Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-10-25
A USEFUL MAN.
Complimentary Reference TO the
biography of n Former Citizen of
Nashville.

Complimentary Reference TO the
biography of a Former Citizen Of
Nashville.
In the Memphis Fair Record of the 21st
inst, we find complimentary but still
faithfully correct biographical sketch of our
former fellow-citizen Charles L. Anderson,
a Director of the Shelby county Agricultur-
al Society. The biographical sketch in the
Record is as follows: rr-
Charles L. Anderson, who has been
Director since the organization of the Agri-
cultural Society, was born in Frankfort,
KY, in April, 1888. He received a portion
of his education in Urbana, Ohio. At the
age of 10 years, he engaged with the Nash
vile and Chattanooga Railroad, with which
he was connected, in various clerical posi-
tions, for six years. In 1853, when 81
wears of age, he removed to Memphis and
was appointed General Ticket Agent of
the Memphis and Charleston Railroad,
which position he filed up to the sur
render of Memphis to the Federal
authorities in 1862. He then went South,
filling several important positions in con-
nectiOn with railroads. in the Confederacy,
from Vicksburg to Meridian and Selma,
and on the Blue Mountain Railroad. After
put in charge of the reorganization of the
several departments of accounts OF the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad-all re-
cord books, etc, excepting the general ac-
counts, having been destroyed. This was
an arduous and responsible trust, involving
much capacity and research, for which he
proved himself eminently qualified.
Afterwards, for short time, he filled the
position of General Ticket and Freight
Agent, then that of Assistant Superintend-
ent, which he held to July, 1870, when he
was appointed Superintendent of the West
ern Division, and in connection with the
Superintendent of the Eastern Division,
now manages the affairs of the road, under
the direction of Maj. Wicks, President of
the Board of Directors. Few men OF his
age have attained to such remarkable pro
ficiency in complicated affairs. Only thirty
three years of age he displays an ability
which would qualify him for any post
where knowledge of detail, accuracy OF
accounts and administrative capacity are
needed to carry through the affairs of a
company or firm. Quick in perception, and
accurate in accounts, none can surpass him
in unraveling errors or keeping straight Co
temporary transactions, undaunted by any
obstacles that figures may present, he press
es forward to the work before him like a
hero assaulting the most desperate redoubt,
which never fails to yield to his well di-
rected efforts. Nor is his capacity for plan
ming at all inferior to his talent for attack
ing, His resources in organization are
simple vet vast, as the writer has had
occasion to test. Not only has he rem
dered the most efficient service, in his ca
pacity as a Director of the Agricultural
and Mechanical Society, but he has
assisted the Secretary in his labors,
with patient industry, which is most high
" appreciated by the present writer, and
which he viii never forget, so long as mem
orv can trace the actions of the past, or
| Judgment can delineate their motives
If there is one thing that the subject OF
| this sketch is not afraid to do, it is that he
is not afraid to work, and especially when
| that work is to be done in a good cause
He is careful of his private affairs, but
equally so in every public employment
| Conscientious and true, he is trusted anC
confided in by all with whom he is associa
| ted. Direct in his action, none can doub
! his aims, who are themselves disposed t
| discharge their duty. While devoted tC
! duty and eXacting a similar devotion from
those under his direction, none are NOR
tolerant, none more charitable, where Their
is the least color for believing they may b,
rectifed in their conduct or may have beer
misiudged in their past record.
As Director of the Agricultural Society
Mr.. Anderson has always been at his post
ready equally to advise or to work. Non
| in the organization can surpass him in zeal
! intelligence or sound discriminatiOn-no
one in pure devotion to the cause of build
ing up in our midst an institution whicl
shall not be surpassed for its useful infuenc
in encouraging the planter, fostering tn
manufacturer and sustaining the mechanic