The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 536 J. MARTIN BORGERSON. Among the successful merchants of Sunnyside is J. Martin Borgerson, who conducts a variety store in which he carries the most modern lines of goods, having always a great assortment on hand in order to meet practically any taste of the public. His carefulness and close attention in catering to his customers has greatly added toward making his business the first class establishment that it is today. He was born in Faribault, Minnesota, January 12, 1886, a son of Sophus and Amelia Borgerson. natives of Norway, who in early life crossed the ocean and settled in Minnesota. The father passed away in 1894 and is still survived by his widow, who makes her home in Egeland, North Dakota. J. Martin Borgerson received a public school education in his native state and at the early age of thirteen years set out upon his business career, clerking in various establishments in Faribault. In 1902 he proceeded to North Dakota and there remained for five and a half years, at the end of which period he removed to Montana. That state remained his residence until 1912, in which year he came to Sunnyside, where for two years he was a salesman. On August 15, 1914, he opened a variety store, which he has ever since conducted with growing success. His place is twenty-five by one hundred and forty feet, in dimensions, giving ample room for the display of his goods. He carries complete lines of the various articles found in an establishment of this character and is nearly always able to meet the wants of his customers. The greatest courtesy toward them is observed and he always bears in mind the saying that a customer once pleased is always a customer. On January 18, 1911, Mr. Borgerson was married to Della M. Sheaben, of Grandview, Washington, who was born in South Dakota and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sheaben. To Mr. and Mrs. Borgerson have been born two daughters, Juanita and Florence. The family attend the Methodist church. Politically Mr. Borgerson is a republican and, always interested in local progress and advancement, readily gives his services as a member of the city council in order to promulgate measures for the improvement of Sunnyside. In the Commercial Club of the city he is also very active and has been secretary of the organization. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. From the foregoing it may be seen that Mr. Borgerson is one of the valued citizens of his community, a man who has not only made a success of his business but who is ever ready to give of his time and means in order to serve the general public. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.