Simon Hanson, deceased, was born in Norway, March 10, 1852, son of Hans Stromenson and Randi Hanson, who came to America with their two sons Ole and Simon, in 1867, coming by sailing vessel. The father Hans took a homestead in section 34, Crooks township, Renville county, where he secured 80 acres of wild prairie land. Here he built a log cabin which is still standing and which was the first in that section. Many of the early gatherings were held in this cabin. He had no money and worked out among other farmers to earn enough to buy an ox team with which to begin improving his land. He bought 40 acres more and here he and his wife lived for the rest of their days. He died June 6, 1893, at the age of sixty-seven years and his wife died July 9, 1889, at the age of seventy-seven years. They were active members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and helped organize the church in that section of the county.

Simon Hanson was married to Mrs. John Swendby, November, 1888, and located in Day county, South Dakota, on a homestead of 160 acres. They remained here for nine and a half years and then moved back to Renville county, locating in Crooks township, on section 34, on the homestead of Mrs. Hanson's first husband, John Swendby. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hanson: Henry, Randi, Sena, Anton, Gena and Harry. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Hanson died May 6, 1903.