Henry O. Hansing

HANSING, HARLDSON, DAHL, GRASLEY, MAURSUND

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 11/30/2009 at 15:58:58

HENRY 0. HANSING.
Among the representative farmers of King township, Winnebago county, is numbered Henry 0. Hansing, who lives on section 29. He has one of the best improved places in the county and his residence is one of the most beautiful and attractive homes of this district. All this is indicative of the well spent life and indefatigable energy of Mr. Hansing, who was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin, in January, 1879, a son of Arne and Julia (Harldson) Hansing, who were natives of the land of the midnight sun. Coming to America in an early day, they established their home in Iowa county, Wisconsin, where for a time the father cultivated a rented farm, but at length purchased land which he further developed and improved, and later moved to Blair, Nebraska, spending his remaining days there. He passed away in December, 1900, and is still survived by his wife.

Henry 0. Hansing was reared and educated in his native county and remained with his parents until he attained his majority, when he started out in the business world independently.

Removing to Winnebago county, Iowa, he was here employed for about seven years and then married and moved upon his wife's farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, King township. He at converted it into one of the finest improved farms of the county, upon which he has erected a residence that is scarcely equaled and is not surpassed in this section of the state. He follows the most progressive methods in his farm work, which is conducted along scientific lines, and his life of diligence and determination has brought a notable and gratifying measure of prosperity. He is also a stockholder in the elevator and the creamery companies of Thompson.

In August, 1906, Mr. Hansing was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Dahl) Grasley, a daughter of the Rev. I. N. and Catherine (Maursund) Dahl, who were natives of Norway. The father was for six years a missionary in India and Mrs. Hansing was born in that country in December, 1872. Mr. Dahl came to America in 1873, establishing his home in Winnebago county, where he engaged in preaching as a minister of the Lutheran church throughout his remaining days, passing away November 1, 1906. He was better known among the Scandinavian people of the northwest than perhaps any other one man and for many years he took a prominent part in shaping the civic and religious development of his community. He was born near Tromsoe, Norway, December 14, 1836. His father, August Dahl, was a fisherman, becoming connected with what was then the principal industry of the coast towns. In 1860 Rev. Dahl went to Germany and studied for the ministry, remaining for six years in the Harmsburg Theological Mission at Hanover. He afterward spent six years in missionary work in India, and throughout his entire life his influence was a potent factor for good in the communities in which he lived. In July, 1896, his daughter Mary became the wife of Andrew Grasley and to them were born three children. James 0. is now serving in the United States navy, and the two other children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hansing have become the parents of five children, Irene G., Earl M., Valborg C., Harold M. B. and Henrietta M.

Mr. Hansing has been a member of the school board in his district and has served as its president. He votes, with the republican party and he and his family are connected with the Lutheran church, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His has been an active, useful and honorable life. Both he and his wife enjoy the warm regard of all who know them and in Winnebago county they have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1917, pages 232-235.

Winnebago Biographies maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen