Branhagen, Andrew T. 1844 -

BRANHAGEN, SEVELRUD, GRASSTEN, RONGLIEN

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/18/2014 at 16:04:42

Not only is Andrew T. Branhagen one of the most substantial agriculturists of Springfield township, Winneshiek county, but he has the distinction of being the only old soldier of his locality, having rendered valuable service in the Civil war, and in times of peace has demonstrated his public spirit by efficiently filling important positions. Born in Norway, October 28, 1844, n's parents were Tosten and Annie (Sevelrud) Branhagen, natives of that country. They came to America in 1861 and making their way inland located in Winneshiek County, where the father purchased one hundred acres of land on section 11, Springfield Township. He gave his whole attention to clearing and improving this property, and as his crops brought him financial returns increased his holdings until he owned one hundred and sixty acres, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself for the remainder of his life, his demise occurring in 1883. His wife survived about three years, passing away in 1886.

Andrew T. Branhagen was about sixteen years of age when he came with his parents to this country. He received his education largely in his native land, but also attended district school in Springfield Township and Breckenridge Institute at Decorah, in order to perfect his English learning. In January, 1864, Mr. Branhagen enlisted in Company E, Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry, and faithfully served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out with honorable discharge. He then returned to the home farm and subsequently learned the stonemason’s trade, at which he worked for six years with such gratifying success that he was enabled to acquire the home farm by purchase. He has since improved the place remarkably, has erected substantial buildings and has placed his acres under high cultivation. His harvests are large and of good quality and his farm products bring him a handsome annual income. Mr. Branhagen has the distinction of being the only participant of the Civil war now residing in Springfield Township, and the present generation is honoring him for taking up the cause of the flag at a time when the union of our nation was in its greatest danger.

On Independence Day, in 1884, Mr. Branhagen was united in marriage to Miss Oleanna Ronglien, a daughter of Hans and Bertha (Grassten) Ronglien, both natives of the Norseland. Mr. and Mrs. Branhagen have three children, William A., Annie and Idella.

Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Branhagen has always taken a deep interest in the community's welfare and efficiently served as township clerk of Springfield township, while he also rendered valuable service as school treasurer, giving evidence of his interest in the cause of education. He is politically affiliated with the Republican Party and upholds its candidates at the polls. As prosperity has come to him he has made judicious investments and is a stock-holder in the Nordness Creamery Company, the Nordness Telephone Company and the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. Mr. Branhagen is highly respected and esteemed for what he has accomplished and has become a valued and useful citizen of his locality. He has not only attained individual success but has been a valuable factor in promoting agricultural growth and contributing toward the up building of his community.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913