My Genealogy Hound

Rufus C. Anderson was born in Allegany County, N. Y., April 4, 1833, the son of Ezekial and Clarissa (Sisson) Anderson, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively. Our subject came to Indiana with his parents when he was quite young, and lived in Dearborn County until 1847. His father died there, and the mother afterward married Eli Corson. Boone County, Ky., was his next place of residence, and he was there reared as a farmer. At the opening of the war he enlisted in Col. Jesse’s battalion, under Gen. Morgan, and continued until he was captured in 1862. He was held as a Federal prisoner from July to October. He re-entered service as a commissary sergeant, and afterward conducted the blacksmithing department for three years. He had learned that and the machinist’s trade in Dearborn County, Iowa. After the war he located in Washington County, Va., where he followed farming until 1877. He then came to Clark County, to the rural districts below Alexandria. In 1885 he engaged in the drug business, which he has since conducted with success, and carries a full and well-selected stock of goods. He owns 115 acres of good bottom lands, and has been a real estate owner in this county since 1852. He was married in 1856 to Ann E. (Duncan) Smith. His wife and three sons are all deceased. In 1865 Mary J. H. Clark, of Washington County, Va., became his wife. She died March 17, 1887, and left the following children: Cora L., Gertru C., Edward B. and Hubert W. Our subject is a prominent Democrat in local affairs, and for seven years has served on the school board. He is a Master Mason, and is treasurer of his lodge. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.