Being from a very poor family Jóhann was fostered by the Danish merchant in Djupivogur, Gustav Iversen. He was a master blacksmith (kleinsmedemester) and taught Jóhann the trade. After becoming a tradesman, he decided to travel in search of his fortune. His foster father gave him this letter of recomendation when he left in 1902. it reads: "As Jóhann Hansson born in Iceland 18½ years old, has studied under the undersigned and has during his study period with me behaved as a responible, sober and hard working student, I recommend him to all it might concern that they may in any way possible help him to cultivate his profession." G. Ivesen (sign.)
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