The Hanson Families of Otter Tail County, Minnesota

HENDRICK ARNOLD HANSON.

Prominent in the political life of Tordenskjold township and a successful farmer of Otter Tail county for many years, Hendrick Arnold Hanson was born on his father's homestead farm in Tordenskjold township on June 10, 1873.

Mr. Hanson is a son of Nils and Anne (Monsen) Loken, both of whom were born in Norway, and who were married in that country. They came to America in 1868, and for two years lived near Red Wing, Minnesota. About 1870 they emigrated to Otter Tail county, being accompanied to this county by Mr. Hanson's maternal grandmother, Ingebor Monsen. The latter took up a homestead claim of forty acres in Clitherall township, and on this tract the whole family lived for two years, after which Mr. Hanson's father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, which he gradually improved from time to time. Here the family lived until 1908, when the farm was sold to E. J. Hanson, the youngest son. At this time the father retired from active farm life and removed to a home near that of his son, Hendrick Arnold. Both Mr. Hanson's father and mother are living at this time, his father now being seventy-eight years, and the mother is seventy-nine. At one time Mr. Hanson's father was identified with the Populist party, but is now an independent voter. Both he and his good wife are devout members of the Lutheran church, and he was one of the founders of the Trefoldighed church in Clitherall township. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Hendrick Arnold was the fourth in order of birth. The others, in the order of their birth, are as follow: Hans Jacob, a farmer living at Landa, North Dakota; Inga, the wife of Hans Olsen, a farmer of Landa, North Dakota; Dena, the wife of Herman Lillestrand, of Landa, North Dakota; Mollie, the wife of J. B. Highdale, a farmer of Tordenskjold township; Edwin Julius, living on his father's farm, and Sarah, the wife of Jule Morstad, lives at Wall Lake, Minnesota, where her husband is a merchant.

Hendrick Arnold Hanson was educated in the public schools of Otter Tail county, and reared on his father's farm. After reaching maturity he engaged in farming for himself. In 1897 Air! Hanson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township from Jacob Frederickson for the sum of one thousand six hundred dollars. Since that time Mr. Hanson has erected a handsome new house and barn, and has cleared forty acres of the land himself. He is a general farmer and stockman.

In 1895 Hendrick A. Hanson was married to Emma Nelson, who died in 1904, leaving five children, Xora, Alfred, Herbert and Hilma and Xorris, twins. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Hanson was married, in 1907, to Fina Haldorson, and to this union have been born seven children [names omitted for privacy]..Mrs. Hanson was born on July 2i, 1875. and is a daughter of Andreas and Agnetta Haldorson, who are still living at Finmark, Norway. Mrs. Hanson's father is sixty-seven, and her mother is sixty-five years of age. Mrs. Hanson came to America in 1 901, and settled in Tordenskjold township.

Mr. Hanson is a Democrat in politics, and has served his fellow citizens as township treasurer for the past fifteen years. He also served eleven years as school treasurer, and has always taken an active interest in all movements which have for their object the betterment and welfare of his community. He and his wife and family are earnest and devout members of the Lutheran church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

E. J. HANSON.

Born on the farm where he is now living in Tordenskjold township, February 26, 1877, E. J. Hanson, a well-known and prosperous farmer of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a son of Nils Hansen Loken and Annie (Monstadt) Loken, both of whom were born in Norway, the former on January 25, 1837, and the latter on March 3, 1836.

Mr. Hanson's parents grew up in their native land and were married in that country and had two children lie fore coming to America. During his active life, Nils Hansen Loken was a shoemaker by trade, but wishing to improve his condition, came to America about 1871, and for a time lived in Red Wing, Minnesota. After acquiring an ox-team he drove to Otter Tail county, settling in Clitherall township, where he lived for three or four years. Mrs. Hanson's mother, Ingebor Monsen, accompanied her daughter and son-in-law to this country, and after he arrived in Minnesota, took up a homestead in Clitherall township, where she lived for some years, her death occurring in Tordenskjold township, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. Nils Hanson later came to Tordenskjold township, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in sections 13 and 24. After clearing and improving this place in various ways, he erected handsome modern buildings to replace the log structures which he had first constructed. He and his good wife are both now living retired in their little home. On July 3, 1913, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, and at that time entertained many of their descendants, who took part in the celebration. Both are devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. To this worthy couple have been born seven children: Hans J., who lives in North Dakota, where be is a farmer; Inga, who is the wife of Hans Olson, also lives in North Dakota; Dina, the first child born in America, married Herman Lillestrarid, and they are now living in North Dakota; Hendrick Arnold, a farmer of Tordenskjold township; Mollie, the wife of J. B. Higsdale. a farmer of Tordenskjold township; E. J., the sixth in order of birth, is the immediate subject of this review; Sarah, the wife of Jule Morstad, and they live at Wall Lake, Otter Tail county, Minnesota.

