hulion Family Tree2.FTW]

This information was taken from a Memorial Address for John Jenswold
delivered at the opening of Court on the 8th day of January, 1941 by
Henry J. Grannis, an obituary, and other family information.

In May, 1864 (or 1865), John Jenswold, Sr. moved to Zumbrota, Iowa
in a covered wagon, the trip taking two weeks. John Jenswold, Jr., then
seven (or eight) years old, drove Buck and Bright, the oxen. In the
wagon were all their household furniture and their cookstove. They
proceded to Borkable, Lainsborrough, Rochester, Pine Island and then to
Zumbrota. In 1869 they moved to Ft. Dodge and took a river boat to
Prairie Du Chein, leaving the mother and children in Zumbrota. At
Badger, they stayed with the Champlin family until 1871, when they
platted their land at the land office in Ft. Dodge and moved up to
Emmetsburg, Iowa to the homestead where they lived permanently, preparing
for the winter cutting wild hay for the oxen, John assisting his father
in all his endeavours.
This seven (or eight) year old boy attended the one room log school
house. It has been told that as the students played at Anti Anti Over
they could plainly see through the chinks in the logs which way the boys
ran. His early youth in Iowa was that of a farm boy of pioneer parents
and it was while working on their farm that he determined to get an
education and become a lawyer. He attended the State Normal School at
Winona, Minnesota, and thereafter taught country schools to earn enough
money to attend college. He was a student at Luther College at Decorah,
Iowa, and there after entered the law school of the University of Iowa,
from which he was graduated in 1880, with his law degree.
He opened his first law office in Emmetsburg, Iowa as a junior
partner of the firm Harrison & Jenswold. He also had an office for a
short time in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before coming to Duluth in
1888. He had considerable practice in Iowa as is shown by the fact that
his firm appeared in the Supreme Court of the State of Iowa in a case
reported in 25 Northwestern Rrporter 701, December 18, 1885, and in two
cases reported in 38 Northwestern, Pages 400-404 in May 1888.
He was married October 12, 1889 to Miss Helena Darrah of Emmetsburg,
Iowa, bringing her to Duluth, Minnesota that fall. In 1890 they built
their first home at 5820 London Road, where they both died years later
and where they brought up their three children, the first having died in
infancy.
He was an active Democrat, but never served in office. In the 1890s
he ran for mayor on the Populist ticket and in 1912 was the Democratic
candidate for congress. In 1908 he was discussed as a candidate for
Governor and the party sought to draft him to run as a successor to
Governor John A. Johnson, but he declined to seek the office and Johnson
was renominated instead. He served as a member of the old St. Louis
County poor commission and the Duluth Park Board. As a member of the
park board he was instrumental in development of the Western Extension of
the Boulevard. He was a member of Lakeside AF&AM, the Scottish Rite
bodies and Aad Temple of the Shrine, serving as potentate in 1916.
His chief professional distinction was that of a trial lawyer,
though he mastered any branch of the law which he had occasion to deal
with. The extent of his practice naturally led to much appeal work. An
examination of the Minnesota reports shows that between 1889 and 1936
from volumes 41 to 197, Mr. Jenswold appeared and argued two hundred
forty three cases in the Supreme Court of the State of Minnesota.
Those who came in contact with him either at the bar or on the
bench, were impressed by his sincerity, the thorough preparation of his
cases, both on the facts and the law, and his unrailing courtesy to the
court and counsel. He was a powerful advocate, but if the court ruled
adversely to his contention he accepted the decision with equanimity,
made his record and proceded with the trial. He made it a rule to be
ready for trial when his cases were reached, and considering his
extensive practice this shows that he was methodical and had thoroughly
prepared his cases well in advance of the trial.
As a trial lawyer, particularly in negligence cases, he had few
equals in the state. He did not rely upon oratory or cheap appeals to
prejudice to win his verdicts. His fairness, his practical knowledge of
affairs, his manifest common sense, and his conception of the realities
of a given situation, appealed to the average juror. His tireless energy
and memory of details were the marvel of his associates. He had deep and
strong convictions but was not a bitter partisan and could differ with
others and still hold their respect.
Though favored by nature with a powerful physique and a strong
constitution, the ravages of time finally prevailed, and Mr. Jenswold was
forced to retire from active work in his chosen profession in 1936. He
lingered for a few years in the quiet of his home surroundings, and
passed away at the age of eighty-three, leaving an enviable record of a
professional and civic career which should be an inspiration to those
left behind.
He was always interested in farming and his farm at Carlton,
Minnesota was his hobby. He had insatiable love for poetry especially
and a great love of the best literature and a deep understanding of
nature at its finest. Parents: Johannes Johannesen Jensvold and Anne Syvesdatter Gaarder.

