John Anderson.

Meeting this esteemed and valuable citizen, whose face and figure are so familiar to our people, a few days ago, we casually inquired into the leading facts of his history.

He was born the 30th day of September, 1814, in Union District, S. C.  He attended school for a short time in that state when he was quite young.  Like the most of the country boys raised in that early day, and who were compelled by their surroundings to labor in the farm or work shop, his education was limited.  His father moved from South Carolina to Newton county, Georgia, near where Oxford is now located, when he was a youth.  From that point, his father moved to Cobb county, Ga., in the year 1836 – 49 years ago.  His father was a farmer, and our friend was trained to farm life and farm labor, until he was 21 years old.  On reaching this majority, he says he “rambled for awhile.”  Becoming satisfied he returned to the farm again.  He was married in 1838, finding his wife near Marietta, Ga.  His good wife still lives, the mother of six children, three of whom are dead.

After his marriage he settled in Powder Springs, Cobb county, and there learned the trade of blacksmith, and worked at that trade for ten years.  Having joined the Methodist church, he was licensed as a local preacher in the year 1844.  He was elected sheriff of Cobb county in 1852, and as sheriff and deputy sheriff held that office for eight years.  He was then appointed depot agent in Marietta, and served in that responsible position for seven years.  In 1871 he moved to Cartersville, Ga., and has been mayor of this city for two terms since he has resided with us.  He is a whole-souled, generous man, and his kind heart is ever open to the distresses of others.  He is one of the best singers of his age in this country, and it is a treat to the writer to hear him start one of the good old songs of Zion after a refreshing gospel sermon.  He and his enterprising sons are among the most valuable citizens of our county, ready for every good word and work that will help along our progress and prosperity.