California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


HENRY A. HANSEN. Among the representative business men of Colon v Center, Dos Palos, is 
Henry A. Hansen, an enterprising and highly esteemed citizen, who is carrying on a large and 
successful business as a general merchant. A native of Illinois, he was born November 16, 1868, 
in LaSalle county, near Ottawa, a son of Hans Hansen. His Grandfather Hansen, a life-long 
resident of Norway, was a prosperous agriculturist, and the owner of the noted farm 
"Hjelmeland." 

Hans Hansen was born on the parental farm, in Qvinherre, Norway, in 1835, and was there bred 
and educated. At the age of sixteen years, in 1 85 1, he immigrated to America, and began life in 
this country as a farm laborer near Ottawa, Ill. In course of time he became owner of a good 
tract of land, from which he improved a farm, on which he lived a number of years. In 1874 he 
removed to Ford county, Ill., where he bought land, and continued in agricultural pursuits for 
nearly twenty years. Settling in Stanhope, Hamilton county. Iowa, in 1892, he is now carrying on 
a successful mercantile business in that place. He is a man of upright principles, a stanch 
Republican in politics, and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. He married Anna 
Sorbe, who was born in Ronnes Island, Norway, where her father, Andreas Sorbe, spent his 
entire life. She came with her mother, and the other children, to America when a child of eight 
years. She died February 15, 1901, in Stanhope, Iowa, leaving three children, namely : Mrs. 
Johnson, of Iowa; Henry A., the special subject of this sketch; and J. E. a contractor in 
Marshalltown, Iowa. 

Receiving a practical education in the public schools of Illinois, Henry A. Hansen began the battle 
of life for himself at the age of eighteen years, becoming a clerk in a mercantile establishment 
at Elliott, Ford county. Ill. Removing with his parents to Stanhope. Iowa, in 1892, he was there 
similarly employed for some time. Locating at Lorenz, Iowa, in 1900, Mr. Hansen was engaged in 
the grocery business for several months. Selling out in December, 1901, he came directly to Dos 
Palos, and five days after his arrival here purchased a half-interest in a mercantile business, and 
in partnership with C. A. Bibler established himself as a general merchant at Elgin Corners, 
becoming junior member of the firm of Bibler & Hansen. When the town moved to Colony 
Center, this enterprising firm erected a large store on the corner now occupied by John Kincaid, 
and there built up a good trade. In May, 1903, Mr. Hansen disposed of his interest in the firm, 
and four months later, in November, 1903, opened a new store, and has since been in business 
alone having won a lucrative patronage. 

In Webster City. Iowa, Mr. Hansen married Grace Bibler, a native of Hamilton county, Iowa, and 
they are the parents of two children, namely : Verne and Keith. Politically Mr. Hansen is actively 
identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of Polar Star Lodge No. 113; F. 
& A. M., of Legrand, Iowa; of Sigma Chapter, R. A. M., of Marshalltown, Iowa ; and of the 
Modern Woodmen of America. Religiously he is a Lutheran.