Andrew Anderson - Col

Andrew Anderson (5 June 1748–6 June 1823), commonly identified as Col. Andrew Anderson, was associated with Augusta County, Virginia. He served during and after the American Revolution, held Virginia militia commissions, represented Augusta in the House of Delegates in 1812, married twice, and was the father of four reported children by his first wife.

Andrew Anderson was born 5 June 1748, according to the supplied life dates; the family-tree notes describe his birth as about 1748 in Augusta County, Virginia. Those notes identify him as the son of John Anderson, described as an immigrant from Ireland.

In 1778, Andrew married Margaret Crawford in Augusta County. She was identified as a daughter of George Crawford and Elizabeth Poage. Their reported children were George, Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary Polly. Margaret died on 12 August 1786.

On 13 March 1788, Andrew Anderson married Martha Crawford in Augusta County. She was identified as a daughter of Patrick and Sally Crawford.

Anderson served during and after the American Revolution. A history of Augusta County records him as a first lieutenant in February 1777 and as lieutenant colonel of the 32nd Regiment, Virginia militia, on 12 December 1794. He was also known by the title of colonel. In April 1812, Colonel Andrew Anderson was elected to represent Augusta in the Virginia House of Delegates.

The 1810 census recorded Andrew Anderson as head of a household of 18 persons in Augusta County, Virginia. The household included eight free white persons and ten enslaved persons. In 1820, Col. Andrew Anderson headed a household of nine persons in Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia, including seven enslaved persons.

Andrew Anderson died on 6 June 1823 in Augusta County, Virginia. He was buried at Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Fort Defiance, Augusta County. A newspaper obituary notice for “Col. Andrew Anderson” appeared in the Richmond Enquirer on 24 June 1823.

Historical context

Anderson’s public life took place in Augusta County during the Revolutionary era and the early years of Virginia state government. His census households included enslaved people, an important part of the documented record of his household and of the region’s history. His militia service and 1812 election to the House of Delegates indicate local military and civic involvement.

Sources & research

Find A Grave, Memorial #155283125, accessed 19 May 2018, memorial page for Andrew Anderson (1748–6 Jun 1823), citing Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Fort Defiance, Augusta County, Virginia, USA; maintained by BluMoKitty. No tombstone photo attached.

Woodworth, Robert Bell. “The descendants of Robert and John Poage, Pioneer Settlers in Augusta Co, VA,” Volume I. Staunton, Virginia: McClure Print. Company, 1954, p. 700.

“Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940,” FamilySearch database, Andrew Anderson and Martha Crawford, 13 Mar 1788; citing Augusta, Virginia, reference; FHL microfilm 30,415.

Waddell, Joseph A. Annals of Augusta County, Virginia, From 1726 to 1871. 2nd edition. Staunton, Virginia: C. Russell Caldwell, 1902. Lieutenant, p. 248; lieutenant colonel, p. 348; House of Delegates, p. 390.

“United States Census, 1810,” FamilySearch database with images, Andrew Anderson, Virginia, United States; citing p. 312, NARA microfilm publication M252, roll 66; FHL microfilm 181,426.

“United States Census, 1820,” FamilySearch database with images, Andrew Anderson, Staunton, Augusta, Virginia, United States; citing p. 2, NARA microfilm publication M33, roll 132; FHL microfilm 193,691.

“Richmond, Virginia Newspaper Obituaries, 1804-38,” citing Col. Andrew Anderson, Augusta, Enquirer, 24 Jun 1823, p. 3. Reference from Ancestry.com. No image attached.

“U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970,” for James Douglas Anderson, viewed on Ancestry.com. Link to subscription Ancestry.