John L. Selby Anderson

1896-1960

Life Story

A Name in Transition: Sullivan or Selby?

John L. Anderson, later known as “Selby,” appears in early census records under a different name. In both the 1900 and 1910 U.S. Census, he is listed as “Sullivan” Anderson, born in August 1896 in Mississippi.

This creates a documented discrepancy. His Social Security application and a later newspaper account state that he was born on August 14, 1886, while his U.S. World War I Civilian Draft Registration card lists his birth date as August 14, 1896, in Lake, Mississippi.

The 1896 birth year aligns with the 1900 and 1910 census records. However, the 1886 birth year appears in later official documents and his obituary.

At present, the census and draft records suggest that 1896 is likely the more accurate birth year, though the 1886 date circulated publicly during his lifetime.

In the 1900 and 1910 household, the mother is listed as Millie (born 1874–?), but later obituaries identify his mother’s name as Lonnie Lee. Taken together, these records suggest that Millie and Lonnie Lee were most likely the same woman, recorded under different names across time. Such variation was common in early twentieth-century records, where individuals might appear under a nickname, middle name, or a shortened form of their given name depending on who provided the information. His father was Rev. Tom Anderson (1860-1929).

For more on name shifts and archival inconsistencies, see our blog post on The Alias in the Archives: navigating Name Fluidity in African American Genealogy.

Early Life and Work

In his youth, Sullivan (later Selby) worked as a farm laborer on the home farm, reflecting the economic structure of rural Newton County where children often contributed to agricultural labor at an early age.

Like many young Black men of the early twentieth century, his employment opportunities were tied to land, timber, and agricultural cycles.

First Marriage: Sarah Walker

A marriage record dated February 14, 1916, recorded in Jasper County, Mississippi, shows that Selby Anderson married Sarah Walker.

The couple resided in the Northwest community of Jasper County, where Selby worked as a lineman in the lumber camp industry. This occupation marked a shift from farm labor to industrial timber work, a common pathway for Black men seeking steadier wages during the lumber boom years.

Two children were born from this union:

Rosie Lee Anderson Strong (1919–1981)
Minnie Anderson (1922–1996)

These two daughters would later be known in family records as Rosa Lee and Mamie (Minnie) Lee.

Second Marriage: Celia Ann Ellis

On November 18, 1924, Selby married Celia Ann Ellis (1888–?) in Newton County. Little is currently documented about this marriage’s duration, but records confirm its legal occurrence.

Third Marriage: Beddie Hardy

On March 5, 1929, Selby married Beddie Hardy (1906–1982) in Newton County.

From this union, three children were born:

Thomas Selby Anderson, Jr. (1930–?)
Flora Lee Anderson (1932–1996)
Leila Mae Anderson (1934–2000)

Earlier accounts and newspaper clippings stated that five children were born to Selby and Beddie. However, updated research clarifies that Rosa and Minnie were Selby’s daughters from his first marriage and became Beddie’s stepdaughters after her marriage to Selby.

This correction ensures historical accuracy while honoring the blended structure of the Anderson household.

Church and Community Life

Selby was active in Baptist church life. Early in life, he joined Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. After relocating to Newton around 1928, he became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a deacon and served faithfully until his health declined.

A 1952 Newton County “Colored News” column lists Selby Anderson among attendees of the Third New Hope District Association session, confirming his involvement beyond his local congregation.

Later Years and Passing

Selby passed away at his residence in Newton on June 7, 1960, after several months of illness.

At the time of his death, he left behind his wife, three biological children from his marriage to Beddie, two adult daughters from his first marriage, numerous grandchildren, one sister—Nancy Anderson Harris (1895–1968) of Lake, Mississippi—and one brother, Marshall Anderson of Newton.

Funeral services were held at Union Chapel Methodist Church in Lawrence, Mississippi, officiated by Rev. L. D. Chapman. He was laid to rest in the church cemetery.

Resting Place

Union Chapel United Methodist Church Graveyard

Photos/Albums

Sources

The Newton Record, Obituary, Wed, Jun 15, 1960 ·Page 14
1900 – 1950 Federal Censuses
U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
The Newton Record, Colored News, Thu, Oct 14, 1954 ·Page 4
Mississippi, U.S., Compiled Marriage Index, 1776-1935
Ohio, U.S., Death Records, 1908-1932, 1938-2022
U.S., WWI Civilian Draft Registrations, 1917-1918

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