GUNDERSON, John George 1872-1924

GUNDERSON, MAGORIS, STORACKER, HELGESON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 4/10/2012 at 21:35:42

J.G. Gunderson
Died in North
Dakota Recently

(Grand Forks, N.D. Herald)

Few men in this day give much to the service of the public without a very definite promise or expectation of reward. Those who do give such service from a real desire to aid the public welfare can ill be spared.

This is one of the main reasons that the death of John G. Gunderson is a real loss to the state of North Dakota, for Mr. Gunderson's life for many years past was a record of public service of the sort which carried with it little reward escept the consciousness of duty well done.

As a member of the state legislature, as chairman of the board of regents of the state university, and as president of the Aneta school board, Mr. Gunderson gave generously of his time and energy. His service was the service which is given from the honest desire to serve and which money cannot buy. His sound business judgement and experience made his work in these capacities of especial value. In him were united the rare gifts of both capacity and willingness to serve.

A philosopher has said that the ideal of a free nation should not be individual liberty, but universal responsibility for public welfare, and few men have come closer to the realization of this ideal than did John Gunderson.

By his untimely death North Dakota has lost a good citizen, and an unselfish servant, whose passing will be especially felt at such a time as this when the problems which confront the state are of such a character as to require the efforts of its best and ablest citizens for the solution.

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In the passing of John G. Gunderson this community experiences a growing sense of loss. The suddenness of his death, together with the prominent part he played in the activities of life, make it impossible at this time to venture an estimate of his influence among men.

John George Gunderson was born in a log house on the Gunderson farm near St. Ansgar, Iowa, February 12, 1872. After finishing the country school, he attended the St. Ansgar Seminary, after which he entered the Valder business college of Decorah, Iowa, and graduated from this institution with honors.

He came to North Dakota in 1890, at the age of 18, and took a position as teacher in the business college at Portland, of which J.C. Holland, now of Fargo, was president. After completing his year as instructor at this college he attended a law school at Valparaiso, Indiana. In 1892 he took a position with the Hogan Milling company at Northwood, as cashier and manager of the Hogan store, remaining there until 1896 when he and M.V. Linwell of Northwood, established the First National Bank of Aneta, with which institution Mr. Gunderson was connected until his death, serving as its president most of that time.

Upon his arrival in Aneta, then merely a potential town site with no railroad, and but few hastily constructed buildings, Mr. Gunderson at once threw his efforts into the new enterprise, and guided by his vision and energy, urged on by his indomitable will he has left his mark upon every phase of local life and many forward movements found an efficient advocate in him.

His death was caused by a stroke of apoplexy suffered last saturday evening. He never regained consciousness and on Sunday morning he passed silently into the great beyond. When the stroke occurred, immediately after the evening meal, Dr. Arne Arneson, of McVille and Dr. C. E. Bennet of Aneta, were called and remained with the stricken man during the night, but nothing could be done, and death came quietly shortly after sunrise. Mrs. Gunderson, J.G. Gunderson, Jr., a son, and Laura Gunderson, a daughter, were present, as well as Melvin Gunderson, a brother, and his wife, Mrs. O.G. Storacker, a sister, and George Magoris, a brother of Mrs. Gunderson, were at the bedside.

The Misses Thelma and Alice Gunderson, the former from Chicago, the latter a student at the University of Minnesota, were summoned home, but did not arrive until the family circle had been forever broken.

Mr. Gunderson served as mayor and alderman of Aneta for several years. Being an extensive holder of real estate, he was always an advocate of public improvement.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday of this week, the day on which, had he lived, he would have been 52 years old. . .

Commitment services were directed by the local Masonic order. . .

He was an extensive landowner and interested in several business enterprises. . . He was an enthusiastic politician of the Republican persuasion. . . .

Mitchell County Press -- 20 FEB 1924
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Birth: Feb. 12, 1872, Mitchell County, Iowa.

Death: Feb. 10, 1924

Born in Newburg Township, Mitchell County, iowa

Parents:
Erik Gunderson (1842-1906)
Louisa Gunilde Helgeson Gunderson (1850-1891)

Burial:
Silent Hill Cemetery, Nelson County, North Dakota.

Credit: ginnyt on Findagrave.com

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Wikipedia says this about the town of Aneta:

Aneta was first settled in 1882. It was named after ANna RosETA Mitchell, the first woman settler in the community. Because the Sheyenne River flows nearby, the town was nicknamed, "The Queen City of the Upper Sheyenne." In 1896, the Great Northern Railway extended a branch line 28 miles from Hope to Aneta and the city quickly became a boomtown.

In 1893, Aneta incorporated as a city, which in North Dakota required a population of 500. At the time, its population was 512. Only 100 residents voted in the election - 59 for, 39 against, and 2 spoiled votes. A subsequent election for mayor (held in Thayer Hall) resulted in Mayor George F. Thayer. Municipal services were provided to residents as follows: school in 1897, telephone in 1899, electric lights in 1912, civic auditorium in 1927, water in 1955, sewer in 1960, and paved streets in 1965.

