My Genealogy Hound

FRANK HALLGREN was born December 1, 1852, in Ostergotland, Sweden. He is a son of Hampus V. Hallgren. Having heard of the Eldorados in America, it stimulated a desire in him to seek his fortune in the land of promise; so, at the age of thirteen, he kissed the loved ones of home good-bye, and, bidding a long farewell to his native land, single-handed and alone he set sail for Columbia, a land of freedom and equality. He made the long voyage of the Atlantic alone, not a familiar face nor a welcoming smile to greet the brave-hearted boy when he stepped ashore at Castle Garden, New York city. He lingered not a day in the great American metropolis, but set his face westward, stopping in Henry county, Ill., where he had a brother and other relatives, and began life in the new world as a farm lad. He came with his brother, Leander Hallgren, who was traveling agent for the Union Pacific Railroad Company to Nebraska in 1876, and located in Phelps county. Here they were appointed land agents for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and the subject of this notice was employed to look after the interests of the company in Phelps and Kearney counties. The railroad company would solicit excursion parties from the older settled states, and Mr. Hallgren would show them the advantages of Nebraska lands for agricultural purposes. He delighted to tell the homeseeker of the wonderful fertility and depth of soil, and through his efforts he was instrumental in attracting attention to that portion of Nebraska, and thus developing and advancing the growth of Phelps and Kearney counties. In the meantime he located a timber claim and homestead for his own benefit, in the center of Phelps county, which he has made final proof on and still owns.

In 1879 he married Miss Hulda Sampson, an old school-mate of his in the old country. In 1885 he moved to Holdrege, Nebr., and in 1886, without solicitation or effort on his part, he was elected treasurer of Phelps county. He has been a successful man in every department of life. A handsome fortune now ministers to his wants, for which he deserves great credit, coming to this country when a small boy, with no capital save an abundance of energy and thrift. He stands high in financial and political circles. He is vice-president of the Holdrege National Bank, in which he is a stockholder and a member of its board of directors.

His handsome residence in the northern part of the prosperous little city of Holdrege is a monument to the enterprise and thrift of its popular owner. Its luxurious appointments and furnishings, combined with the geniality of its host and the domestic harmony of his interesting family, render it a model home, and one whose portals are always open to his legion of friends.

There is a lesson in the life of Frank Hallgren for the emulative youth. His life is a model for his children to follow. He is a striking example of the self-made man. He deserves the success that has attended him.