E. J. Hanson received his education in school district No. 71, Otter Tail county and Tordenskjold township, and after leaving school he took up farming, and in 10 14 purchased the old homestead, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, besides eighty acres which his father had later bought. Mr. Hanson is engaged in general farming, and is the thresherman for his neighborhood.

On October 25, 1008, E. J. Hanson was married to Mary Hedberg, a native of Sweden, and the daughter of Ole Hedberg, who died in Sweden in 1913. Mrs. Hanson's mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Hanson are the parents of four children [names omitted for privacy].

Both Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Hanson are members of the Norwegian Synod church. Mr. Hanson is identified with the Democratic party and has been prominent in local politics, having filled a number of local offices, among which is that of constable.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Born on March 20. 1867, the late Lewis Hanson, who was a well-to-do farmer of Fverts township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was a son of Andrew and Martha (Erickson) Hanson, both of whom were natives of Norway. Andrew Hanson was born in Norway in 1834, and Martha Erickson was born in the same country on July 4, 1839. They were married in Norway, ami in pioneer times emigrated to America and settled in Grant county, Minnesota. They were also pioneer settlers in Otter Tail county, where they removed from Grant county. They took a homestead in St. Olaf township, a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and bought three hundred and twenty acres in sections 8 and 9, about 1880. Lewis Hanson's parents are still living on the old homestead in St. Olaf township. Andrew Hanson broke up his land from the raw prairie, and made many substantial improvements on the place and is now living retired. He and his good wife are members of the Lutheran church. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Lewis was the fourth child. The others are John Edward. Tilda, bred. Anne, John, Carl and Anton.

Lewis Hanson was educated principally in the schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He came to Everts township with his parents, and located on one hundred and sixty acres of land which he purchased of his father, and here he lived until his death in 1913.

On January 21, 1893, Lewis Hanson was married to Nettie Dahl. who was born in Everts township on May 22, 1872, and who is a daughter of Ole II. and Karen (Glende) Dahl, both of whom were burn in Norway, the former in 1N47 and the latter in 1848. Ole Dahl and Karen Glende both came to America and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1871, and were married in this county. After their marriage, Mrs. Hanson's father purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres in section 17, in Everts township. He died on this farm in 1882. His widow is now living, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were the parents of three children, Nettie, Andrew, and Sophia, who is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hanson are the parents of four children: Ole A., born on November 27, 1803, lives at home on the farm; Clarence M., June 7, 1897, also lives at home; Clara, December o, 1899; Mathilda, February 11, 1904.

The late Lewis Hanson made many- improvements upon his farm in Everts township. In 1898 he built a magnificent residence, and in addition to the erection of many good farm buildings he also fenced his farm and installed a good system of drainage. Mr. Hanson was well known in the community where he spent a great deal of his life. His widow is still living on the farm, and is a highly respected and refined woman.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Carl Hanson is the son of Andrew and Martha (Elius) Hanson, both natives of Norway. Andrew Hanson was born on August 1 1. 1832, and the birth of his wife occurred on July 4. 1839. They were united in marriage on October 11, 1860, and immigrated to America in [863, locating in Fillmore county, Minnesota, until 1865. They then removed to ( grant county, Minnesota, where they- remained one year, in [866 choosing St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county Minnesota, as their permanent home and removing to that place. It was here that their son, Carl, was born on November J4, [873, and here he has since remained. Andrew Hanson was the first to locate in this neighborhood and the roads consisted only of Indian trails. There were also elk in abundance and to witness them traveling in droves was almost an everyday occurence. During the first three years of their sojourn in St. Olaf township, (old Springs. Minnesota, was the nearest trading point anil flour was twenty dollars per barrel and potatoes were five dollars per bushel. The place was soon cleared and under cultivation, for no time could lie wasted with facilities so poor and provisions so high. Andrew Hanson not only cleared the farm but put on all of the improvements and added to his holdings, until the farm was increased to one hundred and sixty acres. The names of the children born to Andrew and Martha Hanson are: Jeh, Matilda, bred, Lewis. Anna. John F. and Carl. The family are all members of the Xorwegian Lutheran church. Andrew Hanson is a stanch Republican.

