Wendell Abraham Anderson

Anderson was born in Gray, Maine in 1840.[1] He attended the Gorham Academy in Gorham, Maine before attending Bowdoin College and the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. During the American Civil War, he served with the Union Army. In 1866, he moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin. Anderson died in 1929.

Anderson was twice City Physician of La Crosse. First, from 1870 to 1875 and second, from 1877 to 1881. He was also twice a member of the Board of Education of La Crosse. First, from 1873 to 1876 and second, from 1880 to 1881. He then served as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, again serving twice. First, from 1875 to 1876 and second, from 1881 to 1885. In 1881, Anderson also ran for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin on the gubernatorial ticket with N. D. Fratt. They lost to future U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Jeremiah McLain Rusk and Sam Fifield. Anderson was then Mayor of La Crosse, once again serving twice. First, from 1899 to 1901 and second, from 1907 to 1909. In his final public office, Anderson was appointed U.S. Consul General in Montreal, Quebec by President Grover Cleveland. Once more, Anderson served in this post twice. First, from 1885 to 1889 and second, from 1893 to 1897.