Selma Anderson, daughter of Anton Anderson and Karen Krogh was born October 22, 1878, at Deer Park, and passed away after a lingering illness at the Amery Hospital December 26, 1954.
Funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Deer Park Friday afternoon December 31, 1954, Rev. Virgil Brown officiating. Arrangements were in charge of L. H. and John W. Beebe, New Richmond. She was laid to rest in the Deer Park cemetery beside her twin sister, Amanda.
Selma was the last surviving member of one of the earliest pioneer families. Her parents, four brothers and eight sisters, preceded her in death. Locally she is survived by S. Olson, Deer Park, Sam Gilstad, Baldwin, Emma Sampson and Nelle Hovde, River Falls, many nieces and nephews in distant states, other relatives and a host of friends.
Selma took a keen, sympathetic interest in stories of pioneer days when hardships were many, when bitter tears were often shed recalling how the family was stricken with typhoid fever and lost three children, ages 19, 9, and 3 years, all buried at one time, and two months later another little girl passed away.
Selma loved music, songs and poetry. One of her favorite poems was "O Why Should the Spirit of Martal Be Proud?"
Her passing marks the closing of chapter of one of the most highly respected and prosperous families of the community.
"Only waiting till the reapers have their last sheaf gathered home.
For the summer time is ended, and the autumn winds have come.
Quickly reapen, gather quickly the last ripe hours of my heart
For the bloom of life is withered, and I hasten to depart.
Only waiting till the angels open wide the mystic gate
At whose feet I long have waited, weary, poor and desolate."
We shall miss her.
