MARY'S GENEALOGY TREASURES
Another of our local citizens for a number of years was Fritz Anderson.
Originally from Sweden he arrived at the Bar U Ranch in 1918 and was
employed there for some time. He also hauled coal from Bill Kumer's
Mine to the H.L.some twelve miles to the south, with horses, of course.
He worked at different places; for Harry Streeter, Oscar Larson, Ole
Sandstrom and threshed on the Hagerman outfit. He even at one time,
tried to grow potatoes on quite a large scale but finally settled
and went farming for himself in 1929. He lived on the N.E.1/4 of
Sec.12, Twp.19, R.1 W 5th. on the Tongue Creek road four miles
east of Hartell. He batched and sometimes his cooking and
housekeeping was not the best but he was always a cheerful person
and a friend to all. He never quite mastered the English language and always retained his Swedish accent. His most common exclamation
was "By the Yesus." It could be said he was his own worst enemy.
At times his drinking problem was a serious one. He might be away
from home for days or even weeks but kind neighhors attended to
any necessities. He owned two different dogs Ponto and Tippy.
There was no need to have "No trespassing" signs there with one of those
dogs standing guard. He was his master's faithful friend but not a
friend to others.
Fritz was a born musician and singer. The only training he ever had was
as a small boy by a kindly old man who had shown him something about
playing a guitar. He was equally as good with his beloved old accordian.
He would play all night at a house party or schoolhouse dance, alone or
with others to give pleasure to everyone.
He farmed always with horses so when that way of doing was outdated, he sold his farm and equipment. In 1952 James Wyatt & Sons bought his place
but he remained there for a short time before moving to the Town of
Longview. Settled in retirement and hoping to enjoy a few more years,
he went to the hospital for some long overdue surgery but died on the
operating table. His only known relative, a niece, lived in Sweden so
arrangements were made and he was laid to rest by his friends and
neighbors in the Highwood Cemetery. Rev. John Sorochan officiated. toes, only; he sold his land and
Gone but not forgotten.
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