Robert L. Anderson, who is engaged in blacksmithing in Caledonia, was born in Denmark, December 3, 1871, a son of Robert L. and Sophia (Shenberg) Anderson. The father was born in Denmark, March 20, 1815, and the mother’s birth occurred in Germany, February 20, 1843. Mr. Anderson became a detective of Odense, Denmark, and for twenty-eight years and three months he was connected with the military organization of his country, participating in the wars of 1848-50 and in the war of 1864. He died in Denmark, January 24, 1881, and in 1895 the mother came to Racine, where she is still living. In their family were eight children, of whom five survive: Fred. a blacksmith of Emory, Wisconsin; Robert L.; Thor, living in Racine; George, assistant chief of the Case Fire Department of Racine; and Alexander, who is a clothing salesman in Racine. The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church.
It was in the year 1889 that Robert L. Anderson came to Racine, being then a youth of eighteen years. He worked for five months on a farm near Union Grove, after which he removed to Norway Township and was employed by a cousin in a blacksmith shop. In 1908 he located in Kilbourn, where he entered a blacksmith shop, where he has since worked. Almost his entire life has been devoted to the trade and he has built up a good business which is bringing to him a gratifying financial return.
On the 25th of January, 1894, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Sena Beck, who was born in Denmark, and they have become the parents of seven children: Viola, at home; Alma, who works in a factory in Racine; and Robert, Thomas, Helen, George and Kenneth, all at home.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and closely follow its teachings. In politics Mr. Anderson maintains an independent attitude and has never been an office seeker, although for three years he served as deputy sheriff in Lincoln County. His entire life has been one of unremitting industry and thrift. He has worked persistently and energetically, knowing that he must win success by persistent effort and the wise use which he has made of his time and opportunities has brought him a substantial measure of success.