Henry J. Gjertsen

Henry J. Gjertsen (October 8, 1861 – December 2, 1911) was a Norwegian-born American lawyer of Minneapolis and Minnesota state senator who was interested in civic and political affairs. He never specialized in any particular branch of the law but continued in general practice. In addition to being admitted to the state bar, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States.

Gjertsen's early education was obtained in the district school in Richfield, Minnesota, where his father was engaged in farming. He grew up on the farm until he was 20, working on the farm during the summer season and attending school in the winter. In this way, he prepared for the Minneapolis high school which he also attended for a time. Subsequently, he took a six years' term in the collegiate department of the Hauges Seminary at Red Wing, Minnesota, a theological institution, graduating in 1881. His parents had destined him for the ministry, but after completing his collegiate course, he immediately took up the study of law with Judge Lang, of Minneapolis, and was admitted to the bar at the age of 23, in 1884, passing an examination before Judge Lochren.