The Alliance Public Library will be hosting a Pre-­Chautauqua program presented by Fay Friesen, highlighting Hemingford homesteader Robert Ball Anderson. The programs will be held on April 30 at 6:30 p.m. and May 1 at noon in the Alliance Learning Center community meeting room.

Robert Ball Anderson (1843-­1930) was a freedom seeker, soldier, homesteader, farmer, and prominent land owner. In 1864 Anderson escaped slavery by fleeing his owner’s plantation in Kentucky. He enlisted in the Union army at the nearest recruiting station and joined the 125th United States Colored Infantry. Anderson mustered out in 1867 and began a long journey to become one of the most successful African American landowners in Nebraska. Failure, setback and hardships continuously confronted him. However, self-­reliance, intelligence, thriftiness, generosity and an affable personality allowed him to become a prominent figure in a predominately white environment. Anderson was recognized in Governor Ricketts inaugural address as the first ex-­slave to homestead in Nebraska.

Anderson became an integral part of the Hemingford community. He acquired wealth and thousands of acres and eventually married at the age of 79, enjoying eight years with his young bride Daisy. Robert Anderson died from injuries sustained in a car accident on November 30, 1930.

Robert and Daisy Anderson co­-wrote the book, “From Slavery to Affluence: Memoirs of Robert Anderson, Ex-­Slave.” Copies of the book are available for check-­out at the library circulation desk.