Carl Hanson received his education in the schools of St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and upon completion of his studies assisted his father with the work on the home place and has continued to do so until the present time, although he owns eighty acres, independently, on which he does general farming and stock raising. He makes a specialty of breeding thoroughbred Percheron nurses. His farm of eighty acres was purchased in 1895. O" March 29, 191 5. Carl Hanson was united in marriage to Carolina B. Holt, daughter of Iver Holt.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Ole Hanson was born in Elmo township, this county. May 1, 1884, the son of Ole and Ronog (Bradley) Hanson, both of whom were born in Northfron, Norway, where they grew up and were married.

( lie Hanson, Sr., was the son of Hans P. and Marit (Olson) Ronning, natives of Norway. Hans P. Ronning was a farmer and lived all his life in Norway, where he died at the age of eighty-one years. His wife came to America and spent her last days with Ole Hanson, Sr. She died in 1908, at 1 lie aye of eighty-four.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HANS STANER HANSON.

Hans Staner Hanson, a farmer of Henning, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is now a well-to-do man and is well known throughout the county where he has lived for many years.

Mr. Hanson was born on January 3, 1852, in Norway, and is the son of Staner and Rungnald (Larsen1) Hanson, both of whom were natives of Norway. Mr. Hanson's parents came to America and settled at Madison, Wisconsin, in 1856. Four years later they moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota, and there purchased a pre-emption of one hundred and sixty acres of land, where Mr. Hanson's father died. They were the parents of seven children, two of whom. Louis and an infant, and deceased. The living children are Mary, Hans Staner. Ole, Anna and Richard.

Hans Staner Hanson was four years "Id when the family settled in the-tate of Wisconsin. He attended school in Dane county, Wisconsin. and at Albert I ea and later took up farming. Subsequently, he moved to 1 rool ton, Polk county, Minnesota, and purchased three hundred anil twenty ere 1 1 railroad land, which he sold in 1879. At this time he returned to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and in 1881 came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, ami purchased 1 ne hundred and sixty acres of land in section t6. of Henning township. After a time he sold this farm and moved to Girard township, where he purchased three hundred and sixt) acres For the next sixteen years he lived in Girard township, but this farm was sold in r8o8, at which time Mr Hanson moved to Henning. He now owns two hundred acres of land, tie hundred and-i- acres of which is located within the corporation limits of the town of Henning. Having rebuilt his house, Mr. Hanson has a splendid residence lie has a barn, sixty by twenty-six feet, with two sheds, eighteen by sixty and fifteen by sixty. Hans Staner Hanson lias always been prominent as a stockman. He is secretary and manager of the Henning Farmers Creamery Association and has held other positions of trust and responsibility.

In 1892 Hans S. Hanson was married to Helena Bogan, who was born at Christiania, Norway, in 1862. Mrs. Hanson's father died in Norway and, after his death, her mother came to America and settled in Otter Tail county. She spent her last days in Raker count)', Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Hans S. Hanson have been the parents of five children: Staner, Louis, Stella, Hannah and Henry, all of whom are living and reside at home with their father. Their mother died in 1904.

Mr. Hanson has bought and sold considerable land in Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He has been president of the village of Henning and is now president of the local school board. He has served in this capacity for the past seven years.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HANS C. HANSON.

Prom the roll of public-spirited citizens, whose unselfish interests have done great things for the development of the county and for their more immediate vicinities, the name of Hans C. Hanson, of New York Mills, Minnesota, stands out conspicuously as one who, perhaps has done greater service for the public improvement of his home town and for the promotion of the business activities of his locality than any other of these desirable and valued citizens. A man of varied experience in life, one with broad knowledge of the activities of the business world, and a citizen who as a promoter and as an organizer has proved himself as one of unusual ability, this review of Otter Tail county would not be complete without reference to the work and achievements of this worthy citizen.

Hans C. Hanson was born in Denmark on the island of Fynn, on April 1, 1859, the son of Rasmus and Alary Hanson, who were likewise natives of Denmark. Rasmus Hanson is well known in his community for his record as a soldier in the war with Germany, when he received a medal for an act of bravery in cutting chains which were blockading the war area to the ships of his country. In private life, Rasmus Hanson was a farmer and land owner of Denmark, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. To the marriage of Rasmus and Alary Hanson were born three children: Hans, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who married Andrew Hanson, and lives at Orlando, Louisiana, and Anne, who is married and lives mi the island of Langeland. in Denmark.

