Elias Hansen

Elias Hansen (January 31, 1877 – September 3, 1966) was a justice of the Utah Supreme Court from 1927 to 1937, serving as chief justice from 1935 to 1937.

Early life, education, and career Born in Benjamin, Utah, James and Mary (Sorensen) Hansen, his parents were natives of Denmark who had settled in Utah, where his father became a farmer and cattle rancher, and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hansen, one of eight children born to the couple, attended the schools of Benjamin, Lake Shore, and Spanish Fork. He then taught school for six years in the high school of Park City, in Summit County, Utah, enabling him to continue he studies and receive his B.A. in 1902. He then taught history in the University of Utah for one year, and taught at the Branch Normal School at Cedar City, Utah, for four years. he served on that court from 1927 to 1937, including service as chief justice from 1935 until his departure from the court on January 4, 1937, having lost his bid for reelection the previous year.

Personal life Hansen married Elizabeth Moore of Salt Lake City on April 2, 1903; they had one daughter, Ella, born around 1906. He died in 1966, and was buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery.