Andrew Tweiten, was born on a small farm called Tveiten in Hardanger, Norway at the west coast of Norway on November 18, 1882. He grew up with five brothers and one sister. The 11th of April, 1902 he and his eldest brother, Lars, left Norway and they arrived in New York on the 24th of April on the ship “Oceanic”. Arriving in New York Andrew had 15 Norwegian Kroner (about one and one half U.S. dollars). In short, Lars had no money. The brothers went on to Cloquet, Minnesota. Lars returned to Norway a few years later and took over the farm. He died in 1957.

Andrew stayed in North Dakota before he went to Nome, Alaska for a period. He worked at the Little Creek Mine in Nome. He came to Treadwell May 30, 1908 and lived there for 15 years. He worked in the mines and as a fisherman for a period.

According to the Alaska Juneau Mining Company files, he started working in the Machine Shop at Treadwell August 1, 1922, and lived at a Boarding House until January 26, 1934. According to the same file he started working for the Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Co. August 4, 1927 at the machine shop. In the same document it is said that he had previously been employed by the Alaska Juneau machine shop. It is also said that he was working at the Annex Creek power house in Taku Inlet and in a coal mine near Angoon (Admiralty Island Coal Company).

Andrew Tweiten became an American Citizen in 1925. In 1934 he bought the Bergmann Hotel from Marie Bergmann, a nurse who had worked at the Simpson Hospital in Juneau (established in 1886). He paid $30,000 for it. In the 1940’s he started investing his money in real estate, stocks and bonds. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, and in 1941 he became a member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Igloo no. 6. His application was endorsed by J.W. Wilson, Alfred Zenger and Al Lundstrom.

Andrew died November 1, 1967 at St. Anns Hospital and was buried November 3, 1967 at Evergreen Cemetery, Pioneers Section, plot no. 0170. Pallbearers were members of Igloo No. 6 of the Pioneers of Alaska. The funeral service was held in the Carter Chapel by Rev. Glenn W. Sachs. [Biographical information provided by donor.]