Biography of Oliver Sigvard Hanson of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Oliver Sigvard Hanson, born June 3, 1862, in Hanover Township, Iowa, was a prominent banking figure in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Son of Norwegian immigrants Hans A. and Maren Hanson, he moved to North Dakota in 1881. By 1884, he managed the State Bank of Buxton and eventually became president of the State Bank of Grand Forks, the Scandinavian American Bank of Grand Forks, and the State Bank of Buxton, as well as vice president of the State Bank of Grandon. Although interested in politics, he primarily focused on banking. In 1892, he married Louise Sorlie, and they had five children: Harley Irving, Meryn Herbert, Verdine Olive, Charlotte Louise, and Caroline Josephine.


Oliver Sigvard Hanson, a resident of Grand Forks, North Dakota, was born on June 3, 1862, in Hanover Township, Allamakee County, Iowa. He is the son of Hans A. and Maren Hanson, who were natives of Norway and immigrated to Iowa in 1851.

Mr. Hanson received a decent education in Iowa’s schools. Since the age of twenty-two, he has been involved in the management of banks. He relocated to North Dakota in November 1881 and has been actively engaged in the state’s banking industry ever since. In 1884, he assumed responsibility as the manager of the State Bank of Buxton. Currently, he serves as the president of the State Bank of Grand Forks, the president of the Scandinavian American Bank of Grand Forks, the president of the State Bank of Buxton, and the vice president of the State Bank of Grandon, North Dakota. Although he has some interest in politics, he does not actively seek political office. In 1896, he was a delegate to the convention from North Dakota when McKinley was nominated in St. Louis. Mr. Hanson is a member of the Grand Forks Y.M.C.A.

In 1892, Mr. Hanson married Miss Louise Sorlie from Hartland, Minnesota. Together, they have children named Harley Irving, Meryn Herbert, Verdine Olive, Charlotte Louise, and Caroline Josephine.

Source

C.F. Cooper & Company, History of the Red River Valley, Past And Present: Including an Account of the Counties, Cities, Towns And Villages of the Valley From the Time of Their First Settlement And Formation, volumes 1-2; Grand Forks: Herald printing company, 1909.

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