No one can hear the story of John Hunter Anderson's life and fail to be impressed with the pluck and fortitude which he has manifested. Nor can one refrain from deeply admiring and respecting this worthy citizen of Streator, and at the same time must learn many lessons from his brave struggles with adversity and obstacles which would have daunted the spirit of most men.
A native of Airdrie, Scotland, born July 8, 1859, our subject is a son of William and Mary (Hunter) Anderson and a grandson of John Anderson and John Hunter. The parents, who are likewise natives of the land of heather, are still living, their home being in Streator. They emigrated to the United States when their son, John H., was an infant but nine months old, and for a number of years Mr. Anderson was inspector of coal mines at Braidwood and Streator, Illinois, later acting in the same capacity at Virden.
The boyhood of our subject was spent in Braidwood, Will county, Illinois, chiefly, his educational advantages being limited, as he commenced working in the coal mines at the early age of ten years. Eight long, tedious years the lad was thus employed, at the end of which time he met with the great calamity. of his life. A large portion of the roof of the mine in which he and his brother were working collapsed, and when he was extricated it was found that his spine was seriously injured. Paralysis of the lower limbs resulted, and for a long time he was practically helpless. When he had partially recovered the brave youth set about the task of mastering the science of telegraphy, and is entirely self-taught. At length he was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company at Streator, and remained with that concern for twelve years. In 1892 he became the manager of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company's office at Streator, and still occupies this responsible position. He has proved himself faithful and efficient, and enjoys the confidence and sincere respect of all who know him. In early life he formed careful, frugal habits, and, partly owing to this, and partly to the fact that he has made judicious investments of his savings, he is now the possessor of a competence. He owns three good residences in Streator, and rents two of them, while the third is his own home, and besides he has money invested in the wholesale and retail tobacco business.
On the 5th of May, 1893, the marriage of John H. Anderson and Miss Emily Anderson was celebrated in Streator. Mrs. Anderson, who is of Swedish parentage, and was not even in the remotest degree related to our subject, is a lady of good education and refinement, and, like her husband, has numerous friends in this city.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 178-179.
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