Edward Anderson, CSA-- Part 1:Refused to Take Oath of Allegiance at Beginning of the War

From the Arlington National Cemetery Site.

Born January 1849 in Florida (I kind of doubt this date as that would have made him a West Point cadet in 1861 at the age of 12.  Kind of too young, I believe).  He was the son of Captain James W. Anderson who served in the Seminole and  Mexican War and was killed in action at the Battle of Cherubusco (August 20, 1847, again, would have Edward born too long after his father's death).

His paternal grandfather, Col. William Anderson served under Decatur and his maternal grandfather, Elihu Brown, commanded a privateer in the War of 1812.

He was appointed to West Point by General Winfield Scott in recognition of his father's service.  Although ranked #2 in his class at the time, he became the first cadet to refuse to take the oath of allegiance to the United States and left the USMA.

--Old Secesh