Hillsborough County FlArchives Biographies.....Anderson, James Buchanan 1857 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/flfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 June 29, 2010, 4:01 pm Source: See below Author: See below James Buchanan Anderson The magic growth of Tampa from an unimportant straggling village to a great industrial, commercial and financial centre created a need for men of the greatest ability in every line and furnished ample opportunity for the development of every latent ability and energy there was in those who sought that city as the scene of their activities. In few cities have there been more notable successes won and the successful men are not, confined to the professions, to commerce, to finance or to industry, but uniformly extend all along the line in every calling where intellect and energy and enterprise may win reward. The rapidity with which the city's commerce and manufactures leaped into importance paved the way for a demonstration of the very best skill and ability among the financiers, and that they were equal to the occasion the record shows. Sound and ably managed banks attained an importance and prosperity that seemed phenomenal except when compared with the development of other interests with which they kept apace. One of the most notable instances, in which a man was found equal to the occasion, and rising to the opportunity won fame and success, is furnished in the case of Col. James Buchanan Anderson, who was unknown to finance until his wonderful record was made as receiver of the Gulf National Bank. He later assisted in organizing the Exchange National Bank, and during his eight years' service as cashier, it prospered and grew into high rank among the safe and substantial financial institutions of the South. Col. Anderson is now one of the most prosperous, progressive and prominent figures in the financial life of Tampa, and his record is one that illustrates what a man may accomplish when he recognizes opportunity and rises equal to it. Col. Anderson is of Scotch and German descent, and there is combined in him the best characteristics of both those sturdy and excellent people. His father's parents came from Scotland, while his mother's came from Germany, and located in Baltimore, where his father was engaged in merchandising until his death, when Col. Anderson was only four years of age, he having been born in Baltimore, June 4, 1857. His father's name was James Anderson, and his mother's, Mary Henderson. As his mother died at his birth, he was reared by strangers, and never knew the love and care of his parents. His early educational training was received in private schools, and at the Somerville Institute, in Mississippi. He later attended the Mississippi State University at Oxford, from which he was graduated in 1879 with the degree of A. B. He won first honors in his class, and was awarded a gold medal for proficiency in mathematics. He engaged in teaching for a number of years and removed to Florida in 1888. But it was not until 1893 that he was given the opportunity of developing his latent energies and abilities. In that year of financial disaster Comptroller of the Currency, James H. Eckles, appointed him receiver of the Gulf National Bank of Tampa. The affairs of the bank had been permitted to become very seriously entangled, and an assessment upon the stockholders was not only considered probable, but it was doubted if even that resource would result in securing a sufficient sum to meet the claims of the creditors. Under Col. Anderson's judicious business management and financial skill and ability, however, the assets were so conserved and realized upon as to prove sufficient to not only pay every depositor and other creditors in full, but there was in addition about $30,000 returned to the stockholders in the final settlement. This remarkable financial achievement attracted no little attention, and gave him merited reputation as a financier. In 1894 he, with other prominent citizens, organized the Exchange National Bank, and he was elected cashier and given the active management of the bank's affairs. Under his wise and conservative, yet progressive, administration the bank was successful from the start, and soon became a substantial factor in the financial world. It attracted its full share of individual deposits, and its business compared favorably with any institution in the State. He continued as cashier for eight years, when he retired to engage in dealing in stocks, bonds and lands, and handle large investments generally. Another one of Col. Anderson's notable financial accomplishments was his success in the important position of financial agent for the city of Tampa. He was appointed to this important trust at a time when the city was burdened with a large floating debt, upon which eight per cent, interest was being paid. He secured the necessary legislation and issued funding bonds, bearing only five per cent, interest. These he placed to advantage, and with the funds derived paid off the city's debt, thus relieving it of an embarrassing situation, and at the same time effecting a saving in interest alone of an enormous sum, in itself almost enough to retire the bonds when they become due. He was one of those prominent in the organization of the Manatee County State Bank, at Palmetto, Fla., and was for several years its president. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the State troops, and was Inspector-General for several years. He was a member of Gov. Bloxham's staff, with the rank of Colonel, for several years. The Tampa Board of Trade has had no more active and influential member, and he served as president of the organization for eight years. He rendered the city able services as a member of the Board of Public Works for four years. He has been interested in every movement having for its object the advancing of the interests of Tampa, and by his activity and influence and investments, has done much to promote the industrial and commercial interests of the city. He was at one time vice-president of the Florida State Bankers' Association, and has held many other positions of honor and trust. His personal popularity is commensurate with his success and prominence in the business world. Strong, gentle and suave, he is not only honored and respected, but loved by those who know him best. His society is ever sought, and he is one of the most popular members of the Cherokee Club, which he has served as director and treasurer, and of the Crescent Club, of which he has been vice-president. He is a Free and Accepted Mason, a Knight Templar, and a Shriner, and has taken the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is Past Grand Master of the Alabama Grand Lodge, having held that honor for two years. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A man of extended information and thoroughly acquainted with the standard authors, the best current literature and ancient and modern history, he has studied the Bible with profit, and though not a member of any church, his preference is for the Methodist doctrine. While on his various extensive travels he has written interesting letters to the home newspapers. He adheres to the principle that honesty is the best policy. In politics he is a Democrat. He believes in building a system of good public roads, in improving the water-ways, in conserving the timber resources, and in reforestation. He believes in attracting the best class of immigrants, in improving and extending the educational facilities and in promoting industrial development. Above all, he believes in honest government, with a square deal and justice to all. Col. Anderson was married December 18,1882, to Ida Crews Moore, a daughter of Dr. G. M. and Georgia Moore, of Wetumpka, Ala. They have four children, as follows: James Garnett, Frederick Otto, Georgia and Mary Anderson. Additional Comments: Extracted from: FLORIDA EDITION MAKERS OF AMERICA AN HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL WORK BY AN ABLE CORPS OF WRITERS VOL. II. Published under the patronage of The Florida Historical Society, Jacksonville, Florida ADVISORY BOARD: HON. W. D. BLOXHAM COL. FRANK HARRIS HON. R. W. DAVIS SEN. H. H. MCCREARY HON. F. P. FLEMING W. F. STOVALL C. A. CHOATE, SECRETARY 1909 A. B. CALDWELL ATLANTA, GA. Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/hillsborough/photos/bios/anderson127gbs.jpg File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/hillsborough/bios/anderson127gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 8.9 Kb