Biography - Robert Anderson
ROBERT M. ANDERSON. Two years ago Pitman Township, Montgomery County, was robbed by death of one of her most eminent citizens, a man whose interest was so wide extending in the affairs not only of his home, but of the county, State and country at large, that his loss was greatly felt in his locality. It cannot but be of interest to the present generation, as well as being a valuable lesson presented by the life of a good man, to here give an outline of his history, touching upon the salient features as connected with his public life.
Mr. Anderson was a native of Alton, Ill., and was born October 11, 1851. He was a son of Peter and Elizabeth Anderson, who came to Pitman Township as early pioneers. The father has been deceased for a number of years; the mother still survives, and is numbered among the oldest pioneers of the county. She is a woman of strong and noble character, whose example and teaching were well repeated in the life of her son.
Our subject came to Montgomery County with his parents when but a small boy. The early home was upon a farm, where the trials and self-denials incident to early pioneer life were thoroughly experienced. He attended the district schools in the county, and grew up an intelligent and loyal citizen, ready to take his part in the active duties of life. Mr. Anderson was married, November 28, 1880, to Miss Frances H. Stevens. The lady was a native of New York State, having been born February 23, 1854. Her parents were William H. and Elizabeth Stevens, both natives of New York State. They emigrated in 1857 to Minnesota, settling in Benton County, and engaging in farming as pioneers.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, four of whom are living at the present time. They are Richard P., Harry, Grace and Robert. James is the deceased son. These children with the widow felt most keenly the loss of that beloved father and companion, to whom they owed all that was best and dearest in life. When the black-winged angel hovered over the homestead October 24, 1890, and took therefrom the husband and father, the family was indeed bereft. The mourning, however, was not confined to these loving hearts, for so highly was he esteemed in his neighborhood and locality that the grief of his passing away was universal.
Of his worldly possessions Mr. Anderson left his family one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, bearing a comfortable home. He took a great deal of interest in the local politics of his section, being an ardent Republican, who left no stone unturned in working for his party. Mrs. Anderson is a member of the Episcopal Church, and a most useful worker therein. Our subject's character was noted for its integrity. He was a member of the Modern Workmen. In business as in social life, he enjoyed the greatest confidence and respect of his fellow-men. Fraternally, he was a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his interment was conducted in accordance with the rites and ceremonies of that order. He had been a number of times delegated by his fellow-citizens to represent them in county and State conventions.
Extracted 29 Nov 2016 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 145-146.
