EDWARD JAMES ANDERSON

Although he has given to Welland one of its important industries, the subject of this sketch has found time to divert his attention from his active, growing establishment, the Welland Iron and Brass Company, and play an important role in the drama of Welland’s public affairs.

Edward James Anderson was born in Forfar, Scotland, on December 29^th, 1877. His parents were Robert and Margaret (Miller) Anderson of Scotland. His father was engaged in dairy farming in Forfar, Scotland. He passed away in June, 1878, in Scotland, by accident.

After attending the public schools of Forfar, Mr. Anderson entered a technical school, where he made an inclusive and exhaustive study of mechanical engineering, graduating from his courses with high honors.

At the age of twenty-three, in 1900, Mr. Anderson embarked in Scotland for New York and came direct to Hamilton, Ont., where he continued his studies. In Hamilton he took a position as mechanical draughtsman. He studied zealously and finally, with W.S. McIntyre, established the Welland Iron and Brass Company.

This company is employed in the making of iron, brass and copper castings, and in doing general machine and pattern work. It is now in its 11^th year of operation, each year of which it has increased its volume and extended its trade under the able administration of its officers. It employs 25 men, and enjoys an ever-increasing popularity in its own fields.

Mr. Anderson came to Welland in 1902, after spending two years in Hamilton. He soon became interested in the affairs of the local government and, as a citizen, acted for the advancement of many measures for civic improvement. The ardor and vigor that he displayed in these acts gave him a large number of friends who, in 1923, asked him to become a candidate for the city council in the election of that year.

In the 1923 election Mr. Anderson was victorious, and was seated in the city council for a term of two years.

During the term of 1923 and 1924 many problems arose before the government, where the sane counsel of Mr. Anderson proved invaluable in the administration of affairs. Everywhere he was recognized as one of the leaders of progressive activity, sponsoring and fighting for many movements of general public benefit-movements which to-day have shown the foresight of the alderman.

In the last few months, as an alderman, Mr. Anderson had won such confidence and support among his consistency that he was being mentioned for an even higher position of trust and public service.  He was requested to become a candidate for mayor by a group of the most active and prominent Welland residents. He accepted the tender and became mayor in the 1925 election by a large plurality of votes. He continued his judicious management of the local government and remained in the office of chief executive of Welland during 1925, 1926, 1927 and 1928.

Mr. Anderson is now President of the Welland County Hospital Board. He is a member of the Board of the Water Commission and a member of the Mother’s Allowance Board. He belongs to the Welland Club.

A Liberal in politics. Member St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

On December 26^th, 1907, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Alberta McAllister, the daughter of Mr. (the late Peter) and Mrs. Mary McAllister of Welland. He has one child, a daughter, Margaret, nineteen years old, who is attending the University of Toronto.

A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930

• Please note there is sometimes a discrepancy in dates between these articles and Ancestry.