General Robert Anderson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Anderson_(Revolutionary_War)

Robert Anderson (1741 – 1813) was a politician, militia officer, and surveyor from South Carolina. He was a lifelong friend of General Andrew Pickens. Anderson, South Carolina, Anderson County, South Carolina, and the ghost town of Andersonville are named for him.

Early life

He was born on November 15, 1741 in Augusta County, Virginia. His parents were John and Jane Anderson who had immigrated from Ireland. Before moving to Virginia, they had lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Marriage and children

He married Anne Thompson in 1765. They moved to South Carolina and settled near his friend from Virginia, Andrew Pickens. She died after twenty-five years of marriage. They had five children:

Robert, Jr., married Maria Thomas.

Anne married Dr. William Hunter.

Mary (1866-1810) married Robert Maxwell (1853-1797), a Revolutionary War hero, was appointed as Sheriff of the Greenville District. He lived in Greenville County, and was killed by an ambush on November 10, 1797 while crossing the Saluda River shoals where Piedmont Mill Dam was later built. His grave is located fifteen miles south of Greenville, near Ware Place.

Elizabeth married Samuel Maverick. One child was Samuel Maverick.

In 1793 Anderson married a second time, to Lydia Maverick, a widow in Pendleton, South Carolina. Her son, Samuel, married Robert's daughter Elizabeth.

After the death of his second wife, he married Mrs. Reece. She was the widow of Dr. Thomas Reece, who was the pastor of Old Stone Church.

Military service

In the Revolutionary War, he joined the Fifth South Carolina Militia. He became a captain in the regiment commanded by his friend Andrew Pickens when they fought Boyd's Loyalists.

Anderson was one of the Patriots who gave their parole to the British as Ninety Six, South Carolina. Many took up arms after the British disregarded their promises.

At the Battle of Cowpens, Anderson was a colonel under Brigadier General Andrew Pickens. Anderson also served under Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee. He fought in the Battle of Eutaw Springs, in which the British were victorious. Later, his regiment held the line against the British between Augusta, Georgia and Ninety Six.

On the western frontier, he fought with Andrew Pickens against the Cherokees. A treaty signed in 1777 ceded most of the Cherokee lands in the present Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

After the war, Anderson was promoted to the rank of general in the state militia.

Civilian career

He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1791 to 1794 and from 1801 to 1802 from the Pendleton District. He was an elder of the Old Stone Church. In 1800, he was elector for Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.

He owned 2,100 acres (8 km2) in the current Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties including his home, Westville, on the west side of the Seneca River across from Andrew Picken's home, Hopewell.

Death and legacy

He died at his home on January 9, 1813. Due to a flood, they were not able to bury him at Old Stone Church, and he was buried on his estate. During the construction of Lake Hartwell, his body was reinterred at Old Stone Church.

The ghost town of Andersonville, the City of Anderson, and Anderson County were named for him.

Name: Robert ANDERSON

Sex: M

Title: General

Birth: 15 NOV 1741 in Augusta, VA

Baptism: 15 NOV 1741 Old Stone Church (Augusta)

Residence: BEF 1776 Anderson Co., SC

Residence: Long Cane Creek, Abbeville Co., SC

Residence: Pendleton, SC

Residence: Waxhaws, Lancaster Co., SC

Death: 1812 in Pendleton, SC

Military Service: Brigadier General

Military Service: Colonel under General Andrew Pickens: "Revolutionary War" (US)

ELEC: 1790 Judge (Pendleton District, SC)

Event: Founded Anderson County, SC named for him

• *********************************************************************

 (1) "Gleanings of Virginia History," by William Fletcher Boogher ( 

1965) p.114-115,312-313. FHL #975.5 H2bw.

(2) "Annals of Augusta County 1726-1871," by Joseph Addison Waddel l

(2nd. ed., C. Russell Caldwell, Staunton, VA, 1902). FHL film #1000

,633, item 2.

