Luther Wilson Anderson was born in Londonderry, NH June 10th 1821. His ancestors were among the original Ulster-Scots that settled the area in the early 1700's. Luther's father died unexpectedly in January of 1836 and his mother was left with five children.
The care of the family largely fell upon Luther, he being the eldest, but only a boy of fourteen and one-half years of age. The other children ranged from 2 to 10 yrs of age.
Through the dishonesty of his father's partner in business, much property was lost to the family, and it became a problem that was hard to solve. Luther's mother was a person of strong religious character, sensible and conscientious, determined to do all that was possible for her children. She and Luther planned and executed, overcoming all obstacles until their object was accomplished in regard to the children.
Luther's father had intended to educate him at Dartmouth College and in the darkest days Luther never gave up his determination to carry out these plans in regard to himself. He attended Crosby's Academy in Nashua in preparation for College, and he commenced teaching in this sixteenth year and taught at intervals until he graduated at Dartmouth in 1846.
While at college he formed strong friendships which he valued and enjoyed as long as he lived. He went to East Braintree in autumn of 1846, at which time he met his future wife, Annie Warren Stetson. He took charge of a private Academy at East Braintree until 1848 when he was made Sub-master of the Winthrop School in Charlestown, Mass, and then becoming Master of that school.
His school was visited by Mr. Thomas Sherwin, Head-Master of the English High School of Boston who urged him to take a position in that school. He entered the service of the English High School of Boston in 1852.
On May 25th 1853 he married Annie Warren Stetson and they lived in her family's home for more than 12 years. While living there, they had four children; their first child, Robert Charles Anderson, who was presumably named for his grandfather, died at 10 months of age. The next three children were Luther Stetson Anderson, Jeannie Wilson Anderson and Amos Warren Stetson Anderson.
The home was next to the Union Congregational Church near the Braintree-Weymouth line, and that church was an important part of their family and community. Luther was a Deacon in the church for several years while he lived there. He was also a member of the Orphans Hope (Masonic) Lodge and A.M.
In his thirty-five years at English High School he was absent only six days – five of them he could not rise from his bed. Boston English High School began in 1821 and is said to be the country's oldest public high school. It was a male-only school and would remain so until the 1970's. Luther continued his teaching position here until he passed away in 1887.
In addition to his position at the English High School, he was the originator and first Headmaster of the Boston Evening High School from 1870 to 1873, the first of its kind in New England. Luther was also a teacher of teachers; which included lectures on History at the "Saratoga School of Methods" for teachers in 1885 and 1886, and taught teachers in summer classes at English High School.
The following excerpt is from one of his obituaries:
"No man or youth who passed through English High School in the past 30 years will ever forget Mr. Anderson, "Andy" as he was familiarly, though at all times respectfully, called by the boys. He was as much a part of the High School as the books, for during all those years there were probably not a score of days he was absent from his accustomed place. He was a kindly, though strict, disciplinarian, and to no one more than Mr. Anderson do the graduates of the school owe a debt for the sterling principles he endeavored and generally succeeded in instilling into their minds. As a man, he was a lover of all that was honest and manly, quick to encourage his boys when they felt discouraged, and ready to help them after they had gone out from under his care into business life. As a teacher he was fully capable to instruct in far higher grades than those he was called upon to labor in, and in English literature he was most thoroughly versed. Being the oldest teacher in point of service in English High School, he was looked upon with more than the usual fraternal feeling by the other teachers. To the head master, Mr. Waterhouse, he was a most able assistant, and his wisdom and prudence must have been of great help to the other head masters under whom he had served. His death will be deplored by all educators, and will be heard with regret by the graduates of the school."
His literary work was largely in the direction of criticizing and rewriting the works of others, his services being often thought as an expert by writers of books for schools. He did have works published by Harper Brothers and there were some others that were unfinished when he died.
In August 1868 he made Quincy, Mass. his home, and by 1878, Luther had purchased a home at the corner of Goffe St. (now President's Lane) and Granite Ave. The home was a grand Greek Revival mansion, which had been built in 1840. This home remained in the family until 1923.
Luther was also elected as one of the original trustees of the Public Library in 1871 and served as long as he lived. The library's municipal book collection is the second- largest in Massachusetts, after the Boston Public Library.
