Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 65

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

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Mr. Anderson was married in Sweden to Stina M. Johnson, and their children are as follows: Carl. Axel W., Josie, John, Oscar, Clarence, Minnie, Henry and Frank. Mr. An- derson belongs to the North Star Society. In politics he is a Republican. A hardworking, thrifty man he has risen steadily and is thor- , oughly respected by all who know him. He and his wife are justly proud of the fact that they have six hearty grandchildren.

ANDERSON, Edwin George, chief clerk of the Rockford & Interurban Railroad, Rockford, with residence at No. 2422 Fourteenth avenue, is a native son of the city, and a young man of unusual promise, whose advance has been rapid and deserved. He was born October 16, 1892, a son of John F. and Hulda (Sandeen) Ander- son. His parents were born in Westergotland, Sweden. In young manhood the father came to the United States, and located at Rockford where he became associated with the Forest Furniture Company, continuing this connection for a number of years, when he went with the Central Furniture Company. At present he is with the Rockford Frame & Fixture Company, and is valued by his concern. He is a Repub- lican in politics, and he and the mother are consistent members of the First Lutheran Church of Rockford. The mother came to the

United States with old family friends, and lo- cated at Rockford. The parents had five chil- dren, as follows: Edwin George, Henry L., Reynolds C., Roy F. and Paul G.

Edwin George Anderson was reared and edu- cated, and began his business career as an em- ploye of the Standard Woodworking Company, and maintained that connection for two years. Realizing the desirability of a commercial train- ing, lie then attended Brown's Business Col- lege for a year, and then was with the Moffatt Cigar Company for a short period. His next po- sition was with the Rockford Drilling Machine Company, but at the expiration of ten months, he resigned to accept his present position, which he has acceptably filled since January, 1911. He is a Republican. His religious upbringing and convictions make him a Lutheran, and he be- longs to the First Lutheran Church of this city. A reliable, industrious and thrifty youug man, Mr. Anderson stands very high in public estima- tion,

ANDERSON, Elvin R., manager of the Ander- son Bros. Grocery, at No. 214 Horseman street, Rockford, is an example of the progressive young business man of his generation. He was born at Pecatonica, Ill., November 2, 1885, a son of Charles and Matilda Anderson, natives of Westergotland, Sweden, who came to the United States early in life, locating in Pecatonica Town- ship where they bought land, and were farm- ing people. Both survive but in 1904 the father retired, but they still live on the farm. In politics he is a Republican. Both he and wife belong to the First Lutheran Church of Peca- tonica.

Growing up at Pecatonica, Elvin R. Anderson was educated in its schools, and was taught to be industrious and thrifty. When he began his business career, he engaged with A. W. Day, a druggist of Pecatonica, and remained with him a year, leaving to engage with the Condensed Milk Company, and after two years, was with the Pecatonica Produce and Supply Company. Leaving at the expiration of two years, he went to Sharon, Wis., where he engaged in the con- fectionery business for two years. Coming back to Winnebago County, he embarked in a grocery business at Rockford at No. 1333 Blaisdell street, and later bought the business of Hewett Moore, moving into his premises where he still remains, taking possession October 20, 1914. His brother is his partner, and they are doing a very large business. In politics he is a Republican. Fra- ternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen, while his religious affiliations are with the First Lutheran Church of Rockford.

In 1909 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Hilda Mortensen, a daughter of K. P. and Catherine (Larson) Mortensen, natives oť Den- mark, who, on coming to the United States at an early day, bought land in the vicinity of Oregon, Wis., and improved it. Later they moved to Brooklyn, Wis., and still later to Woodstock. Ill., where the father bought a farm, and he is also working at his trade as a mason. Both he

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

and his wife survive, and are consistent mem- bers of the Congregational Church. In politics the father is a Republican. His fraternal asso- ciations are with the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. The Mortensen family is a well known and highly respected one at Woodstock.

Mr. Anderson is a man who enjoys universal respect and confidence, and he is essentially a self made man, having honestly earned all he now possesses through his own, unaided efforts.

ANDERSON, Gust, foreman of the fly finishing department of the Haddorff Piano Company, with residence at No. 1329 Sixth street, is one of the expert working men of Rockford and one who is well esteemed. He was born in Sweden, June 8, 185S, and there educated and taught the carpenter trade. Until 1SS3 he remained in his native land and then came to the United States, journeying direct to Rockford after landing in this country.

