E. J. Hanson

As printed in 1916

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. Nils, Arthur, Olive and Edna.

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 History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions : with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families (1916). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.