My Genealogy Hound

PETER HANSEN, an old resident and prominent citizen of Benton Harbor, is the owner and proprietor of one of the most successful and extensive tailoring establishments in this section of the State. He occupies a store two stories in height and 25x100 feet in dimensions; here he has a well-assorted stock, embracing fine goods of domestic and foreign manufacture. He has gained a first-class reputation for the fit and workmanship of all garments produced at his establishment, and fills orders for every description of work in his line in a prompt and satisfactory manner. His practical experience in the business and careful supervision of its details have procured for him a large and profitable trade.

A native of Luxemborg, Germany, Mr. Hansen was born on the 17th of February, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hartges) Hansen, his father being a farmer in Germany. Peter was educated in the schools of the Fatherland, but his schooling was limited, as at the age of twelve he was obliged to leave school and thenceforth give his attention to farming pursuits. At the age of eighteen he commenced to learn the trade of a tailor, serving an apprenticeship of three years. In 1856 he set sail for America, arriving at Boston on the 5th of January, the same year. Thence he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked at his trade for one year. Later he resided in Lankfort and Dunkirk, N. Y., Warren County, Pa., Jamestown, N. Y., Toronto and several other places in Canada, also at London, Canada, Buffalo, N. Y., and Titusville, Pa.

The year 1867 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Hansen in Benton Harbor, where he at once embarked in business as a merchant tailor. He carries a fine stock of cloth and being a first-class workman, maintains a constant and profitable trade. His brick store building was erected by himself and is still his property. He is a wide-awake and energetic citizen, keen in judgment, honorable in his dealings with all, and possesses a host of warm personal friends. He is a Democrat in his political belief and uniformly gives his support to the principles adopted by that organization. His marriage, in 1866, united him with Miss Catharine O’Neil, of Canada, the daughter of Edward O’Neil. They are the parents of the following children: John, Joseph, Lizzie, Frank, Mary E., Josephine, Kittie, Rosie and Theresa. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen and family are members of the Catholic Church.