For the first two years after his arrival at Rockford Mr. Anderson was on a farm in the county, and then went to Minnesota, and worked at his trade in different places in that state for three years. After returning to Rockford he obtained employment as a cabinetmaker for the Standard Furniture Company, with which he re- mained for ten years. In 1902 he entered the employ of the Haddorff Piano Company as a cabinetmaker, and about 1909 was made foreman of his present department, his skill and ability bringing about this recognition.

Mr. Anderson was married to Hannah Gustaf- son, who is now deceased. Their children were as follows : Arline, Margaret and Elizabeth, all of whom are at home. Mr. Anderson belongs to the Swedish Baptist church, in which connection he stands well, as he also does in business and social life for he has those characteristics which command respect and win friends.

ANDERSON, Gust, one of the energetic farmers of Cherry Valley Township, is now operating ninety-seven acres of land on section 4, and proving his ability as an agriculturist. He was born in Sweden, September 13, 1869, and his parents were also natives of Sweden where they died. In 1893 Gust Anderson came to the United States, and made his way to Rockford that same year. He was engaged by the month by farmers until his marriage, in 1905, to Miss Esther Johnson, a daughter of Albert jand Selma (Valentine) Johnson of Cherry Valley Township. Mr. Johnson was born in the United States, while Mrs. Johnson was born in Sweden, coming to the United tSates when thirteen years old. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had four children, of whom Mrs. Anderson was the eldest, she hav- ing been born February 9, 1880.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of three children, as follows: Myrtle B., who was born December 29. 1905; Blanch, who was born August 20, 1907, died May 15, 1913, and is buried at Rockford ; and Adelbert, who was born May 17, 1911. In politics Mr. Anderson is a Repub-

lican. He and his family belong to the First Lutheran Church of Rockford.

The farm on which Mr. and Mrs. Anderson reside is the property of Mrs. Johnson and all the buildings on it were erected by Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Anderson carries on general farming and stock raising. He milks twelve cows and sells the milk. His herd is of high grade stock, as are his six horses, and his hogs are of the Poland-China breed. His farm is all fenced with barbed wire, and the drainage is natural. His methods are modern and he is making a success of his work and stands high among his neighbors. as he deserves to. for lie is a hard working, economical man and excellent citizen. .

ANDERSON, Gust A., who is successfully opera- ting a valuable farm in Pecatonica Township is one of the well known and enterprisiug agri- culturalists of Winnebago County. He was born in this county, February 21, 1881, a son of Charles O. and Matilda (Johnson) Anderson, natives of Sweden, where the father was born June 6. 1844. He was a farmer, and in 1886 came to the United States. locating in Winne- bago County in 1878. He is now living in the village of Pecatonica.

Gust A. Anderson was educated in the coun- try schools, and for several years has served as a school director of the same. On March 6, 1904. Mr. Anderson was married at Rockford to Amanda C. Spejut. whose father is now living at Pecatonica, where he was street commis- sioner for several years, and politically well known. At present he is janitor for the Peca- tonica school building. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have three children, namely: Alice. Hazel and Raymond. Both the Andersons and Spejut fam- ilics are much respected in Winnebago County. They have mainly devoted themselves to the cultivation of the soil. and they have become authorities upon agricultural matters in general.

ANDERSON, Gust W., foreman of the beveling department of the National Mirror Works, of . Rockford, resides at No. 1316 Parlmlee street, and is one of the desirable citizens of the Forest City. He was born in Sweden, April 6, 1866, and there was educated.

In 1SSS, Mr. Anderson came to the United States and located immediately at Rockford, but from there later went to Ogle County, Ill., and worked on a farm there for eleven years, when he returned to Rockford and engaged with the Cream City Mirror Works. remaining with this concern for three years. He then went to work for the National Mirror Works, and for ten years was in its beveling department. then spent a summer in North Dakota and upon his return to Rockford was engaged by the Superior Mirror Works. On March 22. 1915. he returned to the National Mirror Works as foreman and is giving excellent satisfaction in that posi- tion.

