DR. C. L. ANDERSON DIES AT THE AGE OF 83 YEARS
Dr. C. L. Anderson, one of the most respected of Santa Cruz County’s old pioneers, passed away quietly and peacefully at 12:30 o’clock Thursday noon at the advanced age of 83 years and 8 months, leaving to mourn his loss, his widow, and their three children, all of this country, Miss Seddie E. Anderson of Hepsidam, Mrs. Carrie Daniels, of Scotts Valley and Dr. C. H. Anderson, city health inspector of this city. The cause of the death was paralysis, brought on by old age.
With Mrs. G. De Lamater, Dr. Anderson was the founder of the local city library and a ruling spirit in its actions as long as he had strength to give it his attention. He was a guiding force in the various annual county fairs held in this city during the years gone by, in both their scientific and general phases.
The doctor, who for many years enjoyed an enviable medical practice in this community, was a man of scholarly attainments, scientific, having made a study of the gardens of our seashore, the fish of Monterery bay, cataloguing the flowering plants and ferns of this county, preparing a list and making notes on the native and other grasses found growing wild in this section, annotating a list of the land and water birds, and specializing in a study of our feathered songsters.
Dr. C. L. Anderson was a man of exemplary character, of an even disposition, quiet in his ways, unpretending, self-sacrificing, of a very kindly nature. Santa Cruz was made much richer by his presence amongst us, for he lived a life of service, caring little for pecuniary emoluments. During his long illness his faithful life-partner, who has been his devoted and capable wife since their marriage in 1854, cared for him untiringly and unceasing until the end, at the close of a ripe life.
The subject of this article was born near Salem, Ronoke Co., Virginia, on September 27, 1827. His father was a farmer. When he was ten years old, his father removed to Indiana, and settled in Morgan Co. The son attended Franklin College, and, after completing the course there, entered the medical department of Asbury University and commenced the study of his chosen profession. He partly paid his way through college with money earned by teaching school. Before graduating in 1852, he began practice in the town of Bethlehem, near Indianapolis. Soon afterward he removed to St. Anthony Falls, Minnesota (now the city of Minneapolis). Dr. Anderson lived there for ten years, and in 1862 crossed the plains to Nevade and took up his residence in Carson City. He practiced there four years, and then came to Santa Cruz, where he completed his life.
Dr. Anderson was married in Beloit, Wisconsin, on the 29th of October, 1854, to Miss Merial Howe. Four children were born to them, of whom three are now living.
Since Dr. Anderson began the practice of medicine, that was his chief occupation. Most of his leisure time was devoted to scientific study, his favorite branches being; geology, botany, and zoology. His impluse in this direction is the result of early contact with professors and students of Harvard and Yale Colleges, whom he frequently accompanied on botanizing expeditions. In his scientific studies Dr. Anderson was associated with several eminent men, notably, Asa Gray, Horace Mann Jr., Henry D. Thoreau, D. C. Eaton, and M. G. Farlow. Dr. Anderson was a writer of ability, and a frequent contributor to the magazines.
The doctor was a prominent member of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, also a member of the Masonic Fraternity and the Order of Sons of Temperance. He held several public offices, was the first superintendent of public schools in Hennepin Co., Minnesota, and as trustee helped to build the first public school house in Minneapolis.
After his removal to Nevada he held the office of school superintendent in Ormbsy Co., Nevada. He was also surgeon-general upon the military staff of Governor Blaisdell, of Nevada. Since coming to Santa Cruz he held the office of school trustee for seven years, besides being a trustee of the Free City Library. He was also president of the City Board of Health, and United States Examining surgeon for pensions.