Jacob Jacobson, a member of the wholesale jobbing firm of Henricksen & Jacobson, of Racine, was born on the 31st of October, 1887, in the city in which he still makes his home and conies of Norwegian ancestry, representing in his life many of the sterling traits of the people of the land of the midnight sun. His parents were Andrew and Mary E. (Kittilsen) Jacobson, both of whom were natives of Norway. When young people they came to Racine, arriving in 1883 and here they were married. The father was always a seaman and became captain of the G. Ellen and later or the Henry Cowles. He was also mate of the Minnie Mueller and was captain of the J. B. Newland. Of each of these boats he was part owner and he sailed all over the lakes, continuing to sail up to the time of his death, which occurred November 12, 1911. His widow survives and still makes her home in Racine.
After obtaining a public school education in this city Jacob Jacobson started in the business world as an employee at the plant of the Fish Wagon Company and was with that concern until the business was closed out in the year 1914. He had become interested in the jobbing grocery business, entering into partnership with H. M. Henricksen, and now concentrates his efforts upon the further development of their trade, which has grown rapidly and points to further success.
On the 4th of March, 1914, Mr. Jacobson was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Amundsen, of Milwaukee, daughter of Ed and Hannah Amundsen. They have one child, Mildred Edna. The parents hold membership in the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Jacobson’s further activity in behalf of the moral progress of the community is indicated in his membership in the Young Men’s Christian Association. In politics he votes somewhat independently, preferring the republican principles, with the belief that the platform of the party contains the best element of good government. He has membership with the United Commercial Travelers and is also a member of the Commercial Club. He is a typical American citizen possessed of commendable ambition along business lines and at the same time recognizing his duties and obligations in citizenship so that he lends active aid and support to those branches which are working for the further development and upbuilding of city, state and country.