Hugh Pease Anderson

ANDERSON, IRWIN

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/11/2005 at 10:07:25

H. P. Anderson, of the firm of Switzer & Anderson, general merchants of St. Charles, was born December 19, 1869, at the family residence in St. Charles. His father, Dr. William M. Anderson, was for a number of years one of the leading physicians of the town and a sketch of his life appears elsewhere in this work.

H. P. Anderson was reared in St. Charles and here attended the public and high schools. Upon putting aside his textbooks he was for a time engaged in the drug business but in his early manhood also farmed and still owns land in South township, the cultivation of which he supervises. In 1902 he became the partner of Samuel S. Switzer, who has been engaged in merchandising here for many years, and in the last thirteen years the store of Switzer & Anderson has become recognized as one of the largest and best in St. Charles. The firm name is a synonym for business integrity and enterprise and as they carry a full stock and are content with reasonable prices, the volume of their business is constantly increasing.

Mr. Anderson was married on the 15th of September, 1894, to Miss Anna Irwin, a daughter of the late Hon. Samuel Irwin, former representative from Warren county in the Iowa state legislature. He was an early settler in that county, having emigrated to America from the Emerald isle, where his birth occurred. Mrs. Anderson was born and reared in Virginia township, Warren county, and completed the course afforded by the St. Charles public schools. By her marriage she has six children, four sons and two daughters: Boyd N., who is now a medical student in the State University of Iowa; William Samuel, who was named for his grandfathers and who is teaching in the county; Gerald H., attending school; Amanda Isabell, who was named for both of her grandmothers and is also in school; Margaret Anna, likewise a public-school student; and Robert Eugene, at home.

Mr. Anderson has consistently supported the democratic party and has at all times taken a commendable interest in matters that concern the public welfare. He has the advancement of the public school system especially at heart and for twelve years or more has served upon the school board. His wife is numbered among the faithful and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has won marked success as a business man and finds the greatest pleasure in providing liberally for his family. Their residence in St. Charles is attractive and commodious and is a favorite meeting place for their friends.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.