Anderson, Andrew Peter (1834-1907)

ANDERSON, OLSON, SWEDLUND

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:02

Stratford Courier
January 17, 1907

A.P. ANDERSON IS CALLED HOME

Passes Away at His Home Here After a Brief Illness.

A.P. Anderson, one of the most highly respected and oldest citizens of Stratford and Hamilton county, died Thursday morning at 7 o'clock at his home in Stratford after a brief illness brought on by contracting a severe cold. He would have been just 73 years old had he lived until Sunday but his advanced age would not permit him to struggle for his life.

A.P. Anderson was born in Sweden January 13, 1834. In 1854 he came to this country with his parents, brothers and sisters. After living in Illinois and at Burlington, Iowa, the family moved to Swede Bend in Webster County in 18??.

Mr. Anderson pursued his studies in his native country until he reached the age of nineteen years and sailed with his parents to the new world. In 1863 he came to Hamilton county, purchasing a farm about six miles southeast of Stratford. The land was bought from the government at $1.25 per acre. By earnest and practical effort he converted the land, which was said to be practically worthless, into a valuable property. In 1875 he began hauling material from Boone for the building of a home which was erected in 1876. Year by year the unceasing work of improving and cultivation went on and the property increased in value. He steadily added to his property and in 1904 he owned 240 acres of rich land, a part of which was used for pasturage but most of which was in a high state of cultivation.

In 1864 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Margaret Olson, the wedding taking place at Boonesboro July 12. Until two years ago Mr. Anderson was active worker on his farm. He then retired and with his wife has since resided in Stratford.

He was the father of four children, one of whom, Louisa, died at the age of one year. The other children, all of whom reside near Stratford, are Albert and Wallace Anderson and Mrs. Albert Swedlund. Albert has for some time been looking after his father's interests.

Deceased was a brother of the late Augustus Anderson, a former member of the state legislature and well known throughout Hamilton county.

Mr. Anderson was a prominent man among his neighbors and held several positions of public trust. He served for three years as township trustee and as road supervisor for several years. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace but refused to qualify. He has served for a number of years as treasurer of the Marion township school board. He has served as director of the State Bank of Stratford. His word was as good as his bond. He was respected for his sterling integrity, his honesty in business affairs and his fidelity in all life's relations. Deceased united with the Swedish Methodist church in 1856 and has been identified with that society ever since.

The funeral services were held at the residence at 9 o'clock conducted by Rev. John Linn and were taken to the Swedish M.E. church south of town, where the funeral sermon was conducted by Rev. O.R. Palm. A last tribute to their departed friend and the floral offerings were many. The remains were laid to rest in the Olson cemetery.

[South Marion Cemetery, Stratford, Iowa - west side]