Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 1044. IRA R. HANSON is one of the enterprising stockmen of Klamath county and resides on Pelican Bay just one-half mile southwest from Pelican postoffice. The bay is a tributary of Klamath Lake and is in one of the best locations in Klamath county. Ira R. Hanson was born in Auglaise county, Ohio; on September 25, 1862. His father, James Madison Hanson, is a Methodist preacher and is now dwelling in Kansas, where he is active in his profession. He was enrolling officer during the Civil War and his brother, Amaziah, was at one time state treasurer of Ohio. They trace their ancestors back to one John Hanon, who was very prominent in the colonies before the Revolution, being president of the united colonies. James Hanson, the grandfather of our subject, was a veteran of the War of 1812 and lived within thirty days of being one hundred years of age. Our subject's mother, Rosa (Welch) Hanson, is now deceased. Her grandfather was one of the five charter members of the order of Odd Fellow's in the United States. The organization was effected in 1819 and he was influential in it. Mr. Hanson has one brother, Albert, and two sisters, Mrs. Elva Arbogast, deceased and Mrs. Jenette G. Copeland, who died some ten years ago in this county. Our subject went with his father to Bates county, Missouri and there commenced his education. Later, he went to Fort Scott and completed his training in the schools, then went to Anderson county, Kansas. In 1886, we find him in New Mexico, whence he journeyed to Arizona and did railroading for a while. During this time, he earned the engineers trade and operated an engine for some time. He traveled over various portions of California and finally in 1893 landed in Klamath county. In 1897 he came to his present place and engaged in the stock business. He has a fine quarter section of hay land and an unlimited range for stock. He owns now one hundred and fifty head of cattle besides a lot of horses and has been prospered exceedingly. Coming here without funds and starting in to build a home he has succeeded so well that today he is worth fifteen thousand dollars at least. Mr. Hanson is active as a guide for home seekers and has the satisfaction of having established many a good location. On April 11, 1896, Mr. Hanson married Mrs. Hopy (Dodson) Wilson, who was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, the daughter of Robert and Mary L. (Roy) Dodson. The father is deceased and the mother is now living with this daughter. The parents crossed the plains with ox teams in 1847 and settled in Washington county on a donation claim. They came in the same train but were not married until after they arrived in Oregon. Mrs. Hanson's former husband, Thomas Wilson, was of Washington county, Oregon and to them five children were born: Chloe, wife of John Linn, in this county; Clay, a miller in Washington county; Mary, Burke, and Thomas B. Mr. Hanson is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. in Klamath Falls. He and his wife are substantial people, well known and highly respected. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.