Nels Anderson 1849-1929

ANDERSON, KITTELSON, KITTLESON, HOLLAND, DECK, HELGESON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 2/16/2014 at 18:19:36

Nels Anderson A Pioneer of Emmet County Passes Away
The community was shocked on Tuesday afternoon when it was announced that Nels Anderson, one of Emmet county’s sturdy pioneers had been taken suddenly by death. Only last Thursday we visited for some time with Mr. Anderson on the street. He seemed in perfect health at that time. He was out in an auto last Friday for about a hundred mile drive.

Mr. Anderson suddenly became ill with the Flu. On Monday he was in a serious condition. He seemed at times to improve. His heart became weakened under the strain and on Tuesday morning his condition was known to be critical and on that afternoon the end came.

Mr. Anderson came to Emmet County in the Spring of 1871. He commenced his business life on a farm in Ellsworth township. His life was like all others who came here in those early days. It was hard labor and privation. He survived the pioneer days. In doing so his foresight, labor and business ability made him the owner of a vast amount of Emmet county’s soil as well as farms elsewhere. Here he prospered and raised a fine family who have been a comfort and credit to him in his retiring years.

Mr. Anderson’s friends were numbered by his acquaintances. All knew him as Nels and his acquaintance reached well over the entire county.

Arrangements have been made for the funeral services for Friday afternoon. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, October 9, 1929)

Nels Anderson Is Laid to Rest Sun. Afternoon
Nels Anderson was born in Warmland, Sweden, Sept. 17, 1949. At the age of 15 he was confirmed in the Lutheran church. He was steadfast in his loyalty to the faith of his church all his life, being at his death one of the oldest members of the Estherville Lutheran Church in which he has been vitally interested all these years. He emigrated to America June 28, 1870, coming first to Allamakee County, Iowa. About a year later he came to Emmet County. March 20, 1873, he was married to Carrie Kittleson [Kittelson] at the home of her parents, Martha and Eric Kittleson. They at once made their home on his farm in Ellsworth township. Here their nine children were born and grew to manhood and womanhood. In the spring of 1916 they retired from the farm and moved to this city, having purchased a substantial residence on North 6th Street where they have made their home since.

Mr. Anderson was here during the grasshopper plague and endured all the other hardships of pioneer life. He was an aggressive farmer and good business man and gradually expanded his holdings and business interests beyond the land he himself worked. He was one of the charter members of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Association of Emmet County. He served on the board of directors since the organization was effected in 1891. He was first treasurer. At his own request he was released for a few years but was again filling that position at the time of his death. The high esteem in which he was held by the entire community and the condence [confidence] which all placed in his honesty and ability is perhaps best reflected by the place and honor accorded him by the members and officers of this worthy and enterprising institution. Mr. Anderson had a robust constitution and always enjoyed good health, but last December he suffered a severe attack of the Flu and he never seemed to be quite as strong after that. He became ill Saturday, October 5th, growing gradually worse until he passed away Tuesday afternoon, October 8th, at 3 o’clock.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife and eight children: Mrs. P.T. Holland, Lake Preston, S.D.; Mrs. J.W. Deck, Winnebago, Minn.; Mrs. Bert Helgeson, Marshalltown, Iowa; Mrs. Wesley Sutton, Mrs. Frank Sutton, Henry Anderson and William Anderson, of Estherville; and Walter Anderson, of Chicago. The second child Augustine, died in December, 1904 a the age of 29 years. There are 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. One sister in Sweden; one brother, Carl Anderson, of Estherville, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the Estherville Lutheran church at 3 o’clock. It was the largest attended funeral in the memory of old members of the church. Rev. Mathre conducted the service at the home, the church and the Lutheran cemetery where interment was made. Mr. Kasa of Wallingford spoke in behalf of old friends and associates of Mr. Anderson. A quartette, Theo Myhre, Chris Gronstal, Wilma Gronstal and Vivian Taylor sang at the home and the church. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, October 16, 1929)

Hold Rites for Nels Anderson
Largest Funeral at Church
The largest funeral ever held in the Estherville Lutheran church was the funeral of Nels Anderson which was held Sunday afternoon. The Rev. L.A. Mathre officiated at the services. J.O. Kasa of Wallingford spoke briefly at the church on behalf of business associates of Mr. Anderson. A quartet consisting of Theodore Myhre, Chris Gronstal, Miss Wilma Gronstal and Miss VivianTaylor sang at the services at the house and church. Burial was made at the Lutheran cemetery.

[Remainder the same as Estherville Enterprise] (Estherville News, Estherville, IA, October 17, 1929)