John Byer Anderson was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania on November 22, 1817, and lived a long useful life of eighty years.  He was educated in Washington College and graduated from this historical college in 1836.

The same year he went to Brandenburg, Kentucky, where he taught school for five years. In 1838, he married Cecelia Alexander and in 1841, moved to New Albany, Indiana, where he established two collegiate schools, one for girls, and one for boys.  These schools were unequaled in any part of the country and they flourished for twenty years.

Mr. Anderson was a man of great learning and strong mentality, and his influence as an educator still prevails in the midwest. To the College of Emporia, he gave a fine library as well as financial help to the college.  It was through his influence that young Andrew Carnegie used his library and from this influence sprung the Carnegie Library.  A full size statue of the Colonel is in the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During the Civil War, Mr. Anderson was made Superintendent of Railroad Transportation for the Army of Cumberland.  His ability was recognized by the Secretary of Affairs, and the title of Brigadier General was awarded to him. He declined the honor.

In 1864, he retired as a Colonel and came to Manhattan, where in some years later, 1881-1882 he built his home and this structure became the Sacred Heart Academy.

The material on this page is taken directly from “The Roots of Seven Dolors Grade School,” a booklet consisting of dates, informative history, reminisces of a former academy boarder, alumni and teachers prepared by the students of Grade Eight A and their teacher, Sister Susan Kongs CSJ written in 1982-1983.

           April 26, 2005
Maintained by kthomas@mcscardinals.org