James A. Anderson

As printed in 1888

AMES A. ANDERSON, a prominent fruit grower residing on section 30, Burlington Township, Des Moines Co., Iowa, was born in ()j Carrollton, Ky., Nov. 1, 1834, and is ason of Selh and Emily (Goddard) Anderson, the father a native of Kentucky-, the mother of Maryland. They were the parents of three children: John F., a farmer near Salem. Ore.; l\Iatilda A., who died at the age of eleven years, and our subject. The two former were born in Des Moines County. Seth Anderson, with his wife and son James, came to this county in the spring of 18.36, in company with the family of William Garrett. They resided near the Cascade for one year, Mr. Anderson afterward entering 160 acres on section 30, where our subject now resides. Seth Anderson only lived about two years after coming to Des Moines County, his death occurring in 1838. He was a public-spirited man, always doing his share in public enterprises. His widow subsequently married Comfort Peck, a native of Massachusetts, and to them were born three children: Elizabeth, wife of Martin Ryarson, a farmer of Union Tovvnshi] and mother of two children — Paul and Edna; Hubert C. wedded Ellen Kyle, a native of Mercer County, Ill., and two sons were born to them; Ray Clarence is a farmer in Burlington Township. Mrs. Peck is yet living,.and resides in Burlington Township. She has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an active worker for her Master.

At about the age of twenty-three our subject began the bottle of life for himself, and well has this battle been fought. Always industrious, he soon gave his attention to fruit-growing, and is now extensively engaged in raising fruit and garden products. About the year 1843 he and his mother made a trip to Mississippi, visiting there until 1845, when they returned to this county, and in 1846-47 they traveled through Arkansas. In the fall of 1 849 the house that afterward became the home of Mr. Anderson was erected. The timber composing the house is oak and hickory, and the roof is made of shaved pine shingles. But little does the present generation know of the privations and toils which made up the life of the pioneer settler. Indians were numerous in this part of the country at that time. Where once was unbroken timber, now, as far as the eye can see, stretch broad, cultivated farms, the trees being filled in the daytime, and the brush burned at night. The flowers path of knowledge was untrodden in those days, the little education received being obtained under great disadvantages. Mr. Anderson attended the log school-house, with its slab seats, luncheon floors and huge fireplace. The boys in those days were compelled to rise before daylight, saw logs until school time, then run to school, back again at night, sawing logs until dark, when the chores li.ad to be done, and then after supper shell corn until 10 or 11 o'clock.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are both members of the INIethodist Episcopal Church, in which he has alw.ays been an active woikcr. His life is worthy of commendation, and one that the young men of today would do well to follow. With scarcely any early advantages, he has yet gained an honorable place in the business world, and his rank in the social world is as high. In his temperance principles he is firm, having never used tobacco in any way, and as much can be said of his use of liquors. Tills is a record any one might be proud to possess, and such a legacy given to the children is more priceless than gold. Mr. Anderson attributes his good health to his temperate habits; during his whole life his doctor bills only amount to 5. Politically, in early life he was a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party has been an earnest advocate of its princi[)les. Mr. Anderson has witnessed the many changes that have taken place in Des Moines County, and as a pioneer, a gentleman, and a respected citizen, we are pleased to place the record of his life on the pages of one of Iowa's best counties.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Des Moines County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county .. (1888). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.