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NOTES:

According to census information, the population of the town of Aneta peaked at about 662 people, and has been dropping ever since. Now there are 222 people. Maybe John Gunderson was very, very valuable to the welfare of the town. (kk)

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Senator John George Gunderson

John George Gunderson was born February 12, 1872 at Newburg, Mitchell, Iowa to Erik Gunderson and Louisa Gunilda Helgeson, the second of their eleven children. He was baptized on March 31, 1872 and confirmed on October 23, 1887 both at the First Lutheran Church at St Ansgar, Mitchell, Iowa.

Found in the 1880 - 1885 censuses at Newburg, Mitchell, IA:
1880: Erick Gunderson 37, farmer, Louisa Gunderson 31, Laura Gunderson 10, John J. Gunderson 8, Patrena Gunderson 5, Gustave Gunderson 4, Emiel Gunderson 2, Levie Gunderson 7m, Halver Larson 20 hired hand, Ole Olsen 21 hired hand, Cristie Severson 22 servant, Julia Severson 20 servant, Ella Larson 17 renting a room, Knud Gunderson 47 (Erick's brother) no occupation, just arrived from Norway, Trenre Gunderson (Knud's wife) 55.

1885: Erick Gunderson 42 ,Lovisa Gunderson 34, Laura Gunderson 14, John Gunderson 13, Petrina Gunderson 10, Gusta Gunderson 8, Amil Gunderson 7, Lave Gunderson 5, Melvin Gunderson 2, Maria Gunderson 1, Mathia Findstad 35, Olans Larsen 32.

John married Marie Bertha Magoris on August 18, 1897 at Larimore, Grand Forks, North Dakota.
The couple had 5 children: Doris, Thelma, Alice, Laura and John George Jr.

Found in the 1900 - 1920 censuses at Aneta, Ora, Nelson, North Dakota:
1900: John Gunderson 28, Burtha M Gunderson 28, Emil L Gunderson 21, Anne Afofthus 20.

1910: John George Gunderson 38, Bertha Marie Magoris Gunderson 38, Thelma Gunderson 9, Alice Gunderson 7 Laura Gunderson 3. His occupation is a bank cashier.

1920: John J Gunderson 47, Bertha M Gunderson 47, Thelma Gunderson 18, Alice Gunderson 17, Laura Gunderson 12, John J Gunderson 9. Bank president.

Senator John George Gunderson died February 10, 1924 at Aneta, Nelson, North Dakota and is buried at the Silent Hill Cemetery, Aneta, Nelson, North Dakota.

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Mitchell County Press, February 20, 1924 Obituary: John George Gunderson was born in a log house on the Gunderson farm near St. Ansgar, Iowa, February 12, 1872. After finishing the country school, he attended the St. Ansgar Seminary, after which he entered the Valder business college of Decorah, Iowa, and graduated from this institution with honors. He came to North Dakota in 1890, at the age of 18, and took a position as teacher in the business college at Portland, of which J.C. Holland, now of Fargo, was president. After completing his year as instructor at this college he attended a law school at Valparaiso, Indiana. In 1892 he took a position with the Hogan Milling company at Northwood, as cashier and manager of the Hogan store, remaining there until 1896 when he and M.V. Linwell of Northwood, established the First National Bank of Aneta, with which institution Mr. Gunderson was connected until his death, serving as its president most of that time. Upon his arrival in Aneta, then merely a potential town site with no railroad, and but few hastily constructed buildings, Mr. Gunderson at once threw his efforts into the new enterprise, and guided by his vision and energy, urged on by his indomitable will he has left his mark upon every phase of local life and many forward movements found an efficient advocate in him. His death was caused by a stroke of apoplexy suffered last Saturday evening. He never regained consciousness and on Sunday morning he passed silently into the great beyond. When the stroke occurred, immediately after the evening meal, Dr. Arne Arneson, of McVille and Dr. C. E. Bennet of Aneta, were called and remained with the stricken man during the night, but nothing could be done, and death came quietly shortly after sunrise. Mrs. Gunderson, J.G. Gunderson, Jr., a son, and Laura Gunderson, a daughter, were present, as well as Melvin Gunderson, a brother, and his wife, Mrs. O.G. Storacker, a sister, and George Magoris, a brother of Mrs. Gunderson, were at the bedside. The Misses Thelma and Alice Gunderson, the former from Chicago, the latter a student at the University of Minnesota, were summoned home, but did not arrive until the family circle had been forever broken. Mr. Gunderson served as mayor and alderman of Aneta for several years. Being an extensive holder of real estate, he was always an advocate of public improvement. Funeral services were held on Tuesday of this week, the day on which, had he lived, he would have been 52 years old.
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Grand Forks, North Dakota Herald Obituary: Few men in this day give much to the service of the public without a very definite promise or expectation of reward. Those who do give such service from a real desire to aid the public welfare can ill be spared. This is one of the main reasons that the death of John G. Gunderson is a real loss to the state of North Dakota, for Mr. Gunderson's life for many years past was a record of public service of the sort which carried with it little reward escept the consciousness of duty well done. As a member of the state legislature, as chairman of the board of regents of the state university, and as president of the Aneta school board, Mr. Gunderson gave generously of his time and energy.

