Carroll County IAGenWeb

HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY IOWA

A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement

VOLUME II ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1912

Transcribed by Sharon Elijah August 20, 2020

It has been nearly thirty-four years since Louis T. Anderson opened the harness and saddlery establishment in Carroll of which he is now the head. He has been highly successful in the management of his business and also has the ability to meet the public and anticipate the wants of his customers. He is a native of Denmark, born on a farm near the city of Veile, province of Jylland, June 4, 1851, being a son of Hans and Catherine Anderson. The father came to America with his family in 1867 and after living a while in Story county, Iowa, removed to Hamilton county. His wife having died at the age of sixty-three, he sold his farm and lived with his daughter several years. He then visited his old home in Denmark for six months but returned to this country and lived around among his children, passing away while with his daughter in California. He was buried at Winters, California, and was seventy-three years of age at the time of his death. He served as a soldier in the Danish army in 1848, 1849 and 1850 but was sent home on account of illness. He and his wife were consistent members of the Lutheran church. There were three children in their family: Andrew, who is now living at Winters, California; Louis T., the subject of this review; and Mary, the wife of P. H. Johnson, of Winters, California. Andrew Anderson, the paternal grandfather of our subject, married Louise Jacobson. He was a farmer and died at the age of seventy-two, his wife passing away when she was seventy-nine years old. They had three children. The maternal grandfather was Thomas Thompson, a native of Denmark.

Louis T. Anderson received his education in his native land and was reared in the city of Veile. He completed his school training at the age of fourteen and then began working in a printing office, continuing there two years. In 1867 he came to America with his parents and lived in Story county, later moving to Hamilton county. He learned the harness trade in Webster City and, having decided to begin business upon his own account, came to Carroll in 1877 and opened a shop upon a small scale, developing his business gradually until at the present time he carries a very large and well selected stock of light and heavy harness, saddles and supplies, it being known as one of the most complete concerns of the kind in this part of the state.

In 1878 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Anderson, a daughter of John Anderson. She was born on a farm in Sjaelland, Denmark, and came to America at seventeen years of age with her parents. The family settled in Story county and the parents continued there during the remainder of their days. Seven children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Minnie C., Carrie L., John T., Louis H., Harriet, Margaret F. and Harry. The youngest of the boys, Harry, died in his seventh year from the result of an accident. Politically Mr. Anderson is a sincere supporter of the democratic party, believing that is principles are essential to the permanent welfare of the county. He has not sought public office but has served very acceptably upon the city council and also for eight years as member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with Signet Lodge, No. 264, A.F. & A.M., and also with the Woodmen of the World, the Yeomen of America and the American Nobles. He represents the substantial class of citizens, whose word may always be depended upon and who form the backbone of the community. He has from his boyhood been industrious and enterprising and is now reaping the deserved reward of many years of application. Of him it may truly be said that he has always been a force for good wherever he has been known.

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