ANDERSON, John, 1819-1902

ANDERSON, HARBAUGH, PARSONS

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 11/17/2012 at 09:50:18

JOHN ANDERSON

Was born in Somerset county, Penn., Feb. 15, 1819, and died at his home in Birmingham, Iowa, March 4th, 1902, in his 84th year.

He was converted and joined the Protestant Methodist church in 1841. In 1871 he, with others, formed the nucleus of the F. M. church at this place, and was everan active worker and supporter of the same. In his death the church has lost a devoted member, one who was ever at his post of duty.

He was married to Elizabeth Harbaugh, Feb. 27th, 1841, in Holmes Co., Ohio, who died Feb. 17, 1873, in Van Buren county. They came to Iowa in 1845, in which state he has since resided, with the exception of five years spent in Kansas.

He was the father of twelve children, two dying in infancy, and Benjamin who died Jan. 28, 1863, on the Mississippi river, while in service of his country, and John W., who died Dec. 2, 1875.

He was again married to Mrs. Mary Parsons in Oct. 1897, who with six children reside in this neighborhood and James and Charles residing in Kansas, together with fifty-six grandchildren, and thirty-one great-grandchildren are left to mourn the loss of the departed.

Uncle John Anderson was a man of sterling character, of strong convictions, ready always to cast his influence on the side of right.

Coming to Iowa in an early day he endured the hardships and privations that were incidental to the pioneer.

The funeral services were conducted by his pastor Rev. Trimble from the F. E. church, March 6th, at 10 a.m. All the children were present except James.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book B, page 2, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA