The Somerset County town of Anson in a photograph by local professional Omar Ayer.

Bertram Winnchester French and his wife, Grace, owned the house at the right of the photo in 1905. French was operator of the grist mill, the building that is only slightly visible at right. the mill burned in 1963.

Anson was dependent on agriculture and small industries with North Anson boasting lumber, brick, coffin, carriage and can manufacturing.