HANSON, George - 1890 Bio (1816-1892)

HANSON, LUPTON, NELSON

Posted By: Doris Challis (email)
Date: 12/15/2003 at 20:01:55

Portrait & Biographical Album of Jefferson & Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Published 1890
Pages 434-435.

GEORGE HANSON, who resides on section 26, Lockridge Township, has long been a resident of Jefferson County, where he is widely and favorably known. His history is inseparably connected with that of the neighborhood and the progress and improvement which have here been made are due in no small degree to his efforts. His parents, Thomas and Anna (LUPTON) HANSON, spent their entire lives in Yorkshire, England, where George was born on the 6th of June, 1816. The father was a woolen manufacturer and in his factory the son learned the trade. Out of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters, he is the only one yet living and the only one that crossed the ocean. His scholastic training was meager indeed but by his own effort he has acquired sufficient education to transact his own business. A vessel sailing between England and New York in 1841 bore him to the shores of this country and in the Empire State he worked at his trade for some years, being thus employed in both Lake and Oneida Counties. He came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1846, and erected a woolen mill at Crawfords Mills, which was one of the first, if not the first mill of the kind in the county. He had leased the water privilege for ten years but the year before the expiration of the lease, during a freshet, the whole affair was swept away by the ice, causing him considerable loss.

In 1857, we again find Mr. HANSON upon the bosom of the briny deep, but after a short visit spent in renewing acquaintances of former years and in viewing the scenes of his childhood he returned to his Iowa home. It was agreed that David Heron should build a grist mill and Mr. HANSON erect a woolen mill on Brush Creek on the same site, each to be run by steam power and the latter carried on business at the place designated until within the last few years, since which time he has lived a retired life. People came to trade with him not only from all over Jefferson County but also throughout adjoining counties. He became widely known for his honorable dealings and the promptness with which he dispatched business and therefore received a liberal patronage. He worked hard and was ever found at the post of duty; during the busy season he would go for weeks without retiring to his bed, snatching a few moments for rest as he could. It is not to be wondered therefore that he succeeded in accumulating a goodly share of this world's goods.

In 1871, Mr. HANSON was united in marriage with Caroline NELSON, a native of Sweden, born on the 4th of September, 1831. When a young woman she came alone to the United States and took up her residence in Jefferson County. Four children, two sons and two daughters, George and John W. being the eldest and youngest of the family. The daughters are Ida M. and Laura. Mr. HANSON is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church and in politics Mr. HANSON is a Republican. He is one of the old settlers of the county and deserves a place in this volume devoted to their memory. He has been a resident of Iowa during its entire existence as a State, has been a witness of its growth, has been prominently connected with its business interests and, as all citizens should do, has labored for the success of its worthy enterprises.

Transcribed by Doris Challis from Jefferson County Records, Vol. 3. Not related to the subject.