Florence Marie Beattie and Jacob V. Jacobsen were married in Fargo on September 12, 1932. Florence was born to James and Anna Beattie on May 26, 1915. "Jake", the son of Andrew and Magdelena Jacobsen, was born on January 14, 1909, and lived with his family near Luverne.
The early years of their marriage were spent in Richmond, California, where Jake worked as a mechanic in his brother-in-law I. J. Watne's garage. Soon the young couple returned to North Dakota to farm.
They lived for a brief time in Grandma Sonju's house across the yard from Gustav and Delia Sonju. That was the year of the 'Big Storm' (1936) and the family lived on pheasant meat. As the weather worsened, the pheasants moved closer to the buildings and Jake could "pick them off" from the back door.
The family which now included a daughter, Janet Joyce, born in 1933, and a son, Andrew James (Jim), born in 1936, moved to Page where they farmed until 1938.
Times were hard and sometimes sad. A second son, born in July 1939, lived only a short time. That faith in the Lord which has been an example for the Jacobsen children down through the years sustained the young mother as she cradled her dead son. As a child of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, she knew that one day she would again see this son in Heaven.
The 1940s brought better times and two more daughters, Athalie Ann, born in 1941, and Patricia Lurie, born in 1947. After living a short time on the Weed farm, the young farmer and his wife purchased and moved to the Steinborn farm northwest of Hannaford in 1945, and have lived there ever since. Jake's father farmed with Jake until his death in 1950.
Growing up in rural North Dakota provided many rich experiences for the children. They attended a one-room school, Helena No. 1, a mile west of the family farm. Jim rode his pony to school, and the girls would walk or ride their bikes. On a cold winter day, the children recall their father taking them to school on a sled drawn by a team of horses.
Each child was responsible for many daily chores, as work on the farm was plentiful and never-ending. However, some evenings were times for fun as the family gathered for games of softball or tag, or picnics in the trees. Each child fondly recalls winter evenings gathered around the table playing games and eating popcorn.
As Jake and Florence began to enjoy some success as farmers, they were able to spend more time pursuing their hobbies and interests. Florence became an accomplished seamstress as she sewed most of the clothing for her daughters and herself. Another interest was gardening. Down through the years her family and her friends have enjoyed the fruits of her tabor - her lovely yard full of trees and flowers. She also found time to work as a cook at Griggs County Hospital from 1955 to 1985.
In his younger years, Jake enthusiastically hunted deer, pheasants and other game. On a clear winter evening the entire family might pile into the car to go rabbit hunting. Each child was allowed to take a "shot" at a rabbit. Sunday afternoons were often spent improving his aim as Jake and friends target practiced in the pasture. Jake still loves to fish, bowl and play horseshoe. He worked diligently with other Hannaford residents to form the Hannaford Horseshoe Club. He is pleased to be listed in the North Dakota Horseshoe Hall of Fame.
Florence was a charter member of Christian Fellowship Church formed in 1952. She was careful to see that each family member attended Sunday School and church weekly and that each one knew that God loved him/her and had a special plan for each life.
After attending Oak Grove High School in Fargo, Janet graduated from Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada. While serving under the Canadian Sunday School Mission in northern Alberta, she met William Cowger of Bonanza, Alberta. They were married in 1955, and now live in Edmonton, Alberta, where Janet works as a secretary in a public school. Their four children are Thomas James, Lee Ann Marie, Arthur Dean, and LaDawn Joy.
Andrew James served in the U. S. Navy from 1956 until 1976. He is the father of two daughters, Ronelda Dee and Patti Ann, and one son, Leslie.
Jim presently lives in Marietta, Georgia, and has a civil service job with the U. S. Postal System.
Athalie graduated from Valley City State College. She married Monty Okken from Anaconda, Montana, in 1966, and their three children are Jonathan Ray, David Andrew, and Alison Joy. They live in San Diego, California, where she is an elementary school teacher.
Patricia (Pat) Edwards also graduated from Valley City State College and teaches mathematics at North High in Fargo. She is the mother of a son, Daniel Jacob. In July 1989, she will marry Steven Alm of Fargo.
Though life's paths have led them to various parts of the continent, the Jacobsen children are always eager to visit their family and friends in Griggs County and ever proud to call North Dakota home.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 164