W.O. Hanson

HANSON, WOOD, ANDERSON

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 5/30/2006 at 06:52:38

Hanson, W.O., banker and county official -- Forest City -- born 13 May, 1843, near Lillehammer, Hamar stift, Norway. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1854, and settled in Jefferson county, Wis. His father died shortly after their arrival, and, the family being in destitute circumstances, young Hanson and his brothers nad sisters were compelled to earn a living at a tender age. The years of his boyhood were spent alternately on farms, at school, in a saw mill, and in a store.

In 1864 he moved to Decorah, Iowa, where he clerked for a couple of years, and afterward started a mercantile business of his own, which he, however, soon gave up. In 1867 Hanson, in company with others, opened up a woolen mill and a store, of which he was treasurer and manager for more than three years.

In 1870 he settled in Forest city, where he was engaged in the general merchandise business for the next six years; in 1890 became interested in the first National Bank, which had a capital stock of $50,000; and the same year was elected cashier of that bank, which position he still holds. In 1871 Hanson was elected a member of the county board of supervisors, serving as chairman for two years. In 1876 he was elected clerk of the district and circuit courts, and afterward re-elected for three successive terms; in 1885 elected treasurer of Winnebago county, holding that office for six years.

Hanson was one of the commissioners who organized the city government of Forest City; for several years served as a member of its council; and, finally, in 1894 was elected its mayor, being re-elected in 1895. The fact that Hanson has been elected to these positions fully proves that his fellow-citizens not only have confidence in him, but that they have found him to be a public spirited man.

He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the A.O.U.W. and the M.W.A.; affiliates with the Republican party; is a member of the Congregational church; was married in 1868 to Mary Wood, of Dodge county, Wis., who died three months later; and married again in 1871 to Jennie Anderson, of Decorah. Three of their children are living, their oldest son being a director of the First National Bank, Forest City.
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History of the Scandinavians in the U.S.; Compiled & Edited by O.N. Nelson; Vol II; 1897; Biographies of Scandinavians in Iowa; pg 206-208