The Fifteenth Legislature of Minnesota: Biographical Sketches, St. Paul: Press Printing Company, 1873 lists his birth year as 1837. Toensing lists 1838 with a question mark.
He came to the United States in 1850 and settled in Wisconsin. He settled in Minnesota in 1856.
Religion provided in History of Goodhue County, Chicago: H.C. Cooper, 1909.
"G.K. Norsving and Bertha (Holien) Norsving, parents of John Edward, were born in Norway, and in 1850 migrated to the United States. After living in Wisconsin and Iowa several years they came to Holden township, this county, and purchased 160 acres which they broke and improved, later adding eighty acres more, which was, however, subsequently disposed of. They retired in 1904 and now make their home in a pleasant residence in Kenyon. During his active life G.K. Norsving was at one time interested in a store in Tennessee, but this interest he later sold. The entire family is well esteemed throughout this section of the country. G.K. Norsving served in the legislature in 1872-3. He has also served as county commissioner, township supervisor, clerk, treasurer, justice and assessor." (History of Goodhue County, Chicago: H.C. Cooper, 1909, p. 941.)