California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


THEODORE ANDERSON. The thorough knowledge which Theodore Anderson possesses of the 
millwright's and machinist's trades admirably qualifies him to discharge the varied 
responsibilities of his present position as head miller for the Sperry Milling Company of Fresno. 
During the period of his connection with this company he has risen, by successive promotions, 
and in recognition of his mastery of the milling business, from a humble position" to one of 
trust. He is of Swedish birth and ancestry and was born at Wadstena, on Lake Wetter, in the 
southern part of that country, December 12, 1868. He learned the millwright's trade under the 
painstaking instruction of his father, John Anderson, a machinist and millwright, who through 
much of his active life has engaged in the flour milling industry, but at this writing, and for some 
time past, has been interested in the stone business. 

At the time of coming to America in 1888 Mr. Anderson had acquired the complete 
acquaintance with his trade which is the custom in the land of his birth. Every detail of mill 
wrighting was carefully explained to him, in order that he might be fitted for reliable work in the 
occupation. For a few months after his arrival in the United States he worked in Massachusetts, 
but during the same year came to California, joining his uncle, Axel Carlson, in Fresno, where he 
has since made his home. At the time of his arrival he could find no position in a mill, so 
temporarily took up other work pending a vacancy that would furnish him a suitable 
opportunity to prove his skill as a millwright and machinist. After working for some years in 
planing mills and warehouses, in 1897 he was taken into the employ of the Sperry Flour 
Company, being at first given a very humble position, but rising step by step by force of 
industry and good workmanship. In July of 1903 he was placed in charge of the mill, and in 
November of the same year was appointed head miller of the Fresno mills, the largest in the 
San Joaquin valley, operated by electric power and having a capacity of three hundred and fifty 
barrels each twenty-four hours. In his native land he was trained in the Lutheran faith, and still 
adheres to the religion of his forefathers. Since coming to Fresno he has become a naturalized 
citizen of the United States, and a supporter of the Republican party, voting for its men and 
measures both in local and general elections. Movements for the benefit of the workmen 
receive his co-operation and support, particularly the Fraternal Brotherhood, of which he is an 
active member. His wife, whom he married in Fresno, bore the maiden name of Edna Johnson, 
and, like himself, is a native of Sweden.