Christine M. ElholmMRS. CHRISTINE M. ELHOLM. Prominent among the pioneer women of Stanislaus County is Mrs. Christine M. Elholm, who for more than thirty years has been a resident of California, most of that time in this county, actively identified with its growth and development, contributing in full measure her share in toil and consecration to its prosperity and welfare.
Her parents are dead and the oldest brother, Christen, now owns the place. Here Christine was reared and educated in an atmosphere of culture and refinement. She had two brothers, George and Andrew Christensen, who had come to California about 1881 along with Andrew H. Elholm. After a year in Iowa, they came to California in 1882. George died two years later. Andrew became a business man in San Francisco and died January 24, 1916. In 1890 Andrew Elholm made a visit to his old home and renewed the acquaintance of Miss Christensen, who was a school girl when he left and before the end of his visit they were engaged to be married. She then came to California in 1890, making her home with her brother in San Francisco and they were married in that city, March 21, 1891. Mr. Elholm was also born on the Island of Alsen on November 24, 1860. He had come to California in 1882 and about 1884 to Hill's Ferry. After their marriage they located in San Joaquin Valley and engaged in farming at Orestimba for three years. when they leased the present place of 1,200 acres, where he continued until his death, December 19, 1916. He was a good man who was well liked by everyone and was mourned by his family and friends. Mr. Elholm was one of the influential and progressive men of the community, interested in public welfare, was trustee of Cleveland school district and for many rears served as trustee for the Newman Union High School, since the district was started and until his death. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mrs. Elholm is the mother of six children, all well and favorably known at New man. They are Jesse J., an automobile mechanic in Newman; Herbert George, the capable foreman of the great grain ranch; Andrew C., Roy H., Anna C. and Alice C., all residing at home, the latter three still being in school. Of these Jesse J., the eldest son, won an enviable record for service during the great World War. He entered the service November 19, 1917, and after only three weeks at Camp Lewis, he was transferred to Washington, D. C., where he was made first sergeant of the Three Hundred Eighteenth Motor Transport Company, in charge of automobile repairs, with a large force of men under him. On May 21, 1918, he sailed with his company for France, and after a year of service on French soil, he was afterwards stationed for months with the Army of Occupation on the Rhine, near Mayence, Germany. He received his honorable discharge at the Presidio at San Francisco, September 12, 1919. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Elholm has assumed the management of the ranch and with the aid of her children she is carrying on the business of raising barley and wheat. She is operating the ranch with tractor and teams. She has a 65 horse-power Holt caterpillar and combined harvester and also uses teams of mules and horses, her sons being her able assistants. She has inherited from her sturdy ancestors much business ability as well as habits of industry and has demonstrated her ability in her farming enterprise and is giving a good account of her stewardship. Mrs. Elholm and her children are members of the Presbyterian Church at Newman. and she also takes an active interest in the Rebekah lodge. Source: History of Stanislaus County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified with Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present by George H. Tinkham, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles California 1921.
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