Hansen, Knud Madsen

Born in Jylland, Denmark, in 1874, Knud Madsen Hansen immigrated to Fresno County in 1893, initially spending nearly a decade gaining comprehensive viticultural experience in local vineyards. Recognizing his industry expertise, he was named superintendent of the Shepherd & Teague vineyard—a position he held for five years—before acquiring his own land near Clovis in 1902 to cultivate high-yield Malaga grapes.

Hansen became a major organizer in the regional cooperative movement, serving as General Manager and Treasurer of the Clovis Farmers’ Union from its 1909 inception until its acquisition by the California Associated Raisin Company. He subsequently served as superintendent of the company’s Clovis plant and as president of the board of trustees for the Melvin Grape Growers Association. Married to New York native Emma Louise Maas in 1902, with whom he had a son, James, Hansen was also an active Mason, Odd Fellow (Past Grand), Woodman of the World, and dedicated member of the Fresno Dania.