He was married to Helena Darrah on 12 Oct 1889 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto Co., Iowa. Children were: Eva Jenswold, John Darrah Jenswold, Helen Catherine Jenswold, Henry Clement Jenswold .

bullet Johannes Gulbrandsen Jensvold was born in 1793. He died in 1880.

He was married to Kirsti Haavelsdatter Erstad in 1816. Children were: Inger Mathea Jensvold, Hovel Jensvold, Christian Jensvold, Berthe Marie Jensvold, Hy Hovel Jensvold, Johannes Johannesen Jensvold, Gulbrand J. Jensvold .

bullet Johannes Johannesen Jensvold was born on 21 Jan 1835 in Nordsinni Parish, Nordreland, Norway. He died on 25 Dec 1905 in Palo Alto Co., Iowa.
[The Hulion Family Tree2.FTW]

Parents: Johannes Gulbrandsen Jensvold and Kirsti Haavelsdatter Erstad.

He was married to Anne Syvesdatter Gaarder on 18 Sep 1855 in Albany, Green Co., Wisconsin. Children were: Johannes Jensvold, Sebert Jensvold, Hovel Jensvold, Bertha Kathrine Jensvold, Loueis Jensvold, Josias Alexander Jensvold, Gubjante Lulla Magereta Jensvold, Susana Maria Jensvold.

bullet Josias Alexander Jensvold was born on 2 Aug 1876 in Fairfield Township, Palo Alto Co., Iowa. He died between 1877 and 1966. Parents: Johannes Johannesen Jensvold and Anne Syvesdatter Gaarder.

bullet Loueis Jensvold was born on 10 Jul 1871 in Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa. He died between 1872 and 1961. Parents: Johannes Johannesen Jensvold and Anne Syvesdatter Gaarder.

bullet Martin Jensvold was born between 1847 and 1873. He died between 1872 and 1953. Parents: Christian Jensvold and Sigrid Gaarder.

Children were: Robert Jensvold , Charles Arthur Jensvold, Donald Jensvold.

bulletRobert Jensvold. Parents: Martin Jensvold.

bulletSebert Jensvold was born on 5 Aug 1860 in Albany, Wisconsin. He died between 1861 and 1950. Parents: Johannes Johannesen Jensvold and Anne Syvesdatter Gaarder.

bullet Susana Maria Jensvold was born on 11 Mar 1881 in Fairfield Township, Palo Alto Co., Iowa. She died on 24 Oct 1924. Parents: Johannes Johannesen Jensvold and Anne Syvesdatter Gaarder .

bullet Barbara Winchell Jenswold was born on 27 Jul 1921 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. She died on 12 Sep 1987 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. Parents: John Darrah Jenswold and Marion Margaret Townsend .

She was married to Sidney Landfield between 1935 and 1964. Children were: Bruce Landfield , Susan Landfield, Scott Landfield, Robert Landfield.

bullet Eva Jenswold Parents: Johannes Jensvold and Helena Darrah.

bullet Helen Catherine Jenswold was born on 16 Feb 1895 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. She died on 21 Jan 1989 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. Parents: Johannes Jensvold and Helena Darrah.

She was married to Clarence Arthur Dahle on 22 May 1922 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. Children were: Natalie Dahle, John Nelson Dahle.

bullet Henry Clement Jenswold was born on 28 Jan 1898 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. He died on 26 Feb 1984 in San Antonio, Texas. Parents: Johannes Jensvold and Helena Darrah.

He was married to Loretta Abbott on 10 May 1928 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. Children were: Nancy Jenswold , Roger Jenswold.

bullet Jane Darrah Jenswold Parents: John Darrah Jenswold and Marion Margaret Townsend.

Children were: David Paul Easling, Martin McCelland Easling, Roger Alan Easling , Martha Marion Easling.

bulletJanet Elizabeth Jenswold. Parents: John Darrah , Jr. Jenswold and Janet Joan Wareham.

