October 6, 2025, marks the 150th birthday of Arthur Wellington Anderson (1875- 1949), who was Jamestown’s longtime City Historian from 1922 until his death. He also worked as an advertiser and prohibition advocate, but was most remembered for his historical work.
I gave a presentation entitled “A.W. Anderson: Advertiser, Prohibitionist, Historian” on September 10, 2025, as part of the Fenton History Center’s 2025 Lecture Series. The program shared Anderson’s story, built on extensive research into his life and contributions.
Born in Richmond, Maine, Anderson led an interesting life and lived in multiple places before arriving in Jamestown in 1922.
Once he was here, he worked as an advertiser and became active in the prohibition movement, co-founding the Jamestown Law and Order League. His passion for local history soon defined his legacy. As City Historian, he wrote the city’s first historical marker guidebook, documenting the markers established following the 1927 centennial celebration, and authored Conquest of Chautauqua (1932), a resource still valued by researchers today. Anderson was also instrumental in developing curriculum materials for teachers, helping to ensure that Jamestown’s history was taught in local schools.
Despite his many achievements, Anderson died poor in 1949, and was buried in an unmarked grave at Lake View Cemetery. Efforts are now underway to raise funds for a gravestone to honor his life and service to the community.
