Andrew H. Holmberg, a successful farmer, now retired, and influential citizen of Greenleaf, Kan., was born in Malmy, Sweden, June 7, 1840, a son of Hans and Chelstie Holmherg. The elder Holmberg was also a farmer and served for a time in the regular army of Sweden.

Andrew H. Holmberg was reared on the parental farm, and acquired his education in the public schools of his native town, having the distinction of being enrolled as a student on the opening day of the first public school established in his home district, which was in 1847. He remained with his parents, assisting in the operation of the home farm, until he was seventeen years of age, when he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, and followed this occupation until 1867, when he determined to avail himself of the broader opportunities offered in the United States. His first experience with American customs was obtained in Chicago, where he was employed at his trade for a few weeks, later in Altoona, Ill., where he remained nine months, and after a few days spent in Clinton, Mo., he secured employment in a foundry and machine shop at Lawrence, Kan., where he remained one year. In the spring of 1869 he entered a homestead in Little Blue township, Washington county, now Greenleaf township, then returned to his employment in Lawrence, and on March 2, 1870, took up permanent residence on his land. His first improvements were a sod house and blacksmith shop, the latter being the first to be established in this immediate section of the State. His patrons came from a twenty-mile radius and his trade was so prosperous that he not only was compelled to labor frequently of an evening, but was forced to hire help to break his raw land and crop it. In 1873 he erected substantial barns, a modern frame dwelling, and large blacksmith shop. He continued to follow his trade until 1882, when he turned his entire attention to his farm property, which with additional acreage purchased adjoining his original homestead, comprises 320 acres. During the early years of his farming, he raised wheat as the principal crop, but on its decline in price, changed to corn, clover and timothy, also raising horses, cattle and hogs, which he sold in the neighborhood. In 1897 he retired from active labor and became a resident of Greenleaf, renting his farm land, but retaining supervision of the property. During his residence in Washington county he has taken an active part in local affairs, affecting his township, and has been honored with public office, in which he served with credit to himself and his constituents. He was for two terms treasurer of Greenleaf township, and for sixteen years a member of the school board. He is a Republican. He has also been an active and influential factor in the religious life of his district, is a member of the Christian church, and has been for several years a deacon in his congregation.

Mr. Holmberg married, on June 9, 1870, Miss Johannah Persson, a daughter of Peter and Hilda Persson, residents of Sweden, who are deceased, the father being a farmer and stock raiser. Mrs. Holmberg was born on April 24, 1842, and is a graduate of the public schools of her native land. To this union were born two children: John Holmberg, who held for several years previous to his death, in 1903, a position of trust with the Chicago Title & Trust Company of Chicago, Ill. He married Elizabeth Tuett, who, with their two children, Boyce and Elmer, survive him. They are residents of Aurora, Ill. Amanda, the second child, received her early education in the schools of Washington county and was graduated from Northwestern University at Evanston, Ill. She is the wife of Byron Young, who is a farmer and stock raiser, operating the old Holmberg homestead.