Christopher Anderson

Christopher Anderson, son of Adam and Martha (Hamilton) Anderson was born at Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, April 28th, 1842, and died at his home in Roberts, Illinois, Monday evening, March 10th, 1924, aged 81 years, 10 months, and 12 days. When he was six years of age his parents moved to East Lothian where his father was superintendent and manager of coal mines. Christopher attended the grammar school at Musselburgh until fourteen years of age. He then entered the auditing department of the Edinburgh & Glosgow Railway. In 1860 he became his father's assistant in management of the Barton's Hill Coal Works. During this time he also served as a volunteer in the Ninteenth Lanarkshire Regiment. Here he received a medal for his excellent skill as a marksman. This medal reads, "Presented by Major Hozier, 1862, won by Christopher Anderson, 95th company, 4 A Battalion, L. R. V. July 4th, 1866, Mr. Anderson sailed from Scotland to America. He landed at Montreal and came immediately to La Prairie Center, Illinois. After a short visit with relatives there he went to Chicago to the officers of the Illinois Central Railway which recently had been built through the state. He had letters of recommendation from railway officials in Scotland which he presented and asked for a position. He was sent to the office of general manager. The general manager told him that he could give him a position, but, he said, "There is a far better opening for you out on the prairies of Illinois. We have a lot of good land to sell cheap, and a young man of ability can go out there and soon make himself independent of the whims and caprices of others, which no railroad man can ever do." He was soon convinced and the result was that he settled on a farm, now known as the Ortlepp farm in North Lyman.
A few years later the Gilman, Clinton & Springfield R. R. was built and when the Village of Roberts was started he came here and began a commercial life. He was in general merchandise business for several years. Also, for many years in the grain business. He built the Roberts Brick and Tile Works in 1883 and when it burned two years later, with John Kenward rebuilt it and they continued in business there until Mr. Kenward died nine years ago. He bought the Roberts Exchange Bank in 1882 and continued in that business for 33 years. He was one of the few men who were able to conduct several different businesses at the same time and make a success of all.

On October 12, 1869, Mr. Anderson married Miss Mary Goodlet Martin of Marshall County, Illinois. They were the parents of nine daughters and one son all of who are living. He was the last survivor of four children, his sister Mary Smart who lived for many years at Roberts and Piper City, his sister Jeanie Campbell who lived at Piper City for years and his brother James Anderson of Scotland, all having preceding him in death. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson united with the congregational church at Roberts at its re-organization in 188?, bringing their letters from the First Presbyterian church of Piper City.

Besides attending to his varied business interests he found time to serve his fellow men in official capacity. Though not seeking office he never shirked a duty. He served for more than thirty years as Justice of Peace, for many years as member of the school board, also on the Village Board, both as trustee and as president. He also served several terms as commissioner of highways.

As an official he was ever known as a man unto who rendered his judgment as he thought right regardless of friend or foe. In his business career and in his every position in life there was never a doubt as to what stand he was taking. His "yes" meant "yes" and his "no" meant exactly what he said. There was no half way, and no fear that he could not be depended upon. When the writer of this article came to Roberts the first man he met was Christopher Anderson and from that day until his death he was one of our staunchest friends. Many times we have disagreed and in official life we have opposed each other on many questions but while our strife was at its height he was just as warm a friend as ever and he never took an unfair advantage or tried to conceal his actions, and was every ready to grant any personal favor.

The funeral services were held at home Saturday afternoon, March 15th, Rev. J. O. Ferris officiating.

 

--Roberts Herald.  19 March 1924.