Biography of John H. Anderson: 15th Mayor of Logan
Dates in Office: 1910-1912
Terms in Office 1
Age when Elected: 46
John H. Anderson was born 24 September 1864 in Brigham, Utah a son of Johannes Andersson and Johanna Olsson in Logan, Utah. He married Anna (Annie)Charlotte Eliason 18 November 1885 in Logan, Utah and they had nine children. He married his second wife, Selma (Salma) Natalie (Natallia) Eliason 20 October 1886 in Logan, Utah. He died 10 June 1945 in Logan, Utah and is buried there.[1]
The Logan 4th Ward dates back to April 14, 1861, when Logan was divided into four districts or wards and Thomas X. Smith was chosen as president or acting Bishop. .In 1913 Jospeh Newbold was succeeded by John H. Anderson, who in 1917 was succeeded by George Wilhelm Lindquist.[2]Following is a list of the Elders who have presided over the Swedish Mission:.John H. Anderson, 1926-1926.[3]
Mr. Anderson was one of Cache Valley's most prominent business, church and civic leaders. He was a pioneer in the Logan merchandizing field and at the time of his death was president of the First National Banking Company in Logan, a position he had held since 1917. He was former Logan City Mayor, former bishop of Logan Fourth ward, former president of the Swedish LDS mission and president of the Cache Stake home mission for 20 years.
Mr. Anderson was an officiator in the Logan temple, President of the Logan Fourth Ward YMMIA, bishop of Mendon Ward, bishop of Logan Fourth Ward from 1913 to 1917, president of the Cache Stake home mission, president of the Cache Scandinavian organization for 29 years, and a class teacher in the auxiliaries. He also served as a member of the Cache Stake High Council, and throughout his life was an ardent temple worker.
Mr. Anderson was born in a log cabin just five years after the original settlers crossed the Logan river and marked it off for a village.He worked on his father's farm until being called on a mission. He then clerked in the Logan ZCMI branch, became manager of its grocery department and then set up business for himself in 1893 on Main Street. He subsequently moved into the ZCMI building when that firm closed, establishing the John H. Anderson and Sons department store.
In 1902 Mr. Anderson was elected a director of the First National Bank, and served as vice president for five years before becoming president in 1917. He was mayor of Logan City for one term, 1909 to 1911, was a pioneer in development of the sugar beet industry in Cache County, and is considered one of the oldest independent merchants in northern Utah.
Mr. Anderson was active in Republican Party circles, was a long time member of Logan chamber of commerce, and was noted for his hobby of flower raising. He served as president of the Logan Flower Garden club for many years. He was born in the family home at 162 East Fourth North Street in Logan and lived there all of his life.
Mr. Alma Sonne, assistant to the LDS council of Twelve who had known Mr. Anderson for three decades characterized him thus, "John H. Anderson's entire life is a demonstration of the qualities that make for success and happiness. Sound in judgment, constructive in purpose, safe and dependable in business, loyal and active in the church, he is properly regarded as a pillar of strength in the community."[4]
[1] Family Group Record (FamilySearch Ancestral File v4.19)
[2] Encyclopedic History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints : The Logan 5th Ward (Ancestry Library Edition)
[3] Encyclopedic History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints : Swedish Mission (Ancestry Library Edition)
[4] Obituary, The Herald-Journal, Logan, Utah, Monday, June 11, 1949.
