| 1873 | James Madison Wells is appointed chairman of the State Returning Board. The board determines legality of ballots and discards fraudulent votes and helps Republicans gain a slight edge in elections. Other members are also Republicans and native born: Gaddane Casanave, an undertaker; saloon owner Louis M. Kenner; and state senator and saloon owner Thomas C. Anderson. |
| 1876 | Fall The State Returning Board, at the height of its power attempts to auction off the presidential electors. The results of the elections were in dispute and will result in the Compromise of 1877 |
| 1877 | July 7 The four members of the State Returning Board are arrested and released on bail. The power now rested with the Democratic party, but governor Francis T. Nicholls is said to be conciliatory. |
| 1878 | February 25 State Senator Thomas C. Anderson is the first member of the State Returning Board to be tried. He receives two years of hard labor. |
| 1878 | March 18 Thomas C. Anderson is ordered released by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Charges against the other three members of the Returning Board are subsequently dropped. |