Andrew Swenson

The term progress has ever been the keynote in the life of Andrew Swenson, a farmer of Paint Creek township, whose valuable farm, one of the most attractive in the district, indicates the up-to-date and modern methods of its owner. He is one of Allamakee county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Paint Creek township on the old family homestead of which his present farm is a part, June 29, 1866. His parents, Bennett and Augusta (Thorsen) Swenson, natives of Norway, are mentioned at length on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of L. B. Swenson.

In the district schools Andrew Swenson acquired a good education, while his father's farm was the training ground upon which he received his knowledge of agriculture. For several years he was in partnership with his brother, L. B. Swenson, in the operation of the homestead, but about ten years ago this relationship was dissolved, the brothers dividing the farm, Andrew Swenson receiving one hundred and forty acres as his share. This place, well improved by his father, has since been greatly enhanced both in value and appearance by the erection of a beautiful residence and good barns and outbuildings, and today the farm is one of the neatest and most attractive properties in Paint Creek township. Mr. Swenson engages in general farming and the progressive methods which he has followed have made him one of the most prosperous and substantial agriculturists of his section.

Mr. Swenson married Miss Torena Kolsrud, a native of Allamakee county and a daughter of Solve Kolsrud. Mrs. Swenson presides over the beautiful home erected by her husband in a very capable manner and is conceded to be an exceptionally good housekeeper. Both are members of the Lutheran church and occupy a prominent place in the community in which they reside. Mr. Swenson owns an automobile and finds pleasant recreation from his farm labor in motoring. He is one of the most modern and up-to-date farmers in the county and the success which he has attained ranks him among the men of affluence in this district.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Jan Miller

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