Anfinson, Lars 1827-1907

ANFINSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 3/27/2013 at 00:35:54

Lars Anfinson died at his home on section 24 in Paint Creek township on Oct. 5, 1907, at the advanced age of 80 years 3 months and 6 days.

He was born in Gel, Holingdal, Norway, March 6, 1827, and left the sea-lashed shores of the Scandinavian peninsula in 1870, landing at Lansing, Ia., in July of the same year, his family being comprised of wife and four children.

The residue of his purse when he arrived at his destination with his care in a strange and foreign land was not in the least inviting, it being "six cents." With a brawny arm the heritage of the ancient viking race, and the aid of his helpmate and little ones he gradually became the owner of piece after piece of Paint Creek's and Taylor's virgin soil, until he had at the end of a long and strenuous life acquired 190 acres of unencumbered land.

Deceased was a man of quiet habits, peaceable and unassuming. Leaning on his staff he walked to the house of God alone while powerful horses and those of younger blood remained idle at home. The immediate cause of death was apoplexy.

Six sons and one daughter, with the widow, survive a kind and indulgent consort and parent. Pastor Grenlid conducted the funeral sodemulties on the 7th, when the weary form of the aged pilgrim was laid to rest in the cemetery of the old East Paint Creek church. A long funeral procession of friends and sympathizers followed the hearse from his rural home to his last and peaceful home in the "silent city."

~La Crosse Tribune, Saturday, October 19, 1907 (Nearby Cities, Towns & Farms Column)