Robert B. Sanderson

Robert Bland Sanderson
Born	Template:Birth date Slaidburn, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died	June 18, 1887(1887-06-18) (aged 62)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, agriculturist, rancher, politician
Years active	1850s–1887
Known for	Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate member; businessman in Texas; president of San Angelo National Bank

Robert Bland Sanderson (February 25, 1825 – June 18, 1887) was a notable American entrepreneur, agriculturist, rancher, and political figure originating from Columbia County, Wisconsin. During the 1860s, he held office in both the Wisconsin State Assembly and Wisconsin State Senate before moving to Texas, where he became a leading businessman in Tom Green County.

Background

Sanderson was born in Slaidburn, located in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. He emigrated to the United States at age 23 and initially engaged in the slaughterhouse trade in Buffalo. In 1850, he divested from that enterprise and relocated to Wisconsin to pursue farming and ranching activities. His brother Thomas joined him in Columbia County one year later, in 1851.

In 1856, Sanderson wed Mary Currie, whose family had Scottish immigrant roots. He undertook several municipal responsibilities in Springvale, Columbia County, including serving as chairman of the town board in 1860. By 1862, he was elected as a Republican representative to the Assembly for Cambria and nearby areas.

Legislative service

Sanderson’s initial election to the Wisconsin State Assembly came in 1862 for Columbia County’s 3rd district, where he concentrated on matters related to railroads. After a hiatus, he returned to the Assembly in 1866 representing the 2nd district and participated on committees addressing law expiration, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

In 1867, Sanderson progressed to the State Senate for the 25th District encompassing Columbia County. His committee assignments included infrastructure oversight and engrossed bills management. Additionally, he served on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents until 1873, including membership on its executive committee. During 1868, he chaired the Senate’s railroad committee and was active on committees for privileges and elections as well as agriculture. His senate term concluded in 1869 when Republican William M. Griswold succeeded him.

After the legislature

By 1870, Sanderson had moved to "'76 Farm" situated in Dane County, approximately four miles from Madison. There, he bred Clydesdales, shorthorn cattle, and other livestock varieties. That year he sought election for Dane County’s 2nd Assembly district but was defeated by Democrat Knudt Heimdahl, receiving 751 votes against Heimdahl’s 858. Meanwhile, his brother Thomas secured Robert’s former Assembly seat representing Columbia County’s 2nd district during the same election cycle. In 1871, Robert held a directorship with the Chicago and Superior Railroad Company and played a role in founding the Madison and Portage Railway.

Gone to Texas

In 1876, Sanderson divested all his Wisconsin holdings and relocated to Texas, drawn by its favorable climate and opportunities for free-range livestock farming. Initially working as a sheep dealer in San Antonio, he later formed a partnership with his sons, former Republican Wisconsin State Senator J. I. Case, and Eli Stilson to raise cattle and sheep. Following dissolution of this partnership, Case and Stilson maintained cattle operations while the Sanderson family settled in San Angelo focusing exclusively on sheep husbandry. Sanderson was appointed president of the San Angelo National Bank upon its establishment and retained this role until his death on June 18, 1887. He and Mary Currie Sanderson were parents to four sons and two daughters.