"History of Cottonwood and Watonwan Counties of Minnesota, 1916"



Another of the Norwegians who have come to Watonwan county and proved that he could succeed at some useful occupation other than fanning is Severt Hansen, who is engaged in the jewelry business in St. James. He was born in Norway, February 27, 1879, and is a son of Hans and Betsey Olson, both natives of Norway, where they grew up and were married. They came to America in 1892, locating in Mankato, Minnesota, where the father lived retired until his death in 1899, The mother died in 1900. They were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. They were the parents of the following children: Ole is the eldest; Marie is the wife of Ole Bykhus, of Mankato; Thomas is a merchant in Minneapolis; Bertha is the wife of H. H. Myhrum, a tailor of Worthington, Minnesota; Carrie is the wife of Carl Hendrick, of Teddington, Canada; Tillie died in Fargo, North Dakota; Severt, of this sketch; Mary is head bookkeeper for the Benson Drug Company of Fargo, North Dakota.

Severt Hansen spent his early boyhood in Norway and attended the public schools. When thirteen years old he accompanied his parents to America, and continued his education in the public schools of Mankato, Minnesota. He began learning the jeweler's trade when fourteen years of age and in due course of time became highly skilled. He came to St. James in 1899 and worked nine years for C. A. Westerbaum, giving entire satisfaction. In 1908 he formed a partnership with A. A. Westberg in the jewelry business under the firm name of Hansen & Westberg. This partnership continued successfully until July i, 1915, when Mr. Hansen bought out his partner and has since conducted the business alone. He enjoys a liberal patronage and carries a large and well-selected stock of everything commonly found in a modem jewelry store. He maintains a well-equipped repair department and his work is very satisfactory in every respect.

Mr. Hansen was married in 1911, to Anna Matilda Westberg, of Nelson township, Watonwan county, and a daughter of A. P. Westberg, a pioneer of this county. To this union one child has been born, Mildred Synneva, whose birth occurred on June 3, 1915.

Politically, Mr. Hansen is a Republican. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church and is a member of the choir. He is a lieutenant in Fire Company No. 1.



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