Andrew Anderson

As printed in 1909

ANDREW ANDERSON.

Denmark has furnished a valuable class of citizens to the new world. They have brought with them from the old country the unremitting energy and perseverance characteristic of that nationality, and in the great majority of cases have attained success in the management of varied business affairs. To this class belongs Andrew Anderson, who is now manager of the Farmers' Elevator at Spencer. He came to America in 1882 when a young man of but twenty-one years, his birth having occurred in Drechele, Denmark, on the 19th of February, 1861. His father, Rasmus Anderson, was a laborer who lived at Orte, Denmark, and was a son of Andrew Rasmussen. Rasmus Anderson served as a soldier in the Danish army in 1864. He wedded Marie Sorensen, also a native of Denmark, and a daughter of Soren Jule. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were members of the Lutheran church, and its teachings proved the guiding rule of their lives. They became parents of nine children, of whom five are now living: Andrew, of this review; Soren, whose home is in Kenmore, North Dakota; Lars, living in Denmark; Kary, also of Denmark; and Rasmus, who still remains in his native land.

On the home farm in Denmark Andrew Anderson spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and attended the common schools. From time to time he heard interesting reports concerning America, its business conditions and its opportunities, and at length these proved to him an irresistible attraction, so that he bade adieu to friends and native country and in January, 1882, came to the United States. For seven months he was a resident of Chicago and on the 4th of September of that year arrived in Spencer, where he was employed in various ways, his course at all times, however, being characterized by progress. For over fifteen years he was in the employ of R. Trundale and this long connection indicated his faithfulness to the interests which he represented. On the expiration of that period he purchased an elevator which he operated for two years, and in connection with grain also handled coal and hogs. He then sold out to the Hunton Elevator Company of McGregor, Iowa, but continued in charge as manager for two years, and also handled coal and hogs on his own account. The Hunton Elevator Company then sold out to the Farmers" Elevator Company, which also purchased Mr. Anderson's business as a dealer in coal and hogs in 1907. He has since acted as manager for the company and in this connection is doing good service, being thoroughly familiar with the trade and handling a large amount of business for the company annually.

On the 4th of lay, 1883. occurred the marriage of Mr. Anderson to Miss Anna Dorothy Peterson, a daughter of Jorgen Peterson. There were six children of that marriage, Emma, Mary, William, Arthur, Clarence and Raymond. The elder daughter is now the wife of Charles Howe, assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Spencer, and they have one child, Dorothy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson hold membership in the Danish Lutheran church, are interested in its work and do all in their power to promote its influence. Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Anderson has voted with the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He has now been a resident of America for twenty-seven years and he never feels that he has any reason to regret his determination to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic, for he has found a good home here, has met with fair success in his business and has gained many friends whose regard and companionship make life pleasant for him.

As printed in History of Clay County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1909 (1909). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.