John Hogenson, the popular postmaster of Romness. North Dakota, near where he conducts one of the finest farms in Griggs county, is a man of exceptional tact and is widely and favorably known as a citizen of true worth. He has acted as postmaster of that thriving town for the past ten years, and is one of the pioneer settlers of the county. He has passed through many pioneer hardships, and can review the early history of that region. His present home is one of the best located and most modern style of any in the township, and his farm in section 16, of Romness township, bears every evidence of careful tillage and modern methods.
Our subject was born on a farm in Norway, June 22, 1847, and was the only son and second child in a family of five children, born to Hogen and Martha (Johnson) Hogenson, both of whom were natives of Norway. His father was a farmer by occupation. Our subject lived in his native land until 1867, when he came to America, and located at Amherst, Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he worked at farming until he went to Griggs county, North Dakota, in the spring of 1880. He "squatted" on the place which he now owns and occupies, and filed a claim to the land in 1882. He is now the fortunate owner of four hundred acres of land, and he has made a success of his chosen calling. His farm is fully improved, and his residence is situated in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Sheyenne river. It is a substantial structure of modern architecture, as are all of the buildings on the place, and altogether the estate presents a pleasing appearance.
Our subject was married in Filmore county, Minnesota in 1876 to Miss Karen Vestern. Mrs. Hogensen was born in Norway, December 23, 1855, and came to Filmore county, Minnesota, when a girl aged twelve years. She is a daughter of Erick and Bertha Vestern. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hogensen, as follows: Helen, Edward, Clara, Josephine, Louis, Joseph, Ida, Otto and August. The two eldest children were born in Minnesota, and the other children in North Dakota. Helen, the eldest daughter, is now Mrs. Ole Anderson, and resides in Wells county, North Dakota. Mr. Hogenson is prominent in public affairs, and served three years on the board of county commissioners, having been elected to that office on the Republican ticket. He has also been clerk of the township in which he resides continuously since its organization, and has served as clerk of the school district. He has met with unbounded success and is recognized as a leading citizen. In political faith he is a Populist, and is a man who is strong in his convictions for right.
Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota 1900 Page 506