Civil War Veterans Buried In Washington State - Michael Anderson

7^th MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Organized: 8/1862
Mustered In: By Companies 8/1862
Mustered Out:  8/16/1865 Ft. Snelling St. Paul, MN

REGIMENTAL HISTORY:

The 7^th Minnesota was a three year infantry regiment. During its period of service if fought two different enemies in two different wars. The first enemy was Native American Indians on what was then America’s western frontier. The second was Johnny Reb in the western theater of the American Civil War (ACW).

During the latter part of August, 1862 and the early part of September Cos. “A”, “B”, “F” and “G” started for Ft. Ridgley located in the Dakota Territory (DT). Reaching that location on 9/2 they joined other troops heading for Birch Coolie, DT where other Union troops had been attacked by Native Americans. Arriving there, they cared for the wounded and buried the dead before moving on to an engagement at Wood Lake. Company “A” was then detached to Yellow Medicine to bury more of their dead comrades. After that, Co. “A” marched Fairmont, DT.

The winter months of 18762/’63 found the regiment guarding the Indian prisoners. It also was present at the execution of the thirty eight (38) founded guilty of massacring whites.

After being engaged at the battle of Big Mound, DT (7/24/1863), the 7^th returned to Ft. Snelling, MN before moving to St. Louis, MO. There, it was assigned to guard duties.

In 4/1864 the 7^th was ordered to Paducah, KY. From there, it campaigned through Mississippi losing eighteen (18) killed and fifty two (52) wounded at Tupelo, MS (7/14 – 15). It then pursued Rebel forces under Confed. Gen. Price through Arkansas and Missouri until late in the fall. The year was ended with the battle of Nashville, TN (12/15 - 16).

The dawning of 1865 saw the 7^th move from Mississippi to Louisiana. In March it was ordered to Mobile, AL where it participated in the siege and capture of Spanish Fort (3/27 – 4/8) and Ft. Blakely (4/2 - 9). It remained in Alabama until sent home for final muster on 8/16/1865. 

REGIMENTAL LOSSES:
Officers Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 2; Officers Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.0; Enlisted Men Killed Or Mortally Wounded:  31; Enlisted Men Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.:138.

SOLDIER:
Residence: Inf. Not Avail.   Age: ca. 26 yrs.
Enlisted/Enrolled: 8/13/1862 Northfield Rice County, MN   Rank: Musician (Pvt.)
Mustered In: 8/13/1862 Northfield Rice County, MN
Discharged: 8/17/1865
Highest Rank: Pvt.
Rank At Discharge: Pvt.

PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:

Michael Anderson was born in 1836. His place of birth was in Norway. 

Father of Michael was Andrew Anderson. The name of his mother is not known.

Michael immigrated to America in 1856.  He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1865.

The 1870 census of Alexandria in Douglas County, MN listed Michael Anderson, age 32, born in Norway and occupation farmer. The value of his real estate was $800 and the value of personal property was $150. Also enumerated were Anger, age 30, born in Norway and keeping house; and children all born in Minnesota – Andrew age 10, Isabell 3, and Theolena 11/12.

When the 1880 census was enumerated, the Anderson family was residing in the Town of Ausdal in Otter Tail County, MN – Michael Anderson, 43, was  a farmer, born in Norway; wife Mary 25, keeping house, was  born in Norway and children all born in Minnesota – daughters Isabell 14, Lina 12, Anna 10  and Inger 5.

By 1889 the Andersons had relocated to Washington Territory (WT). The 1889 Washington Territorial  / State  Census listed the family in Whatcom County as follows – Michael, 48, born in Norway, occupation Under Sheriff, Mary 37, also born in Norway; and children all born in Minnesota: Isabel 18, Theolina 16, Annie 14, Inger 10, and Amanda 3.

The 1910 census listed Michael Anderson in Tacoma, Pierce County, WA. He was 73, widowed and a retired farmer.

1920. The census of Oak Late in King County, WA enumerated Michael Anderson as a father – in – law. The household consisted of James Love, age 47, and wife Ellen, who was 33 and had been born in Washington. Their son Kenneth was 9 and had also been born in Washington. Michael was 84, widowed and had no occupation.

Michael Anderson died 6//29/1926 in Seattle, King County, WA. His remains were then transported to Bellingham for burial in the Bayview Cemetery.

EX- LEGISLATOR DIES

Michael Anderson introduced Normal School Bill

Michael Anderson, who was a member of the state legislature from Whatcom County, introduced the bill establishing the Bellingham State Normal school, died at Seattle on Tuesday, age 89. He was a Civil war veteran and a member of the John F. Miller post of the G.A.R. in that city.

For eight years Mr. Anderson, was a member of the state legislature. He introduced his Normal bill in 1893 and it was passed at that session of the legislature. It carried an appropriation of $40,000, but this section of the bill was vetoed by Governor John H. McGraw.

At the next sitting of the legislature, in 1895, an appropriation was secured and Governor John H. Rogers allowed it to become law without his signature recalls Charles I. Roth, who was in the house then. The other Bellingham legislator was Mr. Sherman, once city attorney of Fairhaven. A.E. Mead was one of the county representatives: Tom G. Nicklin, of Whatcom was chief clerk of the house and Frank Kinghorn, of Fairhaven, was assistant secretary in the senate.

Had Homestead Here.

Mr. Anderson resided in Whatcom County forty years. For many years he lived at the head of Lake Whatcom where he took up a Homestead. Two of his daughters attended the Normal school. He removed to Seattle several years ago. Mr. Anderson died in 1903.

Funeral services will be held at the E.R. Butterworth & Sons mortuary at Seattle, after which the body will be brought to Bellingham. Services will be held Friday at 2:30 pm at the graveside in Bay View Cemetery, with the officers of J.B. Steadman post No. 24 G.A.R. in charge.  Arrangements are in charge of the A.C. Harlow mortuary.
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NOTE:  The preceding courtesy of the Whatcom County Genealogical Society. For more information visit our Links page regarding the down load Civil War Veterans of Whatcom County (with June 2014 update).

Posted: 4/1/2024
Updated: 

Buried at BayView Cemetery Whatcom Co.
Row: Sec 1 Lot 558
Site: 5-A