Biography of Andrew Gustaf Lundstrom: 21st Mayor of Logan
Dates in Office: 1926-1940
Terms in Office: 7
Age when Elected: 58
Andrew G. Lundstrom was born 1 April 1868 a native of Sweden, a son of Peter E. Lundstrom and Brita Persdotter.He married Charlotte Johnson of Grantsville, Utah who passed away in 1893.In 1894 he wedded Ida Louise Johnson, a sister of his first wife, her death occurred in 1917. On 14 March 1918, Mr. Lundstrom was married to Lucile Olson of Smithfield, Utah.[1] She died in 1921 and on January 3, 1923, Mr. Lundstrom married Lucile's sister, Selma Olson.He had seven children, five girls and two boys. He died 21 October 1951 and is buried in the Logan Cemetery.[2]
A.G. Lundstom served seven 2-year terms as mayor of Logan City, fourteen consecutive years. Under his administration the municipal power plant was saved and strengthened, the city tax levy was reduced, many mile of new roads were built and about $700,000 in assets added to the city's property account.
Mr. Lundstrom was known as a vigorous, tenacious and straightforward administrator. He was progressive, unwavering in his determination to do a job, and fearless in the face of opposition.
Interested in civic welfare, he had always been a member of the local chamber of commerce, a willing contributor in time and money to numerous worthy causes. During his 14 years as mayor, he accepted no gasoline for his official trips, nor a cent of money. He paid all his own expenses while serving municipal purpose.
Andrew G. Lundstsrom's mother born in Sweden, died in 1888. His father came to the United States in 1892. He devoted his life to the occupation of farming and passed away at Logan.A.G. Lundstrom attended the schools of his native land and at the age of 18, immigrated to the United States. After one year's employment as a farmhand, he turned his attention to the sheep business, in which he continued successfully for 13 years. He expanded his interests to the furniture business, entered a partnership with John Spande, and after purchased Mr. Spande's interest. The family home was at 125 East Second North in Logan, Utah. [3]
Andrew G. Lundstsrom, a most progressive businessman, was president and manager of the Lundstom Furniture & Carpet Company, dealers in furniture, carpets, linoleums, wall paper, stoves and ranges. They furnished the Eccles Hotel of Logan and other fine public buildings and a number of the beautiful homes of this section of the state. A branch store was established in Preston, Idaho.
He belonged to the Commercial Boosters Club of Logan. His political allegiance was given to the Republican Party and he had been a member of the city council. While he was interested in all things which are a matter of public concern, his attention had been chiefly given to his business. He has never had occasion to regret his entrance into mercantile circles and with the passing years he has bent his energies largely to organization, to constructive effort and administrative direction.[4]
Mr. Lundstrom was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to Sweden from 1899 until 1901. Following his return he was called to officiate in the Logan temple for 27 months. In 1908 he was sustained a counselor in Logan Seventh Ward bishopric, serving nine years under Bishops Lorin A. Merrill and Hyrum Crockett. He was then called into the stake high council where he served 14 years. He had also been a ward teacher for many years and an instructor in church auxiliaries.He was president of the Scandinavian mission in Logan during 1913 and continued in that capacity until the stake presidency discontinued the Scandinavian meetings. In all possible ways he aided the advancement of church work.[5]
[1] Warrum Noble, ed., Utah Since Statehood: Historical and Biographical (Chicago : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1919) 4:696-7
[2] Utah Cemetery Inventory (Ancestry Library Edition)
[3] Obituary, The Herald-Journal, Utah, October 22, 1951.
[4] Warrum Noble, ed., Utah Since Statehood: Historical and Biographical (Chicago : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1919) 4:696-7
[5] Obituary, The Herald-Journal, Utah, October 22, 1951.
