Hansen, Peter Sr. 1855-1928

HANSEN, KONZ, STRENG

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 3/14/2017 at 17:14:37

Source: Alton Democrat (10-26-1928)

Born: February 5, 1855
Died: October 19, 1928

Peter Hansen, Sr. died at his home at Alton at 9:10 P.M. Friday, October 19, at the age of 73 years, eight months and fourteen days. Twenty-three years ago he took sick with diabetes. He with his wife went to Wackesba, Wisconsin, where they learned a special diet prescribed for those suffering with that disease. Adhering strictly to this diet and with the wonderful care given to him by his devoted wife he got along nicely until last winter when he suffered with ulcer behind the eye. He underwent a successful operation and after that was around as usual until the forepart of July when an infection set in on his foot which finally caused his death.

Mr. Hansen was born in Kapstal, Luxembourg, Europe, February 5, 1855, and came to this country with his parents in 1865, the family settling in Jackson County, Iowa, where they lived five years.

In the spring of 1870 his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Margaret (Streng) Hansen, and the five children of whom Mr. Hansen was the second oldest, set out for western Iowa with a large group, the party numbering 42 and having seven covered wagons drawn by oxen with the usual accompanied of livestock, cows, etc. They arrived here safely in May.

Mr. Hansen, Sr. picked out a location in section 18, East Orange Township located three miles southeast of the site of Alton, for his homestead and the family located there. Fifty-eight years later the farm is still in the Hansen family, now occupied by the grandson, Mike Hansen.

For nine years Peter assisted his father breaking the sod and going through the innumerable hardships those early pioneers experienced. Neighbors were few and far between and the nearest place for worship and provisions was Le Mars, which had only three houses at that time.

He was united in marriage to Miss Susan Konz, who had also come with her parents from Jackson County with the prairie wagon train in 1870, on February 18, 1879 at Hospers where there was a small Catholic Church at that time. Father Meis drove a team up from Le Mars to officiate at the wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in 1904. The description of this occasion and the early life of the pioneers was written so graphically by Editor C.R. Woff that it is appended at the end of this article. They would have celebrated their golden anniversary next February 18 if Mr. Hansen’s life had been spared.

After their marriage they located on a farm three miles east of Alton where they lived until they moved to Alton 13 years ago. Eleven children and their mother survive to mourn his death, also one sister, Sister Euphrasia of St. Louis, Missouri. The children who have gone before were Mathew, who died at the age of 13, Helen, who died in infancy, and Odilo, who died Country’s Service during the World War. The surviving children are as follows:

Frances, Mrs. John Klein; Anna, Mrs. Math Guckenberger; Mathilda, Mrs. John Schuver; and Leo, all living at Dell Rapids, South Dakota; Nicholas, John, Mike, Peter J., George and Clara, Mrs. Victor Schneider, all of Alton; and Bernard of Oyens. There are forty-one grandchildren.

Mr. Hansen’s faith to this prairie country was second to none. In spite of the hardships of the early life, notwithstanding the grasshopper scourge which swept the crops clean season after season in the late 70’s, while he was helping his father in making the new land produce crops, he kept on and in 1879 got married settling on a farm and about 1882 he purchased a farm for $7.50 per acre. Later he brought more land and as he was financially able still more, acquired in all more than two sections in this county and also some land near Dell Rapids, South Dakota. With great foresight the great development of this country and its future prosperity. Coming here at the age of 15 when not an acre of prairie sod in this section of the county had been broken; helping to build one of the first crude homes in the county, materials being hauled from Le Mars, 20 miles away, over no trail, foregoing the Floyd River, which was bigger in those days, to get to the small settlement at Le Mars which even had no railroad at that time; no one but Indians roaming the prairie; it stirs the blood to think of the times he lived in, growing up with the country.

And in later days, he was one of the most progressive and intelligent citizens of the community. He live in the present and future but could describe in delightful fashion incidents of the early days. His friendship was a thing of value and many by whom his kindness has been felt, feel his passing keenly.

Mr. Hansen was a devoted member of St. Mary’s parish here. He helped in its beginning and aided tremendously in its growth. In every way he was an asset to the community, and everyone who knew him felt sorrow when after many days hovering between life and death, the pioneer passed to his reward.

Funeral services were conducted Monday morning at St. Mary’s Church, conducted by Reverend Father Hausmann, who was assisted by Reverend Klein of Oto and Reverend Rolfes of Oyens. Interment was made at St. Mary’s Cemetery, six of the sons acting as pallbearers.