Luther was also one of the original managers of the Adams Academy and served with the exception of one year until his death. This was also an elected position with six members, each serving three years, staggered so that in a given year two members would be elected. At inception, six members were elected; two serving one year, two for two years and two for three years, to begin the subsequent staggered elections. The two three-year term members at inception were Charles Francis Adams Sr. and Luther W. Anderson. Adams was the Chairman from inception until he died in 1886. Luther was a manager until his death with the exception of one year, when he lost an election by a small margin and handily won the following year. Charles Francis Adams Sr. was a son of President John Quincy Adams and was himself a prominent member of the Adams family.
The Adams Academy was a college preparatory school with a focus on preparing students for Harvard. Luther's son Luther Stetson Anderson attended Adams Academy in 1875, prior to attending Harvard. Luther's son would eventually become a Manager of the Adams Academy as well.
In addition to teaching and the above activities, Luther was involved in various businesses and investments. Some of these were tied to his wife's family. His wife's uncle, Caleb Stetson, was a Massachusetts politician and successful businessman. There was a large Schooner named after Caleb that Luther had a 1/16th share of ownership. A Schooner of the same name is referenced in government correspondence which was carrying 300 tons of coal, leaking off Nassau, being denied entry, and was the center of a dispute about whether it was contraband for the Civil war or not.
Luther was also involved with Edwin H. Abbott, who was a Railroad executive, and a third partner as investment Trustees of the Cape Breton Coal Mining Company. He was also involved in various Gold Mining ventures.
One of his more significant business activities was that he was the original Treasurer of the Reece Buttonhole Company. The company's success was due in large extent to its unique business model; the machines were very expensive, so instead of selling them, they leased them and charged by the number of button holes they produced. It was an early decision that may very well have stemmed from discussions that included Luther. The company grew rapidly and it wasn't until 1970 that they actually sold a machine. The company, after expanding globally, merged with AMF Sewn Products Inc. in 1991. The resulting company is AMF-Reece, which is still operating worldwide today.
Notes written by his wife Annie:
"After a private services at his home, public funeral services were held at the First Church of Quincy, being fully attended by citizens of Boston and Quincy, many of them being pupils, the Graduating class of English High School being present in a body – sending an exquisite in design, choice flowers in the shape of a book. Another exquisite in design was sent by four brothers, all his past pupils, now one of the leading business firms in Boston. Also another, equally beautiful by the Reece Buttonhole Company of which he was treasurer (and another by the employees of the same company) composed of flowers lovely to fragrant. His bible class, consisting of ten young ladies, sent an exquisite wreath "In Memory of the dear Friend, wise Counselor and high Exemplar, with the love and reverence of his Bible Class." A basket of choice roses was provided from previous class alumni and other floral offerings too numerous to mention. The service of the church consisted of reading from the scriptures, prayer, and singing by the Weber Quartette. The address was by Rev. D.M. Wilson. The internment was at the beautiful Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, the burial being private."
Charles Francis Adams Jr. and two Adams Academy managers were pall bearers, along with the headmaster and two masters from the English High School. The day of the funeral, the Thomas Crane Library was closed and the Reece Buttonhole Company was closed during the funeral. Attendees included the students of the class of 1887, a lengthy list of educators, including masters, headmasters, superintendents, school board members, comprising several schools in Boston, and schools in Quincy, Braintree, Dorchester, and Melrose.
The care of the family largely fell upon Luther, he being the eldest, but only a boy of fourteen and one-half years of age. The other children ranged from 2 to 10 yrs of age.
Through the dishonesty of his father's partner in business, much property was lost to the family, and it became a problem that was hard to solve. Luther's mother was a person of strong religious character, sensible and conscientious, determined to do all that was possible for her children. She and Luther planned and executed, overcoming all obstacles until their object was accomplished in regard to the children.
Luther's father had intended to educate him at Dartmouth College and in the darkest days Luther never gave up his determination to carry out these plans in regard to himself. He attended Crosby's Academy in Nashua in preparation for College, and he commenced teaching in this sixteenth year and taught at intervals until he graduated at Dartmouth in 1846.
While at college he formed strong friendships which he valued and enjoyed as long as he lived. He went to East Braintree in autumn of 1846, at which time he met his future wife, Annie Warren Stetson. He took charge of a private Academy at East Braintree until 1848 when he was made Sub-master of the Winthrop School in Charlestown, Mass, and then becoming Master of that school.