Children were: Rebecca Jean Duerr, Kevin William Duerr.

bulletJohn Darrah Jenswold was born on 19 Apr 1891 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. He died on 24 Mar 1968 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. State of Minnesota District Court
County of St. Louis Sixth Judicial District

Memorial to John D. Jenswold at Memorial Services on January 6, 1969.

John D. Jenswold was born in Duluth on April 19, 1891, the oldest
son of one of Duluth's pioneer lawyers, John Jenswold and his wife
Helen. Before migrating to Duluth in 1888 to practice law, John Jenswold
had practiced for 8 years in Iowa. In 1889 he married Helen and built
the family home at 5820 London Road which for years was a landmark to
many Duluthians. In addition to John D., the eldest child, there were
two other children born of the marriage of John Jenswold and his wife,
who still survive, namely, a daughter, Helen, and a younger son, Henry.
John D. Jenswold attended public school in Duluth, and graduated
from Central High School in 1908. Being of an extremely independent
nature, it is doubtful that John decided to follow in his father's
footsteps until he had almost completed his undergraduate work at the
University of Minnesota, from which he graduated in 1912 with a
Bachelor's Degree. In fact, he apparently enrolled at the University
with plans of obtaining an engineering degree, and then changed his
principal pursuit of academic achievements to business fields. There is
very little evidence that John entered law school because of his father's
persuasion. Undoubtedly, however, his father's success as a trial lawyer
made an indelible impression on John so that it motivated him, after he
had completed his undergraduate work at the University to enroll in the
law school. He was graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School
in 1915 with an LLB Degree.
After being admitted to the Bar of Minnesota he came home to Duluth
to go into practice with his father who had offices in the Palladio
Building, which most of us knew as the WEBC Building until its original
name was resurrected very recently.
Clarence A. Magney was associated in the practice of law with John
D. Jenswold's father at this time. He left the firm in 1917 when he was
elected Mayor of Duluth and then, as we know, had a very long and
distinguished career as a Judge in our District Court and as an Associate
Justice and Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Minnesota. Justice
Magney became a good friend of John D. Jenswold's during the
approximately 2-year period that they were both associated with John
Jenswold in the practice of law, and this friensdhip continued until
Justice Magney's death in 1962.
When this country declared war against the German Empire in 1917
during World War I John joined the United States Army. He was sent to
Fort Dodge, Iowa for officer's training, and was commissioned a 2nd
Lieutenent in the Army in 1918. While in the service in Iowa he met
Marion Townsend, of Des Moines, and following a whirlwind courtship they
were married in August of 1918. Shortly after this marriage John went
overseas, but the armistice of November 11, 1918 was declared before his
unit was committed to combat. After spending several months he was
returned to Duluth and discharged from the service with the rank of First
Lieutenant.
After coming back to Duluth John rejoined his father in the
practice of law with offices in the Palladio Building, under the firm of
Jenswold & Jenswold. His sister, Helen, was secretary in the law office,
and she subsequently married C.A. Dahle, who joined the firm following
World War I. Several years later the firm became Jenswold, Jenswold &
Dahle.
There were five children born to the marriage of John and Marion,
the first of whom died in infancy. The other four, who are living, are,
in order of their birth, Barbara Landfield, John D. Jenswold, Jr., Jane
Easling, and Marion Dickerson.
From the Palladio Building the firm of Jenswold, Jenswold & Dahle
moved to the Province Building where they had their law offices until
John's father's death in 1940. Following the death of the senior
Jenswold, John D. Jenswold and C.A. Dahle entered a partnership with
Ellis J. Butchart, and the firm became known as Jenswold, Butshart &
Dahle. They moved their offices to the Alworth Building, and practiced
as a partnership until the accidental death of C.A. Dahle in 1949.
Thereafter John D. Jenswold and Ellis Butchart continued as partners
until January of 1951 when John became a partner with R.B. Reavill and
R.H. Neimeyer until July 1 of 1951 when I became a member of the
partnership, which was then known os Reavill, Jenswold, Neimeyer &
Johnson. A few years later John J. Killen, Jr. became an additional
partner, and the firm continued under the name of Reavill, Jenswold,
Neimeyer, Johnson & Killen, until John Jenswold retired from the firm on
December 31, 1963. From January 1, 1964 until his death on March 24,
1968 John D. Jenswold carried on an individual practice with office in
the First American National Bank Building.
John's wife Marion died in 1962. In 1963 he was remarried. He
married Eulalia Clark, a widow. She died on March 19, 1968, just five
days before her husband.
As a synopsis of the biographical information relating to John D.
