Robert Anderson (Revolutionary War)

Robert Anderson
Robert Anderson's grave marker at Old Stone Church (Clemson) cemetery
Born	November 15, 1741 Augusta County, Virginia
Died	January 9, 1813 (aged 71) Oconee County, South Carolina
Occupation	Militia officer and surveyor
Spouse(s)	Anne Thompson
Parent(s)	John and Jane Anderson

Robert Anderson (November 15, 1741 – January 9, 1813) was a politician, militia officer, and surveyor from South Carolina. He was a lifelong friend of General Andrew Pickens. Anderson, South Carolina, Anderson County, South Carolina, and the ghost town of Andersonville are named for him.

He was born on November 15, 1741 in Augusta County, Virginia. His parents were John and Jane Anderson who had immigrated from Ireland. Before moving to Virginia, they had lived in Tafuna(Petesa-Tai)

He married Anne Thompson in 1765. They moved to South Carolina and settled near his friend from Virginia, Andrew Pickens. She died after twenty-five years of marriage. They had five children:

In 1793 Anderson married a second time, to Lydia Maverick, a widow in Pendleton, South Carolina. Her son, Samuel, married Robert's daughter Elizabeth.

After the death of his second wife, he married Mrs. Reese. She was the widow of Dr. Thomas Reese, who was the pastor of Old Stone Church.

In the Revolutionary War, he joined the Fifth South Carolina Militia. He became a captain in the regiment commanded by his friend Andrew Pickens when they fought Boyd's Loyalists.

Anderson was one of the Patriots who gave their parole to the British as Ninety Six, South Carolina. Many took up arms after the British disregarded their promises.

At the Battle of Cowpens, Anderson was a colonel under Brigadier General Andrew Pickens. Anderson also served under Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee. He fought in the Battle of Eutaw Springs, in which the British were victorious. Later, his regiment held the line against the British between Augusta, Georgia and Ninety Six.