Andrew A. Johnson

JOHNSON

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 2/8/2006 at 09:26:31

Andrew A. Johnson is residing in Fertile in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was for many years actively identified with farming interests in Fertile township, Worth county, and by his carefully directed labors wrought a measure of success that now enables him to live retired. He was born on the 9th of August, 1867, a son of Andrew and Carrie (Muxter) Johnson, in whose family were eleven children: Martha, Andrew A., John, Anna, Christine, A. O., H. E., Manda, Lenana and two who died in infancy.

In his boyhood days Andrew A. Johnson attended the district school through the winter months and in the summer seasons worked upon the home farm, early becoming acquainted with every phase of farm work from the time of spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. He continued to assist his father until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he purchased the old home place, upon which he lived until the 1st of March, 1918. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and cultivated his crops, gathering abundant harvests for which he found a ready sale on the market. He brought his land under a very high state of cultivation and added many substantial improvements to his farm, which he converted into one of the valuable properties of the district. In the spring of the present year, however, he rented this place and removed to Fertile, where he now owns a fine residence which he and his family occupy. He is still a young man, however, and his energy and enterprise prompt him to do various kinds of work, for indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he does not care to entirely put aside business activity.

On the 16th of December, 1890, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Belle A. Olsen, a daughter of Peter and Bereth (Nelson) Olsen, who were born in Norway and came to America in 1864. They made their way westward to Iowa, establishing their home in Worth county. Mrs. Johnson was only a year and a half old at the time and she pursued her education in the schools of Iowa. She was one of seven children, the others being Nettie, Anna, Ellen, Ole and two who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born the following named: Perry, who was born in 1891, married Maud Logue and lives in Montana. Virgil, born in 1903, is at home. Pearl is a little maiden of nine summers, having been born in 1909. They also lost three children in infancy.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church, to the teachings of which they loyally adhere. Mr. Johnson is identified with several fraternal organizations, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Yeomen and the Woodmen. His political support is given to the republican party, of which he is a stanch advocate, never faltering in his allegiance to the organization, for his study of political conditions has led him to the firm belief that its principles are the most valuable and effective factors in good government. Having practically spent his entire life in Worth county, Mr. Johnson is well known and the sterling traits of his character have gained him warm regard.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1918, Vol. II, page 487.