Gust W. Anderson was married to Ellen C. Bergman and they have two children: Axel and Roy. He is a member of the Modern Wood-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

men of America and the North Star Society, and Mrs. Anderson also belongs to the latter order. She and the children belong to the Swedish Baptist Church. Mr. Anderson owns his own residence and is a man of reliability in liis neighborhood, standing well with all who know him.

ANDERSON, Ole H., one of the most successful farmers of Laona Township and present super- visor, was born on his present farm, on section 30, February 27, 1854, a son of Halvor H. and Christie Anderson, both natives of Norway. They met and were married in Wisconsin. The father was born in 1823 and came to America about 1840, and the mother came later. He was variously employed, his last work before he began farming being in the zinc mines of Wis- consin.

After his marriage Halvor H. Anderson came to Winnebago County, Ill., and entered forty ' acres of land in Laona Township from the gov- ernment, and this is now owned by his son, Ole H. Later he entered 120 acres more and bought eighty acres, owning in all 240 acres. The land was all wild and there were no buildings upon it, but he put up a log house, and later replaced it with another one of logs, both being built near a spring. Subsequently he built a frame house. In order to clear his property he had to cut down the timber and grub out the stumps before he could till the land, living here until his death. He was one of the first in this locality who did his marketing at Milwaukee, to which place he drove with oxen, taking a week on the trip. The nearer market place was Belvidere, which was forty-four miles away, while Milwaukee was 100 miles away. He sur- vived his wife, and both were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He was a Repub- lican in politics.

Ole H. Anderson was the fifth of the seven children born to his parents, the others being : Isabelle, who is deceased; a boy who died in infancy ; Isabelle (II), who married a Mr. Nelson who died, and she married (second) O. H. La Rue. and now lives in Minnesota ; Turena, who died when twenty-two years old ; and Andrew and Jane, twins, the former of whom lives in Laona Township, and the latter died when two years old. Ole H. Anderson attended the schools of his district, and worked on the home farm, and a number of years prior to his father's death he purchased the home- stead.

In May, 1SSS, Mr. Anderson was married to Helen M. La Rue, of Laona Township. They are members of the Lutheran church. In poli- tics Mr. Anderson is a Republican and he has served as road commissioner, and in 1913 was elected supervisor and reelected to the same office in 1915. His family is one of the oldest in this part of the county, and he has spent his life here and is thoroughly identified with the interests of his neighborhood.

ANDERSON, Oscar W., engineer at the city water works of Rockford, with residence at No. 1576 Benton street, is a man of steadfast char- acter and exceptional skill, whose appointment to his present position gave satisfaction to the public and insured it faithful service. He was born in Sweden, October 11, 1862, where he was educated and learned to be an engineer. He became superintendent in a paper factory, and also understood farming. In 1881 he came to the United States where he believed he would find better openings for a man of his ability. For some time after his arrival he was engaged as a locomotive engineer on a railroad in Louisi- ana, and then became . engineer on a sugar plantation. After six months, he went to Texas and spent four years on a ranch in that state, ' when he returned to Sweden. After eleven months in his native land, he came back to America and joined his father who had located in Minnesota, and spent a year working for him. Mr. Anderson then bought a half interest in a threshing outfit, and operated it for three seasons, when in the spring of 1888, he came to Rockford, and, buying stock in the Rockford Desk Company, was made its engineer, holding that position for eighteen months, when he went with the Palace Furniture Company and remained with it for three and one-half years. In 1898 he was made engineer of the city water works, which position he has since acceptably filled.

In 1890 Mr. Anderson was married at Rock- ford to Annie E. Johnson, born in Sweden, and their children are as follows: Seaver W., Ruby A., and Norman. Mr. Anderson belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Republican. Not only does he own stock in the Rockford Furniture Company, but two residences at Rockford, and is thus a man of means, and is held in the highest respect by all who know him.

ANDERSON, P. O., prosperous as a grocer, oper- ating at No. 525 Seventh street, and active as a good citizen, is one of the representative men of Rockford and is held in highest esteem. He was born in Blekinge, Sweden, June 11, 1871, a son of A. J. and Lina (Peterson) Anderson. A. J. Anderson was also born at Blekinge and there followed farming. He died in 1910, aged sixty- five years. For a number of years he was a deputy sheriff, and was a man of prominence all his life. His wife died in 1878, aged thirty- six years.

