Anderson, Charles died 1908

ANDERSON, REINOW

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/31/2024 at 17:10:23

One of the veteran engineers of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, Charles Anderson, was suddenly called into the presence of his Maker Wednesday last. He had a claim out in Dakota and in company with his wife was going out to prove up.

He was comparatively a well man when he left here and had every indication that many years were yet before him. They had reached Hettinger and were stopping at the hotel when Mr. Anderson was suddenly stricken and in a very brief span of time life was forever gone.

The news of his death was immediately flashed to this city, his old home, and it came so unexpectedly that it could hardly be believed. But later reports confirmed the sad news.

His death occurred Wednesday, April 1st. The body of the deceased was properly cared for and on Friday reached this city. Many friends were at the train to pour out their sympathy and express their high regard for the man.

He was a prominent member of the Odd Fellows and Elks order of this city, and moved prominently among the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. For twenty-nine years he has been in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, nearly all of this time as an engineer.

His first run was out of McGregor, where he had his home. Nine years ago he came to Mason City and has since been a resident. Three sons were born from his first marriage.

In 1906 he was married to the second wife and she, with the sons, are left to mourn the loss of a kind father and a devoted husband.

Charles Anderson was a man with a big heart. He had a large circle of friends for he knew how to be friendly. He was a splendid neighbor and as genial a comrade as anyone could wish to meet. But he has gone into the presence of a merciful, and all wise, and ever kind father. Farewell, forever.

The deceased was born in Norway and came to this country when sixteen years of age. He first located in Clayton county and after long years of residence there came to Mason City and has resided here for nine years. He was 56 years of age.

The funeral services were held from the Methodist church Sunday. At 1:30 the remains were brought to the [illegible] of the church and were there viewed by friends until the close of the service. Dr. Carlton read a brief biography and preached a sermon on the text, "Be ye also ready". The Empyreans sang. The floral offerings were beautiful and profuse. The casket was covered by flowers, while several beautiful designs were arranged in the pulpit. A large number of friends followed the remains to Elmood, where they were laid to rest. - Mason City Republican

~McGregor News, Wednesday, April 15, 1908; pg 5 (reprinted from the Mason City Republican)

Note: Although the obit gives burial in Elmwood cemetery (aka Elmwood-Saint Joseph), where his 1st wife Maria (nee Reinow) has a gravestone, his name nor dates are not engraved on the large Anderson monument. Maria died in 1903, so it's likely that his 2nd wife or surviving family members never had his name added to the stone. See Maria Anderson's obit for additional family information.