Eulogy for Jacob D. Jacobsen

An original copy of a funeral program, or memorial booklet, containing a biography and speeches. The booklet is in Norwegian.

Biographical Note

Jacob D. Jacobsen was born on the Ballestad Farm, Gjerpen Parish, Skien, Norway, on 16 July 1842. His parents were Daniel Jacobsen Ballestad and Anne Kristine Olsdatter. The family immigrated to Waukesha County, Wisconsin, in spring 1843 and bought a forty acre farm. Jacob had three sisters, Karen, Ingeborg, and Marie, that were born in Norway and two twin brothers, Ole and Nils, were born in America.

The family joined the Norwegian-Lutheran congregation founded by Reverend W. Dietrichson in 1847. Jacob's father died of tuberculosis in 1854. Jacob was confirmed in the Red River Parish on 10 May 1857. Jacob then lived with his pastor, R. Brandt, who taught him Latin and other subjects. This enabled Jacob to attend the Missouri Latin School and Priest Seminary in St. Louis. Brandt’s congregation paid the tuition. Jacob’s mother died of tuberculosis in 1858. Jacob graduated from Concordia College the spring of 1861. He spent his spare time as tutor for kids and he also started as a helping teacher in 1863 at the Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. He attended the English School in Big Eanoe, Iowa, during the winter of 1863 and attended Luther College in 1864 and 1865. Two more years at Concordia College enabled Jacob to complete his preparation of his theology studies in 1870. After completing his theology exam he became a minister in Koshkonong, Wisconsin.

He married Guri Ingebrigtsen in 1871. Together they had one daughter and three sons. He returned to Luther College and became a professor in January 1872. He taught English, Greek, and several other courses; however, Greek became his favorite topic. He lived in the college building between 1872-76 and helped the principal with supervision of the building. He was elected secretary of the School Board of Trustees in the of spring 1873. He adopted his oldest sister’s three boys after she died. He was a member of the Board of the Congregations Publishing House. He visited Kristiania and Skien, Norway, in May 1874. He died on 1 April 1881 of tuberculosis.