George Anderson

George Anderson worked as a coachman at the White House during the presidencies of James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur. Little is known about Anderson’s life; however, family oral history states that he served as President Garfield’s bodyguard and coachman; this oral history is supported by a ledger from Garfield’s funeral that identifies Anderson as a coachman. Following Garfield’s assassination, Anderson remained in the position during Arthur’s presidency.

During his time as presidential coachman, Anderson’s wife, Jennie, gave birth to a son in the White House Stables. According to family oral history, President Arthur was so pleased by the birth that he asked that the child be given his name. The baby was named Alan Arthur Anderson and is believed to be one of the few children of White House employees whose middle name was bestowed by a sitting president. Family oral history also recounts that President Arthur’s daughter, Nellie, enjoyed visiting the Anderson family at the stables, suggesting regular interaction between the Arthur family and the Andersons.¹

Little else is known about Anderson’s life. Because George Anderson was a common name during the period, records that may pertain to him cannot be attributed with confidence, making it difficult to reconstruct his life beyond his White House service.