Bio of ANDERSON, Frank O. (b.1845), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical

F. O. ANDERSON (Frank O. Anderson) - Vol III, pg 594-597
F. O. Anderson, who was successfully engaged in the jewelry business in 
Minne­apolis for more than two decades and conducted the West Hotel 
Jewelry Store from 1913 until his demise nine years later, enjoyed a 
reputation as the best and most skillful diamond setter in the Northwest. 
He was a native of Lidkpping, Skaraborg (lan), Sweden, and a son of Carl 
John and Inga Marie (Carlson) Anderson. Carl J. Anderson, whose birth 
occurred February 22, 1845, and who devoted his attention to agricultural 
pursuits as a life work, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 
May, 1888. It was not until four years later, or in September, 1892, that 
his wife and six children joined him in this country. 

F. O. Anderson was a lad of twelve years when he left the public schools 
in order to assist in the support of the family, for his parents were in 
limited financial circumstances. He secured a position as cash boy in the 
employ of the L. S. Donaldson Company and later was promoted to take 
charge of stock rooms. However, he was ambitious to master a trade or 
profession that might serve as a stepping stone to success and therefore, 
when fifteen years of age, he began learning jewelry manu­facturing and 
diamond setting with the S. Jacobs Jewelry Company at No. 520 Nicollet 
avenue in Minneapolis. So rapidly did he acquaint himself with the work 
that at the age of seventeen he felt justified in embarking in business 
for himself, in asso­ciation with the late John Bodfors, conducting a 
small jewelry store on Fourth street, between Nicollet and Marquette 
avenues. When increased business necessitated larger quarters, a removal 
was made to the Webb block on Third street in 1906. Four years later Mr. 
Anderson moved to the ground floor at No. 16 North Seventh street, where 
he carried on business as a retail jeweler and manufacturer until 1913, 
when he opened a store in the West Hotel, there continuing throughout the 
remainder of his life. His business grew steadily, by reason of his 
capable management and efficient service, and he became widely recognized 
as one of the most proficient diamond experts in the west. He invented 
and patented the first ring expander, which is now used from coast to 
coast, and he also invented a safety catch device for pins and brooches, 
but did not live to get this patented or put upon the market. Several 
years prior to his death he opened a manufacturing jewelry establishment 
at Lake street and Girard avenue, while but a few months before his 
demise he completed a large store building in Minneapolis which is valued 
at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars and stands as a monument to his 
enterprising and progressive spirit. Brooking no obstacles that honest 
effort could overcome, he steadily worked his way upward until, leaving 
behind the ranks of the many, he stood among the successful few.

Mr. Anderson was married December 31, 1914, to Miss Ruth V. Wester, 
daughter of John Wester of Minneapolis. Three children were born to them: 
France Orwin, born October 12, 1916; Betty Jane, born July 17, 1918; and 
Vincent Wester, born January 20, 1921. Mr. Anderson died at his home at 
No. 2005 Girard avenue, on the 4th of December, 1922, at the 
comparatively early age of thirty-nine years, leaving besides his widow 
and children, an aged mother, four brothers and two sisters, who are 
residents of Minneapolis. Fraternally Mr. Anderson was identified with 
the Elks, the Maccabees, the Yeomen and the Knights of Pythias. His life 
was upright and honorable in every relation, insuring him the respect and 
esteem of those with whom he came into contact, and his record as a 
business man and citizen is one worthy of emulation.