William B. Anderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William B. Anderson
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 19th district |
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| In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel S. Marshall |
| Succeeded by | Richard W. Townshend |
| Member of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office 1871-1875 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 2, 1830 Mount Vernon, Illinois |
| Died | August 28, 1901 (aged 71) Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Independent |
William Black Anderson (born April 2, 1830 – died August 28, 1901) was an important politician from Illinois. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress. He also served in the American Civil War.
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Early Life and Education
William Black Anderson was born on April 2, 1830, in Mount Vernon, Illinois. His father, Stinson Anderson, was also a well-known politician who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.
Young William went to McKendree College to study law. Even though he passed the test to become a lawyer in 1858, he chose not to practice law. Instead, he worked as a farmer and a surveyor. A surveyor is someone who measures and maps land. In 1851, he was elected as the Jefferson County Surveyor.
Stepping into Politics
William Anderson began his political career in Illinois. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives twice, first in 1856 and again in 1858. This was his first experience in making laws for his home state.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, William Anderson joined the Union Army. He started as a private, which is the lowest rank for a soldier. He was very brave and skilled, and he quickly rose through the ranks. Eventually, he became a colonel, leading the 60th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
He left the army on December 26, 1864. After the war, in 1866, President Andrew Johnson recognized his service. President Johnson nominated Anderson to be a brevet brigadier general. This was an honorary rank given for special service. The United States Senate approved this honor on March 12, 1866.
Return to Political Life
After his military service, William Anderson returned to politics. In 1869, he was part of the Illinois Constitutional Convention. This group helped write a new constitution for the state of Illinois.
In 1871, he was elected to the Illinois Senate, which is another part of the state's law-making body. Then, in 1874, he achieved a major political goal. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives as an Independent politician. This meant he did not belong to one of the main political parties at the time.
Life After Congress
After serving one term in the U.S. House of Representatives, William Anderson decided to leave politics. He took on different jobs in public service. From 1885 to 1889, he worked for the Internal Revenue Service, which is the U.S. government agency that collects taxes. Later, from 1893 to 1898, he worked as a United States pension agent. A pension agent helps people, often veterans, get their government payments.
Later Years and Legacy
William Black Anderson passed away in Chicago, Illinois, on August 28, 1901. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in his hometown of Mount Vernon, Illinois. He is remembered for his service in both the military and in various political roles for his state and country.
