HANS N. HENRICKSON

HANS N. HENRICKSON, one of the successful farmers of Shelby Township, came to this county in 1875. He was born in Denmark, August 29, 1830, a son of Henry Hanson, who died when he was eighty-three years old. He lived in Denmark until he was thirty-seven years old; he went to school until he was fourteen years old, and then worked on a farm until he was twenty-eight. He then learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for ten years. He was married in 1861 to Miss Bertha Maria Jerikerson, and in 1868 came to America. They sailed from Hamburg to Liverpool and then to Quebec; from that point to Chicago, and from there they came to Jasper County, Iowa. Mr. Henrickson worked on the railroad for seven years, and in 1875 came to Shelby County and settled on eighty acres of wild prairie land, where he now lives. He has added to this farm until he now owns 300 acres. He has a good house and a large barn for hay, stock and grain. He was twice married. By the first wife seven children were born - Henry, Ludwig, Hans, Jerkinson, Christena and Thinke, twins, and Martin. Mrs. Henrickson died November 5, 1873. Mr. Henrickson was married to his present wife October 7, 1878. She was Metta Christianson, born in Denmark, and came to this Country when she was thirty-four years of age. By this marriage six children were born-Frederick, Mary and Engerbaugh, twins, Dosena and Andrew. Mr. Henrickson is a Republican. He was road supervisor two years. He is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventists of Fairview. He came to this State with $15 and was $200 in debt, but by industry and good management he has made a good living and accumulated a good property. He is one of the honest, reliable farmers of Shelby Township.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 386. Transcribed and submitted by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs