Samuel Jameson Anderson was born in Portland in 1824. After receiving his law degree from Bowdoin College, Anderson practiced in Portland for many years. He was appointed Surveyor of Port in 1856, and in 1869 he became the first president of the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad, a position he held until his death.

General Anderson was the major-general of the state militia, and was very active in local politics. He died in 1905 in Portland. His dog's name was Nellie.