His school was visited by Mr. Thomas Sherwin, Head-Master of the English High School of Boston who urged him to take a position in that school. He entered the service of the English High School of Boston in 1852.
On May 25th 1853 he married Annie Warren Stetson and they lived in her family's home for more than 12 years. While living there, they had four children; their first child, Robert Charles Anderson, who was presumably named for his grandfather, died at 10 months of age. The next three children were Luther Stetson Anderson, Jeannie Wilson Anderson and Amos Warren Stetson Anderson.
The home was next to the Union Congregational Church near the Braintree-Weymouth line, and that church was an important part of their family and community. Luther was a Deacon in the church for several years while he lived there. He was also a member of the Orphans Hope (Masonic) Lodge and A.M.
In his thirty-five years at English High School he was absent only six days – five of them he could not rise from his bed. Boston English High School began in 1821 and is said to be the country's oldest public high school. It was a male-only school and would remain so until the 1970's. Luther continued his teaching position here until he passed away in 1887.
In addition to his position at the English High School, he was the originator and first Headmaster of the Boston Evening High School from 1870 to 1873, the first of its kind in New England. Luther was also a teacher of teachers; which included lectures on History at the "Saratoga School of Methods" for teachers in 1885 and 1886, and taught teachers in summer classes at English High School.
The following excerpt is from one of his obituaries:
"No man or youth who passed through English High School in the past 30 years will ever forget Mr. Anderson, "Andy" as he was familiarly, though at all times respectfully, called by the boys. He was as much a part of the High School as the books, for during all those years there were probably not a score of days he was absent from his accustomed place. He was a kindly, though strict, disciplinarian, and to no one more than Mr. Anderson do the graduates of the school owe a debt for the sterling principles he endeavored and generally succeeded in instilling into their minds. As a man, he was a lover of all that was honest and manly, quick to encourage his boys when they felt discouraged, and ready to help them after they had gone out from under his care into business life. As a teacher he was fully capable to instruct in far higher grades than those he was called upon to labor in, and in English literature he was most thoroughly versed. Being the oldest teacher in point of service in English High School, he was looked upon with more than the usual fraternal feeling by the other teachers. To the head master, Mr. Waterhouse, he was a most able assistant, and his wisdom and prudence must have been of great help to the other head masters under whom he had served. His death will be deplored by all educators, and will be heard with regret by the graduates of the school."
His literary work was largely in the direction of criticizing and rewriting the works of others, his services being often thought as an expert by writers of books for schools. He did have works published by Harper Brothers and there were some others that were unfinished when he died.
In August 1868 he made Quincy, Mass. his home, and by 1878, Luther had purchased a home at the corner of Goffe St. (now President's Lane) and Granite Ave. The home was a grand Greek Revival mansion, which had been built in 1840. This home remained in the family until 1923.
Luther was also elected as one of the original trustees of the Public Library in 1871 and served as long as he lived. The library's municipal book collection is the second- largest in Massachusetts, after the Boston Public Library.
Luther was also one of the original managers of the Adams Academy and served with the exception of one year until his death. This was also an elected position with six members, each serving three years, staggered so that in a given year two members would be elected. At inception, six members were elected; two serving one year, two for two years and two for three years, to begin the subsequent staggered elections. The two three-year term members at inception were Charles Francis Adams Sr. and Luther W. Anderson. Adams was the Chairman from inception until he died in 1886. Luther was a manager until his death with the exception of one year, when he lost an election by a small margin and handily won the following year. Charles Francis Adams Sr. was a son of President John Quincy Adams and was himself a prominent member of the Adams family.
The Adams Academy was a college preparatory school with a focus on preparing students for Harvard. Luther's son Luther Stetson Anderson attended Adams Academy in 1875, prior to attending Harvard. Luther's son would eventually become a Manager of the Adams Academy as well.
In addition to teaching and the above activities, Luther was involved in various businesses and investments. Some of these were tied to his wife's family. His wife's uncle, Caleb Stetson, was a Massachusetts politician and successful businessman. There was a large Schooner named after Caleb that Luther had a 1/16th share of ownership. A Schooner of the same name is referenced in government correspondence which was carrying 300 tons of coal, leaking off Nassau, being denied entry, and was the center of a dispute about whether it was contraband for the Civil war or not.
