Col. Dan Anderson

Colonel Daniel Anderson was born in Monroe county, Indiana, April 5, 1821, of Scotch extraction. His boyhood days were passed on a farm, where he acquired a thorough knowledge of agriculture, and he also had advantage, at the proper age, of three months' attendance during the winter season at the old log school-house, where the children were taught by the "Hoosier School-master". After he grew to man's estate he enjoyed other and better advantages, and through diligent application became well informed.

As a farmer, teacher and student of law Col. Anderson passed the time until 1847, when he was admitted to the bar. Coming to Iowa in March of the ensuing year he sojourned for a time in Keokuk, and in May, 1849, located in Albia¸ where, in October of the same year, he married Amanda M. Harrow, and to them were born seven children, five of whom are now living: A. L. ("Curg"), publisher of the Grundy Republican; D. C., a merchant of this thriving city; C. F., a blacksmith residing at Eddyville; D. M., lawyer and at present Mayor of this city; and S.O. ("Ned"), of the well-known cigar firm of Tobey & Anderson.

Honored by his fellow citizens, Colonel Anderson has been chosen to fill various positions of trust and confidence. In 1854 he was elected to the State Senate, and three years later re-elected, serving through regular and two special sessions. From the Senate Mr. Anderson entered the Union army as Captain of Company H, First Iowa Cavalry, and for three years served in turn as Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel, retiring at the expiration of his term of service with the proud distinction of having aided in the preservation of the Union as a faithful and efficient officer.

In 1864, at the time of Abraham Lincoln's re-election to the Presidency he was Presidential Elector. He was Register in Bankruptcy from 1867 until the law was repealed some years afterward. As his life occupation he has practiced law when not interrupted by official or military duty. A man of large public spirit he is deeply interested in every enterprise promising to advance the welfare of society. His leading moral qualities are fidelity to duty, unflinching integrity and active benevolence. He is one of those men of whom the number is none too large, who have given their time, almost without reservation, to promote public interests and private happiness. He retired from the practice of lawin the fall of 1894 on account of failing health and is succeeded by his son, D. M. Anderson. The Colonel is now taking life as easy as his physical infirmities will permit, well satisfied with the work accomplished during his career.