Anderson (or Andreae), Lars (or Laurent)

chancellor of Gustavus Vasa, born in Sweden in 1480. He was at first a priest at Strengnas, and became subsequently archdeacon at Upsal. On his return from a journey to Rome he passed through Wittenberg, and became convinced of the truth of Luther's doctrines. Arriving in Sweden, he was made chancellor by Gustavus Vasa, who readily seconded all his efforts for promoting the Reformation in Sweden. At the request of the king, Anderson, together with Olaus Petri, translated the Bible into Swedish. The Reformation was established by the Diet of Westeras in 1527. Anderson was high in office and favor until 1540, when he was charged with having failed to disclose a conspiracy against the king of which he had knowledge, and he was sentenced to death. He was, however, let off for a sum of money, and retired to Strengnais, where he died, April 29,1552. — Hoefer, Biog. Generale, 2, 520.