Luther was also involved with Edwin H. Abbott, who was a Railroad executive, and a third partner as investment Trustees of the Cape Breton Coal Mining Company. He was also involved in various Gold Mining ventures.
One of his more significant business activities was that he was the original Treasurer of the Reece Buttonhole Company. The company's success was due in large extent to its unique business model; the machines were very expensive, so instead of selling them, they leased them and charged by the number of button holes they produced. It was an early decision that may very well have stemmed from discussions that included Luther. The company grew rapidly and it wasn't until 1970 that they actually sold a machine. The company, after expanding globally, merged with AMF Sewn Products Inc. in 1991. The resulting company is AMF-Reece, which is still operating worldwide today.
Notes written by his wife Annie:
"After a private services at his home, public funeral services were held at the First Church of Quincy, being fully attended by citizens of Boston and Quincy, many of them being pupils, the Graduating class of English High School being present in a body – sending an exquisite in design, choice flowers in the shape of a book. Another exquisite in design was sent by four brothers, all his past pupils, now one of the leading business firms in Boston. Also another, equally beautiful by the Reece Buttonhole Company of which he was treasurer (and another by the employees of the same company) composed of flowers lovely to fragrant. His bible class, consisting of ten young ladies, sent an exquisite wreath "In Memory of the dear Friend, wise Counselor and high Exemplar, with the love and reverence of his Bible Class." A basket of choice roses was provided from previous class alumni and other floral offerings too numerous to mention. The service of the church consisted of reading from the scriptures, prayer, and singing by the Weber Quartette. The address was by Rev. D.M. Wilson. The internment was at the beautiful Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, the burial being private."
Charles Francis Adams Jr. and two Adams Academy managers were pall bearers, along with the headmaster and two masters from the English High School. The day of the funeral, the Thomas Crane Library was closed and the Reece Buttonhole Company was closed during the funeral. Attendees included the students of the class of 1887, a lengthy list of educators, including masters, headmasters, superintendents, school board members, comprising several schools in Boston, and schools in Quincy, Braintree, Dorchester, and Melrose.
Luther Wilson Anderson was born in Londonderry, NH June 10th 1821. His ancestors were among the original Ulster-Scots that settled the area in the early 1700's. Luther's father died unexpectedly in January of 1836 and his mother was left with five children.
The care of the family largely fell upon Luther, he being the eldest, but only a boy of fourteen and one-half years of age. The other children ranged from 2 to 10 yrs of age.
Through the dishonesty of his father's partner in business, much property was lost to the family, and it became a problem that was hard to solve. Luther's mother was a person of strong religious character, sensible and conscientious, determined to do all that was possible for her children. She and Luther planned and executed, overcoming all obstacles until their object was accomplished in regard to the children.
Luther's father had intended to educate him at Dartmouth College and in the darkest days Luther never gave up his determination to carry out these plans in regard to himself. He attended Crosby's Academy in Nashua in preparation for College, and he commenced teaching in this sixteenth year and taught at intervals until he graduated at Dartmouth in 1846.
While at college he formed strong friendships which he valued and enjoyed as long as he lived. He went to East Braintree in autumn of 1846, at which time he met his future wife, Annie Warren Stetson. He took charge of a private Academy at East Braintree until 1848 when he was made Sub-master of the Winthrop School in Charlestown, Mass, and then becoming Master of that school.
His school was visited by Mr. Thomas Sherwin, Head-Master of the English High School of Boston who urged him to take a position in that school. He entered the service of the English High School of Boston in 1852.
On May 25th 1853 he married Annie Warren Stetson and they lived in her family's home for more than 12 years. While living there, they had four children; their first child, Robert Charles Anderson, who was presumably named for his grandfather, died at 10 months of age. The next three children were Luther Stetson Anderson, Jeannie Wilson Anderson and Amos Warren Stetson Anderson.
The home was next to the Union Congregational Church near the Braintree-Weymouth line, and that church was an important part of their family and community. Luther was a Deacon in the church for several years while he lived there. He was also a member of the Orphans Hope (Masonic) Lodge and A.M.
In his thirty-five years at English High School he was absent only six days – five of them he could not rise from his bed. Boston English High School began in 1821 and is said to be the country's oldest public high school. It was a male-only school and would remain so until the 1970's. Luther continued his teaching position here until he passed away in 1887.
