Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

L. C. Anderson is a representative of a family who claims the distinction of being the largest landowners of Buena Vista county if not in the entire northwestern part of the state.  He owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of highly improved and valuable land, on which he has made his home since 1893 and he is also well known throughout the county as a breeder and raiser of fine grades of stock.  Mr. Anderson was born near Kankakee, Illinois, November 18, 1870, and is a son of Johannes and Martha (Anderson) Anderson, both natives of Denmark, where they were married.  In 1868 the parents emigrated to the United States and located in Kankakee, Illinois, where the father worked in a stone quarry and also engaged in farming.  His family numbered six children, of whom L. C. is the eldest.

Mr. Anderson was given the advantages of a good education, completing his studies in the Alta high school.  In 1883 he removed with his parents to Buena Vista county, where the father opened up and developed a new farm, the son assisting in this work.  Eventually he began business on his own account by renting three hundred and twenty acres of land from his father, operating the same for three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased the tract which is still his home.  Since becoming the owner of this property he has made many valuable improvements, has built a nice modern home, substantial barns and outbuildings, has installed a gas engine by which water is forced to the house and various parts of the farm, so that his place is one of the model properties of this section of the state.  In addition to his home farm he also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Burke township, which is also well improved.  He gives the major portion of his time to the raising of stock, keeping thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Shropshire .sheep.  He ships each year to the city markets from three to four carloads of cattle and the same amount of hogs.  He also owns a fine Percheron stallion.  He is a stockholder and director of the elevators at Linn Grove and Alta; is also a director in the creamery and State Bank of Alta; is a promoter of the Farmers Cooperative Bank of that place; and is secretary and treasurer of the Merchants Telephone Company.  He takes an active interest in every enterprise that accelerates the betterment and convenience of his home locality and is regarded as a man of enterprise, push and progress.

Mr. Anderson chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Maggie Langlet, whom he wedded on the 23d of August, 1893.  She is a native of Chicago, Illinois, but was reared in Buena Vista county, and by her marriage has become the mother of six sons and a daughter, Mabel, Howard, Irving, Merritt, Earl, Harold and Lloyd.

Mr. Anderson casts his ballot for the men of the democratic party at national elections but locally casts an independent ballot.  He has filled some minor offices in the township and at the present writing is acting as secretary of the school board.  He is a member of the Baptist church in Elk township and is now serving as an official in the organization.  He has been practically reared in Buena Vista county and therefore takes just pride in the progress that this section of the state has made within the last few years.  His home is a most hospitable one and he indulges his love of driving through the use of a fine automobile.  He is popular in social circles, while in business relations he is known for his straightforward methods and honorable dealing.