Andrew P. Anderson

As printed in 1913

ANDREW P. ANDERSON.

Andrew P. Anderson, although a native of Norway, has been a resident of the United States since 185 1, when his parents located in Illinois. A few years later he was brought by them to Sumner township, Winneshiek county, and here he has ever since made his home. He now owns a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy acres, one hundred and sixty of which are under cultivation and highly improved. A modern two-story house greatly enhances the value of the property and adds to its prosperous appearance. Mr. Anderson was born in Norway, August 24, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Augusta (Olson) Anderson, natives of that country. The parents came to America in 1851 in order to profit by the opportunities which are held out on this side of the Atlantic to those who are willing to work. They located in Illinois, which state they made their home for three years before removing to Sumner township, Winneshiek county. Here the father died in September, 1866. The mother survives and makes her home with the subject of this review, being now in her eight-fifth year. During all of his life the father followed agricultural pursuits. In their family were nine children, of whom Andrew P. was the oldest. The others were, Ole, Louis, Betsy, Martin, Annie, Andrus, Annie and Citona, all deceased.

Andrew P. Anderson secured his education in Winneshiek county, having come here before he was of school age. He subsequently decided upon an agricultural career and engaged in that line. When he was twenty-four years of age he came to his present farm on section 3, Sumner township, buying sixty acres at that time. As his means have increased he has subsequently added thereto and now holds title to one hundred and seventy acres, one hundred and sixty of which are under a high state of cultivation. He has a most conveniently appointed house, modern and up-to-date in every particular, substantially constructed barns, sheds and outhouses and has installed up-to-date equipment in order to facilitate the labor upon the place and receive the highest possible returns. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising, following scientific and approved methods in obtaining results.

On January 25, 1875, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Berdahl and to this union were born eleven children: Peter, of South Dakota; Anna, the wife of John Albertson, of Sumner township; Emily and Mary, deceased; Emily, the wife of C. T. Trytten, of Ridgeway, Iowa; Iver, of Sumner township; Carl, deceased; Tilda, who married H. M. Halverson, of Lincoln township; Minnie Berdina, deceased; and Albert and Lena, at home.

For twenty years Mr. Anderson served as road supervisor, doing much towards promoting good roads in this section and early recognizing the importance of having good transportation facilities. He also served as trustee of the township, as constable and as president and director of the school board. He gives his adherence to the republican party, upholding its principles stanchly and endorsing its candidates. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church,, to which his family also give their allegiance. Coming here at an early date in the history of the county, Mr. Anderson has seen much of its growth and development and has in no inconsiderable way contributed thereto. He enjoys in a large measure the respect and esteem of all who know him for he is a man of high principles whose success has been entirely builded upon industry and honesty.

As printed in Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.