Jenswold which has been briefly reviewed, we could say that he was born
in Duluth, he attended public school in Duluth, obtained his law degree
from the University of Minnesota Law School, served as an officer in the
United States Army in World War I, returned to Duluth, he raised a
family, became a successful practicing lawyer, and following over 50
years of practice in Duluth he died in Duluth. Such a synopsis while
accurate, in one respect, would give us but little insight into the man
and the lawyer that was John D. Jenswold.
One descriptive word is more clearly associated in my mind with John
D. Jenswold than perhaps any other lawyer I have personally known. This
word is the noun advocate. John was an advocate almost to a fault. He
became personally involved in his clients' problems and committed to his
clients' causes that on many occasions to even suggest to him that his
client's position might be infallible almost constituted heresy. While
he was representing a client, particularly where litigation was involved,
he was literally at war with opposing counsel. When the litigation was
ultimately disposed of, then and only then, would it be prudent for the
opposing counsel to associate with John on a socially friendly and
familiar basis.
I think John D. Jenswold was an advocate of what is sometimes
referred to as the "old school". I understand that this advocacy was at
least in part inherited from his father.
I have heard a story a number of times which has been attributed to
both the father and the son. A personal injury action had been commenced
for a client, and the damages prayed for in the complaint, we will say,
amounted to $10,000. After counsel for the defendant received to summons
and complaint he called John Jenswold, or John D. Jenswold, to discuss
the possibility of settlement. Upon inquiring as to the "rock bottom"
settlement figure he was brusquely advised that it was presumed he could
read, and that the amount for which the litigation could be settled was
$10,000.
John D. Jenswold was engaged for a number of years primarily in a
trial lawyer's type practice. In addition to trying unnumerable cases in
our State and Federal District Courts in Minnesota he was involved in a
great number of appeals to the Minnesota Supreme Court, as well as the
Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eighth District. At the time of his
death he was one of the very few lawyers in this Judicial District
admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He argued
the so-called "Rainy Lake Cases" on appeal to the highest court in this
country. This litigation from its inception until its final conclusion
continued over a span of years, and required prodigious amounts of both
time and talent on the part of John D. Jenswold. He also had practiced
before the United States Tax Court, the United States Customs Court, and
had appeared before many administrative tribunals.
During the years I personally engaged in practice with John D.
Jenswold he was preforming legal services primarily for business clients,
and only infrequently tried jury cases. I think he missed the
competition of the court room and the arguments adverse to opposing
counsels, although his advocacy certainly asserted itself in representing
business clients, as it had when he was trying a case before a jury.
In addition to being a great advocate John was extremely
industrious. He had a tremendous capacity for work, and time meant
nothing to him in the preparation of his cases and in representing his
clients. He spent many hours every week in legal research, and preferred
to tackle legal research problems himself rather than delegate this work
to an associate. He particularly excelled in devising mathematical
formulas, which appeared in much of his draftmanship, and reflected his
early interest in engineering and accounting.
He was active socially in a number of organizations in Duluth. The
one organization he particularly enjoyed was the "Jesters". He was very
active in American Legion affairs, and was the legal advisor for the
David Wisted Post in Duluth for many years.
John was a member of the Congregational Church, and during the last
several years of his life was particularly active in the organization of
the Duluth Congregational Church.
Notwithstanding the variety of his interests outside of the practice
of law, the great dominating and controlling interest of John D.
Jenswold's life was his profession. He was first, last and always a true
advocate. When I use this term as descriptive of John D. Jenswold as a
lawyer the adjectives that come readily to my mind are ardent,
persistent, zealous, uncompromising, fearless, resourceful and able.
I am sure that I express the views of all the members of this Bar
who knew John D. Jenswold as either an associate or an adversary when I
state that he was a very dedicated lawyer who displayed the highest
degree of legal ability, the same degree of complete integrity and an
unswerving devotion to his clients' causes. At a time when many judges
and lawyers despair that true advocacy is declining and that lawyers are
becoming more like arbitrators that advocates, he has given us an example
to remember. Such is the memorial I now offer in behalf of John D.
Jenswold.
Respectfully,
Joseph B. Johnson