Until 1889, P. O. Anderson lived in Sweden and there was educated and taught to be useful. Upon coming to the United States in 1889, he worked in the iron mines of Ishpeming, Mich., for two years, and then came to Rockford where he began working for the Rockford Chair Fur- niture Company, remaining with the firm for two years. He then clerked for Gustafson & Blomquist, clothiers, for four years and for the next year was with the Union Furniture Com- pany, but left it for the Standard Furniture Company, where he was employed as a cabinet-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

maker for three years. In 1901 he resigned and on account of ill health kept out of business for a time and traveled in his native land, but finally returned to Rockford, where he went with the Star Grocery Company for a year, and then, in 1904, established his present business, and has conducted it ever since, building up a fine trade.

On November 10, 1894, Mr. Anderson was mar- ried to Miss Sophia Blomquist, a daughter of C. J. and Anna Blomquist, a native of Westergot- land, Sweden, who was brought to the United States by her parents in 1880, they locating at Rockford, where her father became one of the city's leading clothiers. For ten years Mr. An- derson has been president of the Swedish Mission church, and is held in highest esteem in it. For six years he has been assistant supervisor from his township. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson became the parents of six children as follows: Ralph M., Mildred G., Willard P., Ruth E., who died in infancy at Rockford; and Maynard E. and Norma J.

ANDERSON, Winfield L., secretary of the Rock- ford Bookcase Company, is interested in other concerns as well, and is included among the lead- ing business men of Winnebago County. He was born at Rockford, May 1, 1887, and received his educational training in the public and high schools of his native city, and at Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill. Upon the completion of his education, Mr. Anderson began working for the Union Furniture Company as a book- keeper and so continued until 1910, when he formed a connection with his present company, and has advanced steadily with it ever since. He owns stock in the Rockford Bookcase Com- pany and in the National Lock Company, the Rockford Varnish Company, the Rockford Drop Forge Company, the Rockford Life Insurance Company, and the Archer Lumber Company. The residence of Mr. Anderson is at No. 609 College avenue. He belongs to Zion Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. Although a young man, he has had considerable business experi- ence, and has proven his worth in every con- nection.

ANDREW, John, whose high standing in his neighborhood and careful and successful opera- tions as an agriculturalist in Winnebago County entitle him to a place in this work, is one of the well known farmers of Argyle, Harlem Township, where his birth occurred April 30, 1872, he being a son of Charles and Deborah (McDonald) Andrew. Charles Andrew was a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, who came to the United States in early manhood. Some tinie thereafter, Deborah McDonald made the trip to Winnebago County with a party of friends who located at Argyle, where Mr. An- drew had settled. They subsequently were married and located on a farm in Harlem Township. There Mr. Andrew died when only thirty years old. His widow survives and re- sides here with her son John, who has not mar- ried.

John Andrew grew up on his present farm of 160 acres, and received his educational training in the schools of his district. A practical man, he has developed his property into a very valu- able farm, and is recognized as one of the solid men of his section. His political influence is cast with the Republican party, although he does not seek public office. The Presbyterian Church of Argyle holds his membership and has the benefit of his support.

ANDREWS, Charles, one of the substantial business men of Rockford, is president of the Andrews Wire & Iron Company, and an im- portant factor in the commercial life of the city. He was born in England, May 30, 1845, a son of George and Emma (Raynor) Andrews, both of whom died in England,

In 1870 Charles Andrews left England for Canada where he remained six years, and then moved to Detroit, Mich. After a year in that city, he came to Rockford, Ill., and here entered the employ of Lockwood & Lyman as a wire worker. For the following eight years he re- mained with that concern, and then established his present business, renting shop room from John Spafford, on the corner of Market and Madison streets. There he continued until his business so expanded that he found more room necessary and in 1890 he built on his present site. In January, 1893, his plant was totally destroyed by fire. He then incorporated as the Andrews Wire & Iron Company, and erected a large three-story frame building, to which addi- tions have been made at various times, includ- ing the commodious office building in 1909. The product is principally wire goods, the sale of which extends over practically the civilized world.

