| CLAUS BLACK is one of the highly respected citizens of the town of Oregon, and although more than two-thirds of his life was spent in the far away land of his birth he is contented in the knowledge that his sons and daughters are enjoying the privileges and advantaged guaranteed to all in their adopted country, America. It is to the citizens of foreign birth such as he who is the subject of this brief review, that we are indebted, in part at least, for our material advancement and national prosperity.Mr. Black was born on the island of Lolland, Denmark, August 12, 1825, the son of Ole Larson and Bertha Marie (Hanson) Black. He grew to manhood in his native country, was educated in her schools, and then showed his loyalty and allegiance to the government by serving as a soldier in the war between Denmark and Germany, in 1848-50.
In 1882, with his wife and ten children, he migrated to America. Three children preceded him to this country, and one remained in Denmark for another year. He first settled in the town of Union, Rock county, were he rented land for one year, and then bought a farm in the town of Oregon, Dane county, where is now living a retired life. The difficulties confronting this family can hardly be realized by the native-born America. When they arrived on Wisconsin soil none of them could speak a word of English, but with unusual determination and natural ability of a high order they succeeded nicely and were soon reckoned among the many substantial citizens of the community in which they lived. Aside from the subject that first demanded his attention-that inexorable “first law of nature”-self-preservation, Mr. Black took more than a passing interest in American institutions and especially affairs of a local nature. He became a convert to the political faith of the Democratic party and has given faithful allegiance to that organization since he first exercised the high prerogative that goes with American citizenship. The date of his marriage, which was solemnized in the country that gave him birth, was in October, 1856, and the lady of his choice was Miss Sena Hansenaskafta, who was also born in Denmark, May 16, 1835, the daughter of Hans and Ann Dorothy (Barcusson) Hansenaskafta. The names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Black, and other information each of them are appropriately given in this connection: Theodore Olaf resides in South Dakota; Theresa Maria is now wife of Mace Matson, of the town of Fitchburg; Rasmus lives in Minnesota; Louis is given more extended mention on another page; Dora is the wife of Peter Miller, of the state of Washington; Wilmer married Francis Neibur and resides in the town of Rutland; Sena became the wife of Henry Lutz, of Milwaukee, and is now deceased; Hans married Ida Wood and resides in the town of Dunn; Christian resides at the old home; Anna Marie is the wife of Halvar Rhinedahl of Sun Prairie, Wis.; Fredricka Amelia is the wife of William Bates, of the town of Oregon; Mary is the wife of John Bjoin, of Stoughton; Nels Peter married Sadie Hagan and resides in the town of Oregon; and Lovie C. remains at home where he has charge of the farm and of the general affairs of the family. He was educated in the district schools of the town of Oregon, and is a young man of more than ordinary intelligence. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Oregon, and is exceedingly popular wherever known. 1906 History of Dane County, Wisconsin, p. 97-98. |
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