In 1848, he immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled near Whitewater, Walworth County, Wisconsin.

In 1863, Halvorson enlisted in Company C, First Regiment, Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the Civil War.

[1] [2] [3] Halvorson moved to Minnesota in November 1865 and homesteaded near Belgrade, Stearns County where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock raising.

He served as justice of the peace 1870 – 1875; chairman of the board of supervisors 1870–1880; township assessor in 1880; town clerk 1880 – 1891 and member of the Minnesota House of Representatives 1886–1888.

He moved to Tewaukon Township, Sargent County, North Dakota in 1900 and engaged in agricultural pursuits.