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SOURCE: History of Douglas and Grant Counties, Minnesota - Their People, Industries and Institutions, Vol. 2 edited by Constant Larson, (B.F. Bowen & Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916), "Hans P. Hanson", page 352-353
DATE: 1916
SUBJECT: 44 Hans Peter Hanson
The late Hans P. Hanson, one of the pioneers of this section of Minnesota, was born in Norway and died at his home in Douglas County on May 31, 1890. He received his education in the public schools of his native country and there grew to manhood and married Gunhild Julseth. Some years after their marriage he and his wife decided to come to America. After landing in the United States, about fifty years ago, they came direct to Minnesota and located in Goodhue county, where they remained for two years, at the end of which time they came over to this part of the state and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 27, Brandon township, Douglas county. The tract at that time was for the most part a wild and unbroken piece of land. There were no improvements and the family suffered the many hardships of early pioneer life. A log cabin was erected, in which the family lived for a number of years. Oxen were used in the farm work, and in the clearing and development of the place. In time the rude log hut was replaced by a more modern and substantial building, and the farm was improved with other good buildings. There Mr. Hanson engaged in general farming and stock raising until the time of his death.
To Hans P. Hanson and wife thirteen children were born. Thorson, Ludwig, Betsy, Martha, Halvor, Hannah, John, Marie, Ida, Peter, George H., Louise and Johannah, of whom Ida, Peter and Thorson are now deceased. The family have ever taken an active interest in the services of the Norwegian Lutheran church of which they are members. The father had assisted in the organization of the local church in Brandon township and did much work on the building, as he was a carpenter by trade. In addition to his other work, Hans P. Hanson did much carpenter work in the community and build many houses and other buildings.
Hans P. Hanson always took much interest in local affairs, and was recognized as a man of much force and possessed of a high, patriotic spirit. He was ever ready to assist in any worthy cause that had for its purpose the betterment and the improvement of the township and the county. He served as a member of the township board for many years and was a member at the time of his death. He was recognized as a good business man and a thorough farmer, and owned at the time of his death two hundred and fifty-three acres, all of which was in Brandon township.
After the death of the father the widow and children operated and managed the farm. A new house was erected in 1906, which adds much to the beauty and value of the place. In time the children have all married and gone to homes of their own, with the exception of George H. and Johannah, who live at home with their mother, who is now seventy-three years of age, her birthday being January 15. George H. Hanson, who is now thirty-five years of age, rents the farm, and, being possessed of much of his father's ability, is meeting with success in general farming and stock raising. He believes in thorough and systematic farming and the keeping of the best of stock.
HANS P. HANSON AND FAMILY.
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