The Anderson Families of Henry County, Illinois

William Anderson is the owner of a highly improved and productive farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Cambridge township. He was born in Knox county, Illinois, on the 27th of January, 1854, his parents being Eric and Anna (Peterson) Anderson, who were natives of Sweden. The paternal grandfather, Andrew Anderson, who was a farmer by occupation, died in Sweden when well advanced in years. Unto him and his wife were born seven children. The maternal grandfather of our subject, John Peterson, who was likewise an agriculturist by occupation, died in Sweden at a ripe old age.

Eric Anderson, the father of William Anderson, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1852, in company with his wife, and took up his above in Knox county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. His wife passed away there in 1854 and eleven years later, in 1865, he came to Henry county. In 1872 he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on which his son William now resides and was successfully engaged in its cultivation until he was called to his final rest. The period of his residence in this county covered a third of a century and he became widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen. His demise occurred in 1899, when he had attained the age of sixty-nine years.

William Anderson, whose name initiated this review, was reared on his father's farm in Knox county and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. He lived with his father until the latter's death, when he came into possession of the old homestead farm in Cambridge township, which originally comprised eighty acres but now embraces a quarter section. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a most gratifying and well merited measure of success, for he cultivates the soil in accordance with modern methods of farming and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields.

On the 28th of November, 1888, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Wexell, who was born at Bishop Hill, this county, her parents being Peter and Martha (Peterson) Wexell, natives of Sweden. They came to the United States in 1846 and cast in their lot with the Bishop Hill colony, living there during the entire period of its existence. Peter Wexell had the honor of making the first dugout at Bishop Hill. About the year 1860 the colonists divided their property, and subsequently, about 1869, Mr. Wexell purchased a farm of two hundred acres northwest of Bishop Hill. He passed away there in 1885 at the age of sixty-eight years. The death of his wife occurred in Cambridge in 1897, when she had attained the age of seventy-eight years. They had three children who lived to maturity, namely: Martha, who is now deceased; Mrs. Anderson; and Caroline, the widow of John P. Gunnerson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been born a daughter, Selma Evalina Minerva Anderson.

Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. Anderson gives his political allegiance to the republican party but at local elections cases an independent ballot, supporting the candidate whom he believes best qualified for office. His wife and daughter are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Having resided in this part of the state throughout his entire life, covering a period of fifty-five years, he is well and favorably known here, and is widely recognized as a prosperous and progressive business man as well as an upright and honorable citizen.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GLAUS H. ANDERSON.

No resident of Osco holds a more responsible position in business circles nor a higher place in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen than does Claus H. Anderson, the president and cashier of the Farmers Bank of Osco. He belongs to that class of representative American citizens who claim Sweden as the land of their nativity, his birth there occurring in 1860. His parents were John and Mary (Larson) Anderson, both natives of Sweden, the former born in 1814 and the latter in 1817. The family came to the United States in the fall of 1865, settlement being made in Andover, Henry county, Illinois, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his demise. His death occurred in 1903 while his wife passed away in 1895, both being interred in Andover township. Their family consisted of five children: August, a retired farmer of Red Oak, Iowa; Alfred, a farmer residing in Nebraska; Ephraim, also a retired far-

I mer, making his home in Nebraska; Qara, the deceased wife of C. G. Johnson, of Linn township, her death occurring in 1895; and Qaus H., of this review.

Claus H. Anderson is indebted to the public schools of Linn township for whatever educational advantages enjoyed during the period of his early youth, continuing his studies until thirteen years of age, when he put aside his textbooks and thus early in life crossed the threshold of the business world, earning his own livelihood as a farm hand, being employed by the month, in which capacity he continued for a number of years. He then rented a farm in Linn township, which he operated for fifteen years, at the end of which time he had accumulated sufficient means with which to purchase a farm of his own. He invested in one hundred and twenty acres of land in Osco township and at once directed his entire energies to its further cultivation and improvement. As the years passed he became very successful, his fields yielding rich harvests that proved a source of very gratifying remuneration to him. He still makes his home upon the farm although its active management is left to his son and daughter, his time and attention being fully occupied with his duties as president and cashier of the Farmers Bank of Osco, in which capacity he has served since the inception of that institution in 1908. He is proving himself an excellent official and one in whom his fellow citizens have implicit faith. He is thoroughly identified with the affairs of the institution of which he is chief executive and yet at the same time is true to the interests of each depositor. His opinions are frequently sought by the patrons of the bank and he has become very popular because of the careful consideration and courtesy which is universally extended to the largest and smallest depositor alike.

