Brander was born free in Petersburg, Virginia, United States, in 1796.
He arrived in Sierra Leone under the auspices of the American Colonization Society (ACS) in March 1820.
Waring's daughter, Jane Rose, later married Joseph Jenkins Roberts.
He served as Acting President in 1849 during Robert's diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom.
[4] Brander was challenged for the vice presidency in the 1849 elections by Secretary of State Daniel Bashiel Warner, former Colonial Agent Anthony D. Williams, and Congressman Beverly R. Wilson.