Jackson in Madison County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Monroe Dunaway Anderson 1873-1939 / Anderson, Clayton & Company
Monroe Dunaway Anderson
1873-1939
Monroe Dunaway Anderson is known as the “father” of the Texas Medical Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He was born 29 June 1873 on McNairy Hill at the present site of 111 East Orleans Street. Educated in Jackson City Schools and at Union University, he was a banker, philanthropist, and founding partner of Anderson, Clayton & Co., the world's largest merchandiser of cotton during the mid-20th century. His $19 million estate was as of 1939, the largest charitable fund created in the state of Texas. Anderson's generosity not only helped establish the world's largest medical center but also libraries, auditoriums, college buildings, and, on the campus of Lambuth University, a planetarium. He is buried with his family in Jackson's Riverside Cemetery.
Continued
(reverse)
Anderson, Clayton & Company
Anderson, Clayton & Company, at one time the world's largest merchandiser of cotton, began as Frank E. Anderson & Company, across the street from this plaza. Frank Anderson, Will Clayton and Monroe D. Anderson established their partnership in Oklahoma City on August 1, 1904. Company headquarters moved to Houston in 1916. World War I demands for cotton enhanced their fortunes. Overseas operations were set up in Europe, Egypt, India, and China. By 1945, with 223 gins, 33 cottonseed oil plants and 123 warehouses, the company was the largest buyer, seller, storer, and shipper of raw cotton in the world.
Erected 2012 by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4D 60.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 29, 1873.
Location. 35° 36.81′ N, 88° 49.174′ W. Marker is in Jackson, Tennessee, in Madison County. Marker is at the intersection of Highland Avenue (State 5) (U.S. 45) and East Baltimore Street, on the right when traveling south on Highland Avenue (State 5). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jackson TN 38301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. F.E. Anderson & Co. Cotton Yard (within shouting distance of this marker); Andersons & Claytons Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 61st US Colored Infantry Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison County Memorial Flame (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Madison County Confederate Monument (about 300 feet away); David Crockett (about 300 feet away); Madison County World War I Memorial Fountain (about 400 feet away); Lynching in America / Lynching in Madison County (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jackson.
Also see . . . Monroe Dunaway Anderson. (Submitted on December 22, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 699 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on December 28, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 22, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.