J. W. Hanson (biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

J. W. HANSON, merchant, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1841, when fifteen years of age, his parents located in Illinios, remaining there until 1862, when he enlisted in the Seventy-sixth Infantry, Company C, serving three years.  After coming out of the army, he emigrated to Cherokee County, Kan., in 1866; at the end of three years came to Elk County, then Howard, and took a claim on Section 11, Elk Falls Township, which he proceeded to improve.  In 1872, in company with J. S. Boicourt, built a mill on Wild Cat Creek, known as the Moline Mills.  This was one of the first mills in the county.  In 1880, sold out the mill, and came to the town of Moline, he with others having purchased the town site, and was elected Treasurer of the company.  For a time, he was employed as a salesman in Webb, Downing & Co.'s general store, at the end of one year, bought a third interest, and at the end of one year, he and Mr. Downing bought out Mr. Webb.  They have disposed of 214 lots, and have 167 left.  Since he has been in the store, they have increased their trade fifty per cent, and is steadily growing.  They have a building 22 x 60, well stocked with a No. 1 grade of goods.  Mr. Hanson is a genial gentleman and liberal spirited man, who takes a lively interest in the welfare of Moline, and is identified in every way with any movement which will benefit the town, also carried on his farm on which he lives, located a short distance from the city.  Mr. Hanson and Mrs. Newport, of Cherokee County, were united in marriage in 1871.  They have two children--Maud and Fred.  Mr. H. is a member of the E. M. Stanton Post, No. 23, G. A. R.