Anderson family history

William H. Carpenter built the house on the Anderson farm around 1885. He was a nephew of prominent Chicago businessman, Philo Carpenter, who previously owned the farm. The Carpenters were building the second floor of the house in 1888 when Emil Nelson came from Sweden to work for William Carpenter. In later years Mr. Nelson's daughter married the son of Anton Anderson, the next owner of the farm, linking the two families of the Anderson Farm. The house remains in its original site at #10 Sauk Circle.

The family of Anton and Louise Anderson made their home at "Maple Lane Farm" from 1918. Their son, Herbert, married Jeanette Nelson in 1942 and they acquired the house in 1956. The Anderson family raised dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, sheep and chickens and grew corn, soybeans, wheat, oats and hay. They cared for and enjoyed many pets and even gave their livestock names. Organizations like 4-H were very popular among the farm families. Their son, Ronald, cared for pet lambs and had a bug collection as a child. He was in college when the state purchased the farm in 1968.

Family events brought neighbors together as many of the farm children married neighbors and distant relatives. The Andersons, Brummels, Feldotts and Kames of the site were lifelong friends and family. This community of farm families supported each other over the years in good times and hard times.

Mrs. Jeanette Anderson lives today in Geneva. She has many memories of days on the farm, including Augie Mier collecting arrowheads behind their home, family get-togethers, and train rides taking the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin electric line from the Warrenville station to work in Wheaton. She appreciates that their house was not moved and really enjoys bringing family to see the old homestead just as it was years ago.

Click on individual photographs for more information.

Farm families