Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-Herman Halvorson
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
HERMAN HALVORSON has been a resident of Clay County for a score of years. His beautiful and fertile farm is located on section 12, Mulberry Township, and comprises 248 acres, most of which is improved. His original possessions here were 160 acres which he entered under the Homestead Act in 1809. The estate is favorably situated in the first bottom of the Republican River Valley. and has been reclaimed from its primitive condition to one of high cultivation, by Mr. Halvorson. The houses, barns, etc.. with which the estate is well supplied, were built by the owner's own hands, and are a credit to his mechanical ability.
Mr. Halvorson is a descendant of a good old Norwegian family. His parents lived on a farm in Central Norway, some seventy miles from its capital, and there he was born Nov. 17, 1843. His parents lived and died in their native country, where the son remained until after reaching man's estate. He had learned the trade of a blacksmith, and after his apprenticeship followed that occupation for a number of years.
Having in early manhood determined to find a home in the New World, Mr. Halvorson sailed from the port of Christiania, Aug. 22, 1866. After an uneventful voyage of two weeks, landing was made at New York City, whence he went directly to Missouri. After a short sojourn in that State he went to Chicago, Ill., where he remained about two years, working at his trade. From the metropolis of the Great Lakes, he came to this State in 1869, entering the homestead as above stated. He has since added 188 acres to the original estate, and made of the place what it is today, a beautiful and productive farm. Since becoming a resident of Kansas, Mr. Halvorson has devoted his attention to general farming.
While in Chicago, Ill., Mr. Halvorson celebrated his marriage to Miss Helena Hanson. The bride was born in Norway Oct. 7, 1835, and when about thirty years of age came to the United States with some friends. She at once located in Chicago, where she lived until after her marriage. She is a notable housewife, and a lady of true worth of character. She has borne her husband seven children, one son, Herman, having died in his infancy. A son, Benjamin, is now living in Colorado. He is of age and still single. The rest of the family circle are still at home. They are named respectively: Henry, Clara, Hulda, Lizzie and Nettie.
In politics Mr. Halvorson is a Republican. Like most of his countrymen, he is an excellent citizen and a man of steady habits and fine principles.