Erick P. Anderson (1850-1933)

ANDERSON, MATHRE, DEMPSEY, RUUD, HANSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/15/2024 at 23:17:53

From Story City Herald April 6, 1933 (page 2)

ERICK P. ANDERSON

Erick P. Anderson was born at Rennesoen, near Stavanger, Norway, August 22, 1850.

At the age of seven years he, with his widowed mother, one sister and five brothers, came to America. They located near Lisbon, Ill., where one sister had settled earlier.

Here Mr. Anderson grew to manhood. At the age of 24 years he went to Iowa where he bought prairie land nine miles west of Story City.

Two years later he was married to Julia Ann Mathre, also of Lisbon, Ill. They settled on the farm home which he had purchased two years earlier. Here they lived and toiled for forty years.

He helped organize a congregation and to build the St. Paul's church, where he served as the first secretary, and as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent until he moved to town.

He was interested in the early rural schools and later in higher education, so gave liberally of his time and efforts as well as financial support to institutions of learning. He enjoyed the progress of his people and community, so helped promote all worthy undertakings.

The last 18 years the family lived in Story City. They joined the Immanuel church, Mr. Anderson serving as deacon here and as such spent much of his time and efforts visiting and comforting the sick and shut-ins.

He passed away peacefully in March 24, 1933 at the age of 82 years and 7 months. He is survived by his widow, five children and five grandchildren. The children are: Mrs. Sadie Dempsey of Atlanta, Idaho; Mrs. Millie Ruud of Inglewood, Calif., Mrs. Gurine Hanson of Brookings, S. D.; Edward and Arabelle of Story City.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Mar. 28, at the home and in the Immanuel church. Rev. Heimarck officiated assisted by Rev. Oppedal. Singing was by the church quartet. Pall bearers were: Lars Stenson, Tom Mathre, John Sunnoe, Isaac Hope, T. J. Quam and J. T. Heggen. Interment was made in St. Paul's cemetery.

A sum of twenty dollars ($20.00) was contributed by neighbors, friends and relatives in his honor and memory. Mrs. Anderson chose to divide this sum equally between the Jewish mission and foreign missions. Five dollars of this sum was contributed by the superintendent and directors of the local Old People's Home, specifying their sum should go to Jewish missions.