Don C Anderson

Don C. Anderson. A history of the business enterprises of Albia would certainly be incomplete without mention of that which our subject is at the head, he being senior member of the well known grocery firm of Anderson & Hollingshead. While a practical and typical representative business man, he also finds time to give to the advancement of all enterprises which are calculated to promote the county's welfare. Churches and schools and charities receive his support, and he has been an important factor in promoting the material welfare of his native city.

Mr. Anderson was born in Albia when it was a mere village, on the 4th of December, 1855, being a son of Hon. Daniel and Amanda (Harrow) Anderson. Here he was reared to manhood, attending the public schools until eighteen years of age, when he entered upon his mercantile career as a salesman. He was employed in that capacity by various firms in the city, then turned his attention to hotel-keeping. Later however he resumed clerking, and in 1887 he embarked in business on his own account, having acquired the necessary capital through his own industry and frugality. He opened a grocery store on a small scale, but his previous experience and sound judgement made him a successful merchant and his courteous treatment won him the good will and patronage of the public. After conducting the business alone for five years, he admitted to partnership George H. Hollingshead, under the firm name of Anderson & Hollingshead. The reputation which this firm sustains in the world of trade is a most enviable one. They are doing probably the largest grocery business in Monroe county, and have a commodious establishment, complete in all its appointments, and stocked with an excellent grade of everything found in their line. They are men that stand four-square to every wind that blows, thoroughly reliable and honorable in all things, and the success that is attending this enterprising establishment is well merited.

Mr. Anderson was joined in wedlock in 1875 with Miss Ada R. Webb, of Albia, and her parents were John and Julia Webb. Her death occurred in 1891. The following year Mr. Anderson married Miss Carrie E. Martin. They have a pleasant home, tastefully furnished and noted for the hospitality and good cheer which there abounds. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are charitable, benevolent people, ready to extend a helping hand to those in need of assistance.