This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: CoraleeRW Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.minnesota.counties.kandiyohi/698.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: If THIS is the Peter E. Hanson you are researching, I'd love to talk with you more because THIS Peter is in our file. Here's his biography. Joanne For a picture of P. E. Hanson (with beard), page 467 of a book [not sure of name] gives a full biography of Peter E. Hansen - as follows:. Peter E. Hansen, of Litchfield, a pioneer of Meeker county, and one of the most prominent citizens in this part of the State, is a native of Sweden, born on the 12th of June, 1845. His parents were Hans and Betsy Peterson, both natives of the same country. They came to American in company with about 150 others of the same nationality, and landed in New York on the 4th of July, 1857. From there they pursued their journey westward to Minnesota, coming by way of Dunleith, Ill., then the terminus of the railway lines, and Dubuque, Iowa. They stopped for about one month at Carver, Minn., where a full outfit of oxen, wagons and other supplies was purchased, and came on, stopping briefly at Glencoe, Hutchinson and Greenleaf, and finally arrived at Larson's Grove, in what is now Litchfield township, Meeker County, Minn. There they remained about 2 weeks, and the men made exploring trips in search of land. The bulk of the original party that left the old country settled in var! ious other counties in the Northwest, while about 50 found homes in Meeker county, mostly in Swede Grove township. Among the number who were members of the party who found homes in Meeker county, were the following - Bengt Hansen, J. Larson.... Hans Peterson, the father of Peter E. Hansen, found land that suited him and took a preemption on section 29, in Swede Grove township, where he began improvements, and where the family lived in quiet, contentment and prosperity until the terrible massacre of 1862. Something of the disadvantage under which these Swedish pioneers labored may be understood when it is stated that not a man in the colony could speak English, and they were totally ignorant of American customs or manners. The Hansen family, or rather Hans Peterson's family, moved onto their claim on the 3rd of August, 1857, and their first move was to put up a shed, which was constructed of poles laid from tree to tree, thereby making a framework. Instead of covering this with hay and matting it down, so as to shed water, the father directed that it be covered with brush. Of course, whenever it rained, the family would be drenched and nearly drowned out. When this occurred the father would direct the boys to ! put on more brush, and it would accordingly be piled on, but to no avail, however. A little later a stable was built, with the framework arranged like a pyramid, into (page 410) which the family was moved, and which did very well for a time. The most of the trading, both as to lumber and provisions, at that time, was done in St. Paul or Minneapolis, as the trading post at Forest City was then a small affair, as one old settler puts it, "the whole stock of goods could be loaded on a wheelbarrow." An old second-hand stove had been purchased by Mr. Peterson, but he had been unable to secure but one length of pipe, so after a little perplexing study, a hollow log was substituted and thus the proper length of pipe was secured. When this got dry and well-seasoned, however, it took fire, thereby creating much excitement and leaving them in the same predicament as before. This was remedied, however, and matters again ran smooth. As cold weather approached, in the fall of 1857! , a cellar was dug about 40 feet square, but as no framework could be secured, planks were laid over the top, and it was covered with gravel and earth. Then the question arose as to how the "dug out" should be lighted, and finally a little framework was constructed overhead in which were set panes of glass. This did very well for a time, but when snow came and covered it up, the dogs, which the family kept, fell through the window. When it rained the water soaked right through, as the roof was flat, and it was necessary to keep all the clothes and perishable goods in barrels to prevent them from being ruined. A short time later, however, they put in plank, and otherwise improved the condition of things, and thus they occupied the "cellar" for about 3 years, or until in 1860, when they procured lumber from a saw-mill which had been started in what is now Acton township, and with this they completed a house, into which they moved and lived for about 2 years, in peace and prosperity. During this time there were but few, if any, new settlers. There were many Indians roving through the country, and in camp near the cabins of the settlers, and the pioneers were constantly trading back and forth with them. They were always friendly, but occasionally a little troublesome, on account of their begging, and especially their stealing propensities, yet as a rule, if the right course was followed, stolen goods could generally be recovered. Peter Hansen was associated with the Indians a great deal. He was an inveterate hunter in those days, and became noted as a dead shot, and for that mater, he has maintained his reputation and skill in that line to the present day. His relations with the Indians were always pleasant and friendly until the time of the outbreak. On the morning of the memorable Sunday that inaugurated the carnival of bloodshed - the 17th of August, 1862 -- a band of 14 Indians passed the Peterson claim on their way to the Manannah woods, and it was supposed, from subsequent developments, that they went to murder a man against whom they had a grudge. Failing, however, to find him, they returned, stopped at Hogan Peterson's, where they learned of the Jones and Baker massacre, and passed near the scene of that slaughter, exchanged a few shots with some settlers who had gathered there, and then made their way southwesterly to the Minnesota River. The news of the Jones and Baker murders spread among the settlers like wildfire, notwithstanding the fact that the country was so sparsely settled. On Monday the word came to get together and prepare for defense or flight, and at Hensen's a few things were piled into the wagon, the oxen hitched up, and they went to a post office on section 33, Swede Grove township, where about one hundred families had gathered; but the fear had seized all, and they at once proceeded to the shores of Lake Ripley, where they camped on the night of the 18th of August. Very few slept that night, as every new arrival reported horrible murders and savage (page 11) atrocities committed by the Indians. The next morning they went to Forest City, where the families were left. P. E. Hansen and his father, accompanied by several others, then started out to go back to the farm for provisions. When out a shirt distance they met the remnant of a