The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 589 AXEL ANDERSON. Many valuable citizens of America have been furnished by Sweden and among this number is Axel Anderson, who is now successfully following agricultural pursuits near Mabton, Washington. A fine home, modernly equipped, excellent farm buildings and up-to-date equipment proclaim his progressiveness. Moreover, there is great credit due him for what he has achieved as his success has come to him entirely through his own efforts. Industry and energy have ever been his watchwords and thus he has made good use of the opportunities presented in this country. Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden, March 11, 1867, a son of Anders Gustave Larson and Sophia Pershon. The parents came to the United States in 1890, locating in Wisconsin, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until his death. His widow survives and still makes her home in that state. Axel Anderson was reared in Sweden, where in the acquirement of his education he attended the public schools, having heard much of the chances presented in America to a young man willing to work and eager to embrace his opportunities, he decided to cross the ocean and in 1887 arrived in Burnette county, Wisconsin, he at first resided at West Superior, where he was connected with dock building, but after two years came to Washington in June, 1889, taking up his residence in Bellingham, where he gave his attention to railway construction work. Later he was similarly employed in the Cedar valley and afterward worked for several years on farms. He took up a homestead in Skagit county but after some time again returned to railroad work, selling the homestead. In 1900 Mr. Anderson made his way to Seattle, where for three years he was connected with carpenter work in the shipyards. In the fall of 1903, however, he acquired forty acres of land three miles north and one mile west of Mabton, which at that time was all covered with sagebrush. His family followed him in 19114 and immediately he set himself to the task of clearing the land and putting it under cultivation. How well he has succeeded is evident from the prosperous picture which his farm now presents. He raises alfalfa, corn and potatoes and also conducts a dairy to good purpose. He is now numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of his section, his farm being one of the most valuable in the neighborhood. He has erected a modern home, one of the best in the district, modernly appointed and equipped with steam heat and other city conveniences. The house was built in 1912 and there the family extend hospitality to their many friends. On the 1st of March, 1904, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Beck, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States in her girlhood. To this union were born four children, Emily, Sylvia, Fred and Edwin. In his political affiliations Mr. Anderson is a republican, which party he has supported ever since taking out his citizen's papers. He is a loyal American, who here has found the opportunities which have permitted him to advance rapidly, so that he has never regretted coming to this country. Moreover, he has not only wrought for himself but has ever readily supported public movements undertaken in behalf of the community in which he resides and he has proven a force for development, particularly along agricultural lines, showing through his example what may be accomplished where there is the will to dare and to do. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.