Mrs. Sophia Anderson

The final chapter of the life of one of Washington county’s old settlers came to a close early Friday morning, Sept. 5 with the death of Mrs. Sophia Anderson at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ed A. Jensen at the age of sixty-eight years, nine months and twenty-four days, following an illness of but a few days duration.

Charlotta Sophia Carlson was born in Kronefall, Smoland, Sweden, November 11, 1861. In 1879, at the age of eighteen, she immigrated to America coming direct to Oakland, Neb. For a short time she worked in and about Oakland, coming to Blair in 1880. She was in the employ of the late F. W. Kenny family for several years, to whom she became greatly attached. On May 31st, 1883, at the age of 22 she was married in the Kenny home to Peter Anderson. The young couple immediately took up their life’s work on the farm which they had purchased in the Rose Hill neighborhood on which farm they spent their entire married life. Three children were born to bless this union, all of whom were raised to maturity on the home farm. Mr. Anderson preceded the passing of his wife 22 years and 3 days and following that time she lived for a number of years with her son, Carl, on the place which had always been her home. For the past several years she has made her home with her daughters, Mrs. Ed A. Jensen and Mrs. Walter Nielsen of this vicinity.

She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church at the age of fourteen on June 24, 1876 to which faith she has always adhered. She has been an active member in the Rebekah lodge for many years and will be greatly missed by her sister members.

She leaves to mourn her passing three children, Mrs. Ed A. Jensen, of Blair, Carl G. Anderson of Chicago, Mrs. Walter Nielsen of Blair; three sisters, Mrs. Marie Petersen of San Francisco, Calif., Mrs. Augusta Sands of Oakland, Calif., and Mrs. Ida Christensen of Fairfield, Calif., and two brothers, John Carlson of Alliance, Neb. and Gustav Carlson of Oakland, Calif. Eight grandchildren and one great grandchild also remain to mourn her passing.

Mrs. Anderson will be greatly missed by her many friends t whom she has always been a source of joy and comfort. She led an active, helpful life, always endeavoring to be of assistance and never shirking he duties. She had an interesting personality, being alert to the topics of the world and always optimistic in her viewpoints.

Her departure marks the passing of another of the long line of worthy pioneers who have gone to their reward in the great beyond.

The funeral services were held on last Sunday at 2 p.m. at the old home near Rose Hill and at 3 p.m. at the Rose Hill church where Rev. John F. Poucher of Omaha officiated at the funeral services. Rev. Poucher was a life long friend of the family and when the husband passed away twenty-two years ago he was the officiating minister and this gave a touch of real personal sympathy to the services.

Interment was made in the Rose Hill cemetery beside the husband where a large concourse of friends and relatives gathered to show their sympathy and respect.

A TRIBUNE TO MOTHER

“She was a true friend and a devoted mother. All the years of her life were spent in loving service to her family and her friends. She was a mother to the motherless. To the stranger that called at the door she gave food and drink and often times shelter. She rejoiced with people when they succeeded and gave help and comfort to those that failed. If people spoke unjustly of her, she forgave them, for she thought they knew not what they did. She gave freely to others of what she had, for herself she asked nothing. For the pomp and glory of this world she cared nothing, her part was to remain in the background and give of her love and service.

To her children she taught truth and honor. Her heart was in her home, her family and in the Home over there. She has now rejoined Him whom she has loved so long.”

This is a tribute to our Mother from her children and their families. “May she rest in peace.” The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~