Ever heard of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center? It’s the largest cancer center in the US located in Houston, Texas. But what you may not know is that Munroe Dunaway Anderson was born in Jackson, Tennessee and was a prominent bank and cotton trader. Through his frugal upbringing and wealth, and along with his partners in the cotton trade, he created the MD Anderson charitable foundation with about $300,000. It would go on to receive $19,000,000 after his death in 1939. This was the largest charitable fund ever given in the state of Texas.
He never stated where the foundation money should be allocated, but the trustees leaned toward health care. It was later allocated to start a cancer research center. This home is the birthplace of Munroe Dunaway Anderson and remains a historic landmark in the McNairy Hill neighborhood.
Anderson is buried in Jackson at Riverside Cemetery.