In addition to his position at the English High School, he was the originator and first Headmaster of the Boston Evening High School from 1870 to 1873, the first of its kind in New England. Luther was also a teacher of teachers; which included lectures on History at the "Saratoga School of Methods" for teachers in 1885 and 1886, and taught teachers in summer classes at English High School.
The following excerpt is from one of his obituaries:
"No man or youth who passed through English High School in the past 30 years will ever forget Mr. Anderson, "Andy" as he was familiarly, though at all times respectfully, called by the boys. He was as much a part of the High School as the books, for during all those years there were probably not a score of days he was absent from his accustomed place. He was a kindly, though strict, disciplinarian, and to no one more than Mr. Anderson do the graduates of the school owe a debt for the sterling principles he endeavored and generally succeeded in instilling into their minds. As a man, he was a lover of all that was honest and manly, quick to encourage his boys when they felt discouraged, and ready to help them after they had gone out from under his care into business life. As a teacher he was fully capable to instruct in far higher grades than those he was called upon to labor in, and in English literature he was most thoroughly versed. Being the oldest teacher in point of service in English High School, he was looked upon with more than the usual fraternal feeling by the other teachers. To the head master, Mr. Waterhouse, he was a most able assistant, and his wisdom and prudence must have been of great help to the other head masters under whom he had served. His death will be deplored by all educators, and will be heard with regret by the graduates of the school."
His literary work was largely in the direction of criticizing and rewriting the works of others, his services being often thought as an expert by writers of books for schools. He did have works published by Harper Brothers and there were some others that were unfinished when he died.
In August 1868 he made Quincy, Mass. his home, and by 1878, Luther had purchased a home at the corner of Goffe St. (now President's Lane) and Granite Ave. The home was a grand Greek Revival mansion, which had been built in 1840. This home remained in the family until 1923.
Luther was also elected as one of the original trustees of the Public Library in 1871 and served as long as he lived. The library's municipal book collection is the second- largest in Massachusetts, after the Boston Public Library.
Luther was also one of the original managers of the Adams Academy and served with the exception of one year until his death. This was also an elected position with six members, each serving three years, staggered so that in a given year two members would be elected. At inception, six members were elected; two serving one year, two for two years and two for three years, to begin the subsequent staggered elections. The two three-year term members at inception were Charles Francis Adams Sr. and Luther W. Anderson. Adams was the Chairman from inception until he died in 1886. Luther was a manager until his death with the exception of one year, when he lost an election by a small margin and handily won the following year. Charles Francis Adams Sr. was a son of President John Quincy Adams and was himself a prominent member of the Adams family.
The Adams Academy was a college preparatory school with a focus on preparing students for Harvard. Luther's son Luther Stetson Anderson attended Adams Academy in 1875, prior to attending Harvard. Luther's son would eventually become a Manager of the Adams Academy as well.
In addition to teaching and the above activities, Luther was involved in various businesses and investments. Some of these were tied to his wife's family. His wife's uncle, Caleb Stetson, was a Massachusetts politician and successful businessman. There was a large Schooner named after Caleb that Luther had a 1/16th share of ownership. A Schooner of the same name is referenced in government correspondence which was carrying 300 tons of coal, leaking off Nassau, being denied entry, and was the center of a dispute about whether it was contraband for the Civil war or not.
Luther was also involved with Edwin H. Abbott, who was a Railroad executive, and a third partner as investment Trustees of the Cape Breton Coal Mining Company. He was also involved in various Gold Mining ventures.
One of his more significant business activities was that he was the original Treasurer of the Reece Buttonhole Company. The company's success was due in large extent to its unique business model; the machines were very expensive, so instead of selling them, they leased them and charged by the number of button holes they produced. It was an early decision that may very well have stemmed from discussions that included Luther. The company grew rapidly and it wasn't until 1970 that they actually sold a machine. The company, after expanding globally, merged with AMF Sewn Products Inc. in 1991. The resulting company is AMF-Reece, which is still operating worldwide today.