(3) "Augusta County Marriages 1748-1840," by John Vogt & T. Willia m

Kethley Jr., p.32. FHL #975.5916 V2v.

Birth: (1) s/o John Anderson.

Baptism: (1) 15 Nov 1741, Old Stone Church, Augusta Co., VA, by Rev . John Craig.

Marriage to Ann Thompson: (1) 4 Nov 1765. (2) (3) Robert Anderson

obtained a marriage license 4 Nov 1765, Augusta Co., VA. No return.

(1,2) Moved to SC a few years before the Revolutionary War. (1) Set

tled in the western part of SC near Pendleton. He first located on Long

Cane Creek in what was later Abbeville Co.

(1) After the massacre in the neighborhhod of Fort Ninety-six, he

removed to the Waxhaws, later Lancaster Co., SC.

(1) After quiet was restored near Fort Ninety-six, he returned to that

neighborhood, finally making his permanent home near Pendleton.

(1,2) Served as Colonel under Gen. Andrew Pickens during Revolutionary War in South Carolina. (1) Gen. Pickens was his friend and neighbor.

(1) After the Revolution, he was made General of the SC State Militia.

(1,2) Anderson Co., SC was named for him.

_____________________________________

see web page

http://www.fincher.org/fincher/anderson.html

• ************************************************************************
  • *****

ID: I057

Name: Robert Anderson , General

Sex: M

Birth: 15 Nov 1741 in Augusta Co. VA 1

Death: 25 Dec 1812 in Pendleton S.C. (Anderson Co)

Note:

From _History of Old Pendleton District_ by R. W. Simpson

Robert Anderson married Ann Thompson, Nov 6, 1765, and shortly

thereafter removed to South Carolina and settled in that part of the

State which afterwards was known as Pendleton District. Robert Anderson was an officer in the Revolutionary War and rose to rank of Colonel.

After the war he was prominent in the organization of Pendleton

District and was one among the Judges who held the first court in

Pendleton District in 1790.

He was subsequently appointed Brigadier General of the militia and is

now known as Gen. Robert Anderson."

From _The Old Stone Church_ p149 =0D

The war over, Colonel Anderson settled in the newly-acquired Cherokee lands on the Seneca River, in "old Pendleton District," in that portion which was afterwards named for himself, Anderson County. He spent the remainder of his days, engaged in the ordinary life of an up-country planter, on an estate which at the time of his death amounted to 2,100 acres."

From his will,

"And now, my blessed Redeemer! do, I, with a lively faith, lay hold of

thy meritorious Death and Sufferings, hoping to be washed clear by

precious Blood from all my Sins. In this hope I east and wait thy Call."

Pickens and Anderson were old friends, served in the Rev. War together, and settled across from each other on the Seneca river.

• *********************************************************************

Name: Robert ANDERSON

NSFX: Gen

Title: Gen

Sex: M

Birth: Abt 1741 in , Augusta Co, Virginia, USA

Baptism: 15 NOV 1741 of, Augusta Co, Virginia, USA

Reference Number: FILE: Enc #512

_APPLIES_TO: DATE_AND_PLACE 1

SKETCH OF GENERAL ROBERT ANDERSON WITH GENEALOGY OF ANCESTORS QUOTED FROM THE ANDERSON INTELLIGENCER, WEDNESDAY, MORNING, FEB. 25, 1914

John Anderson and his wife Jean came from Ireland to Philadelphia,

Penn. and thence removed to Stanton, Va., about 1735.

There is mention of John Anderson and wife Jean together with William Pickens and wife and Isaac Pickens in Bolton's Scotch-Irish Pioneers, page 279. To John Anderson and his20wife Jean were born among other children two sons, Robert Anderson and James Anderson who was Presbyterian Minister and was the first pastor in New York City.

Robert Anderson married Ann Thompson November 6, 1765, and shortly thereafter removed to South Carolina and settled to what was known afterwards as Pendleton District.