Hans ('. Hanson was educated in the public schools of his native land. where he attended classes until fifteen years of age and then he engaged in general farming, until the year 1880. when, being twenty-one years of age, he sailed for \111erica and landed at Xew York City, on his birthday, and immediately Following he went to Rochester. Minnesota, where he worked on a farm for one summer and then took up work for an elevator company, at the same time attending night school under the direction of a friend, who is now a resident of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. After two years Hans C. I [anson engaged in work at the Rochester Iron Works, where he was employed for five years, and then resigned to accept a place on the police Force "t Rochester, under Chief of Police Capp. In the year r88q Mr. Hanson came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and bought fort acres of land in section

II, of Homestead township, land which was unbroken railroad territory. Hans C. Hanson proceeded to clear and to improve this land, and from time to time increased his holdings by the purchase of additional land until he owned two hundred and forty acres. On this place Hans C. Hanson lived until a decade ago, at the time of leaving he having one of the best improved and most completely equipped farms of the community.

During his residence on his farm, Hans C. Hanson, for two years, was driver of the United States mail on the star route, after which he moved to the town of New York Mills and rented an old hotel, which he managed in connection with his duties as a mail carrier, until one Easter morning when the hotel burned. Mr. Hanson then rented a nearby house, where he continued in the hotel business, and in 1906 he erected a new hotel building which was known as "The Merchant's Hotel,'' a building which was equipped with twenty rooms, all of which were supplied with hot and cold running water and steam heat. Hans C. Hanson conducted this hotel until the vear [913, when he retired from this business for two years and then, during 1915, he returned to the management of his former place of business.

At the time of the double tracking of the Northern Pacific railway through the locality, Hans C. Hanson was given charge of a special company of men employed at construction work and for one season followed this work and then during the next year he went to the state of Montana, where he was engaged in the work of laying the steel rails between the towns of Armington and of Billings, after which Mr. Hanson returned to New York Mills, being called home on account of illness in his family. At this time Hans C. Hanson became a grain buyer for the Andrews Grain Company, a position in which he is now engaged.

Hans C. Hanson has taken an important part in the public life and in the public affairs of New York Mills. For six years Mr. Hanson served on the town council and during that time it was largely clue to his personal efforts that the streets of the town were graded, that cement sidewalks were built, and that the central park of the town was arranged for and largely completed — this without cost to the community — the funds being collected l>\ public subscription and by donation. Hans C. Hanson was the organizer of the local Commercial Club, an organization of thirty-six members, of which Mr. Hanson is now serving as president. During the year 1914 Hans C Hanson was an active candidate for a seat in the state Legislature, but was defeated at the election.

Hans C. Hanson was married on September 0. t88i. to Charlotte Carlson, who was born at Stockholm, Sweden, the daughter of Carl Carlson and wife, who were natives of Sweden, and of whom the father came to America, his daughter, Charlotte, coming to join her father during the year 1880.

To the marriage of Hans and Charlotte Hanson were born the following children: Carl Oscar, who is a railroad man of Duluth, Minnesota; Adla, who married William Ash and later died of tuberculosis; Alma, who married Seblon Olson and lives at New York Mills; Abby, who is manager and grain buyer for the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Vining, Minnesota; Arthur, who is a chauffeur for the Fiske livery at New York Mills; Justus, a student of the Wadena Business College; Clara, who married Marshall Lloyd, an electrician of Verndale, Minnesota; and Laura, who lives at home. Following the death of his daughter, Adla, Hans C. Hanson adopted his granddaughter [names omitted for privacy], who now lives with Mr. Hanson as one of the family.

