Background
John Anderson was born in Fortrose, Scotland, in 1665. He was the son of James Anderson, who was born in the same town.
John Anderson was born in Fortrose, Scotland, in 1665. He was the son of James Anderson, who was born in the same town.
James Anderson served for many years as alderman-magistrate. In 1675, he moved with his family to Edinburgh and finally settled in Glasgow. After the capture of Captain Robert Pinkerton by the Spanish, John Anderson became captain of the Unicorn, which rescued the survivors of the Darien scheme, a Scottish attempt to colonize Central America in 1698.
On the return voyage the ship stopped at the island of Jamaica with the goal of being repaired and to get supplies.
However, after leaving the island, the ship encountered a storm, and limped its way to the port of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. After Unicorn landed and the survivors were put ashore, she was stripped down and eventually sank in the Arthur Kill, at the foot of Fayette Street.
Colonel Anderson was based in the Matawan, Monmouth County area. From 1713 through 1736 he was of the New Jersey Provincial Council.
Later, Anderson was acting governor of New Jersey for 18 days.
He is also accused of looting the Unicorn while she was incapacitated. Both accusations were proven false. The senior councillor actually residing in New Jersey would, by virtue of his seniority, be President of Council.
Anderson became president in 1735, succeeding Lewis Morris.
Upon the March 10, 1736 death of Government. Sir William Cosby; John Anderson became acting governor, and served for eighteen days.
Anderson himself died on March 28. John Hamilton then became President of Council as well as acting governor, and served as the latter until Government.
Lewis Morris took office.