J. J. Andrews, p. 1115

J. J. ANDREWS. Many of the best and most intellectual citizens of Washington county trace their lineage to the warm-hearted and brilliant sons of Erin, of whom J. J. Andrews is a worthy representative.

James Andrews was born in Ireland, where he was married, and in 1799 concluded to seek a home for himself and family in the United States, whither so many of his friends had recently immigrated. After landing in America, the Andrews family proceeded to Pennsylvania, and made their first permanent location near Bavington, in Smith township, Washington county. Although a poor man, James Andrews possessed an energetic character and habits of industry as capital stock, which proved very instrumental in the accumulation of a competency. He first located on a piece of land as a tenant, but was soon able to purchase land, and in later years removed to a farm in the northern part of Smith township, where the remainder of his days were passed. This place has ever since been known as the "Old Andrews farm." James Andrews and his wife passed away on the old farm, after a long and useful life. In politics he was a Democrat. He was among the prominent cattle dealers of those days, and drove cattle over the mountains to the markets of the eastern cities, eventually succeeding in securing a goodly amount of this world's goods The children of this family were seven in number.

John Andrews was born in 1799, in mid-ocean, while his parents were coming to America. He was reared on the farm in Washington county, Penn., attending to the usual duties of the pioneer youth of the day, and receiving his education at the log-cabin schools with their primitive furnishings and puncheon floors. The pupils sat with their backs to the teacher and the seats were placed around the room; his attendance was limited to a few months in the winter season. He was married to Mary, daughter of James Christy, a native of Ireland, and their children were born as follows: Elizabeth J., living in Burgettstown, Penn., widow of David Leech; Jeremiah C., who followed agricultural pursuits on the home farm (now deceased); Mary, deceased wife of Jackson Potts, of Florence, Penn.; Nancy A., Mrs. John Stroud, of Hanover township, this county, and J. J. (whose sketch follows). John and Mary Andrews located on the old homestead in Smith township, this county, where their lives were passed. He was a successful and respected business man In politics he was an enthusiastic Democrat, and held various offices in the township with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were zealous members of the Burgettstown U. P. Church. He died in 1867, and both are buried in the Burgettstown cemetery.

J. J. Andrews was born September 10, 1849, in Smith township, Washington Co., Penn. He was reared to manhood on the home farm, and attended the common schools. Soon after his father's death he made a trip through the West, but not being satisfied with the country, returned to his native county, and in 1870 was married to Rebecca Cleland, youngest daughter of John and Rebecca (Hindman) Cleland. The children of J. .J. and Rebecca Andrews are as follows: John C. and Susie. After his marriage Mr. Andrews was a tenant for some time, but afterward bought a good farm in Hanover township, this county, which he owns, but is residing on an adjoining place, devoting his attention to general farming and stock raising. "Johnny," as he is familiarly known, is very popular among his friends, a good neighbor and progressive citizen, ever ready to encourage any enterprise which will benefit himself or neighbors. In politics he has always voted with the Democratic party.

Text taken from page 1115 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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