Anderson, Ben F. 1873-1938

ANDERSON, SHOUP

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 4/12/2014 at 00:05:43

Source: Hawarden Independent (12-1-1938)

Born: August 29, 1873
Died: 1938

WAS 65 YEARS OLD AND HAD BEEN IN BUSINESS HERE NEARLY 18 YEARS--LEAVES WIFE AND ONE SON

B.F. Anderson, prominent Hawarden Business man, died suddenly at his home in this city about 5:25 Wednesday afternoon as a result of a heart attack. Mr. Anderson had been in failing health for the past few years, suffering from high blood pressure, and early last summer was advised that he must give up active participation in his business. With Mrs. Anderson he spent several months at the home of his son in Chicago, returning home early this fall. He was not confined to his bed but was obliged to remain quietly at home most of the time although he made occasional trips down town and had been down town only the day before his death. Wednesday Mrs. Anderson went out for the afternoon while Mrs. Gibbs, a neighbor and old family friend, remained in the Anderson home with him. About 4:30 Mr. Anderson complained of a pain in his chest and decided to go upstairs and lie down. A short time later when Miss Alma Frazier, who stays at the Anderson home arrived home from school she heard Mr. Anderson breathing heavily and upon investigation discovered that he was in great distress and summoned a physician. Mrs. Anderson was also summoned and reached home a short time later before he passed away.

Ben F. Anderson was born on a homestead in Butler county, near Bristow, Iowa, on August 29, 1873, so was past 65 years of age at the time of his death. He was the youngest in a family of eight children. His father died when he was still a small child, after which his mother moved the family to the town of Bristow where she also died a few years later. He then went to Parkersburg, Iowa, where he made his home with a sister and attended high school there. Later he attended a watchmaking school at Peoria, Illinois, and after completing his course there remained at the school for a year as an instructor. He then engaged in the jewelry business at Parkersburg, and subsequently conducted jewelry stores at Hornick, Iowa, and New Castle, Nebraska. In the meantime he had studied optometry and was graduated from the Northern Illinois School of Optometry.

After disposing of his business at New Castle he located at Norfolk, Nebraska, for a short time and then came to Hawarden in February, 1921, with W.E. Coleman when they purchased the jewelry business then conducted by H.W. McAllister and they immediately added an optical department. After two or three years here Mr. Coleman disposed of his interest in the business to G.F. Wahl and it has since been conducted under the name of Anderson & Wahl.

Mr. Anderson was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Shoup at Smithland, Iowa, in 1905. One son, George B. Anderson, was born to them. Besides his wife and son, who now resides in Chicago, he leaves one grandson, Stewart, and two sisters, Mrs. Belle Walker of Waterloo, Iowa, and Mrs. Emma Hobson of Belmond, Iowa. During his residence here Mr. Anderson was always one of the city’s most energetic and active business men. He enjoyed meeting people and always had a friendly word of greeting for everyone. For many years he was active worker in the Hawarden Chamber of Commerce and served repeatedly on the board of directors --ever willing to perform any task assigned to him. He was a member of the Associated Church and took an active part in the affairs of the church. He was also a long time member of the Masonic lodge and the Sioux City consistory.

In his home he was an ideal husband and father, ever considerate and mindful of those near and dear to him. He was endowed with a fine spirit of hospitality which made his home a favorite gathering place for friends from far and near. The many who enjoyed his companionship through the years are sorely grieved at his passing.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.