Henry Christofferson was born in Norway in 1878-1879, son of Christoffer Hendriksen. He married Henrikki (otherwise known as Henrietta) Christofferson) about 1903 who may have been a second cousin. The couple immigrated to the United States in 1904 arriving with their small daughter Christine in San Francisco, California. Henry bought acreage in the Fisherman's Wharf area along with numerous other Norwegian families they traveled with.
By 1906 the massive San Francisco Earthquake rocked the city causing quite a lot of damage in the area they lived. For several reasons the Christofferson's removed to Seattle, Washington where their family continued to increase, by now having six children. Tragedy struck the family in Jan. 1920 when their toddler Marget died at the age of 2. Shortly thereafter the Henry, relocated his family again to South Bend, Washington on the Willapa Bay Harbor.
During the 1920's it was believed South Bend would evolve into another seaport similar to San Francisco and for a time enticed many to gravitate to the area. By trade Henry was a fisherman and dockworker and South Bend offered a bustling port with potential for growth in the industry. The family bought a home on what is known as Snoose Hill or Ekland Park. They lived off their property raising farm animals, an orchard with a variety of fruits trees and generous garden not to mention Henry's "catch of the day" while fishing.
The Chrisofferson's were a devout Methodist Family. So much so, memories of Henry sing his praises for his God fearing way of life, kindness, gentle nature and moral scruples. He helped his congregation build their church which still stands in the community today.
Henry and Henrietta ultimately raised a large family of 8 children. However, none remained in the South Bend vicinity. By the late 1950's the couple bought a small home in Vancouver, Washington and left their home on the Willapa. Henry died shortly thereafter of heart disease at the age of 73. His widow survived him living to the age of 90 yrs. old
By 1906 the massive San Francisco Earthquake rocked the city causing quite a lot of damage in the area they lived. For several reasons the Christofferson's removed to Seattle, Washington where their family continued to increase, by now having six children. Tragedy struck the family in Jan. 1920 when their toddler Marget died at the age of 2. Shortly thereafter the Henry, relocated his family again to South Bend, Washington on the Willapa Bay Harbor.
During the 1920's it was believed South Bend would evolve into another seaport similar to San Francisco and for a time enticed many to gravitate to the area. By trade Henry was a fisherman and dockworker and South Bend offered a bustling port with potential for growth in the industry. The family bought a home on what is known as Snoose Hill or Ekland Park. They lived off their property raising farm animals, an orchard with a variety of fruits trees and generous garden not to mention Henry's "catch of the day" while fishing.
The Chrisofferson's were a devout Methodist Family. So much so, memories of Henry sing his praises for his God fearing way of life, kindness, gentle nature and moral scruples. He helped his congregation build their church which still stands in the community today.
Henry and Henrietta ultimately raised a large family of 8 children. However, none remained in the South Bend vicinity. By the late 1950's the couple bought a small home in Vancouver, Washington and left their home on the Willapa. Henry died shortly thereafter of heart disease at the age of 73. His widow survived him living to the age of 90 yrs. old
Henry Christofferson was born in Norway in 1878-1879, son of Christoffer Hendriksen. He married Henrikki (otherwise known as Henrietta) Christofferson) about 1903 who may have been a second cousin. The couple immigrated to the United States in 1904 arriving with their small daughter Christine in San Francisco, California. Henry bought acreage in the Fisherman's Wharf area along with numerous other Norwegian families they traveled with.
By 1906 the massive San Francisco Earthquake rocked the city causing quite a lot of damage in the area they lived. For several reasons the Christofferson's removed to Seattle, Washington where their family continued to increase, by now having six children. Tragedy struck the family in Jan. 1920 when their toddler Marget died at the age of 2. Shortly thereafter the Henry, relocated his family again to South Bend, Washington on the Willapa Bay Harbor.
During the 1920's it was believed South Bend would evolve into another seaport similar to San Francisco and for a time enticed many to gravitate to the area. By trade Henry was a fisherman and dockworker and South Bend offered a bustling port with potential for growth in the industry. The family bought a home on what is known as Snoose Hill or Ekland Park. They lived off their property raising farm animals, an orchard with a variety of fruits trees and generous garden not to mention Henry's "catch of the day" while fishing.
The Chrisofferson's were a devout Methodist Family. So much so, memories of Henry sing his praises for his God fearing way of life, kindness, gentle nature and moral scruples. He helped his congregation build their church which still stands in the community today.
Henry and Henrietta ultimately raised a large family of 8 children. However, none remained in the South Bend vicinity. By the late 1950's the couple bought a small home in Vancouver, Washington and left their home on the Willapa. Henry died shortly thereafter of heart disease at the age of 73. His widow survived him living to the age of 90 yrs. old
By 1906 the massive San Francisco Earthquake rocked the city causing quite a lot of damage in the area they lived. For several reasons the Christofferson's removed to Seattle, Washington where their family continued to increase, by now having six children. Tragedy struck the family in Jan. 1920 when their toddler Marget died at the age of 2. Shortly thereafter the Henry, relocated his family again to South Bend, Washington on the Willapa Bay Harbor.
During the 1920's it was believed South Bend would evolve into another seaport similar to San Francisco and for a time enticed many to gravitate to the area. By trade Henry was a fisherman and dockworker and South Bend offered a bustling port with potential for growth in the industry. The family bought a home on what is known as Snoose Hill or Ekland Park. They lived off their property raising farm animals, an orchard with a variety of fruits trees and generous garden not to mention Henry's "catch of the day" while fishing.
The Chrisofferson's were a devout Methodist Family. So much so, memories of Henry sing his praises for his God fearing way of life, kindness, gentle nature and moral scruples. He helped his congregation build their church which still stands in the community today.
Henry and Henrietta ultimately raised a large family of 8 children. However, none remained in the South Bend vicinity. By the late 1950's the couple bought a small home in Vancouver, Washington and left their home on the Willapa. Henry died shortly thereafter of heart disease at the age of 73. His widow survived him living to the age of 90 yrs. old
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