It was on the lath of March, 1884, that Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Johnson, a native of Sweden, born in 1862. The parents of Mrs. Anderson were Peter and Molina Johnson, both natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1868 or 1869, settling near Andover, Illinois. They were farming people who at the time of their death were living retired, the father passing away in 1903 and the mother surviving until 1907. In their family were six children, namely: Christine, the wife of Victor Hultgren, residing in Andover township; Emily, who married Charles Eckman of Nebraska; Frank, of Andover township; Tilda, the wife of Bengt Anderson, of Andover; Otto, residing in Andover; and Maggie, who married the subject of this review.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were born four children, namely: Ada, born on the 12th of December, 1886, who attended school in Minnesota and is now at home with her father; Anna, born March 24, 1887, the wife of Elmer Gustafson, of Andover, by whom she has two children, Lester and Chester, twins; Jesse, born December 14, 1889, who is at home and operates his father's farm; and Benjamin, who passed away at the age of two years and was interred beside his mother. Mrs. Anderson was called to her final rest on the 30th of January, 1896, and was buried in Andover township cemetery. She was a most estimable woman, a loving wife and mother and a true friend, and her death was the occasion of deep regret on the part of her many friends.

The religious faith of Mr. Anderson is indicated in his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of Andover, in which he is serving as deacon. His political affiliations are with the republican party to the principles of which he gives stalwart support. He has served as collector both of Linn and Osco townships and also as a member of the school board in Linn township, and he is recognized as a public-spirited citizen whose influence and activity are always upon the side of progress, reform, improvement and advancement. Starting out in life to earn his own living at an age when other lads are still busy with their textbooks, Mr. Anderson has worked his way steadily upward through the intervening years until, entirely through his own energy and well directed efforts, he has reached a foremost place among the substantial and well-to-do residents of the township. He not only occupies one of the most responsible positions of trust in the town of Osco, but is also the owner of a very valuable farming property and a fine dwelling in town which he rents, his various interests returning to him a most gratifying annual income.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

SAMUEL A. ANDERSON.

Samuel A. Anderson, who since 1901 as a general merchant has been connected with the commercial interests of Green River, Edford township, Henry county, was born on a farm in the province of Lanneberga, Sweden, near a station of the same name. April 16, 1866, was the day of his birth. His father, Andrew P. Oleson, was a son of Olaf Nelson. The father died when Samuel A. Anderson was a lad of nine years, but the mother, on whom devolved the burden of rearing her family unassisted, is still living in the old country.

Samuel A. Anderson received a good common-school education in the land of his birth but was compelled to work hard during the summer months. Through relatives and friends the stories of the opportunities for young men of ambition in America came to his ears, and at the age of eighteen, alone and with no knowledge of the English language, he started on his journey to the United States. He came direct to Mercer county, Illinois, where his uncle lived, who gave him employment on his farm and taught him the English tongue. For seven years he worked as a farm laborer both in Mercer county and in Henry county, and then for a few months clerked in a grocery store in Galesburg. The experience opened to him a new field and in that city he started in the grocery business for himself. For ten years he carried on a good trade there, becoming known as a surveyor of fine articles of trustworthy grade. In 1901 he sold his interest in the Galesburg business and came to Green River, where he established himself as a dealer in groceries and general merchandise. In 1905 he built the store he now occupies and also his residence, and as his undertakings prospered he invested more largely in Green River real estate and bought several other dwellings.

While engaged in business in Galesburg Mr. Anderson married Miss Anna C. Mahlstedt, with whom he had become acquainted during the years he worked on a farm. She was a native of Rock Island county, Illinois, was born on a farm and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Kirchoff) Mahlstedt. The marriage ceremony was performed in Green River on the 6th of April, 1892, and the union has been blessed with three children: Lawrence, born in Galesburg, September 4, 1893, who has now finished the eighth grade in the public school; Ralph, also born in Galesburg, June 22, 1895; and Marie, born in Green River, May 31, 1907.

Mr. Anderson and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Green River. He affiliates politically with the republican party and always exercises his right to vote as a citizen of this republic. Still he is not an office seeker nor does he take much interest in public matters, being content if by his own efforts he makes a reputation as a merchant in whom the people may place confidence. He aims to give satisfaction in every instance, and the success that has attended his operations during the seven years he has been in Green River bears witness to the degree in which his aims have been realized.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GUST PETER ANDERSON.

Gust Peter Anderson, one of the thrifty Swedish farmers of Geneseo township, was born in Porter county, Indiana, September 30, 1867, and is a son of Peter and Charlotte (Swanson) Anderson, both natives of Sweden. The father was born March 17, 1831, and came to America in July, 1854, locating in Indiana, near Lake Station, which was then about forty miles from Chicago. There he moved grass and hay for his oxen in fields which have now been included within the limits of that great city or are on the outskirts of its suburbs. After about fifteen years' residence in Indiana he came to Illinois, settling upon the farm in Geneseo township, where his son now lives. While he was in the former state he was drafted into the army during the Civil war, but before he was ready to enlist hostilities had ceased and no service was exacted of him. In 1898 he passed away. He had been a republican in political matters and had served as school director, while he was a devout member of the Swedish Mission church. Within four or five weeks of his death his wife also passed away. She was born February 3, 1835, shared with her husband the many privations of their early life here, and like him was buried in the cemetery of the Swedish Mission. Eleven children were born to the couple, four of whom are now living. Among them were: Hattie, who is the wife of J. L. Johnson, of Gowrie, Webster county, Iowa; Gust Peter, of this review; Charles O., of Stavely, Alberta, Canada; Annie, who was the wife of Charles Lyden, of Denver, Colorado, and died July 31, 1903; Minnie, who died November 1, 1895, unmarried; and Theodore W., of Cambridge, Illinois.