obituary for John D. Jenswold

"Duluth Prominent Lawyer Succumbs"
John D. Jenswold, 76, prominent Duluth Lawyer, died Sunday in his
home at 3331 E. 1st St. A native of Duluth, he had practiced law in the
city for more than 50 years. His wife, Eulalia, died last Tuesday. Mr.
Jenswold was a graduate of Duluth Central High School and the University
of Minnesota and received his law degree from the university's Law
School. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta and Phi Delta Phi
fraternities.
A veteran of World War I, Mr. Jenswold was a member of the David
Wisted-Zenith City Post of the American Legion. He was a member of the
Duluth Congregational Church and chairman of its board of trustees; a
50-year member of Ionic Masonic Lodge and a member of Duluth Scottish
Rite Bodies, Aad Temple of the Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters.
He also held memberships in the Kitchi Gammi Club, Duluth Chamber of
Commerce and Northland Country Club, which he had served as president.
His professional affiliations included the 11th District Bar
Association, Minnesota Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Surviving are a son, John D. Jenswold, Jr., Walnut Creek,
California; three daughters, Mrs. Sidney Landfield, Quincy, Illinois,
Mrs. Paul Easling, Traverse City, Michigan., and Mrs. John Dickerson,
Duluth; a sister, Mrs. C.A. Dahle, Duluth; a brother, Henry Jenswold, San
Antonio, Texas; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Douglas Stalker, Arlington
Heights, Illinois, and Mrs. John E. Hoff, Jr., Duluth and a stepson<
Dennis Clark, Madison, Wisconsin.

[The Hulion Family Tree2.FTW]

State of Minnesota District Court
County of St. Louis Sixth Judicial District

Memorial to John D. Jenswold at Memorial Services on January 6, 1969.

