C. Elmer (Clyde Elmer) Anderson was born in Brainerd, Minnesota on March 16, 1912, one of nine children born to Swedish immigrants Fred and Anna Anderson. When his father died (Anderson was 14) he joined his siblings to work in support of the family. His first job was delivering newspapers, while helping out on the family farm near Brainerd. Though still working, he was able to finish high school at age 16. He attended the University of Minnesota hoping to become a doctor, but could not continue his studies because of financial constraints.
While working for a magazine distribution company, Anderson took over its management after the owner died. He subsequently purchased it and continued to run it for 26 years. Anderson married Lillian Otterstad in 1937, and they had 3 children.
Anderson's political career began in 1939, when he began serving two terms as the lieutenant governor of Minnesota. He was defeated for a third term in 1942, but was again elected to that post and served from 1945 to 1951. He presided a record six terms as lieutenant governor under three different governors. Anderson was appointed governor, himself, when Governor Luther W. Youngdahl accepted an appointment to a federal judgeship in 1951. He was elected again in 1952, but was defeated in a reelection bid in 1954.
Anderson was elected mayor of Nisswa, Minnesota in 1960 and served two years in that post. He went on to serve as mayor of Brainerd, Minnesota from 1976 to 1986. After he was defeated in his bid for reelection in 1986, he returned to private life, pursuing theatrical endeavors. He died on January 22, 1998 at the age of 85.
From the guide to the C. Elmer Anderson gubernatorial and mayoral papers., 1940-1987 (bulk 1951-1986)., (Minnesota Historical Society)
