John Anderson was part of the 102nd U.S. Colored Troops. He was born in Ohio and lived his life before service as a boatman. He enlisted in Detroit into the military and was mustered into service on the same day, January 21st, 1864. He was arrested on September 1st, 1864 for deserting the army from Camp Casey. He was found in clothing without wearing his uniform with no pass and no legitimate excuse to be off duty. A $30 reward was put out for his arrest. He was charged with desertion and found guilty after standing trial in court. His punishment was to be returned to his military duties with the loss of all his pay and had to pay ten dollars a month for the following twelve months.