Il 1867 Mr. Andrews was married at London, England, to Emily Bradford, who died leaving a son, Charles, who is secretary and treasurer of the Andrews Iron & Wire Works. He mar- ried Marie Zuck and they have one son, Robert. Mr. Andrews was married (second) to Mary A. Collins of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on June 7, 1872, and they have the following children : Arthur G., who was born at Hamilton, married Agnes Zuck ; Alice M., who was born at Toronto, Canada, married George N. Grimes and they have three children, Margaret, Lawrence and Ruth; Alfred W., who was born at Detroit, Mich., married Stella Bate and their children are Elenor, Leon and Elizabeth ; Emily T., who was born at Rockford, Ill., married R. McGraw ; and Frank C., who was born at Rockford.

When he was a small boy Mr. Andrews began earning his living, working in a printing office from the age of thirteen to fifteen years. He then began learning wire working. Since the inception of his present business, a healthy and constant growth has been shown, and there is every prospect for continued prosperity. Mr. Andrews is a deacon in the Second Congrega tional Church.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

ANDREWS, Charles, Jr. The Andrews Wire & Iron Company stands very high among the re- liable manufacturing concerns of Rockford, and its present prestige is due to the earnest efforts of the men who are associated with it as its officials. One of these is Charles Andrews, Jr., secretary and treasurer, one of the live, virile young business men of Rockford. He was born September 12, 1869, at London, England, a son of Charles and Emily (Bradford) Andrews, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

Charles Andrews, Jr., was educated at Rock- ford and his interests are centered in this city. He has taken a very active part in Rockford politics, and has represented the Fifth Ward of Rockford in the city council. No one man has done inore to secure improvements for the city and his work has been especially effective in regard to street paving.

Mr. Andrews was married at Rockford to Marie Zuck, and they have one son, Robert. The concern with which all his business career has been spent, is the one founded by his. father, and he naturally understands thoroughly all its details. Such men as Mr. Andrews are very forceful factors in the securing and main- tenance of good government and the betterment of any existing conditions.

ANDREWS, John J., superintendent of the Con- sumers Ice Company, with residence at No. 1526 Huffinan boulevard, is one of the men who have helped to place Rockford on its present sub- stantial footing, and the position he now holds has come to him in just recognition of his merits as a man and citizen. He was born at Marengo, Ill., January 12, 187S, and there received his educational training. Until he attained his ma- jority, he worked for his grandfather on the latter's farm, and then came to Rockford. Until July 3, 1899, Mr. Andrews was variously en- gaged, always proving satisfactory, and in that year formed liis connection with his present company, beginning as a helper on one of the ice wagons. From that humble beginning he gradually worked himself up by successive stages until on March 25, 1907, he was made its super- intendent, and his services in this connection have been of such a nature that he has been so retained ever since.

While still living at Marengo, he formed an attachment which resulted in his marriage, on September 12, 1899, with Miss Alta A. Standish of Marengo. They have two children : Bernice S. and Leta E. Mr. Andrews is independent in politics. In addition to other interests Mr. Andrews owns city property and is a man of substantial means.

APPELHOLM, Gunnar E., proprietor of the san- itary and reliable bakery at No. 1228 Four- teenth avenue, is one of the leading men in his line in this part of Rockford, and a man who stands very high in public confidence. He was born in Nerki, Sweden, May 17, 1868, a son of August and Marie Appelholm. August Appel- holm was born at Stockholm, Sweden, and his

wife was born at Gottenburg, Sweden, and they were married in the latter city. The father became manager of a telegraph company at Askevsund, Sweden, and remained in this posi- tion until his retirement. His death occurred in 1875, when he was forty-two years old. The mother died in 1878, aged thirty-eight years, and neither of these parents left Sweden.

Gunnar E. Appelholm spent his boyhood at Nerki and Askevsund and he was educated and learned the trade of a baker at the latter place. When he reached manhood, not being satisfied with conditions in his native land, he left it and for about three years was in several South American countries and was in Mexico, when he went from there in 1SS9 to San Antonio, Tex., where he worked at his trade for six years. Then he went to Chicago, where he worked in various shops for six years and then came to Rockford and was employed in different bakery shops here until he established himself in business at No. 1319 Fourteenth avenue. After three and one-half years at that stand, he moved to his present one, having sold his first establishment, and built his present three- story structure at No. 1228 Fourteenth avenue. Here lie operates one of the finest bakeries on the East side. He belongs to the Columbia Knights, Skandia Brotherhood, and the Svea.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 65

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972