Ola Anderson (1853-1922)

ANDERSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/3/2023 at 23:21:07

Ola Anderson
(February 23, 1853 – June 13, 1922)

A fine farm of four hundred and sixty acres on section 9, Sherman Township, is the property of Ola Anderson. A native of Sweden, he was born in Southport, February 23, 1853. His father, Andrew Pearson, was a farmer of that country and in the family were five sons and three daughters, all of whom are now residents of Omaha, Nebraska, with the exception of our subject and one sister. The children are Swan, John, Ola, Charles, Peter, Nels, and Bessie and Christina, who are twins. The parents have both passed away, the father having died in 1895, the mother in 1900. In the schools of his native land Mr. Anderson obtained his education and was also taught that the most potent factors in a successful career are industry, perseverance and honesty. He worked in his native land until 1882, when, believing that he might better his financial condition in the new world, he came to America. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but at once proceeded to Calhoun County and here he rented a farm, which he operated for seven years, when with the capital he had acquired through his capable management, he purchased the southeast quarter of section 9, Sherman Township. This was in 1887 and in 1889 he bought the north half of the northeast quarter of section 16, taking up his abode upon the latter tract. In 1899 he bought the southwest quarter of section 9 and he now owns altogether four hundred acres of rich land, all of which is highly improved. There are two sets of buildings upon the place and everything is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating the careful supervision of the owner. In addition to the raising of grain best adapted to the climate, Mr. Anderson pays a great deal of attention to stock raising.
Ere leaving his native land, our subject was united in marriage in October, 1879, to Miss Johanna Anderson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nelson, who have resided for some time in Calhoun County. The father was born December 6, 1828, and the mother February 27, 1835. They have three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living in this country, namely: Nellie, a resident of Omaha; Mrs. Anderson, of this review; Mollie, the wife of John Planteer, of Omaha; Nels, also of Omaha; August, of Pocahontas County; and Pete, who is living in Calhoun County. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been blessed with seven children, as follows: Hilda, born in Sweden, April 18, 1881; Alma, born September 18, 1882; Victor, born October 8, 1884 ; Fred, born January 14, 1886: Freda, born September 20, 1888; Olga, born October 5, 1891: and Mabel, born August 5, 1898. The parents hold membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of Manson, and in his political views Mr. Anderson is a Republican and has served as school director for one term. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he found the opportunity he sought and has not only gained success in business, but has also won many warm friends. There is no more loyal citizen of American to be found among her native sons than is Mr. Anderson, who believes most firmly in the policy of the American government and is most loyal in his support of her institutions. [Source - Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.581]