Today, we honor long-time BHHA member, volunteer, and board member John Anderson. The following is his autobiography from the 2013 BHHA Annual Report:
Born on the family farm near Bishop Hill, a descendant of Bishop Hill colonists. Attended a one-room country school and the Bishop Hill Colony School. Graduated from Galva High School. Served four years in the US Air Force as S/Sgt in jet fighter aircraft maintenance, spent three years in Europe. Graduated from Missouri School of Mines with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Was hired by John Deere Industrial Equipment Works in June 1960. Spent three years as Director of Engineering at the John Deere Saran Works in France. A total of 32 years was spent with Deere before retirement as Manager of Engineering at the John Deere Davenport Works. Has restored five antique houses including the Colony Krusbo house in Bishop Hill. Became a volunteer with the BHHA in the early 1990’s. Served several Heritage board and committee appointments, mainly related to building restoration and maintenance. Other local organization memberships include the Bishop Hill Old Settlers Association and the United Church of Altona. John and wife Natalie are blessed with five children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.