A. J. Anderson
The growth and progress of a city have their root in the capability and enterprise of its business men and in this connection A.J. Anderson deserves more than passing mention, having since 1879 been closely associated with the trade interests of Cincinnati. He is the president of the Anderson Fish & Poultry Company, which was incorporated in 1905, although the business was established in 1879 and has had a continuous and successful existence since that date.
Mr. Anderson is a native of Covington, Kentucky, but has made Cincinnati his home since establishing his present business here, a third of a century ago. He was then about twenty-six years of age, for his birth occurred on the 10th of August 1853. His parents were Thomas B. and Bathsheba Anderson, the former native of Scotland and the latter of Virginia, from which state she removed with her parents to Kentucky in 1848. A.J. Anderson was the first child in his father’s family. His education was acquired in the public schools of Covington, save during the period of the Civil War when he was a pupil in a private school. His father was a contractor of that city and the son was carefully reared, being trained to habits of industry and integrity as well as in those lessons, which promote intellectual activity.
Ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he came to Cincinnati in 1879 and began dealing in fish and poultry. From the outset the new undertaking prospered and grew steadily and satisfactorily. In 1905 it was incorporated under the name of the Anderson Fish & Poultry Company, with A.J. Anderson president, Robert J. Anderson vice president, and Boyd Wunder secretary and treasurer. They not only deal in fish and poultry but also have a cold storage department in connection with their business, at No. 118 and 120 West First Street, occupying the upper part of the building up to the third story for the cold storage department. The killing department is at No. 228 George Street, where all the poultry is killed and dressed. They are not only in the wholesale but also retail trade, selling to the hotels and cafes, and having the largest fish and poultry business in the city.
Mr. Anderson has been married twice. In 1876 he wedded Miss Alwilda Kallenbach, who died in 1878, leaving a son, Robert J. In 1882 Mr. Anderson was again married, his second union being with Miss. Amanda Wilson. They have one son, George, who is a broker in Chicago. The elder son Robert J. long associated with his father in business is now vice president of the company. He married Miss. Millie Clements, of Cincinnati, and they have one son, Robert J. George Anderson wedded Miss. Ethal Tulledge and they have one daughter, Helen.
During a third of a century’s residence in Cincinnati A.J. Anderson has ever manifested a public-spirited interest in the city and its welfare and while never an office seeker, has cooperated in a quiet way in the work of development and substantial progress here. In business he has made for himself a creditable record because he has not only manifested enterprise but also has adhered closely to the strictest principles of commercial integrity.
From Cincinnati, The Queen City, Volume III, by Rev. Charles Frederic Goss, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912