Jonas Hanson

As printed in 1910

JONAS HANSON (1866), deceased, lived upon his farm on the south bank of Independence lake, on section 4, Belmont township, for forty-three years. He was born in Norway December 23, 1823, the son of Hans Ellingson and Anna (Asskerd) Ellingson.

Mr. Hanson resided in his native land until he was past thirty-two years of age. He came to America in 1856, arriving in the city of Chicago on the nation's birthday. He located in Hock county, Wisconsin, which was his home until his arrival to the wilds of Jackson county. Upon the breaking out of the civil war Mr. Hanson enlisted as a member of company I, of the 22nd Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and served until his discharge on July 9, 1865. During his army service he was injured in a train wreck in Virginia, and drew a pension on account of his injuries.

After his discharge from the army, Mr. Hanson spent one winter in his old home in Wisconsin. In June, 1866, he arrived in the county of Jackson and homesteaded the northwest quarter of section 4, Belmont township, where he resided until his death on December 15, 1909. He built a little cabin on Independence lake, in which he lived until he built the present house. He experienced all the vicissitudes of pioneer life and had many trials to contend with. In his younger years he took part in the local affairs of his precinct and served as a member of the board of supervisors.

Mr. Hanson was married in Jackson county in June, 1872, to Maret Larson, who was born on board ship off the Newfoundland banks while her parents were on the way to the new world from Norway. She died in October, 1907, aged 51 years* Fifteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hanson, of whom the following eight are living: Mary Ann, Hans T., Elesias, Mondus, Julius, Thore, Tina and Lena.

As printed in An illustrated history of Jackson County, Minnesota (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.