Andrew Olaf Devold

Andrew Olaf "Andy" "A.O." Devold (November 17, 1881 – December 12, 1939) was a Norwegian-American printer and politician who served several terms in both houses of the Minnesota Legislature between 1915 and 1939.

Career

Devold was born November 17, 1881, in Stockholm, Sweden, immigrating to the United States at the age of 12. Despite being born in Sweden, he was a Norwegian, as were both of his parents. His parents, Helle and Emil Mengeshoel, were editors of the newspaper Gaa Paa.

He served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1915 to 1918 and in the Minnesota Senate from 1919 to 1926 and again from 1931 until his death. First elected on the ticket of the Socialist Party, he played a key role in founding the Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party. Devold was one of only two members of the House of Representatives to vote against the creation of the dictatorial Minnesota Commission of Public Safety, the other being Ernest Strand.

He died in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 12, 1939, age 58 years.