PVT William Crist Anderson was born 25 Jan 1841 at Burnt Cabin Place in Augusta County, Virginia. He was the 3rd of 9 children born to Alexander and Sarah Francis (Livick) Anderson although some records indicate that his father was Charles Anderson
William was not among the first to enlist, perhaps because of his age, and did not join D Company 5th Virginia Infantry until 21 Mar 1862 when he was drafted. It is possible that he was present for the 1st Battle of Kernstown but was most certainly with the unit in the remainder of General Jackson's Valley Campaign, the Seven Days Battles, Cedar Mountain, Groveton, 2nd Manassas, Chantilly, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg,
PVT Anderson died at Alton Military Prison on 15 Dec 1863 and is buried in the Confederate Cemetery in Alton, Illinois.
Brothers served as well. Edward Manor Anderson served as a PVT in C Company 14th Virginia Cavalry as did Andrew Perry Anderson and John A. Anderson. John died of disease at home in April 1863.