Hans C. Hanson is prominently and broadly affiliated with several fraternal organizations of the community, he being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since twenty-two years of age, a lodge in which he has served as vice-grand at Rochester. Mr. Hanson is also a Mason of Perham Lodge No. 159, as well as of the chapter at Wadena. Hans C. Hanson is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America, and in church affiliation he is a member of the Congregational church, in which congregation he serves as treasurer. In politics he is a Republican.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Rorn in Norway, May i_\ [864, Gustav Hanson is a son of Hans and Sophia Hanson, both of whom were also natives of the same country, and who, in 1869, emigrated to Dane county, Wisconsin, and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land. There Mr. Hanson's father died in 1874. at the age of forty-three years. His mother died in 1875. Hans Hanson ami wife were the parents of four children, of whom Martha, the youngest, is deceased. The living children arc Gustav, Ilaldan and Hannah

Gustav Hanson, who is a prosperous farmer of Gerard township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was educated in the schools of Dane county, Wisconsin. He took up farming early in life, and after working as a farmer and thresherman for a number of years, came to Minnesota in 18S8. Men Inrented land in Yellow Medicine county. Minnesota. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of land, hut in 1903-old that farm and purchased two hundred and sixty-three acres in section. of Gerard township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, A lake near Mr. Hanson's farm is now known as Hanson's lake. Mr. Hanson has sold eighty acres of this farm to bison, Henry, lie is now well known as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs. In 101 4 Mr. Hanson built a new and attractive residence, ami all of his farm buildings are kept painted and in the besl possible state of repair. Eightv acres of the farm have been cleared and are under cultivation. Mr. Hanson's farm is the old Mclntyre homestead, and is one of the best in the township.

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Mr. Hanson has always been prominent in local politics. He has served as treasurer of the township for eight years, and as clerk of the school hoard tor nine years, discharging well the duties of both offices. Mr.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

John Hanson, of Leaf Lake township, this county, who was born in Sweden on December 18, 1854, but who has lived in America since he was sixteen years old, owns live hundred and fifty acres of land all in one body and practically all of which was wild land when he purchased it.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Mr. Hanson's father, Hans Johnson, came to America in 1871, bringing his family with him to the new country. After a short stay in the state of Maine, the family moved to Meeker county, Minnesota, where they purchased eighty acres of land. From 1871 to 1890, the family lived in Meeker county and there the mother died and the father went to Sweden for a visit. Upon his return to Minnesota he settled in Otter Tail county. Hans Johnson lived with his son, John Hanson, until his death, about 189. He was a farmer all of his life and a devout member of the Lutheran church. His wife died about 1890. They had only two children who grew to maturity: Helen, who is now deceased, and John, the subject of this sketch.

After receiving a meager education in the public schools of his native land. John Hanson, at the age of sixteen years, came to America with his parents. He settled with them in Meeker county. Minnesota, bul moved to a homestead in section (1, Leaf Lake township and lived there live years. This tract he sold later on. Mr. Hanson first purchased forty acres, in 1888. in section 2. of Leaf Lake township, hut has added to the original farm until he now owns live hundred and fifty-one acres of land. In 1 1 > 1 _ his house burned and a little later in the same year the house was rebuilt. In [897 Mr. Hanson built a commodious barn. lie raises a great manv Durham cattle and red Duroc-Jersey hogs and keeps altogether about one hundred head. For twenty years, Mr. Hanson has been engaged in the live-stock shipping business. He has shipped to all of the nearby markets.

including St. Paul and Chicago. For twelve years Mr. Hanson was in the grain business at Henning and. during five years of the time, operated the farmers' elevator at Henning. which he leased.

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Although not a member of the Lutheran church,.Mr. Hanson has always been a warm and ardent supporter of this denomination and contributes liberally to its support locally. Before moving to Henning. Minnesota, he served as chairman of the township for two years and also served as supervisor of the township for three years.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Mulrew Hanson, farmer, Parkers Prairie township. Otter Tail county, was born on September 12, 184. in Sweden, and is a son of Hans and Sisi (Johnson) Anderson. He attended the public schools of Sweden, and as a young man worked for his father on the farm. In 1868 he came to America and located in Parkers Prairie township, where he took up a homestead. Mis passage to ibis country was paid by Carl Swanson, for whom he worked the first few years after landing. He had no money when he came, and was obliged to work in the timber. His homestead consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he put all the improvements. He afterward added eighty acres more to his farm, and about 1878 he gave seventeen acres to his church. His special attention is now directed to general farming and stock raising, in which lines he has become financially successful. Politically, Mr. Hanson is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Hans and Sisi (Johnson) Anderson were both born in Sweden, where they followed farming, coming to America about 1870, when they located at Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county,.Minnesota, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of eight children, all of whom came to America.

Andrew Hanson was united in marriage in 1875 with Christine Swansun, daughter of Carl Swanson, by win mi he has had hve children, Frank O., Henry, August, Edmund and Julia.

