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Andrew C. Johnson, Sr., proprietor of the Brantdale, a leading stock farmer of Houston township, who has also
taken a prominent partS in public affairs, was born near Drammen, Norway, July 6, 1857, son of John and Mary (Stensrud)
Johnson. He was his parents' only child, as his father died when Andrew was but a few weeks old. In 1861 Mrs. Mary
Johnson camewith her son to America, locating in Houston county, Minn., where she contracted a second marriage
with Peter Wager of which eight children - were born. She died on a farm in Houston township in January, 1910.
Andrew C. Johnson, who was a child of about four years when he arrived in Houston county, resided with his mother
and in his boyhood attended the district school. He was brought up to farm work, and at the age of twenty-one,
being then his own master, left home and went to Madison county, Neb., where he took a homestead, which he held
while working for others. After improving it as he found opportunity, he sold it and engaged in the butcher's business
at Newman Grove, a village situated on the line between Madison and Platte counties, Nebraska. There he remained
for fifteen years. At the end of that time he disposed of his interests and returned to Minnesota, buying his present
farm of 460 acres in section 11, Houston township. His tillable land, which is rich and fertile, he rents out to
others, giving his own attention to the stock business, especially to the breeding of Hereford cattle and Duroc-Jersey
hogs. He has made substantial improvements on his farm, in 1914, erecting his present residence, which is one of
the most modern in this locality• and which, together with his barn, is illuminated by his own individual lighting
system. On this handsome estate Mr. Johnson expects to make his permanent home. He is a member of the Norwegian
Lutheran church and of the Odd Fellows' lodge at Hokah. In politics a Republican, Mr. Johnson has for many years
taken an active part in public affairs in the communities where he has resided. While in Nebraska he held school
office for some years, was town assessor two years; county comissioner in Madison county, Neb., for nine years
in succession; and since locating permanently in Houston county he has served twelve years on the school board
of his district, is now serving as justice of the peace, and was representative from Houston county in the State
Legislature during the session of 1913. He is also one of the trustees of his church and was delegate to the Lutheran
annual convention of 1918, held at Fargo, N. D. December 22, 1886, Andrew C. Johnson was united in marriage with
Sarah Larson, who was born near Skeon, Norway, daughter of Lars and Cecil Anderson. She was an only child and was
educated in Dodge and Brown counties, Minm. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been the parents of six children, John Magness,
Mabel J0sephine, Marie, Nellie Sophia, Andrew Christopher, Jr., and Florence Serene, all of whom are residing at
home except Nellie Sophia, who died Jan. 10, 1914. John M. and Andrew C., Jr., both served their country during
the great. war, John being in training at Camp Grant and Fort Sheridan, and Andrew C., Jr., going to France with
the 333rd heavy artillery. Lars and Cecil Anderson, the parents of Mrs. Johnson, were both born in Norway, in the
same locality as their daughter. Soon after the latter's birth they emigrated to Wisconsin, and Mr. Anderson elisting
for service in the Civil War, was killed at the battle of Corinth, Miss., Oct. 18, 1862. His widow subsequently
married again, but died in Houston county when her daughter Sarah (Mrs. Johnson) was a child.
FROM:
The History of Houston County, Minnesota
Edited by: Franklyn Curtis-Wedge.
H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.
Winona, Minn. 1919
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