fleeing party, several of whom had been killed and muti! lated, and then they realized that an Indian outbreak had really been inaugurated, and that the previous killing was not an isolated or single case, but was merely the beginning of a terrible warfare on the part of the Indians to drive the whites from what they considered their hunting grounds. The party at once returned to Forest City, and a fort was at once built. Provisions were scarce, and it was some time before any one ventured out in search of any. Peter Hansen, however, with his gun, managed to keep his father's and several other families, supplied with wild game. About a week later a party of 8 or 10 started out for the purpose of burying dead and picking up wounded. They got as far as peter Moen's, on section 5, Swede Grove Township, 15 miles from Forest City, where they exchanged several shots with Indians, no one being hurt, and then turned and came back. The next day the "company of forty-one" was organized, P. E. Hansen, being among the number. After th! e return of this expedition to Forest city, they went to work and comp leted the fort, but not a family moved into it on that night, all sleeping in the huts they had been occupying. During the night the Indians made an attack, and every one scrambled for the fort immediately after the first volley, some in undress uniform, while others were covered with blankets and bed quits. The Indians withdrew the following morning. After this, for a week or two, every one stayed pretty close to the fort. Provisions were very scarce; flour was meted out to the various families in equal parts, and was worth almost its weight in gold. About 2 weeks after the attack the Hansens started one evening for the farm for the purpose of getting provisions. They fastened their oxen, upon reaching the farm, and loaded the wagon with provisions, after which, as the father thought there was no danger, they went into the bedroom and laid down in order to get some rest. Just as they were about to fall asleep, they were aroused by a frightful crash in the outer room.! In an instant they were wide awake, and as visions of painted, blood-thirsty savages flashed through their brains their hair stood on end. A moment later they heard the welcome 'meow' of a cat, and the attack was explained, much to their relief. The cat, in its attempt to gain admittance, had broken through the window. They then returned to Forest City, where their provisions were divided with their friends, and therefore the supply did not last over a week. In the meantime those coming in brought terrible reports of Indian ravages. Notwithstanding this fact, the father, Hans Peterson, decided to go again to the farm. He yoked the oxen, and, taking an old double-barreled shot gun, started. He found the cattle about the house and salted them, thinking their presence was a pretty safe indication that that there were no Indians about, as they would stampede at sight or smell of a "redskin." he lit a lamp in the house and went to work in earnest, and had loaded the wag! on nearly full, when suddenly he heard the cattle running and bellowin g. He dashed out and found the cattle on the run, and a few moments later he heard the Indians yelling about the cabin. He kept on in his northeast course, and laid all the next day in the Manannah woods, and at night made his way back to Forest City. There he told the story, and for 2 weeks no further attempt was made (page 412) by them to reach the farm. At the end of that time, peter Hansen, accompanied by several others, again visited the farm by night, and found the house burned to the ground, and while there were startled by hearing the Indians yelling in the distance. They at once took the back track and arrived in Forest City before day-break, having tramped over 30 miles during the night. No further trips were made until in November, when matters had quieted down somewhat. They then found the cattle all right, but the Indians had smashed everything in the wagon and feasted on the sheep, evidently having camped near by for some time. The family remained at Fo! rest City for about 3 years, and then, in 1865, the "Indian war" having closed, they returned to Swede Grove township and settled upon a homestead, which the father had taken on section 20. The old folks still live upon the place. We now take up the person history of Peter E. Hansen. He remained at home until the 19th of June, 1867, when he was married to Rachel Halverson. The ceremony was performed at Forest City by 'Squire James B. Atkinson, and the event was heartily celebrated by a large attendance of friends. Their union has been blessed with four children, as follows -- Nellie O., born February 3, 1871; Harry A., born February 8, 1873; Jennie F., born August 16, 1875; and Lillie May, born February 5, 1886. Mr. Hansen has been successful beyond the lot of most men, and is now among the largest land-owners in the State. He is owner, either alone or jointly with a partner, of 78,000 acres of land, situated in Meeker, Renville, Kandiyohi, Stearns, Douglas, Pope Grant, Otter Tail and Wright counties, and besides has large landed interests in the city of Minneapolis and several villages. He is one of the directors and also vice-president of the Meeker County Bank, and holds stock in a number of local enterprises. In 1880 he was appointed as agent of the Manitoba Railway Company to handle their lands, and now has charge of the railroad lands in Meeker, Carver, Wright, and Renville counties, and part of Stearns county. He is also loan agent for the Kelly Brothers of Minneapolis. Mr. Hansen is recognized as one of the shrewdest and best businessmen in this part of the State. He has acquired immense property interests, and has always taken an active interest in all matters calcula! ted to benefit the locality in which he lives. Mr. Hansen resides on section 18, Litchfield township, although he carries on business in the village; and his residence and farm improvements are among the finest to be found in the State. "Action in Acton" has more information about Peter E. Hanson's role in the 1862 Sioux Uprising. On page 26 is the 'Attack at Peter Lund Farm, September 2, 1862." Peter was a member of the Home Guards who remembered there was a melon patch. On page 42 of this book, Peter E. Hanson is listed as one of the territorial pioneers of Swede Grove, establishing their home in 1857. 1857: From "Old Settlers" Among those located in the county in 1857 ... were ... Hans Peterson, Peter E. Hanson ... Nels Waylander .... Also from Old Settlers (?), page 561 - Swede Grove: Among the sturdy pioneers that made settlements in this township in 1857 were Hans Peterson and his family, Peter E. Hanson, then a boy, Andrew Peterson, N. E. Hanson, John Rosencranz, Bertha Elofson and hr sons (Nels, Andrew and peter Elofson), Nels Thorbjörnson, Helgar Olson, Amos Olson, Nels Olson, and Nels Askelson. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.