Background
Anderson was born George Pforr on March 15, 1844 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Anderson was born George Pforr on March 15, 1844 in Baltimore, Maryland.
He enlisted in the Confederate States Army and served in an artillery battery under Captain Jonathan H. McClanahan, part of General John Imboden’s cavalry brigade. In February 1864, he deserted and enlisted in the 1st Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry (Lincoln Cavalry) using the name Anderson and the birthplace of New Orleans, Louisiana. He was assigned to Company K under Captain Edwin F. Savacool.
On March 2, 1865 at Fishersville, Virginia, Anderson captured a Confederate flag during the Battle of Waynesboro.
Anderson mustered out in June 1865, but re-enlisted in Company M, 3rd United States Cavalry on January 11, 1866. He served 12 years, participating in the Indian Wars before receiving a hardship discharge on April 4, 1878.
He applied for a Federal pension in 1905 for his military service, which was granted in 1906. He died on February 25, 1916 at the age of 71.
He is buried in Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia.
