Hansen, Peter 1855-1928

HANSEN, KONZ

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 7/14/2022 at 16:52:18

OBITUARY of Peter Hansen 1855-1928 Alton Democrat of Friday Oct 26th 1928
Alton Pioneer Summoned To His Reward
Only three houses at LeMars When Peter Hansen Sr. Came Here.

Peter Hansen, Sr. died at his home at Alton at 9:40 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 Waukesha, 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 on December 24, 1927 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 Kobstel, Luxemburg, 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 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 accompaniment 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 future 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 the time.

He was untied in marriage to Miss Susan Konz, who had also come with her parents from Jackson County with the prairie schooner train in 1870, on February 18, 1870 at Hospers where there was a small Catholic church at that time. Father Meis drove a team up from LeMars to officiate at the wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen calibrated 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. B. Wolf that it is appended at the end of this article. They would have celebrated their golden anniversary next Feb 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, Math.. who died at the age of 13. Helen, who died in infancy, and Odilo, who died while in the Country’s service during the World War. The surviving children are as follows:

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

Mr. Hansen’s faith in this prairie country was second to none. In spite of the vicissitudes 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, settled on a farm and about 1882 he purchased a farm for $7.50 per acre. Later he bought more land and as he was financially able still more, acquiring in all more than two sections in this county and also some land near Dell Rapids, SD

With great foresight he foresaw 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, material being hauled from LeMars, 10 miles away, over no trail, fording the Floyd River which was bigger in those days, to get to the small settlement at LeMars 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 lived in the present and future but could describe in delightful fashion incidents of the early days. His friendship was a thing of value as 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 Rev. Father Hausmann, who was assisted by Rev. Klein of Oto and Rev. Rolfes of Oyens. Interment was made at St. Mary’s cemetery six of the sons acting as pall bearers.