Anderson, John O. 1852 -

ANDERSON, OLSON, PETERSON, HAUGEN, HOPPERSTAD

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/15/2014 at 12:14:59

John O. Anderson is a worthy representative of the farming interests of Winneshiek County, owning and operating a well improved property of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on sections 17 and 20, Madison Township. Mr. Anderson claims Illinois as the state of his nativity, being born in Boone County, October 15, 1852, a son of Ole and Ellen (Olson) Anderson, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father immigrated with his family to America, locating on a farm in Boone County, Illinois, in 1843. He gave his entire time and attention to the cultivation of the place during the subsequent twelve years, when, disposing of that property, he came to Winneshiek County, the year of his arrival here being 1855. His stay here was brief, however, for he passed away within a few weeks after his arrival. The mother afterward purchased a farm in Glenwood Township and with the assistance of her sons operated the place until the time of her death, which occurred in April, 1896.

John O. Anderson was but two and a half years of age when he was brought by his parents from Illinois to Winneshiek County, so that practically his entire life has here been passed. At the usual age he entered the district schools, wherein he acquired the knowledge that fitted him for a practical business career. As soon as he was old enough he began assisting in the lighter tasks of the home farm and as he grew in strength and years he assumed the larger responsibilities in connection with carrying on work on the homestead. He remained with his mother until he had reached the age of thirty-five, when he rented a farm and began operating it on his own account. He was thus engaged for five years, but at the expiration of that period, his wife having died in the meantime, he abandoned farming and removed to Willow City, North Dakota, in 1893, and there engaged in the livery business. He there remained until 1897, when he disposed of his interests and returned to Winneshiek County, locating on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 17 and 20, Madison Township. He has since been engaged in the cultivation and improvement of this place and now has one of the model and well improved farms of this part of the county.

Mr. Anderson has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Maria Peterson, whom he wedded on the 15th of October, 1882. Her parents, Peter and Caroline Peterson, both natives of Norway, came to America in an early day and the father engaged in farming throughout his life. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson became the parents of two daughters: Clara, the wife of Julian Kjos, a farmer of Madison Township; and Alena, the wife of Gust G. Haugen, proprietor of a restaurant in Decorah. After a long illness the wife and mother departed this life in May, 1891, and Mr. Anderson was again married in the fall of 1897 to Sylvia Hopperstad, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hopperstad, who were likewise natives of Norway and were farming people of Lincoln Township, this county. Five children have been born of Mr. Anderson's second marriage, Ernest, Stella, Angeline, Leon and John.

Mr. Anderson is a stockholder in the Farmers Creamery Company of Ridgeway. His political allegiance is given to the Republican Party, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has spent practically his entire life in Winneshiek County and is therefore well known in this section of the state. He is a successful farmer who is held in high esteem by his neighbors and friends.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913