Former slave and Union soldier lost Nebraska homestead, later owned 2,000 acres

 Escaping the bonds of slavery, Robert Ball Anderson became a proud soldier in the Union Army. Despite facing significant obstacles in farming caused by severe weather and pests, he dedicated himself to saving money through various jobs, including cooking for railroads. His efforts culminated in owning more than two thousand acres of fertile land, exemplifying the strength and resilience of African Americans in achieving landownership across the Great Plains. Escaping the bonds of slavery, Robert Ball Anderson became a proud soldier in the Union Army. Despite facing significant obstacles in farming caused by severe weather and pests, he dedicated himself to saving money through various jobs, including cooking for railroads. His efforts culminated in owning more than two thousand acres of fertile land, exemplifying the strength and resilience of African Americans in achieving landownership across the Great Plains.