Johannes Anfinson (1836-1928)

ANFINSON, BAARDSON, BORDSON, HEGGEM, FATLAND, NERNESS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/26/2023 at 20:38:59

From The Slater News March 28, 1928 (page 4)

OBITUARY

Johannes Anfinson was born October 10, 1836, in the Fieldberg parish, Norway. He was baptized when six days old and confirmed on November 23, 1851. On December 27, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Cecelia Baardson. They continued to make their native land their home till the summer of 1866, when they, with others, embarked on a sailship for America, to try the possibilities of the then new world. Their course took them to Story county, where friends had preceded them. He bought what is now known as the Anfinson homestead, located 3 miles east of Slater. Here they lived happily together, sharing life's sorrows and joys and saw the country transformed from the wild prairies into prosperous farms. He operated a blacksmith shop in connection with his usual farm duties and much of his time, especially during the winter months, found him working at the anvil, enjoying a trade that came from every direction.

He was the father of thirteen children, of whom eight had preceded him in death. The five that are today mourning his unexpected death are A. J. Anfinson of Nevada, Belle Heggem of Longmont, Colorado, L. J. Anfinson of near Huxley, Cecelia Fatland of Huxley and Malinda Nerness of northwest of Cambridge. he is also mourned by a brother, Anfin Anfinson of San Francisco, California. He is also survived by thirty-three grandchildren and forty-one great grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends. He was making his home with a daughter, Mrs. Cecelia Fatland, of Huxley, at the time of his death. He has been living with her from the time that his life companion had passed away.

Mr. Anfinson was one of the county's pioneers and oldest citizens, he having attained the age that as well on towards ninety-two years. From the time of his locating on the now Anfinson homestead he had taken an active interest in the affairs of his community and was one the founders of what is now the Fieldberg congregation, where he was a faithful attendant of all services, a devout, consistent member. In his death the congregation lost a warm friend and a staunch supporter. The deceased always enjoyed good health and was remarkably well preserved for a man of his age, active and alert. He was up and around every day, enjoying the companionship of his friends and neighbors till the night of the fatal accident. He will be greatly missed, not only by relatives and the members of his church, but by all who knew him.