Hans Nielsen 1888

Hans Nielsen 1888

As written by Birthe Marie Nielsen Lindhardt

My dad came into the world in the house where his parents, Hans Christian Nielsen & Anine Regine Hansen built with the family’s help. He was the youngest of 6 children. My grandpa was a landlord so he grew up under small circumstances. He wrote descriptively in his remembrance book about how his life was during his childhood and how everything was made.

He was a good and hard working boy and helped his parents a lot because his parents were old when he was born. 54 & 44 years old. His schooling was very poor. There was only one class where all the children of all ages were taught by the same teacher. But my dad always did his best and won the prize for best in character and diligence. After his confirmation he continued to go to night school to gain more knowledge & later he went to high school.

He had an ear for music and played the harmonica. He composed & made songs and always took part in community parties. When he was 14, he helped his neighbor burn oars and his salary was 25 ore a day. (32 cents) he saved his money and bought a pocket watch that he had until he died.

After his confirmation, he stayed home a couple of years and helped his parents and drove a steam engine. His daily salary was now 2 kroner and since he was money smart and saved his money he soon bought a bike.

When my dad was 17 he went to serve at his brother’s land and from his servants conduct book we can follow his activities. Later, dad bought a car and became a chauffer. He ended up driving for Hovedstaden Brugsforening and it was here that he met mom (Betty Marie Hertz). He was 34 years old. They became engaged and together bought a meat/butcher shop on Alhambravey. They were married March 4 1923.

Hans Nielsen and Betty Marie Hertz (no date available)