Career
Anderson was born in Creswick, Victoria, of Scottish parents. He was involved in mining, agriculture, saw-milling and flour-milling. Anderson was president of the Australian Natives' Association in 1881.
Anderson was elected to the district of Creswick in March 1886, holding it until March 1889 when he was defeated. He was elected to Windermere in a by-election in May 1894 and retired from politics in May 1898.
