W. M. Anderson, an enterprising farmer of the Fifth District, was born in White County, November 4, 1824, the second son of Zachariah and Rebecca (England) Anderson. The father was born in 1790 in Kentucky. He was a Baptist minister and Whig, a farmer and stock raiser. He died January 15, 1867. The mother was born in 1792 in Knox County, Tenn., and died August 5, 1871. They were married in 1816. The subject of our sketch was raised on a farm, and received his education in the schools of the vicinity. From 1843 to 1847, he was keeper of a toll gate at Crab Orchard, Tenn. In 1848 he was elected tax collector of White County. He then began farming and stock raising. In 1852 he was elected magistrate to fill the unexpired term of David Beam, and in 1854 was re-elected and served six years. He has been very successful in life and accumulated some fine property. He is a useful and respected citizen, and a generous contributor to all worthy enterprises. He is a stanch Democrat. February 20, 1849, he married Nancy A., daughter of Harmon and Mary Little. This union resulted in the birth of Rebecca, born January 20, 1851; William and Alice, who are twins, born May 2, 1868. All are living, and have received excellent educational advantages.

Source:   Goodspeed Pub. Co. History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present; Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of the Counties of White, Warren, Coffee, DeKalb, and Cannon, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Original Observations, Reminiscences, Etc., Etc. Nashville: Goodspeed Pub. Co, 1887.