Thomas M. Anderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas McArthur Anderson
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Thomas M. Anderson
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| Born | January 21, 1836 Chillicothe, Ohio |
| Died | May 8, 1917 (aged 81) Portland, Oregon |
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1900 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Spanish–American War
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| Relations | Robert Anderson, uncle Duncan McArthur, grandfather |
Thomas McArthur Anderson (born January 21, 1836 – died May 8, 1917) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served as a general during two big conflicts: the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War.
Contents
Life and Military Career
Early Life and the Civil War
Thomas Anderson was born in Chillicothe, Ohio. He studied law and became a lawyer in Cincinnati in 1858.
When the Civil War began, Anderson joined the army as a private. His uncle, Robert Anderson, was famous for his role at Fort Sumter. Because of his uncle's influence, Thomas became a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry. Soon after, he was promoted to captain. He earned special "brevet" promotions to major and lieutenant colonel for his bravery in battles like the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. A brevet promotion means he got the rank for his actions, but not the pay that came with it.
After the Civil War ended, Anderson stayed in the regular army. He served in different infantry units. By September 6, 1886, he became a colonel of the 14th U.S. Infantry. In 1897, Colonel Anderson and 100 soldiers went to Skagway and Dyea, Alaska. This was at the start of the Klondike Gold Rush. Their job was to protect miners and watch the border with Canada. When the Spanish–American War started, he asked to be moved to a new assignment.
Serving in the Spanish–American War
On May 4, 1898, Anderson was made a brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers. He was put in charge of the first "Philippine Expeditionary Force." His troops were the first American soldiers to land in the Philippines. This happened after George Dewey's navy won a big battle there.
Later, Major General Wesley Merritt arrived and took overall command. Merritt organized the troops into the Eighth Army Corps. General Anderson was given command of the corps' 2nd Division. He led his troops in the Battle of Manila against the Spanish forces. On August 13, 1898, he was promoted to major general of U.S. Volunteers.
Fighting in the Philippine–American War
After the Spanish–American War ended, General Anderson stayed in Manila. He commanded the 1st Division of the VIII Corps. He fought in the 1899 Battle of Manila during the Philippine–American War. After American forces broke the Filipino siege, Anderson led his division in smaller battles at Santana, San Pedro, and Guadalupe. In March 1899, he was promoted to brigadier general in the Regular Army.
General Anderson was a member of several important military groups. These included the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He was also part of the Oregon Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
He retired from the army in 1900. Thomas McArthur Anderson passed away on May 8, 1917. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Family
He was a cousin of Brevet Major General Nicholas Longworth Anderson.
See also
In Spanish: Thomas M. Anderson para niños
