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.
Halvorson's life involved a combination of agricultural work, civic service, and political involvement in Stearns County, Minnesota.