Bio: Hansen, August (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org. 

Surnames: Hansen, Turner, Braudrup

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) pages 724-725

August Hansen, upholsterer and dealer in fine furniture in Eau Claire, was born at Neestved, Denmark, August 31, 1879, and is one of a family of ten children born to Christian and Marie Hansen, the latter now deceased. The father, who was born in Denmark, is now (1914) at the age of seventy years, successfully engaged in truck farming.

August received his education in the common schools of his home town and at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to learn the upholsterer's trade. Becoming proficient in this line, he worked at upholstery in his native town until the fall of 1905, when he sailed for America on the steamship "Hellig Olaf." After landing in New York City he went direct to St. Paul, Minn., where he had two brothers, and there entered the employ of William French & Company, and later was associated with the firm of Youngbauer & Company, two of the largest furniture and upholstering houses in the Northwest. Severing his connection with these concerns, he came to Eau Claire and for one year worked for George W. Turner. In the fall of 1908 he embarked ill the upholstery business for himself at 91 Grand avenue west.

Starting with a limited capital and being practically a stranger, it was nearly three months before he received his first order, upon which he made a small profit. From that time his business commenced to grow and finding more commodious quarters necessary, he, in 1911, moved to his present location at 413 Barstow street, where he carries a full line of draperies, tapestries, fine and unique pieces of furniture, and is now well known as one of Eau Claire's successful business men, whose work in his line is the best to be obtained in the city, catering to the best class of trade, and is considered one of the most progressive Danish people in Eau Claire. He is a member of Germania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of Pythias, the Danish Brotherhood of St. Paul and the Lutheran Church. He married Sigrid Braudrup, of Denmark, and they have three children — Eina, Margaret and Mildred Eleanor.