1925 Biography - William E. Anderson

William E. Anderson. In calling for service in positions and offices of public responsibility and trust the State of Louisiana does not often find it necessary to search outside the ranks of her native sons, and their loyalty and efficiency in such service has been a matter of note. One of these native sons thus brought into important executive service is William E. Anderson, who is state entomologist and who as such has executive jurisdiction over a most important department of the government service of the state, a department that specially concerns itself with insect pests that demand elimination if the great industries of agriculture, horticulture and stock breeding are to be maintained at the best standards. The work of Mr. Anderson in his field of administration is proving of great and enduring value, and his official headquarters are in the Capitol Building, in the City of Baton Rouge.

Mr. Anderson was born in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, August 26. 1892, and his parents, William H. and Emma (Bonds) Anderson, still reside in that parish, where their home is at Ponchatoula. William H. Anderson was born at Purvis, Mississippi, where he was reared and educated, and he was a young man when he came to Louisiana and established his residence in Tangipahoa Parish, where his marriage was solemnized and where he has continued to maintain his home during the long intervening years. He there became a successful logging contractor, but he now gives his attention to the farm industry as one of the substantial and honorable citizens of his parish. His political convictions place him loyally in the ranks of the democratic party, and he and his wife hold membership in the Baptism Church. Of their children, William E., of this review, is the eldest ; Velma is the wife of Eugene Hamilton, who is an electrician, and they reside at Camden, Arkansas; Harris I. is a general contractor at Lockport, Louisiana; and Thomas C., remains at the parental home.

In the public schools at Hammond, in his native parish, William E. Anderson continued his studies until he had profited by the advantages of the high school, and he then entered the Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College, in which institution he continued his studies until his graduation as a member of the class of 1916 and with the degree of Bachelor of Science. For two years thereafter he gave his attention primarily to work in the elimination of citrus canker, in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, his service in this line being with the co- operation of both the state and federal authorities in 1918. Mr. Anderson was appointed acting state entomologist and established his executive headquarters in the capital city of his native state. In 1920 there came a recognition of his ability and effective service for he was then advanced to his present office, that of state entomologist. He is unceasing in application, is a close student and careful investigator, in his work is doing much to protect agricultural and horticultural industry in Louisiana against the inroads of insect pests.

When he found it incumbent upon him to indicate in an assertive way his political convictions Mr. Anderson promptly enlisted in the vital cohorts of the democratic party, of the principles and policies of which he is a stalwart advocate and support. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson own their attractive home place in the capital city, at 2160 Cherokee Avenue, with Mrs. Anderson as gracious and popular chatelaine. Mr. Anderson is one of the influential and appreciative members of the Louisiana State Entomological Society.

In the City of New Orleans the year 1918, recorded the marriage of Mr. Anderson and Natalie Perez, a daughter of Roselius E. Perez, a prosperous agriculturist near Jesuit Bend, Plaquemines Parish. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have no children.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from A History of Louisiana, by Henry E. Chambers, published in 1925, volume 2, page 90.