Welcome to the Paul and Agnes Christiansen Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Paul and Agnes Memorial Scholarship Fund has begun issuing three scholarships a year in Penn Yan, New York, in Yates County. One scholarship will be for an outstanding student in agriculture, one scholarship will be for an outstanding student in music or drama, and one scholarship for an outstanding student in a health related field.

Paul was born on November 29, 1897 in Denmark. Agnes was born on September 3, 1898 in Potter, New York. Agnes and her family returned to Denmark when she was 6 years old and she grew up there.

Paul and Agnes met each other at a young age, when they both worked on a farm in Denmark. After Paul completed his service in the Danish Army, Paul and Agnes were soon married, on October 7, 1919. (Incidentally, one of their children was born that day, 7 years later.) They had two children that were born in Denmark, then they came to America in 1922. If you are ever at Ellis Island in New York, you can find their names there, along with thousands of others.

Paul became a dairy farmer after coming to this country. Paul and Agnes settled in Yates County, where they lived the rest of their lives. Paul and Agnes raised 11 children, and at this writing there are 9 children, 44 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren.

Paul and Agnes were lifelong members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Penn Yan. Agnes was a member of the Gold Star Mothers and a lifelong member in the Danish Sisterhood. She did volunteer work at the House of Concern and the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home for many years. Agnes was a housewife, a loving wife and mother. Everyone who ever met Agnes just loved her. Agnes passed away on a Sunday, August 16, 1998, just 3 weeks before her 100th birthday.

Paul was a dairy farmer until 1962, when one of his sons bought the farm. The farm is still in the family today. Paul was a member of the New York Dairy Herd Association and the Farm Bureau Association. He was President of the Local Milk Cooperative, a member of the Danish Brotherhood and a member of the Kiwanis Club. Paul would be requested as a guest speaker at different functions, including speaking to classes at Penn Yan Academy. Paul passed away on October 13, 1973. He was 76 years old.

Paul and Agnes were self taught people. Even though they never had any formal American education, they both understood the importance of obtaining a good education. Paul and Agnes were very proud people; proud of their heritage, their community, their children, their grandchildren, their great grandchildren, and their great great grandchildren. Paul and Agnes were always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. They were full of God's love. Our community is better for having Paul and Agnes be a part of Penn Yan for all those years.
Let's not forget them.