 He was an officer in the Revolutionary War and rose from Colonel to 

Brigadier General and is now known as General Robert Anderson. He

especially distinguished himself for his brave and valiant service at

the Battle of Eaton Springs and the Battle of Cowpens, fighting in the

front line. Gen. McGrady, in his history of South Carolina, says: "The

distinguishing feature of the Battle of Cowpens upon the American side, was undoubtedly the work of Pickens and his marksmen, who was mentioned here as Captain Anderson but later, after the revolutionary war was over, was made Brigadier General for his valiant service.

Now we see General Anderson with General Pickens march against the Cherokee Indians on the northern frontier of what is now known as

Oconee County. They were commissioned to make a treaty of Peace with them, which was signed under and oak tree on the East side of the Seneca River. After the war was over he settled on his Cherokee lands, on the Seneca River which were given him for his part in the war and peaceful settlement with the Cherokee Indians. A County was named after him, also the County Seat. It is said this treaty was never broken.

He built an imposing home, having a frontage of sixty feet. Here he

brought up his family. His wife had a love of the beautiful, for in is

said there was a profusion of lovely roses and other flowers

surrounding the house, which fronted on an eighty acre tract of

beautiful maples, which led down to the Seneca River. There were

thoroughbred horses in the stables, in care of old Cato, the loved

coachman, and the home always abounded in gracious hospitality.

General Anderson's Estate consisted of 2100 acres of which 460 acres were his bounty lands. General Anderson and his wife had five children: Elizabeth Anderson married Samuel Moverick. Mary Anderson married Captain Robert Maxwell. Jane Anderson married Mr. Shaw. Annie Anderson married Dr. Wm. Hunter. Robert Anderson II married Maria Thomas, daughter of General Thomas of England who fought against General Anderson in the Revolutionary War.

After his wife died, he married twice again. He died in 1813 and his

will was probated January 9 of the same year. This was an unusual

document. In minute detail he provided for the welfare of his slaves,

reciting his desire they should never be sold from the place. Then he

closed with the words: "And now My Blessed Redeemer do I, with a lively faith, lay hold of they meritorious death and suffering, hoping to be washed clean by the precious20blood from all my sins. In this hope I rest and wait my call."

It was the intention to bury his body in the Cemetery at the Old Stone

Church, but on account of the flood of the Seneca River at the time he

was buried on his plantation.

 He left the bulk of his estate to his son, Robert Anderson II. I 

should mention here, General Anderson served in the House and Senate of South Carolina and later his son, Robert Anderson II was his successor, having died at Columbia while fulfilling his duties.

This sketch would not be complete without giving the romance of General Anderson and Ann Thompson, copied from "The Anderson S.C. Daily Mail."

"The Daily Mail" sent the following interesting reminiscence concerning Robert Anderson, the Revolutionary War Hero:

"Col W. S. Pickens says that General Anderson came from Old Cambridge, where General Andrew Pickens made the first treaty with the Cherokee Indians, to survey the lands, leaving his sweetheart Ann Thompson behind. He stayed two years, during this time locating his home on the West bank of the Seneca River. The deliveries of mail there was few and far between, and not a word passed between them. She supposed the Indians had slain him and engaged herself to be married to another man. When General Anderson completed his survey, he started home to claim his bride. When about twenty miles from home, he stayed all night with a man who told him of the coming marriage on the morrow. Early the next morning he saddled his horse and went to see about it. There was an avenue from the road up to the house. Ann, with her bridesmaids was upstairs. Looking out of the window she saw him riding up and exclaimed "by my soul there comes Robert Anderson and I love his little finger more than the other man's whole body." Grabbing a shawl, she ran down the stairs as swiftly as her feet could carry her, met her long absent lover half way down the avenue. A little talk followed and the General Anderson turned his horse, she mounted up behind him and the wedding was performed nearer the foot of the hills than it might have been has he stayed away a day longer.

