Martin Hanson

HANSON, RUTH

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 3/3/2004 at 02:10:16

HANSON, MARTIN (Deceased)
Martin Hanson was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon county, Iowa, and effected a homestead entry in
Centennial township long before its organization or the day of railroads in the northwest. He was born in
Norway, September 19, 1837, and there he attended the local schools and was reared to manhood. In 1859 he came to the United States by way of the Quebec route, locating in Allamakee county, Iowa, where he spent eight years as a farm hand and a day laborer. With the money he saved he made a homestead settlement in Lyon county in 1869, and put up a claim shanty 14 by 16 feet in dimensions, and a log barn. His first farming operations were accomplished with the aid of oxen, but he soon became forehanded enough to secure horses, and his progress in financial comfort and ease was rapid.

Mr. Hanson was married September 22, 1866, to Miss Julia Ruth, who was born in Norway, October 17, 1849, and their union was blessed by the coming of a family of six children: Hans, Carl, Mary, Albert, Lauriena, and Henry.

Mr. Hanson in his life time affiliated with the Republican party, and when he died May 11, 1886, left a
handsome estate of two hundred acres, with commodious and well appointed buildings, ample machinery and a grove which Mr. Hanson planted himself. It is still the family home, and here Mrs. Hanson lives with her
children about her, respected and beloved by all who know her.

- source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.;
Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

- transcribed by Roseanna Zehner