John D. Jenswold was born in Duluth on April 19, 1891, the oldest
son of one of Duluth's pioneer lawyers, John Jenswold and his wife
Helen. Before migrating to Duluth in 1888 to practice law, John Jenswold
had practiced for 8 years in Iowa. In 1889 he married Helen and built
the family home at 5820 London Road which for years was a landmark to
many Duluthians. In addition to John D., the eldest child, there were
two other children born of the marriage of John Jenswold and his wife,
who still survive, namely, a daughter, Helen, and a younger son, Henry.
John D. Jenswold attended public school in Duluth, and graduated
from Central High School in 1908. Being of an extremely independent
nature, it is doubtful that John decided to follow in his father's
footsteps until he had almost completed his undergraduate work at the
University of Minnesota, from which he graduated in 1912 with a
Bachelor's Degree. In fact, he apparently enrolled at the University
with plans of obtaining an engineering degree, and then changed his
principal pursuit of academic achievements to business fields. There is
very little evidence that John entered law school because of his father's
persuasion. Undoubtedly, however, his father's success as a trial lawyer
made an indelible impression on John so that it motivated him, after he
had completed his undergraduate work at the University to enroll in the
law school. He was graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School
in 1915 with an LLB Degree.
After being admitted to the Bar of Minnesota he came home to Duluth
to go into practice with his father who had offices in the Palladio
Building, which most of us knew as the WEBC Building until its original
name was resurrected very recently.
Clarence A. Magney was associated in the practice of law with John
D. Jenswold's father at this time. He left the firm in 1917 when he was
elected Mayor of Duluth and then, as we know, had a very long and
distinguished career as a Judge in our District Court and as an Associate
Justice and Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Minnesota. Justice
Magney became a good friend of John D. Jenswold's during the
approximately 2-year period that they were both associated with John
Jenswold in the practice of law, and this friensdhip continued until
Justice Magney's death in 1962.
When this country declared war against the German Empire in 1917
during World War I John joined the United States Army. He was sent to
Fort Dodge, Iowa for officer's training, and was commissioned a 2nd
Lieutenent in the Army in 1918. While in the service in Iowa he met
Marion Townsend, of Des Moines, and following a whirlwind courtship they
were married in August of 1918. Shortly after this marriage John went
overseas, but the armistice of November 11, 1918 was declared before his
unit was committed to combat. After spending several months he was
returned to Duluth and discharged from the service with the rank of First
Lieutenant.
After coming back to Duluth John rejoined his father in the
practice of law with offices in the Palladio Building, under the firm of
Jenswold & Jenswold. His sister, Helen, was secretary in the law office,
and she subsequently married C.A. Dahle, who joined the firm following
World War I. Several years later the firm became Jenswold, Jenswold &
Dahle.
There were five children born to the marriage of John and Marion,
the first of whom died in infancy. The other four, who are living, are,
in order of their birth, Barbara Landfield, John D. Jenswold, Jr., Jane
Easling, and Marion Dickerson.
From the Palladio Building the firm of Jenswold, Jenswold & Dahle
moved to the Province Building where they had their law offices until
John's father's death in 1940. Following the death of the senior
Jenswold, John D. Jenswold and C.A. Dahle entered a partnership with
Ellis J. Butchart, and the firm became known as Jenswold, Butshart &
Dahle. They moved their offices to the Alworth Building, and practiced
as a partnership until the accidental death of C.A. Dahle in 1949.
Thereafter John D. Jenswold and Ellis Butchart continued as partners
until January of 1951 when John became a partner with R.B. Reavill and
R.H. Neimeyer until July 1 of 1951 when I became a member of the
partnership, which was then known os Reavill, Jenswold, Neimeyer &
Johnson. A few years later John J. Killen, Jr. became an additional
partner, and the firm continued under the name of Reavill, Jenswold,
Neimeyer, Johnson & Killen, until John Jenswold retired from the firm on
December 31, 1963. From January 1, 1964 until his death on March 24,
1968 John D. Jenswold carried on an individual practice with office in
the First American National Bank Building.
John's wife Marion died in 1962. In 1963 he was remarried. He
married Eulalia Clark, a widow. She died on March 19, 1968, just five
days before her husband.
As a synopsis of the biographical information relating to John D.
Jenswold which has been briefly reviewed, we could say that he was born
in Duluth, he attended public school in Duluth, obtained his law degree
from the University of Minnesota Law School, served as an officer in the
United States Army in World War I, returned to Duluth, he raised a
family, became a successful practicing lawyer, and following over 50
years of practice in Duluth he died in Duluth. Such a synopsis while
accurate, in one respect, would give us but little insight into the man
and the lawyer that was John D. Jenswold.
One descriptive word is more clearly associated in my mind with John
D. Jenswold than perhaps any other lawyer I have personally known. This
word is the noun advocate. John was an advocate almost to a fault. He
became personally involved in his clients' problems and committed to his
clients' causes that on many occasions to even suggest to him that his
client's position might be infallible almost constituted heresy. While
he was representing a client, particularly where litigation was involved,
he was literally at war with opposing counsel. When the litigation was
ultimately disposed of, then and only then, would it be prudent for the
opposing counsel to associate with John on a socially friendly and
familiar basis.
I think John D. Jenswold was an advocate of what is sometimes
referred to as the "old school". I understand that this advocacy was at
least in part inherited from his father.
I have heard a story a number of times which has been attributed to
both the father and the son. A personal injury action had been commenced
for a client, and the damages prayed for in the complaint, we will say,
amounted to $10,000. After counsel for the defendant received to summons
and complaint he called John Jenswold, or John D. Jenswold, to discuss
the possibility of settlement. Upon inquiring as to the "rock bottom"
settlement figure he was brusquely advised that it was presumed he could
read, and that the amount for which the litigation could be settled was
$10,000.
John D. Jenswold was engaged for a number of years primarily in a
trial lawyer's type practice. In addition to trying unnumerable cases in
our State and Federal District Courts in Minnesota he was involved in a
great number of appeals to the Minnesota Supreme Court, as well as the
Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eighth District. At the time of his
death he was one of the very few lawyers in this Judicial District
admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He argued
the so-called "Rainy Lake Cases" on appeal to the highest court in this
country. This litigation from its inception until its final conclusion
continued over a span of years, and required prodigious amounts of both
time and talent on the part of John D. Jenswold. He also had practiced
before the United States Tax Court, the United States Customs Court, and
had appeared before many administrative tribunals.
During the years I personally engaged in practice with John D.
Jenswold he was preforming legal services primarily for business clients,
and only infrequently tried jury cases. I think he missed the
competition of the court room and the arguments adverse to opposing
counsels, although his advocacy certainly asserted itself in representing
business clients, as it had when he was trying a case before a jury.
In addition to being a great advocate John was extremely
industrious. He had a tremendous capacity for work, and time meant
nothing to him in the preparation of his cases and in representing his
clients. He spent many hours every week in legal research, and preferred
to tackle legal research problems himself rather than delegate this work
to an associate. He particularly excelled in devising mathematical
formulas, which appeared in much of his draftmanship, and reflected his
early interest in engineering and accounting.
He was active socially in a number of organizations in Duluth. The
one organization he particularly enjoyed was the "Jesters". He was very
active in American Legion affairs, and was the legal advisor for the
David Wisted Post in Duluth for many years.
John was a member of the Congregational Church, and during the last
several years of his life was particularly active in the organization of
the Duluth Congregational Church.
Notwithstanding the variety of his interests outside of the practice
of law, the great dominating and controlling interest of John D.
Jenswold's life was his profession. He was first, last and always a true
advocate. When I use this term as descriptive of John D. Jenswold as a
lawyer the adjectives that come readily to my mind are ardent,
persistent, zealous, uncompromising, fearless, resourceful and able.
I am sure that I express the views of all the members of this Bar
who knew John D. Jenswold as either an associate or an adversary when I
state that he was a very dedicated lawyer who displayed the highest
degree of legal ability, the same degree of complete integrity and an
unswerving devotion to his clients' causes. At a time when many judges
and lawyers despair that true advocacy is declining and that lawyers are
becoming more like arbitrators that advocates, he has given us an example
to remember. Such is the memorial I now offer in behalf of John D.
Jenswold.
Respectfully,
Joseph B. Johnson