Mention has already been made of the large colonial home he built two

hundred yards west of the Seneca River. Here, he and Ann Thompson

reared their family and after her passing, Robert Anderson II married

Maria Thomas and they too lived in the old home rearing their family

and taking care of the large estate left by his father.

THE OLD MASTER - GENERAL ROBERT ANDERSON

TAKEN FROM THE WILL OF GENERAL ROBERT ANDERSON

Copied from item in the Daily Mail of Anderson, S.C. edition of Sunday, Dec. 1, 1901, copied by C.P. Cole, Feb. 5, 1931 from original clipping in possession of Mrs. T. Bissell Anderson of Charleston, S.C.

"And whereas there are several old and decrepit negroes which a

re of little or no value but which must be supported while they live, vic:

Mandy, Solomon, Old Cato and young Cato, Old Dido and Old Nancy. It is my wish these old and infirm negroes be supported and made comfortable in the plantations while they live. Therefore, it is my will that Ben Swaney, Cyrus, John, Jim (vix. Nancy's Jim), Salem, Joe, Martin Cato and Jeff (except as may be hereinafter directed) all men grown but Joe, and he is nearly so, and Dinah, Swaney's wife, Mourning, Martin Cato's wife, Affy, Carrie, Nancy, Peggy, her sister, and Tabby, Affy's oldest child, all women and girls, with their children (only those who have been otherwise disposed of by this instrument) and the offspring of the females, shall all remain upon; the plantation under the supervision

and direction of my son, Robert Anderson. It is my will generally that

none of the negroes bequeathed as above should be sold unless they

should turn out to be the thieves and unless they can not be restrained

by good treatment, friendly caution, admonitions and a merciful use of

the rod of correction."

The above is an extract from the Will of Gen. Robert Anderson, and it

reads like the typical old Southern master, the old school, Christian

gentleman.

The whole tenor of this paragraph is that of a kindly, humane

patriarch, solicitous for the future comfort and welfare of those who

are dependent on him in their helpless old age.= 20 They have been his faithful servants all their days and he does not forget them in the

days of their decrepitude. Did you ever read a more humane provision in a will? "It is my wish these old and infirm negroes be supported and

made comfortable on the plantation while they live." And the humanity

of the old master is further exemplified in his direction that none if

the negroes bequeathed should be sold unless they turned out to be

thieves, and only then upon the condition that they do not respond to

discipline, or as he puts it, "Merciful use of the rod of correction,"

showing his firm belief in the wisdom of the wisest man who ever wrote.

What a picture this presents of the relation of master and servant in

contrast to the horrible caricature presented in "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

Gen. Anderson must have been a remarkably strong and sturdy man with deep religious convictions, as these characteristics crop out in every line of his will written in his own handwriting. His religious faith

was of the Calvinistic order getting in him strong convictions and a

tenacious clinging to them with Scotch Irish Pertinacity. He was a

type, and a splendid one of the old Southern master between whom and his servants there existed almost the affectionate relation of a family household, something very nearly resembling the patriarchal households of the olden days of Abraham. The South was full of men of this type and it is no wonder that in the days of the Revolution the British found in them foreman whose unconquerable spirit they could not subdue. Born to command they made invincible leaders and themselves constituted rallying points which served to keep alive the revolutionary fires. The memory of such men is a priceless legacy to any country.

General Anderson shows his wonderful faith in God by the way he closed his will, his final words are: "And now my blessed redeemer do I with a lively faith lay hold of the meritorious death and suffering hoping to be washed clean by the precious blood from all my sins. In this I rest and wait my call."

• *******************************************************************

After the war he was prominent in the organization of Pendleton

District and was one among the Judges who held the first court in

Pendleton District in 1790. He was subsequently appointed Brigadier

General of the militia and is now known as Gen. Robert ANDERSON."