Notes written by his wife Annie:
"After a private services at his home, public funeral services were held at the First Church of Quincy, being fully attended by citizens of Boston and Quincy, many of them being pupils, the Graduating class of English High School being present in a body – sending an exquisite in design, choice flowers in the shape of a book. Another exquisite in design was sent by four brothers, all his past pupils, now one of the leading business firms in Boston. Also another, equally beautiful by the Reece Buttonhole Company of which he was treasurer (and another by the employees of the same company) composed of flowers lovely to fragrant. His bible class, consisting of ten young ladies, sent an exquisite wreath "In Memory of the dear Friend, wise Counselor and high Exemplar, with the love and reverence of his Bible Class." A basket of choice roses was provided from previous class alumni and other floral offerings too numerous to mention. The service of the church consisted of reading from the scriptures, prayer, and singing by the Weber Quartette. The address was by Rev. D.M. Wilson. The internment was at the beautiful Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, the burial being private."
Charles Francis Adams Jr. and two Adams Academy managers were pall bearers, along with the headmaster and two masters from the English High School. The day of the funeral, the Thomas Crane Library was closed and the Reece Buttonhole Company was closed during the funeral. Attendees included the students of the class of 1887, a lengthy list of educators, including masters, headmasters, superintendents, school board members, comprising several schools in Boston, and schools in Quincy, Braintree, Dorchester, and Melrose.
The care of the family largely fell upon Luther, he being the eldest, but only a boy of fourteen and one-half years of age. The other children ranged from 2 to 10 yrs of age.
Through the dishonesty of his father's partner in business, much property was lost to the family, and it became a problem that was hard to solve. Luther's mother was a person of strong religious character, sensible and conscientious, determined to do all that was possible for her children. She and Luther planned and executed, overcoming all obstacles until their object was accomplished in regard to the children.
Luther's father had intended to educate him at Dartmouth College and in the darkest days Luther never gave up his determination to carry out these plans in regard to himself. He attended Crosby's Academy in Nashua in preparation for College, and he commenced teaching in this sixteenth year and taught at intervals until he graduated at Dartmouth in 1846.
While at college he formed strong friendships which he valued and enjoyed as long as he lived. He went to East Braintree in autumn of 1846, at which time he met his future wife, Annie Warren Stetson. He took charge of a private Academy at East Braintree until 1848 when he was made Sub-master of the Winthrop School in Charlestown, Mass, and then becoming Master of that school.
His school was visited by Mr. Thomas Sherwin, Head-Master of the English High School of Boston who urged him to take a position in that school. He entered the service of the English High School of Boston in 1852.
On May 25th 1853 he married Annie Warren Stetson and they lived in her family's home for more than 12 years. While living there, they had four children; their first child, Robert Charles Anderson, who was presumably named for his grandfather, died at 10 months of age. The next three children were Luther Stetson Anderson, Jeannie Wilson Anderson and Amos Warren Stetson Anderson.
The home was next to the Union Congregational Church near the Braintree-Weymouth line, and that church was an important part of their family and community. Luther was a Deacon in the church for several years while he lived there. He was also a member of the Orphans Hope (Masonic) Lodge and A.M.
In his thirty-five years at English High School he was absent only six days – five of them he could not rise from his bed. Boston English High School began in 1821 and is said to be the country's oldest public high school. It was a male-only school and would remain so until the 1970's. Luther continued his teaching position here until he passed away in 1887.
In addition to his position at the English High School, he was the originator and first Headmaster of the Boston Evening High School from 1870 to 1873, the first of its kind in New England. Luther was also a teacher of teachers; which included lectures on History at the "Saratoga School of Methods" for teachers in 1885 and 1886, and taught teachers in summer classes at English High School.
The following excerpt is from one of his obituaries:
"No man or youth who passed through English High School in the past 30 years will ever forget Mr. Anderson, "Andy" as he was familiarly, though at all times respectfully, called by the boys. He was as much a part of the High School as the books, for during all those years there were probably not a score of days he was absent from his accustomed place. He was a kindly, though strict, disciplinarian, and to no one more than Mr. Anderson do the graduates of the school owe a debt for the sterling principles he endeavored and generally succeeded in instilling into their minds. As a man, he was a lover of all that was honest and manly, quick to encourage his boys when they felt discouraged, and ready to help them after they had gone out from under his care into business life. As a teacher he was fully capable to instruct in far higher grades than those he was called upon to labor in, and in English literature he was most thoroughly versed. Being the oldest teacher in point of service in English High School, he was looked upon with more than the usual fraternal feeling by the other teachers. To the head master, Mr. Waterhouse, he was a most able assistant, and his wisdom and prudence must have been of great help to the other head masters under whom he had served. His death will be deplored by all educators, and will be heard with regret by the graduates of the school."
