John D.S. Hanson Biography, Oceana County, Michigan Transcribed from the 1890 Oceana County Pioneers and Business Men of Today Copyright © 2004 by Jan Cortez. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************************************ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submittor has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ************************************************************************ John D.S. Hanson was born Jan. 1, 1852, at Whitehall, Mich. He lived there until four years later, when he moved with his parents to Claybanks, this Co., on what is known as the "Hanson farm" on the banks of Lake Michigan, and one of the most beautiful sites on the eastern shore of said lake. Here he lived and grew up to manhood, going to school, teaching school and working on the farm alternatively, with two years at Hillsdale College, this State, until the year 1876, when he became proprietor of the old homestead through the sickness of his father John D. Hanson. Here he had good success as a farmer, and held the office of Constable, Supervisor and School Inspector until the year 1882, when he was elected to the office of Sheriff, and on Jan. 1st, he removed with his family to Hart, the county seat, where he still resides. In 1884 he was re-elected to the office of Sheriff by an increased majority. He also held the office of Deputy U.S. Marshall for several years. While holding the office of Sheriff he devoted all his spare time to the study of law, being encouraged thereto by Hon. F.J. Russell, then Circuit Judge, and in the year 1885, after a thorough examination by the Hon. W.E. Ambler, of Pentwater, Hon. F.W. Cook, of Muskegon and Gen. L.G. Rutherford, of Hart, as commitee, was admitted to the Bar of Oceana County as a full-fledged attorney and solicitor. IN 1886 he was nominated for County Clerk, but was defeated by 31 votes. He was appointed Cler of the Senate Committees on Cities and Villages and Counties and Townships, in the Michigan Legislatre of 1887, which position he held during the session with ability. In Jan. 188, he entered the law office of M.H. Brooks, Esq., to study and practice law, and at the convention of the same year was nominated and afterwards elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney, the duties of which he is now performing with success. In Jan. 1889, he was appointed Probate Clerk by the Hon. W.H. Churchill, Probate Judge for Oceana County, which appointment he still holds. Is Village Attorney of Hart. Was census enumerator for Claybanks in 1880. In politics Mr. Hanson is and always has been a republican, and a firm believer in the American policy of protection. In habits he is strictly temperate in all things. Though not a member of any church, he believes in the doctrines taught by the disciples of Christ, and the Sabbath will invariably find him in the Church. On the 22nd day of Oct. 1876, he was married to Miss Ada Tower, a neighbor and acquaintance from early childhood, and a most estimable and cultivated lady.