• ********************************************************************

Anderson, South Carolina was named for a Revolutionary War hero,

General Robert Anderson. General Anderson and Andrew Pickens surveyed the land in the area. The Cherokees lived in the area until 1777. The land was then ceded to South Carolina by the Cherokee in a treaty negotiated by Andrew Pickens. This area was then called the Pendleton District for official purposes. In 1826, the Pendleton District was divided into two districts — Anderson and Pickens. Because the town of Pendleton was at the top of the county, too close to the Pickens border, a new courthouse was built at the center of the county. A small town, named Anderson Courthouse built around the courthouse and this community eventually became known as Anderson. The original courthouse was built of logs, but 10 years later a courthouse made of bricks was erected to replace it. A still-standing Anderson County Courthouse, built in 1898, now faces the current courthouse and is built on the site of the original.

The settlers of this area were mostly Scots-Irish who came here from

Virginia and Pennsylvania to farm. Farmers grew corn and raised hogs. Much later, cotton became the cash crop of the area. By the late 1800s the Anderson area was filled with numerous textile mills. Due to the innovation of Anderson engineer William Whitner, electricity could be

conducted by wire to mills throughout the county. The first cotton gin

in the world to be operated by electricity was in Anderson County in

1897. Anderson became known as "The Electric City," a nickname that it still holds today.

• ****************************************************************

 The plaque reads: "Robert Anderson (1741-1813): A distinguished 

soldier of the American Revolution, was a Captain in the Ninety-six

Dist. of S.C. Militia 1775-1778 and in the upper Ninety-six S.C.

Militia -- 1779-1781; promoted to r

ank of Colonel for valiant service

at the battle of Cowpens Jan. 1781; chosen Brig. General of state

militia just after close of war; County and City of Anderson named in

his honor."

• ************************************************************************
  • *****

General Robert Anderson

One of the more interesting persons buried in the cemetary is Robert

Anderson. General Anderson, a life long friend of General Pickens,

served in the Revolutionary War, distinguishing himself in the Battle

of Cowpens near present day Spartanburg. He volunteered for service and began as a sergeant in the Fifth S.C. Regiment. Anderson's personal life was just as interesting as his military. He was married three times. His first wife was Ann Thompson of Virginia. In his early

career, Anderson was a surveyor and he was seperated from her for over two years. During that time, she, assuming that he had died, agreed to marry another man. When Anderson was finished with his work, he was returning home, when word reached him of Ann's impending marriage Anderson raced his horse to the church. While she was dressing, Ann looked out of the window and saw Anderson riding up. Saying to her maids, "Yonder comes Robert Anderson and I love his little finger more than I love the other man's whole body," she ran down the church stairs, climbed onto his horse and the two rode off to be married. They wed on November 4, 1765. Ann was the mother of his children. His second wife was Mrs. Samuel Maverick. Their marriage ended with her death in 1803. His third wife was Jane Reese, widow of Dr. Thomas Reese, first pastor of the Old Stone Church. Robert Anderson was originally buried on his plantation. However, his grave and those of his wives were moved to the Old Stone Church in 1933. A plaque and tombstone were dedicated

to his memory. Many of his desendents were present at the dedication, including two of his direct great-great-great granddaughters. The plaque reads: "Robert Anderson (1741-1813): A distinguished soldier of the American Revolution, was a Captain in the Ninety-six Dist. of S.C. Militia 1775-1778 and in the upper Ninety-six S.C. Militia -- 1779-1781; promoted to rank of Colonel for valiant service at the battle of Cowpens Jan. 1781; chosen Brig. General of state militia just after close of war; County and City of Anderson named in his honor."

Despite his great influence on the Upstate's history, there are no

surviving images of General Robert Anderson.

GEDCOM Source

@R1451127468@ Ancestry Family Trees Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members.

GEDCOM Source

Ancestry Family Tree http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=120343845&pi...