David Anderson

As printed in 1902

DAVID ANDERSON.

The United States holds nowhere in her confines more energetic, progressive or enlightened citizens than are found within the borders of Green township, Clark county, Ohio—a district well adapted for agricultural pursuits, being rich in natural advantages which have required only the touch of civilization to yield up of the abundant stores contained in the rich farming land there. Among the leading agriculturists in the township above mentioned was numbered David Anderson, who was born there May 28, 1844, upon the land where his widow now resides. He was a son of John and Mary (Smith) Anderson, both of whom were natives of Scotland, the mother of Edinburg, and the father born in the northern part of the same country. Both were reared in their native land, but did not become acquainted until they arrived in America. John Anderson came to the “land of the free” with his parents, John and Agnes (Smith) Anderson, who were the parents of culture of the ` five children namely: James; David, for whom the subject of this review was named and who is now deceased, having died in Greene county, Ohio; Elizabeth, deceased wife of William Bradfute, who resided in Greene county; Marjorie, who became the wife of Thomas Elder and died in Clark county; and John, the father of David of this review.

Upon the home farm, which was the place of his birth, David Anderson was reared and in the common schools of the district he received a fair education. He was early trained to the work of the farm, and remained with his parents until, in response to his country's call for aid, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fortysixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was in the army for about four months, during which time he took part in many skirmishes and engagements. He was taken sick and was in the hospital for a time, and his early death at the age of thirty-two, when in the prime of life, was probably the result of exposure while in the service. Upon his father's death he inherited the home farm of one hundred acres, and there continued to reside until called to his final rest, August 71.1870,

On the 30th of November, 1871, occurred the marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Margaret Funston, a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Mills) Funston. She was born in Green township, Clark county, September 5, 1843, and common-school education received a good in the district where she resided, which was supplemented by attendance in a select school at Clifton. Her father, Thomas Funston, was a cousin of General Funston, of Philippine renown, and was a native of the Blue Grass state, having been born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, whence he came to Ohio at the age ef two years, with his parents, John and Keziah (Scott) Funston. Her grandfather, John Funston, was born in Ireland, and vas a young man when he came to America. While en route to the new world he was captured by pirates and was held a prisoner for two years. He was a valiant soldier in the war of 1812 and took part in the battle called Perry’s Victory.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were born two children: Clarence, born on the home farm June 2, 1873, received the advantages of a good common and high school education, having graduated in the class of 1892. Upon the home farm he was reared, and on the 23d of November, 1898, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Hatfield, who was born in Green township, a daughter of James and Harriet (Stewart) Hatfield. They make their home on the farm owned by his mother. Albert Funston, the second son, was born upon the home farm February 1, 1876, and was but six months old at the time of his father's death. He, too, resides with his mother upon the home farm and assists in the care of the same. Upon completing his high school course, he entered Antioch College, where he took a business course. David Anderson was a man of high principles and undoubted integrity, ofa genial, pleasant manner, which endeared him to his many friends. He was ever interested in the growth and prosperity of his community, and at his death the township.

lost one of her representative citizens, the country a brave and loyal patriot and the wife and children their nearest and best friend. The sons have grown to be valued members of the community in which they live. The father was a stanch Republican, though not a politician in the sense of office seeking. The sons, too, affiliate with the Republican party. The eldest son voted for William McKinley at the time of his first nomination, and the younger brother cast his first ballot for that honored president on his second nomination. Mrs. Anderson has proved a most capable manager of the home farm, which she now conducts with the assistance of her two sons. All the improvements and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth found upon the place, the neat and attractive appearance of which is enhanced by a substantially and beautifully constructed residence which was erected by Mrs. Anderson in 1898, their old home having been burned in 1892, The home farm comprised one hundred acres, which Mrs. Anderson inherited in part from her husband’s estate. The balance she purchased of the heirs. To this she has added other tracts until the farm is one of the large and highly cultivated tracts of the township, and is as a monument to the efficient care and supervision of Mrs. Anderson. She and her two sons are respected members of the Presbyterian church at Clifton, as was also the husband and father im his life time. The community regard them as honored ‚and valued citizens and they enjoy the configood-will of all who century are to be dence, respect and know them. — ee

As printed in A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.