Emil Anderson was born in Sweden on June 26th, 1887. He left Sweden for America as a young man. He went first to Oakland, Nebraska and then to Boyd County, Nebraska where he lived with his uncle Peter Thurstenson. He registered for the draft on June 5, 1917. Because he was one of the first men on the county draft list, he went to Norfolk and enlisted on July 31, 1917. He was originally with the 4th Nebraska and was then transferred to the 109th Regiment Engineers. In the January 3, 1918 edition of the Butte Gazette his name was listed second in an alphabetical list of county men who had volunteered for service. He died of pneumonia on January 20, 1918 at Camp Cody near Deming, New Mexico. He was the first Boyd County resident to die in the service of his country during World War I. His body was returned to Anoka, Nebraska. A funeral was held and he was buried in the Old Settler’s Cemetery northeast of Anoka. In 1952 he was re-buried at the Highland Cemetery in Fairfax, South Dakota.

 

 

Sources:  Butte Gazette, National Archives Records and Administration. Special Thanks to Joe Thurstenson

 

 

 

BUTTE GAZETTE THURSDAY JANUARY 24, 1918

 

  VOLUNTEER DIES

 

Emil Anderson, of Anoka,

 Dead at Deming, Victim

      of Pnuemonia . (sic)

 

  A telegram was received by Peter Thurstensen announcing the death at Camp Cody of Emil Anderson, who was Number Three in the draft last summer, and as soon as he had found he had been drawn, went and enlisted in the 4th Nebraska, being transferred to the 109th Regiment Engineers.  Emil died on Monday of this week and the body will be shipped to Anoka.  The funeral will be held at the home of Peter Thurstensen, his only relative in this country.  His mother is a resident of Sweden.

  The Gazette is in receipt of the following telegram:

              Deming, N. M., Jan. 22, 1918.

Dear Editor:

                 In the deepest hour of sorrow, we, as fellow members of the organization in which Emil Anderson had soldiered and won respect, wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Peter Thurstensen and friends.

                                      Sincerely,

                                      Co. F. 109th Engineers.

 

BUTTE GAZETTE THURSDAY JANUARY 31, 1918

 

 

OUR SOLDIER AT REST

 

   The funeral of Boyd County’s first soldier to give his life for his country took place Sunday at the Swedish church in Anoka, where Rev Caldwell in a touching address spoke the last words of respect and farewell over the remains of Emil Anderson.

   The weather was very cold, and the snow deep, but a large congregation gathered to pay the last respects.  The Men’s Chorus from Butte furnished the music, singing very effectively “Abide With Me”  “The Boys of the Old Brigade” and “We Shall Meet But We Shall Miss Him.”

   Two soldiers, Arthur Ficinek and Harry Dierking, acted as a guard of honor and gave a military touch to the service.  The casket was buried with flowers, a particularly beautiful set piece being the “Gates Ajar” from Company F. 109th Eng. Reg. of which Emil was a member.  Interment was in the Swedish Lutheran cemetery of Anoka.

 

                                                                       OBITUARY

 

   Emil Anderson was born in Sweden June 26th, 1887.  He left that country when quite young, to seek his fortune in America, coming first to Oakland, Nebraska, and afterward to Boyd county where he made his home with his uncle, Peter Thurstenson, and working for neighboring farmers.  When the draft call came last June Emil was the third man called from Boyd county.  Hardly had he heard the news until he went to Norfolk and enlisted in the "Dandy Sixth" Nebraska, remaining a member of that regiment until it was broken up.  The date of his enlistment was July 31st, 1917.  He was a faithful soldier, winning universal respect, from officers and comrades in arms.  He died January 20th, of pneumonia, aged 30 years and 7 months.

   Only two relatives are in the United States,

Mr. Peter Thurstenson, an uncle, at

Anoka, and Mrs. J. Rundquist of Oakland,

an aunt.  His aged mother lives in

Sweden.  Mr. and Mrs. Thurstenson

were the only relatives present at the

funeral.

 

   Sleep on, our soldier dead,

    To you was duty all;

   May we as willing, ready be,

    When we receive the call.

 

   Sleep on, our soldier dead,

    You'd but your life to give,

   In giving, you have life received,

    and shall forever live.