William Alexander Anderson

William Alexander Anderson (May 11, 1842 – June 21, 1930) was a Virginia lawyer, Confederate soldier and Democratic politician, who served in both houses of the Virginia General Assembly, twice won election as Attorney General of Virginia, and also served as rector of his alma mater, Washington & Lee University. Early and family life Born in Botetourt County, Virginia, in 1842, Anderson was the son of lawyer Francis T. Anderson, who by 1855 had moved his family to Lexington in Rockbridge County, Virginia, to become rector of his alma mater, Washington College (that became Washington & Lee University in his lifetime). He was named for his paternal grandfather, who had represented Botetourt County in the 1831-1832 legislative session. His maternal grandfather was Andrew Alexander, whose ancestor Archibald Alexander emigrated from County Antrim, Ireland, and settled near Augusta in Rockbridge County in 1747. Young William Anderson received a private education suitable to his class. He was enrolled at Washington College in Lexington when Virginia seceded in May 1861. He married twice and had five children. His first wife, Ellen. G. Anderson of Richmond, died in 1872. His second wife was Mary Louisa Blair of Lexington. Confederate soldier and aftermath