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1907 Past and Present Biographies
Peter F. HansenA native of Germany, Mr. Hansen first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 1st of September, 1863, and at the age of ten years he was brought to Iowa by his father, Christian Hansen, the family home being established in Clinton county, where the father carried on faririing for a long period, his death occurring a few years ago in that county. The mother died in Germany ere the emigration of the family to the United States. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his boyhood days. He worked in the fields and attended the public schools and when not thus occupied he shared in the sports which always claim the attention of the American youth. At the age of eighteen years he started out in life on his own account, beginning work as a farm hand by the month. He had no assistance from family or influential friends and whatever he has possessed and enjoyed in life has been secured through his own labor. He has worked hard and his industry proves what may be accomplished by unfaltering diligence. In 1889 Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Anna Carstensen, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, and was a daughter of Godber and Dorothea Carstensen. His wife fell heir to a thousand dollars and this, with what Mr. Hansen had already saved from his earnings, enabled them to purchase eighty acres of land. They located their new farm on section 4, Dawson township, securing a partially improved tract. With characteristic energy Mr. Hansen began its further development and cultivation and it is now one of the best improved farms in Dawson township, equipped with splendid buildings, well kept fences and the latest improved machinery. Neatness characterizes every department of the farm and that the work is carried on along practical and progressive lines is indicated by the excellent results which have been attained, for good crops are annually gathered. He carries on general farming, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and he also has good grades of stock upon his place. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hansen have been born eight children: Godber, Dora, Clara, John, Ella, Esther, Lena and Viola. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they are much interested, doing all they can to promote its growth and extend its influence. When age conferred upon Mr. Hansen the right of franchise he gave expression to his political views in supporting the democratic party, of which he has since been a stalwart champion. It is no unusual thing for an American citizen to work his way upward from a humble financial position to one of aflluence and such a record is the one which the American nation holds in highest regard. It is the pride of our country that labor and ability are here not hampered by caste or class and that each man has a right to do for himself what he can, utilizing the opportunities which come to him for his betterment. This Mr. Hansen has done and as the result he is now the owner of an excellent farm property. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |