Aberdeen Daily News Saturday, May 25, 1901
Hans J. Hanson, an aged farmer of Gem township expired suddenly while unloading wheat from his wagon at the roller mills just before noon today. Mr. Hanson was standing in the box of his wagon and was in the act of straightening out empty sacks over the back of the seat when he fell backwards to the bottom of the box. Chris Olson, the buyer at the mill, and Harry Gifford, the head miller, sprang into the wagon to his assistance but their services were of no avail, and he was soon dead.
Mr. Gifford had Mr. Hanson’s clothing opened and restorative measures were resorted to but nothing could save him, and he soon ceased breathing. The body was taken to the residence of Andrew Olson and from there will be transferred to his late home this evening. Death was probably caused by heart disease.
The deceased was born in Denmark sixty-five years ago. When thirty years of age Mr. Hanson came to America and settled in Wisconsin, coming from there to this county twenty years ago.
Besides his aged wife he leaves five daughters and one son. Two of the daughters are at home in Gem. The others are Mrs. Andrew Olson of this city, Mrs. C. Hanson of Gem, and Mrs. Thomas of Northville. The son is Rev. H. C. Hanson Jortholm of Duluth, Minn.
Mr. Hanson was much respected and his death will make a sad break in the ranks of the early settlers of Gem township. The time of the funeral has not yet been set.
Aberdeen Weekly News, May 30 — The funeral services were held at the Gem church on Monday afternoon, the church being filled to overflowing. Rev. Mr. Groningen conducted the exercises, after which Rev. C. H. Jortholm of Duluth, a son of the deceased, spoke in a very touching manner of the many kindnesses shown his father.
~Transcribed by volunteer researcher, Kathy Smith