Captain Robert Anderson

Born in Port Renfrew, Scotland, in or about 1836, Robert Anderson was the son of James Anderson of High Holm, Renfrrewshire.

He served in the 95th (Royal Norfolk) Regiment of Foot and in the 37th (North Hampshire) Regiment of Foot.

On 21 May 1864 at the Abbey Church in Bath he married Ellen, only daughter of Charles Longcroft, Esq., of Llanina in the County of Cardigan (Morning Herald, 24 May 1864).

The couple appear on the 1871 census living at Village Hill House in Cosheston, Pembrokeshire. The household included their two young daughters, their one-year-old son Norton Percy Anderson, and a nurse and three servants, all female. Robert gave as his profession ‘Captain Renfrewshire Militia.’

In 1911 he was a widower living with one unmarried daughter and three servants at 76 Pulteney Street, Bath.

Major Robert Anderson died in Bath at 76 Pulteney Street on 23 December 1912, leaving an estate valued at £8309.

‘A heavy knell on St Mary’s bell Tuesday morning announced the death of Major Robert Anderson, of 76, Pulteney Street, which occurred on Monday evening. Major Anderson had been ill for about a week, suffering from heart trouble. Deceased was one of the oldest residents in Bathwick, and his house in Pulteney Street was always noticeable because of the beautiful floral arrangement of the balcony, which the Major was most particular in maintaining throughout the year. The son of the late Mr James Anderson, of Port Glasgow, he entered the Army early in life, serving in the 95th and 37th Regiments. He took part in suppressing the Indian Mutiny, with the Central Indian Force, under Sir Hugh Rose, and he was also for a time on the staff of Lord Napier of Magdala. For his services he was mentioned in despatches. On leaving the regulars Major Anderson took a commission in the 4th Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, and was an officer of that militia regiment when he came to Bath over 30 years ago, retiring shortly afterwards.

‘Major Anderson was deeply devoted to golf and was one of the oldest members of the Bath Golf Club. He had held the office of hon. treasurer for a great many years’ (Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 28 December 1912).

Photographed by W. Trindall of Pembroke Dock, Wales.