Henry Hansen

As printed in 1915

HENRY HANSEN.

Henry Hansen is the vice president of the Lauritzen Construction Company and belongs to that class of men who have won the proud American title of self-made. Starting out in life independently at an early age, he has gradually worked his way upward and an analyzation of his record shows that industry and close application have been the salient features of his advancement. He was born in Denmark. July 25, 1883, a son of Lorentz and Elizabeth Hansen. The mother died in her native land on the 20th of April, 1901, and the father is still living there. He is a farmer and mail carrier.

Henry Hansen was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools of his native country. Soon after reaching his sixteenth year he became an apprentice to the carpenter's trade and was connected therewith until the spring of 1906, when, thinking to enjoy better business opportunities on this side the Atlantic, he crossed the water to the United States. He settled first in Emmet county, Iowa, where he secured employment as a farm hand, spending eleven months in that way. He then went to work at his trade in Dyke, Iowa, and two months later came to Waterloo, where he arrived in September, 1907. Not long afterward he entered the employ of Lauritzen Brothers and when L. J. Lauritzen became sole proprietor of the business Mr. Hansen continued in his service. In May, 19 14, the Lauritzen Construction Company was incorporated and he became a member of the firm and was elected vice president. This is one of the leading construction companies of the county. They have a liberal patronage and do an extensive business. They have erected some of the finest buildings of Waterloo and a number of these display the handiwork of Mr. Hansen, who since starting upon his apprenticeship has made continuous advancement in the line of his trade. Step by step he has progressed until in his present connection he stands as one of the leading builders of Waterloo.

On the 24th of May, 1913, Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Rasmussen, a native of Denmark, and to them has been born a daughter, Gertie Elizabeth. Mr. Hansen is a member of the Danish Brotherhood and he and his wife belong to the Danish Lutheran church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found good business opportunities, and his skill and efficiency in the line of his trade, combined with his laudable ambition to advance, have brought him to a creditable position in construction circles in Waterloo.

As printed in History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.