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ANDREW A. NORDHUS

In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career on the part of a business man or farmer there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter; but to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and, toiling on, finally wins, not only pecuniary independence, but, what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have been spent.

Andrew A. Nordhus was born in Norway on August 24, 1864, and is a son of Andrew O. and Annie A. (Larson) Nordhus, both also natives of Norway. They came to America in 1872, when the subject of this sketch was a lad of but eight years, and they landed in Winneshiek county, Iowa, that year on the anniversary day of our national independence. In 1879 they came to Fayette county and settled on a farm of seventy-one acres, where they spent the rest of their years and died, the father's death occurring in 1903, his wife having passed to the silent land the year previous. Mr. Nordhus was a stanch supporter of the Republican party in political matters and was influential in his advocacy of temperance measures. He and his wife, as well as the other members of the family, affiliated with the Lutheran church, to which they rendered an earnest support. They became the parents of eleven children, of which number eight are living at the present time.

Andrew A. Nordhus, who was reared under the parental roof, attended the public schools and received a good practical education. He has always devoted himself assiduously to the agricultural industry and because of his persistent efforts and good management he has met with well deserved success in this line. He is now the owner of two hundred and ten acres of as good land as Clermont township presents and here he carries on general farming and stock raising. The place is well improved and its general appearance indicates the owner to be a man of excellent taste and wise discrimination. He raises all the crops common to this section of the country and his efforts have been characterized by a spirit of progressiveness and enterprise that have insured him maximum results in return for his labors.

Politically, Mr. Nordhus is affiliated with the Republican party, in the success of which he is deeply interested, while his religious membership is with the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs.

On April 1, 1891, Mr. Nordhus was married to Julia Brager, who was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, a daughter of Knudt and Carrie Brager, natives of Norway. Mrs. Brager died in Polk county, Minnesota, in 1892, and Mr. Brager passed away on October 9, 1909, while visiting his daughter in Fayette county. To the subject and his wife have been born five children, namely: Cora, Arthur, Aven, Agnes and Annie. The members of the family move in the best social circles in the community and among their friends and acquaintances they are held in high esteem. Mr. Nordhus is numbered among the influential citizens of Clermont township and withholds his support from no movement calculated to confer benefit on the community in any way.

 ~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Mary Fobian