Milam R. Anderson

File contributed for use on the Polk County GenWeb by: Nancy Rayburn. Originally posted on Jnauary 28, 2008 by Odell Robinson; reposted April 10, 2017. Transcribed from: The History of Florida: Past & Present, The Lewis Publishing Co., Vol. II, page 324, 1923.

ANDERSON, MILAM R., druggist and former mayor of Lake Wales, has lived in Florida since early childhood, and was one of the early business men to establish himself in the community of Lake Wales, where he has shown the utmost progressiveness in looking after his own affairs and in promoting the interests of the city.

Mr. ANDERSON was born at Russellville, in Lawrence County, Illinois, May 30, 1883. His grandfather, RAUS ANDERSON, was killed at Vicksburg while serving in the Federal Army during the Civil war. He was of Scotch ancestry. FRANK ANDERSON, father of MILAM R., was born in Ohio, and as a young man went to Illinois and in 1885 came to Florida, locating at Bartow, where for many years he was engaged in the drug business and subsequently became interested in farming and fruit growing. He and his wife now live at Lake Wales. He married EVELINA MILAM, a native of Indiana, born near Vincennes. They had three sons: MILAM R.; HARRY, a native of Bartow and in the drug business in that city; and FRANK, who was also born in Florida, and is connected with an abstract office in Bartow.

MILAM R. ANDERSON was three years of age when brought to Bartow, graduated from the high school of that city, and at once engaged in the drug business. For twelve years he was in business at Jacksonville, and on October 1, 1915, established himself at Lake Wales. This was then a small town with only a few homes and a few stores. He has built up a prosperous establishment, and is also owner of orange grove interests. Mr. ANDERSON was the first mayor of Lake Wales, chosen in June 1918, and was elected for four successive terms. He was in office until June, 1922.

On October 12, 1904 he married Miss JANE HANKINS, of Bartow, member of one of the pioneer families of Florida. She was born at Madison in this state, but was reared and educated in Bartow. They have three children, M. ROSS, HARRY LOUIS and DOMARIS. Mr. ANDERSON is a Knight Templar Mason and Shriner, and is a past master of Lake Wales Lodge No. 242, F. and A. M.