MRS. DAGMAR ELEANORE HANSEN VOLLMAN

Sacramento County

Biographies

MRS. DAGMAR ELEANORE HANSEN VOLLMAN

MRS. DAGMAR ELEANORE HANSEN VOLLMAN--A representative of one of the oldest families in the Delta section of Sacramento County, who is intensely interested in the development of this wonderfully rich and fertile region, is Mrs. Dagmar Eleanore Hansen Vollman, a native daughter proud of her connection with the Golden State. She was born in Petaluma, a daughter of Edward Hansen, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, who came with his father to San Francisco in early days, when a youth. Accompanying them was also his brother Charles E. The two brothers became interested in navigation on San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento River for California Transportation Company, and being adept and ambitious, they soon worked their way to captain, and for many years continued in their chosen profession and were well-known as the most conscientious and careful masters on the Bay. They both, in turn, were captain of the steamer "Onward," at various times. Some years after they reached California, they sent for their sister Eleanore, who soon joined them, a bright, winsome young lady, who made the acquaintance of Mathew Madge, to whom she was married in San Francisco. Mr. Madge was a native of England, and came to California in pioneer days.

After their marriage, Mathew Madge and his bride located on the Sacramento River, purchasing a property of 160 acres from Dr. Fowler, across the river from Walnut Grove, where they took up their residence, the house having been erected in 1850 and used by Dr. Fowler for his residence as well as for a hospital. Here Mathew Madge and his wife spent the remainder of their days. Meantime, Capt. Charles E. Hansen, had purchased 149 acres on the river just south of the old Madge ranch, which became known as Hansen's Lower Landing. On the death of Mrs. Madge, Charles E. and Edward Hansen inherited her ranch, and while Edward continued as master with the California Transportation Company, Charles E. took up the management and improvement of their ranches, aiding in the construction of the levees, which was first accomplished by shovels and wheelbarrows, until in later years they were finished and made permanent by the use of the big power dredges. They passed through the flood of 1862; and each time their lands were flooded, they again took up the work of reclamation and improvement, setting out orchards which today are a monument to their industry and foresight.

In Petaluma, Edward Hansen married Mrs. Mary (Ross) Brown, a charming young lady who was born in the Highlands of Scotland and came hither with her parents in 1872, first locating in Oregon, but soon coming on to Petaluma. Capt. Edward Hansen continued his profession until the time of his death. At his passing, on June 23, 1899, the shipping interests of northern California lost one of the best-posted and most-liked of the old time river captains, who was sorely missed. He was survived by a widow and an only daughter, Dagmar Eleanore, to mourn his loss. Some years later his widow married his brother, Capt. Charles E. Hansen; they continued to reside on the home place until he passed away in 1904, a man who was highly esteemed and loved by all who knew him. After his death Mrs. Hansen lived on her place at Hansen's Upper Landing, looking after her interests and obtaining much enjoyment in her membership in the Eastern Star. She was a remarkable woman and carried on her affairs successfully until her demise, on December 26, 1918.

Dagmar Hansen was educated at Walnut Grove, and at Mt. St. Gertrude's Academy, Rio Vista, after which she continued her musical education at the Oakland Conservatory of Music.

At Sacramento, in 1910, occurred Miss Hansen's marriage with Clarence T. Vollman, a native of Arkansas, born in Perry County, on March 29, 1884, a son of L. G. and Sarah E. (Bland) Vollman, who brought their family to California in 1900, locating at Clay Station, and who make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Vollman.

Clarence Vollman was educated in the public schools of his native state and at Howe's Business College in Sacramento. From 1900 to 1904 he was employed in a store at Clay Station; and then he clerked in Gardiner's store in Isleton until 1907, when he entered the employ of Walter M. Brown at Ryde. After his marriage, he took up ranching. Mrs. Vollman owned a half interest in the Lower Hansen Ranch; and as soon as they were started, they purchased the balance, thus becoming owners of the entire ranch of 1491/2 acres. After her mother's death Mrs. Vollman came into possession of the home ranch, or Upper Hansen Ranch, a beautiful place on the Sacramento River opposite Walnut Grove. Mr. and Mrs. Vollman devote their land to the raising of fruit and asparagus; and in their lovely home they dispense the old-time California hospitality. Their union has been blessed with the birth of two children, Dagmar Elaine, born June 15, 1911, and Edward Clarence, born December 24, 1915. Mr. Vollman, from 1918 until 1923, was field superintendent for the Spreckels Sugar Company in the Delta country, until he resigned to give all his attention to their farming and horticultural interests. Mr. and Mrs. Vollman take an active part in the civic and social affairs of their community, where they are deservedly popular. Mr. Vollman is a member and past grand of Isleton Lodge No. 108, I. O. O. F.; while Mrs. Vollman is a prominent member of Onisbo Chapter No. 164, O. E. S., at Courtland, in which she is a past matron. She is a cultured and refined woman of a very pleasing personality, who presides gracefully over their home; and she is greatly loved by all who know her, for her kind and generous nature and her womanly attributes of mind and heart. She is worthily following the traditions of her honored ancestors and, like them, is carrying on the development which is rapidly making this favored section the gardenspot of the world.

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 640-643. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.