Hon. Andrew Slotten, a resident farmer of sections 35, in Dwight Township, is one of the influential men of Richland County. He has been associated with the public affairs of the vicinity since his earliest residence here, and has worked zealously for the development of his community. He has acquired a comfortable fortune and a good reputation by the exercise of honest efforts, and his home is one of the bright places in the township.
Mr. Slotten was born in Norway, September 16, 1840, and was the second in a family of live children born to Thore and Elizabeth Slotten. He was reared and educated in his native country and was engaged in farming there until 1867, when in the latter part of June he came to America, and for about one year remained in Wisconsin. From thence he went to Minnesota, and for two years attended the Normal School at Winona. He readily acquired a knowledge of the American ways and customs and became a valuable worker. For seven years he was engaged in various occupations, and then entered the post office at Minneapolis as cleric, remaining in that position seven years. On leaving Minneapolis he went to Dakota and purchased a half section of land where he now resides. He is the owner of live hundred and sixty acres of land, and has erected a complete set of good farm buildings, and engages extensively in fanning, meeting with marked success.
Our subject was married in Minneapolis, Minnesota, February 5, 1870, to Miss Lizzie Bye, the daughter of Taale and Goner Bye, natives of Norway, who died in their own country. Mrs. Slotten was born in Norway, December 5, 1843, and emigrated to America in 1869. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Slotten, as follows: Thorwaland, and Gunda L. Both our subject and wife are active and prominent members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Slotten has identified himself with public affairs in whatever locality Ile has made his residence, and in Minnesota he was chosen sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives in 1878, and served during that session. After taking up his residence in North Dakota he early became well known, and was elected to the state constitutional convention, and the following fall was elected to the state senate, serving in the first legislature after Dakota was admitted into the union. He was later elected one of the railroad commissioners of the state, and in the fall of 1898 Ile was again elected to the North Dakota state senate, for two years, evidencing his popularity. He is associated with the Republican Party politically, and takes a very active Interest in the affairs of his party. He is a man of careful, systematic habits and of a conservative turn of mind, and all matters with which he is connected are materially benefited when the management of the same is left to his care. He is intelligent and progressive, and any project that has for its tendency the development of the financial interests of the county or township meets with his sanction and hearty approval. He is a man of the highest integrity of character and has built for himself an enviable reputation as regards business ability and true worth. He is a gentleman of pleasing personality and has many friends wherever he chooses to reside.
Source: Compendium and History of North Dakota 1900 Page 186