obituary for John D. Jenswold

"Duluth Prominent Lawyer Succumbs"
John D. Jenswold, 76, prominent Duluth Lawyer, died Sunday in his
home at 3331 E. 1st St. A native of Duluth, he had practiced law in the
city for more than 50 years. His wife, Eulalia, died last Tuesday. Mr.
Jenswold was a graduate of Duluth Central High School and the University
of Minnesota and received his law degree from the university's Law
School. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta and Phi Delta Phi
fraternities.
A veteran of World War I, Mr. Jenswold was a member of the David
Wisted-Zenith City Post of the American Legion. He was a member of the
Duluth Congregational Church and chairman of its board of trustees; a
50-year member of Ionic Masonic Lodge and a member of Duluth Scottish
Rite Bodies, Aad Temple of the Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters.
He also held memberships in the Kitchi Gammi Club, Duluth Chamber of
Commerce and Northland Country Club, which he had served as president.
His professional affiliations included the 11th District Bar
Association, Minnesota Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Surviving are a son, John D. Jenswold, Jr., Walnut Creek,
California; three daughters, Mrs. Sidney Landfield, Quincy, Illinois,
Mrs. Paul Easling, Traverse City, Michigan., and Mrs. John Dickerson,
Duluth; a sister, Mrs. C.A. Dahle, Duluth; a brother, Henry Jenswold, San
Antonio, Texas; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Douglas Stalker, Arlington
Heights, Illinois, and Mrs. John E. Hoff, Jr., Duluth and a stepson<
Dennis Clark, Madison, Wisconsin.
Parents: Johannes Jensvold and Helena Darrah.

He was married to Marion Margaret Townsend on 10 Aug 1918 in Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa. Children were: John Darrah , Jr. Jenswold, Jane Darrah Jenswold , Barbara Winchell Jenswold, Marion Hillary Jenswold.

He was married to Eulalia Clark on 1 Jan 1963 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota.

bullet John Darrah III Jenswold Parents: John Darrah , Jr. Jenswold and Janet Joan Wareham.

Children were: Joshua David Jenswold.

bulletJohn Darrah , Jr. Jenswold was born on 17 Feb 1920 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. He died on 18 Feb 1920 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. Parents: John Darrah Jenswold and Marion Margaret Townsend .

Children were: Marguerite Marion Jenswold, John Darrah III Jenswold, Janet Elizabeth Jenswold, Thomas Wareham Jenswold .

bulletJoshua David Jenswold. Parents: John Darrah III Jenswold and LeAnn Peterson.

bulletMarguerite Marion Jenswold. Parents: John Darrah , Jr. Jenswold and Janet Joan Wareham.

Children were: Sarah Elizabeth Stephens, Jared Michael Stephens .

bulletMarion Hillary Jenswold was born on 30 Oct 1925 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. She died on 30 Oct 1971 in Duluth, St. Louis Co., Minnesota. Parents: John Darrah Jenswold and Marion Margaret Townsend .

