The Biographical Dictionary of America/Anderson, Robert Houstoun

ANDERSON, Robert Houstoun, soldier, was born in Savannah, Ga., Oct. 1, 1835. He was appointed to the U. S. military academy in 1853, and was graduated in 1857 brevet 2d lieutenant of infantry. From 1857 to 1858 he served on garrison duty at Fort Columbus, N. Y., and on Dec. 29, 1857, was promoted 2d lieutenant of the 9th infantry. From 1858 to 1861 he was on frontier duty at Fort Walla Walla, Washington territory, and resigned May 17, 1861, to join the Confederate army in the civil war. He was commissioned a major, and arose by successive promotions to the rank of brigadier-general for gallant service throughout the war. In 1867 he was elected chief of police in his native city, where he died Feb. 8, 1888.