Robert was born on the 25th of December, 1843 in Ireland and had joined the US Navy in New Hampshire. He became a quartermaster on the USS Crusader and the USS Keokuk. It was his actions during the First Battle of Charleston Harbor that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

Served on board the U.S.S. Crusader and the Keokuk during various actions of those vessels. Carrying out his duties skillfully while on board the U.S.S. Crusader, Q.M. Anderson, on all occasions, set forth the greatest intrepidity and devotion. During the attack on Charleston, while serving on board the U.S.S. Keokuk, Q.M. Anderson was stationed at the wheel when shot penetrated the house and, with the scattering of the iron, used his own body as a shield for his commanding officer.

Robert N Anderson died on the 20th of June, 1900 at the age of 56 and is buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.