Anderson received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Wabash College in 1879 and read law in 1881.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 8, 1902, and received his commission the same day.

He held the position for 23 years, with his service being terminated on January 13, 1925, due to his elevation to the Seventh Circuit.

[1][3] Anderson was nominated by President Calvin Coolidge on January 2, 1925, to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit vacated by Judge Francis E. Baker.

[1] Notable trials that Anderson oversaw included the loan scandal of Warren T. McCray and the United Mine Workers coal strike of 1919.