William Acland Douglas Anderson

Who is William Acland Douglas Anderson?

William Acland Douglas Anderson, CMG was an English-born politician and goldfields commissioner in colonial Victoria.

Anderson was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, the son of Lieut.-Colonel Joseph Anderson C.B., K.H. and his wife Mary, née Campbell. Early in life he came out with his father to Sydney and received a portion of his education there.

In April 1846 Anderson joined his father in the 50th Regiment of Foot in India as an ensign and was promoted to lieutenant on 26 August 1848. In June 1852 he transferred to the 65th Regiment of Foot and was promoted to the rank of captain. Anderson then took leave to Victoria, where his parents were located. From 12 July 1853 to April 1855 he was appointed a Commissioner of Goldfields in Victoria. He sold his army commission in March 1854. For a year from May 1856 he was a commissioner for Melbourne's sewers and water supply. From November 1856 to November 1858 Anderson was member for Evelyn and Mornington in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. He was regarded as a moderate and supported the William Haines ministries.