I. N. Anderson

I. N. ANDERSON. This gentleman is the well known undertaker and furniture dealer of Chetopa, Labette county, Kansas. He was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1848, and is a son of William Anderson.

William Anderson was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and was raised on the frontier. He was of Scotch descent, and followed the occupation of a farmer most of his life, and also conducted a brick manufacturing plant. He died in Pennsylvania, in 1889. Mr. Anderson married Hannah Sowash, who was of German descent. She also died in Pennsylvania. They reared nine children, who, with the exception of I. N. and a daughter, live in Pennsylvania.

I. N. Anderson was educated in the common schools of his native county, and when young was apprenticed to a painter at Sharon, Pennsylvania. Later he established a shop at that place where he did all kinds of painting, finishing and sign writing. He located in Chetopa in 1880, and engaged in business. in 1885 he entered into partnership with A. P. Free, his brother-in-law. They bought the stock belonging to Mr. McIntyre, and conducted the furniture business together for some time. Then Mr. Anderson bought Mr. Free's interest, and Mr. Free went into the grocery business. He is now mayor of Chetopa. In 1895 Mr. Anderson erected his present fine building on Maple street. This building is 24 by 70 feet in dimensions, and two stories high. Mr. Anderson occupies the entire building. He is a graduate of the Kansas Undertakers' Association, and is thoroughly competent to handle the business which has been his since entering this store. He carries a full line of furniture, and has a large patronage, including that from the Cherokee and other Indian nations. He employs one man constantly to assist him, and during his busiest seasons often hires more. Mr. Anderson is honest and upright in his business methods, and by his genial and pleasant manners has won many patrons and friends.

Mr. Anderson was married, in Pennsylvania, to Sarah E. Ray, who died one year later, leaving a daughter, - Eva (Horn). Mrs. Horn has two children. She was reared by her grandmother, and in 1890 went to Chetopa, where she graduated from the high school, after which she returned to Pennsylvania. Mr. Anderson's second wife's maiden name was Nancy E. Free. This union resulted in the birth of one child, who died in July, 1881.

In politics Mr. Anderson is a strong Republican, and his father was one of the successful managers of the "underground railroad." Mr. Anderson raised his first flag for John C.Fremont. He has been a member of the city council for two years. Fraternally, he has been financier of the A. 0. U. W. lodge since 1887, and V. C. of the M. W. of A., over four years. He is also a member of the K. of P., of Chetopa. Religiously, he favors the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Anderson has erected a fine house in Chetopa, and is looked upon by all as one of the most enterprising and loyal of its citizens.