His literary work was largely in the direction of criticizing and rewriting the works of others, his services being often thought as an expert by writers of books for schools. He did have works published by Harper Brothers and there were some others that were unfinished when he died.
In August 1868 he made Quincy, Mass. his home, and by 1878, Luther had purchased a home at the corner of Goffe St. (now President's Lane) and Granite Ave. The home was a grand Greek Revival mansion, which had been built in 1840. This home remained in the family until 1923.
Luther was also elected as one of the original trustees of the Public Library in 1871 and served as long as he lived. The library's municipal book collection is the second- largest in Massachusetts, after the Boston Public Library.
Luther was also one of the original managers of the Adams Academy and served with the exception of one year until his death. This was also an elected position with six members, each serving three years, staggered so that in a given year two members would be elected. At inception, six members were elected; two serving one year, two for two years and two for three years, to begin the subsequent staggered elections. The two three-year term members at inception were Charles Francis Adams Sr. and Luther W. Anderson. Adams was the Chairman from inception until he died in 1886. Luther was a manager until his death with the exception of one year, when he lost an election by a small margin and handily won the following year. Charles Francis Adams Sr. was a son of President John Quincy Adams and was himself a prominent member of the Adams family.
The Adams Academy was a college preparatory school with a focus on preparing students for Harvard. Luther's son Luther Stetson Anderson attended Adams Academy in 1875, prior to attending Harvard. Luther's son would eventually become a Manager of the Adams Academy as well.
In addition to teaching and the above activities, Luther was involved in various businesses and investments. Some of these were tied to his wife's family. His wife's uncle, Caleb Stetson, was a Massachusetts politician and successful businessman. There was a large Schooner named after Caleb that Luther had a 1/16th share of ownership. A Schooner of the same name is referenced in government correspondence which was carrying 300 tons of coal, leaking off Nassau, being denied entry, and was the center of a dispute about whether it was contraband for the Civil war or not.
Luther was also involved with Edwin H. Abbott, who was a Railroad executive, and a third partner as investment Trustees of the Cape Breton Coal Mining Company. He was also involved in various Gold Mining ventures.
One of his more significant business activities was that he was the original Treasurer of the Reece Buttonhole Company. The company's success was due in large extent to its unique business model; the machines were very expensive, so instead of selling them, they leased them and charged by the number of button holes they produced. It was an early decision that may very well have stemmed from discussions that included Luther. The company grew rapidly and it wasn't until 1970 that they actually sold a machine. The company, after expanding globally, merged with AMF Sewn Products Inc. in 1991. The resulting company is AMF-Reece, which is still operating worldwide today.
Notes written by his wife Annie:
"After a private services at his home, public funeral services were held at the First Church of Quincy, being fully attended by citizens of Boston and Quincy, many of them being pupils, the Graduating class of English High School being present in a body – sending an exquisite in design, choice flowers in the shape of a book. Another exquisite in design was sent by four brothers, all his past pupils, now one of the leading business firms in Boston. Also another, equally beautiful by the Reece Buttonhole Company of which he was treasurer (and another by the employees of the same company) composed of flowers lovely to fragrant. His bible class, consisting of ten young ladies, sent an exquisite wreath "In Memory of the dear Friend, wise Counselor and high Exemplar, with the love and reverence of his Bible Class." A basket of choice roses was provided from previous class alumni and other floral offerings too numerous to mention. The service of the church consisted of reading from the scriptures, prayer, and singing by the Weber Quartette. The address was by Rev. D.M. Wilson. The internment was at the beautiful Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, the burial being private."
Charles Francis Adams Jr. and two Adams Academy managers were pall bearers, along with the headmaster and two masters from the English High School. The day of the funeral, the Thomas Crane Library was closed and the Reece Buttonhole Company was closed during the funeral. Attendees included the students of the class of 1887, a lengthy list of educators, including masters, headmasters, superintendents, school board members, comprising several schools in Boston, and schools in Quincy, Braintree, Dorchester, and Melrose.
Family Members
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