Gust Peter Anderson received his education in the Jackson school of Geneseo township and worked with his father on the home place during vacations and through his school period until he became of age, when he embarked in farming for himself. For about seven or eight years he rented land and then, in 1900, he and his brother Charles O. bought the place on which he now lives and* which they both own. Here Mr. Anderson follows general farming and has also engaged extensively in the raising of stock for the market. Thrifty and intelligent, unsparing of hard work when necessary, he has found that good harvests have made a rich return for his toil and that his cattle are readily disposed of, thus netting him a substantial return.

On the 26th of March, 1895, Mr. Anderson wedded Miss Amanda Blomquist, who was born in Loraine township, July 18, 1872. Her parents, August and Christine (Erickson) Blomquist, were natives of Sweden, the father having been born March 22, 1835, the mother June 18, 1828. In 1869 they came to America, and after living for one year with Mr. Erickson in Geneseo township, they bought land in Loraine township, which they still own, although Mrs. Blomquist makes her home with Mr. Anderson. Three children were born to them, the two living being Mrs. Anderson and Helma, who, unmarried, lives in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had five children, all born upon the home farm where Mr. Anderson's parents lived for so long. They are Helen Charlotte, born June 25, 1896, who attends school; Inez Florine and Irene Frances, twins, born September 28, 1900; Willard Peter, born July 26, 1902; and [name withheld], born January 12, 1909.

In his political views Mr. Anderson is a republican and has served as school director for a number of years, while his religious allegiance is given to the Swedish Mission church, of which he is treasurer. Frugal and hard working, a man whose honorable relations with his fellowmen have been put to the test, he enjoys the sincere respect of all who know him, and like his wife has made many stanch friends.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ADOLPH F. ANDERSON.

Among the influential citizens of Lynn township is Adolph F. Anderson, who is a native of Sweden, born January 1, 1851, and a son of Andrew J. and Britta (Munson) Anderson. When but fourteen years of age he was deprived of his father by death and unusual responsibilities settled upon his young shoulders. He was educated in the schools of his native country and as a youth learned the trade of machinist and blacksmith.

After gaining a livelihood through his trade for a number of years he decided to come to America, and in 1879 Pt this decision into effect. Upon his arrival he located at Afton, Iowa, where for six months he found employment as a section hand upon a railroad. In the fall of the same year he removed to Rock Island, Illinois, where in the plow works of that city he found employment at his trade. He remained there for a number of years but on March 18, 1886, he came to Lynn Center, Henry county, which he soon became satisfied should be his permanent home. He established a small shop, equipped with lathes, drills and other machinery for doing such repair and other work as was needed in the locality, with a blacksmith shop in connection. His thrift, diligence and honorable methods gradually built up a good business which has expanded until it has assumed extensive proportions. In addition to the machinist and blacksmith work done by Mr. Anderson he handles a full line of goods, embracing every machine and implement used on the farm, together with fencing, salt, roofing, paints, pumps and windmills. He also manufactures wagons, hay-racks, water tanks and wagon shoveling boards. In a progressive farming district like Lynn Center such an establishment is almost indispensable and Mr. Anderson enjoys the good will and liberal patronage of the entire community.

Before leaving his native country Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Olson, a daughter of Olaf and Anna Olson, of Sweden. The ceremony was performed December 28, 1878, and the officiating clergyman was the Rev. Mr. Bull. Although some of the relatives of Mrs. Anderson came to America, her parents never left their native country. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born nine children, all of whom are living. Amanda is now the wife of Charles Ellstrom, an Oxford township farmer; Charles is the agent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Lynn Center; Richard is telegraph operator for the same road at Lynn Center; Esther is the wife of Fred Peterson, of New Windsor; Olga is a popular and successful school teacher; Martin is a student at Rock Island College, while Melvin, Eleanor and Herman are at home. Mr. Anderson gives his allegiance to the republican party. Although very influential as a private citizen, few men being better informed than he upon current issues, he has never been one to crave the honors and emoluments of office. However, he does not shirk his public duty but for twenty years has served as a member of the Lynn board of education. He is identified prominently with three Orion organizations: Sherman Lodge, No. 535, F. A. & A. M.; the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Mystic Workers. Mr. Anderson and his family are members of the Lutheran church at Andover and are active in both church and Sunday school. As a family they are a credit to the community, morally, intellectually and socially. Their home is one of the most attractive in the pleasant little village of Lynn Center and is the scene of much of the social life of the neighborhood. In 1885 Mr. Anderson's mother came to America to make her home and had a place in the family circle until her death May 16, 1903. She is interred in the cemetery at Andover. In summing up let it be said that Mr. Anderson is a representative citizen whose influence is always found on the side of progress and improved conditions.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.