CLAUSSEN, ECKLUND

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 06:04:18 :

Marin Journal
Thursday, November 18, 1915
Page 2

Point Reyes Pioneer Passes Away

Funeral services were held Tuesday by Marin Lodge No. 191, F. and A. M. over the remains of Peter H. C. Claussen, who passed away last Saturday at his home at Point Reyes. Mr. Claussen’s health had been bad for some time, and his advanced age prevented a recovery from a complication of afflictions. He was 73 years old.

The body was removed to San Rafael and placed in Sawyer’s parlors until the funeral services, when it was taken to Point Reyes cemetery for burial yesterday.

The deceased was a respected member of the San Rafael Masonic lodge, with which order he had been affiliated for years. He is survived by a widow, Mrs. Clara Claussen, a daughter, Clara, and a son, Henry Claussen. He also has a surviving sister, Brita Ecklund.

During his long residence in Marin county he resided on one ranch on the Pt. Reyes peninsula, about 15 miles west of Pt. Reyes Station. He had a dairy herd of 200 cows, and conducted one of the most sanitary dairies in the county.

Mr. Claussen’s historical connection with Marin county dates back to 1870, when he arrived at Point Reyes and engaged in the dairy business, which he conducted up to the time of his death. He was a careful, honest and industrious citizen of his community, and this was recognized by the voters of Point Reyes township, who made him a school trustee for five consecutive terms.

His early life was filled with the vicissitudes of all pioneers. He left his home in Sweden at the age of 17 years for a life at sea. For five years he sailed continuously, and then returned home to perfect his nautical education by the study of navigation. Successively he was second and first mate on vessels that visited many ports of the world until he came with his parents to Sacramento in 1870. A year later he moved to Point Reyes. His father died in 1879 and his mother returned to Sweden. In 1872 he was married to Agneta C. Wittgren. Throughout his life he was honored and respected by all who knew him and always reckoned a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.

A large circle of friends and neighbors came down to San Rafael to attend the funeral services. Rev. Lynn T. White acted as Chaplain of the lodge and in brief by appropriate words told of the sterling worth, honor and integrity of the man.