William Anderson

William Anderson (1746-1830) was a bookseller in Stirling, Scotland. He was one of three triplets: himself and two sisters. One of his sisters perished, by accident, when eleven years of age, and the other was still alive when he died. He was elected Provost of Stirling five times in the years 1793, 1794, 1813, 1814, and 1829. He is reported to have had a very lavish funeral which was his long-standing ambition. An engraving was made by William Ward of his portrait which was painted by Andrew Geddes. After his retiral a gilded copy of the engraving is said to have hung in his former bookstore. The British Museum hold a copy of the print. Anderson served for many years as a Justice of the Peace.

Namesake There is another Provost Anderson (Robert) who traded with James Johnston of Stirling, a timber merchant under the name of Johnston and Anderson.