Children were: Katharine Jane Dickerson.

bulletNancy Jenswold. Parents: Henry Clement Jenswold and Loretta Abbott.

bulletRoger Jenswold. Parents: Henry Clement Jenswold and Loretta Abbott.

bulletThomas Wareham Jenswold. Parents: John Darrah , Jr. Jenswold and Janet Joan Wareham.

bulletJERKINS .

bulletBetty Frances JERNIGAN was born on 1 Sep 1949. Parents: Earl victor JERNIGAN and Ella Frances STOKES .

She was married to Raymond STOKES on 23 Dec 1967. Children were: Jennifer Rae STOKES.

bullet Betty Joe Jernigan was born in 1925. She died in 1925.

Lived only 30 days.
[The Hulion Family Tree2.FTW]



Lived only 30 days. Parents: Fern Seth Jernigan and Nancy Josephine GARRETT.

bullet Carlie Belle Jernigan

She was married to Wade H. Fuqua in 1925 in Escambia County, Alabama.

bullet Cindy Melissa JERNIGAN was born on 19 Apr 1966.

She was married to Randal Jackson PEEBLES on 27 Sep 1982 in Brewton, Alabama. Children were: April Elaine Peebles, Cindy Marie Peebles, Coy Wilborn PEEBLES.

bullet Clarice Jernigan Parents: Fern Seth Jernigan and Nancy Josephine GARRETT.

bulletClyde JERNIGAN.

Children were: Phyllis JERNIGAN , Ronnie JERNIGAN, Larry JERNIGAN, Roger JERNIGAN.

bulletColonel Darrell JERNIGAN was born on 25 Aug 1915. Parents: Stephen Andrew JERNIGAN and Emily Vivian STEELE .

bullet Earl JERNIGAN

bulletEarl victor JERNIGAN was born on 23 Oct 1924. Parents: Stephen Andrew JERNIGAN and Emily Vivian STEELE .

He was married to Ella Frances STOKES on 18 Apr 1947. Children were: Nancy Earlene JERNIGAN , Betty Frances JERNIGAN.

bullet Ed Jernigan was born Private.

bulletEdward M. JERNIGAN.

He was married to Ruth Idella WARD on 1 Jun 1892 in Baldwin Co., AL.

bullet Effie Jernigan

Children were: Eugene Hart, William Dean Hart.

bulletEthel Francis JERNIGAN was born on 17 Apr 1896 in Otihiti, Santa Rosa County, Florida.

She was married to Benjamin Harrison KENNEDY on 1 Feb 1920. Children were: Sallie Mable KENNEDY , Ethel Gertrude KENNEDY, Benjamin Harrison Jr. KENNEDY, Betty Jeanette KENNEDY, Gladys Faye KENNEDY, Nancy Ilean KENNEDY, Baby KENNEDY.

bullet Fern Seth Jernigan was born in 1883 in Bagdad, FL. He died in 1943.

He was married to Nancy Josephine GARRETT about 1915. Children were: Clarice Jernigan, Betty Joe Jernigan.

bullet Ila Ebbie JERNIGAN

bulletJoanne JERNIGAN was born on 18 Jul 1952. Parents: John Merlin JERNIGAN and June Valerie CURTIS.

bullet John Merlin JERNIGAN was born on 16 Mar 1921. Parents: Stephen Andrew JERNIGAN and Emily Vivian STEELE .

He was married to June Valerie CURTIS in 1948. Children were: John Pareick JERNIGAN, Joanne JERNIGAN.

bullet John Pareick JERNIGAN was born on 2 Jun 1950. Parents: John Merlin JERNIGAN and June Valerie CURTIS .

bullet Julia JERNIGAN

Children were: Ivey Morgan BOOHER .

bulletLarry JERNIGAN. Parents: Clyde JERNIGAN and Correne EDWARDS.

bulletLarry Dean JERNIGAN was born on 15 May 1956. Parents: Walter Ray JERNIGAN and Eunice Della BREWER .

bullet Lavatus JERNIGAN

She was married to Robert Marion MERRITT on 19 Dec 1906. Children were: Dorothy Marion MERRITT , Doris Marie MERRITT, Dimple Modeste MERRITT, Elsie Elmer MERRITT .

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