Biographical Sketch of

Halbert Hanson

Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 503 - 504 


Halbert Hanson, Recorder of Deeds of Waushara County, and a prominent citizen of Wautoma, has passed his entire 
life in Dakota, being born on the 13th of April, 1853, the son of George and Guneld Hanson, who were natives 
of Norway and emigrated to America in July, 1849.  Coming to Wisconsin they settled in the town of Dakota, where 
they entered land and began the development of a farm, but subsequently removed to the town of Mt. Morris, 
locating on section 8.  Not a furrow had been turned, a fence built or other improvement made, but Mr. Hanson 
transformed the wild land into a comfortable home for himself and family.  He was very successful in his 
business enterprises.  

He was not only in limited circumstances on his arrival in this community but was in debt to the extent of $60, 
which he borrowed in order to pay his passage to this country.  By judicious management and a resolute will which 
would brook no defeat, he accumulated a comfortable competency and is now the owner of a fine farm of 380 acres 
of land, which pays a golden tribute to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it.  Although his time 
has been largely occupied with his business, he has ever taken an active interest in the upbuilding and welfare 
of the county and aided materially in its progress and advancement.  He has supported the Republican party since 
its organization and is a member of the Lutheran Church, to which his wife, now deceased, also belonged.  Of 
their family, four sons are yet living--Ole T., of Mt. Morris; Halbert, Martin G., and George H., who  is living 
on the old homestead.
 
The subject of this notice began his school life in an upper room of his father's house, where a few children of 
neighborhood met and conned their lessons.  He received only the privileges afforded by the common schools, yet he 
is one of the intelligent and valued citizens of the town, having largely supplemented his early education by 
reading and observation.  When a young man of twenty-one years, he met with a serious accident, the loss of a hand 
by the discharge of a gun.  As it unfitted him for farm labor, the Republican party of which he is a firm and 
inflexible advocate, nominated him for the position of Recorder, to which he was elected by an overwhelming 
majority.  His efficiency and the prompt and faithful manner in which he discharged his duties led to his re-
election in 1886, and in 1888, he was elected to the same office by 1,000 majority.  He has also held some town 
offices, having served as Town Clerk of the town of Mt. Morris for the term of nine years, during which time he 
was also engaged in teaching school.  Faithfully looking after the interests of the office and honorably dis-
charging every trust reposed in him, he has gained for himself an enviable place in the regard and confidence 
of his fellow-citizens and won the respect of all with whom he has com in contact.
 
On the 29th of December, 1886, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage with Miss Bessie Peterson, daughter of Peter 
Peterson, of Walworth County, Wis.  They have one son, Harold Bert.  Mr. Hanson possesses excellent business 
qualities and notwithstanding his misfortune in the loss of a hand which unfits him for many callings in life, 
he will no doubt gain for himself a comfortable competence.






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu