Anderson Family History

Great, great, Grand Father: Samuel Anderson, born 1832, son of John and Sally Anderson. He married Elizabeth Peatross on June 10, 1856. He worked as a fire-maker, baggage handler, farmer, with perfected skills in bricklaying and plastering. His wife Elizabeth was a housekeeper and mid-wife. The Anderson family owned real estate in King William County and built their homes. They owned automotive transportation, horses, buggies and carriages. Samuel and his brothers and sisters were left land by their father, John Anderson. Land which was given to John Anderson by his master for taking care of him during his last days of illness. Samuel and Elizabeth children are: John H., James T., Betty A. Rucker, Eliza, Ella, Creade, George L., Melvin, Rebecca and Chastine Anderson. The Anderson name can be traced to the Andersons of Sutherland, England which originally came from the Scandinavian Danes. The Anderson name has always stood for peace and, tranquility towards neighbors, as well as, social and family living with joy and harmony.

Great, Grand Father: Melvin Anderson, born the 8th child of Sam & Elizabeth Peatross Anderson. He was born in King William County. He learned the brick masonry trade from his father. He help build the Gaines Restaurant and first jail in Tappahannock, Va. He also earned his livelihood as a farmer. He married LouBurnia Nelson on March 16, 1898. Melvin and LouBurnia children are: Beatrice Moore, Frederick, Nathaniel, Everett, Clifton, Elwood, Andrew, Edith Ruffin, Annie Brooks, Elizabeth Wrench, and Eloise Hayes. Melvin's philosophy was "together we stand, divided we fall" which was passed down to each of his children. Melvin died and was laid to rest May 9, 1937 in the Tommy Anderson family burial plot, Mangohick Baptist Church cemetery.

Grand Father: Clifton R. Anderson, born May 28, 1905, he married Ellen Waller. They had twelve (12) children: Rousar, James, Harold, George, Randolph, Russell, Willie O, Thelma Bryant, Inez Rollins, Geraldine Martin, Lillian Williams, and Ann Henderson. Clifton was a farmer, he raised horses, live stock, and he liked gardening. His wife Ellen Waller Anderson, was born May 2, 1907. She was a house wife and maid. She loved cooking and baking. Ellen parents were George and Ellen Waller. Ellen passed away February 11, 1999 at age of 92. Clifton passed away, July 6, 1982. Both were buried at Mangohick Baptist Church cemetary.

Father: James R. Anderson, Sr., born October 16, 1929. He married Bernice I. Carter, April 5, 1955. He worked with his brother Randolph who owned Anderson Construction Co., and was a logger. James was also a farmer, and he raised hogs. His passion was working in the garden. Everyone in the neighborhood would stop by to pick vegetables from his garden. James and Bernice had ten (10) children: James Jr., Joyce A. Heiskell, Kenneth L, Gregory B, Gloria W, Michael A, Janet R Bundy, Melinda A. Williams, Larry D, and Vickie A. Brown. James will always be remembered for telling jokes and making people laugh. James died January 27, 2013 and was buried at Mangohick Baptist Church cemetery.