Mr. Hanson is a fine old gentleman, well known and well liked by the entire community in which he resides, and where his success has been achieved.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

The proprietor of one hundred and sixty acres in section 2. of BlufTton township, is.Andrew Hanson, a native of Sweden, born at Skane, December 21, 1856. He is the son of Hans Johnson and Kari Bengtson, both of whom were torn in Skane, Sweden. Hans Johnson was a farmer in his native land and followed his occupation there until 1880, when he immigrated with hi> wife and two daughters to the United States in order to join his two sons, i'eter and Andrew, who had preceded them a few years previously and had settled at Rockford, Illinois. Hans and Kari Johnson lived the remainder of their lives at Rockford with their children, the former passing away on March 31, 1894, and the latter in 1890. Both were devoted members of the Swedish Lutheran church. To these parents were born four children, as follow: Andrew, the subject of this sketch; Betsey, who married Andrew Nelson and lives at Rockford, Illinois: Peter, who immigrated to the United States in 1879 and is now a farmer living at Rockford, Illinois, and Anna, who married I'eter Martinson and lives at Rockford. Illinois.

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In t88o Andrew Hanson was united in marriage with Elza Johnson, a native of Skane, Sweden, and the daughter of John Johnson and Anna Nelson, both of whom were pioneer settlers in Illinois. To this happy union there have been born nine children, as follow: Fannie, who married Charles Swenson ami lives in Illinois; Ella, who married Oscar Tungquist and also lives in Illinois; Alfred, who is a carpenter of Minneapolis; Anna, who married Karl Gregory and lives in Rockford, Illinois; Clara, who married Harry Osborn and lives in Los Angeles, California; Mabel and Hansie, who live at home with their parents, and two children, both named Alma, who died in infancy.

Andrew Elanson has taken a great interest in local political and social conditions, but has never aspired to hold public office. He is identified with the Republican party.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Ole Hanson, a prosperous farmer of Nidaros township, this county, is a native of Sweden, where he was born 011 May 7, 1858, and was educated 111 the public schools of that country. He is one of seven children born to his parents: Andrew (deceased 1. Peter, (He. Magnus, Nels, Anna and Johanna 1 deceased). Mr. Hanson's father died in 1870 and his mother in [901. Both lived in Sweden all of their lives.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

For more than seventeen years the street commissioner of Fergus Falls, Charles Hanson, a well-known resident of Otter Tail county, is respected by the people of this enterprising seat of county government for his long and efficient service.

Mr. Hanson was born on January 31, 1854, and is the son of Berger and Martha (Saunderson) Hanson. Mr. Hanson came to America by way of Quebec, Canada, when he was still a young man. After landing at Windom, Cottonwood county, Minnesota, he worked on the construction of the railroad through that place for a few months and then came to Carlisle, Otter Tail county, where he was engaged in the same work for a period of eighteen months.

In 1883 Mr. Hanson removed to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and assisted in laying pipes for the waterworks during the next three or four years. For two years he served in the capacity of steam-fitter, and shortly afterward worked for the city as street commissioner, an office which he is still holding and which he has held now for a period of nearly eighteen years.

By Charles Hanson's marriage to Mathea Storffh. a native of Norway, four children have been born, namely: Martin B., who was born in 1885, married Marion Baglo and they have one daughter [names omitted for privacy]; Edwin, who married Ann Longfeld, is the father of one child [names omitted for privacy]; Henry is the agent for a railroad in North Dakota, and Mabel lives at home with her parents. Fraternally, Mr. Hanson is a member of the Modern Samaritans and the Sons of Norway.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

OLA K. HANSON.

< >la EC. Hanson, a Swede by birth, was born on April 20, 1862, but the process of naturalization in his case was a very rapid one. His parents. Hans Johnson and Buel Arvidson, both of Sweden, gave their children all the education which they could afford and as a result Mr. Hanson received but a very limited education.

Mr. Hanson came to America at the age of nineteen, and at the solicitation of friends came to Minnesota and first located in St. Paul. He worked for a time in a saw-mill 111 that city. Shortly afterward he left Minneapolis in company with three others for Fergus Falls for which place they had purchased what they supposed were through tickets. However, instead of reaching Fergus Falls they landed at Wadena and found, to their dismay, that this was the terminus of the road. They bad little or no money, but managed to hire a man to take them in his wagon toward Fergus Falls. Vfter journeying twenty or thirty miles they informed their driver that they had no money and that he might as well return to Wadena. This he did without remuneration for his services.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.