rev. tom anderson
1860-1929
Life Story
Tom Anderson was born around 1860 in Mississippi and passed away on August 6, 1929. He was laid to rest at Union Chapel Cemetery in Lawrence, Newton County, Mississippi, where generations of his descendants remain connected to the land and community.
According to his death certificate, he was the son of Willis Anderson, born in Georgia, and Minerva Anderson, born in Mississippi. Though census records vary slightly regarding his birth year, the evidence consistently places his origins in Mississippi during the closing years of slavery or just after emancipation.
First Marriage: Pennina Flowers
Tom’s earliest documented marriage was to Pennina (Penninah) Flowers, born about 1862. Evidence suggests she likely passed away before 1894.
From this union, the following children were born:
- Mamie Anderson (1884–1924)
- Lizzie Anderson (1890–?)
Mamie’s death certificate identifies her mother as Pennina Flowers, confirming this earlier marriage and clarifying the maternal line for Tom’s oldest known children.
Second Marriage: Lonnie Lee “Millie” Anderson (married 1894)
In 1894, Tom married Lonnie Lee Anderson, born about 1874. Census records list her as “Millie,” while obituaries of her children refer to her as Lonnie Lee. The evidence strongly supports that these names refer to the same woman.
From this union, the following children were born:
- John L. “Selby” Anderson (also listed as Sullivan in the 1900 and 1910 census)
- Ida Anderson (1897–?)
- Lillie Anderson (1898–?)
- Mary Anderson (1900–?)
- Marshall Anderson, Sr. (1902–1976)
- Nancy Monger (1895-1968) (Stepdaughter)
The name transition from Sullivan to Selby is documented in census and later records, reflecting a shift in usage rather than two separate individuals.
Third Marriage: Betty Anderson (married c. 1907)
Around 1907, Tom married his third wife, Betty (Bettie) Anderson. She remained his wife until his death in 1929 and is listed on his death certificate, confirming her presence at the end of his life.
A Life of Labor and Leadership
Tom Anderson was a lifelong farmer and head of household in Newton County, also serving the community as a minister. Census records from 1900 through 1920 consistently list him as renting his farm while working for his “own account.” Like many African American men of his generation, he provided for his family through agricultural labor in the post-Reconstruction South.
By 1910, census records indicate that Tom could read and write—an important achievement for a man born in the years surrounding slavery. Literacy represented generational progress and personal determination during an era when opportunities were severely limited.
Death and Burial
Tom Anderson died suddenly on August 6, 1929, in Newton County, Mississippi. His death certificate indicates no medical attendant was present, and the cause of death was recorded as unknown, described as a sudden death.
He was buried the following day, August 7, 1929, at Union Chapel Cemetery in Lawrence, Mississippi, where his legacy continues through his descendants.
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
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