Roland Max Anderson, Beloit, Kan., a leading attorney of Mitchell county, was born at Beloit, June 8, 1879, and is a son of George W. and Mary A. (Townsend) Anderson, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Wisconsin. George W. Anderson was born in Hancock county, Ohio, September 15, 1844, and came to Wisconsin with his parents when a child. They both died, leaving him an orphan when he was eight years old. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in the cause of the Union, serving in the Fifth regiment, Missouri cavalry. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Pilot Knob, Iron Mountain, and a number of minor engagements and several expeditions incident to cavalry service. At Pea Ridge he was wounded and taken prisoner, but escaped in a few days and returned to the Union lines. At the close of the war he returned to Wisconsin and continued his education until he completed a college course. After graduating from college he taught school for a number of years, making a specialty of mathematics, of which he was an instructor in one of the academies of Wisconsin. He was married at Mt. Hope, Wis., in 1864 and in 1870 came to Kansas and located on government land in Mitchell county seven miles northwest of Beloit. For the first year he lived in a stockade and remained on his claim until 1876, when he bought the Beloit "Gazette," which he published until 1880, when he sold it to Don Cameron. He then bought the Lincoln County "Pioneer" at Lincoln, Kan., which he published a few years, when he disposed of it, and in 1884 purchased the Smith County "Pioneer" at Smith Center, Kan. He published this paper until 1890, when he returned to Beloit and became the editor of the Beloit "Courier" and conducted this newspaper until 1895. During this year he sold his interest in the "Courier" and removed to Walnut Ridge, Ark., where he established the Lawrence County "Telephone." Later he removed the plant to Black Rock, Ark., the county seat, remaining here until his death, which occurred January 27, 1907. He was truly, a pioneer newspaper man of central Kansas. He was a thorough scholar, a deep thinker and an able writer, and wielded a strong influence in the public affairs of his community. Roland Max Anderson is one of a family of four children, as follows: Caddie, born in 1869, now the wife of M. Schreider, merchant, Hiawatha, Kan.; Grace E., married H. S. Bockes, miller and postmaster, at Duncan, Okla.; George Roy, born July 12, 1873, stock dealer, Little Rock, Ark., and Roland Max, subject of this review.

Mr. Anderson received his early education in the public schools of Beloit and later attended the University of Kansas, where he was graduated from the law department in the class of 1900. He immediately engaged in the practice of his profession at Duncan, Okla., and about a year later went to Lawton, which was just in its infancy. After a short time here he was compelled to return to Beloit on account of failing health. He then engaged in the practice of law at his home town, and in 1904 formed a partnership with Charles L. Kagey, under the firm name of Kagey & Anderson. This partnership still exists and they have built up an extensive law practice, not only in Mitchell county, but in adjoining counties throughout this section of the State. He was married May 10, 1904, to Miss Mary Findley, daughter of Samuel Parker and Ella (Wray) Findley. Mr. Findley and family came to Beloit, Kan., in 1885. They are both natives of Iowa and the father is now engaged in the jewelry business in Beloit. Mrs. Anderson was born at Bloomfield, Iowa, graduated in the class of 1900, Beloit High School, and in 1903 graduated from the music department of the University of Nebraska. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born two children: Park Findley, born August 2, 1907, and Roland Max, born June 6, 1911. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Sigma Nu, Phi Delta Phi fraternity; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Politically he is a Republican and is the present city attorney of Beloit, having held that office since 1909.