His service was the service which is given from the honest desire to serve and which money cannot buy. His sound business judgement and experience made his work in these capacities of especial value. In him were united the rare gifts of both capacity and willingness to serve. A philosopher has said that the ideal of a free nation should not be individual liberty, but universal responsibility for public welfare, and few men have come closer to the realization of this ideal than did John Gunderson. By his untimely death North Dakota has lost a good citizen, and an unselfish servant, whose passing will be especially felt at such a time as this when the problems which confront the state are of such a character as to require the efforts of its best and ablest citizens for the solution. In the passing of John G. Gunderson this community experiences a growing sense of loss. The suddenness of his death, together with the prominent part he played in the activities of life, make it impossible at this time to venture an estimate of his influence among men.

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Excerpt from the North Dakota Magazine, Vol. 3, February, 1909, #3, pg. 75-76: John G. Gunderson, of Aneta, republican senator from the 17th legislative district, is one of the most successful young business men in the state. He was born Feb. 12, 1872 at St. Ansgar, Iowa and was educated in the public schools of Mitchell County, St. Ansgar Academy, Valdar's Business College at Decorah and the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. Mr. Gunderson came to North Dakota in 1890 and taught school after his first arrival in the state. He was engaged for 4 years with Hougen Bros. of Northwood, a large milling, real estate and general merchandise concern as bookkeeper and at length determined to engage in business for himself. He has made a remarkable success of all he has undertaken.

Mr. Gunderson was married August 18, 1897 to Miss Bertha M. Magoris of Larimore and they have a family of three girls. In 1899, Mrs. Gunderson was named postmaster at Aneta and she held the office for over 9 years. Mr. Gunderson has always been at the front, whether in business or politics. He has taken a deep interest in the politics of the state and of his home county, and has been, as in all things, successful. He was president of the Aneta school board for 12 years, president of the city council for 4 years and is at the present time Mayor of Aneta. He is president of the Board of Regents of the state university, in which position he has brought his business skill and experience to the benefit of that institution. He was nominated and elected to the senate from his county last year. At the present time, Mr. Gunderson resides at Aneta, where he is a large owner of real estate and is engaged in banking and farming.
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Excerpt from History of North Dakota, Compiled by W. B. Hennessy. published by The Bismarck Tribune, 1910, pages 551-552: HONORABLE JOHN G. GUNDERSON: In 1896, when the town of Aneta was started, he settled there and has lived there ever since. Here he engaged in the banking business with others, starting the Aneta State Bank. He is now and always was cashier, he owning the controlling interest therein. He is also extensively engaged in the real estate business and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Sharon and the Tolna State Bank of Tolna. Mrs. Gunderson is vice president of the Aneta institution.

Mr. Gunderson' political career has been long and distinguished. He has been president of the Aneta school board for the last 13 years, and has always been connected with the city administration since the organization of Aneta as a city, being a member of the first three boards of aldermen elected, after which he was elected mayor, which position he has held for the last three years. He is now serving his second term. He was for four years a member of the Board of Regents of the state University, being for 3 years the president of the board. He was appointed to this position by Gov. Sarles. He is now a member of the state senate and was prominent during the last session in securing many meritorious acts of legislation, being a member of the committees on judiciary, banking and education.

Mr. Gunderson was married August 18, 1897, to Miss Bertha M. Magoris, of Larimore, where the marriage was solemnized, his wife being a native of New York. Four children have been born to this union: Doris, who died at the age of twenty months; Thelma, age 8; Alice, age 6; and Laura, age 2 years. Mrs. Gunderson was postmistress of Aneta for 9 years, she having twice been commissioned as such by President Roosevelt. Mr. Gunderson is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of United Workmen.
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Action in Aneta, 1896-1971, Diamond Jubilee, Neta, North Dakota, page 50: John Gunderson married in 1897 and took up their residence in Aneta. 3 daughter were born to them and a son, John. John was a banker in Aneta and also was the 2nd Mayor. He was a state Senator. He had a bonanza farm in Rugh Township. In addition to his banking interest, Mr. Gunderson owns about 4000 acres of North Dakota farm lands and considerable city property. He occupies a good sized residence in Aneta, which is considered to be one of the finest in Nelson County.
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See also: FindaGrave memorial #47131301.

(Credit: Deidre Badker, 6/2013)