Clay and Palo Alto counties contribute to the house this winter a true blue democrat, in the Hon. Edwin Anderson, of Ruthven. His victory was a surprise to many people over the state, as his opponent, Hon. W. W. Cornwall, seemed sanguine of success. In the fall of 1896 Clay and Palo Alto counties gave McKinley a majority of 998 over Bryan; Mr. Anderson's majority over Cornwall was 452. He is a native of Sweden, born in that country March 24, 1857. His parents were natives of Sweden, and their ancestors all soldiers and sailors. Mr. Anderson attended the common schools of his country up to twelve years, when he came to this country with his parents. They located at Fort Dodge in 1870, where Edwin attended school in the winter and worked on a farm in the summer for the first two years. After this he went to work for one of the leading physicians of that town, as hostler and office boy, and at the same time studying medicine with him. He remained in this doctor's service several years. He afterwards clerked for several years, until 1885, when he went into the drug business for himself in Ruthven, his present home. He is a registered pharmacist, having passed the examination before the board of pharmacy in 1881. He conducts one of the largest book, notion, fancy goods and drug stores in northwestern Iowa. In politics he has always been a democrat, but up to last fall never aspired to any office. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Masonic and Shriner lodges. Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Ada V. Henderson, January 1, 1882, and they have one child. He is an ambitious man, and comes to the house well qualified to ably represent his constituents. Source: The Iowa Legislature of 1898, by Willis L. Hall