THOMAS ANDREWS, whose biography is here presented, was born on the farm where he now resides on the 7th of May, 1855. His father, Dr. Robert G. Andrews, was born in Detroit, Mich., March 4, 1823, and his father, who was also named Robert Andrews, was one of the early settlers of Detroit. He removed from that place to Illinois in 1826, being one of the first settlers of Calhoun County. He made his home in Point Precinct, and spent the remainder of his days there. His wife's maiden name was Miss Catherine Sargent. Her death occurred in Point Precinct.
Our subject's father was a child of three years when he came with his parents to Illinois, and was reared on the farm, and after he reached manhood's estate he was a boatman on the Mississippi for a period of two years. At a later date be commenced the study of medicine, and practiced his chosen profession in Calhoun County up to the time of his death, which occurred February 13, 1888. He was very successful in his practice and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Caroline Smith, who was born in Point Precinct September 29, 1824. They were the parents of two children — Laura, deceased, and our subject. Her father, Samuel Smith, was a native of Massachusetts and passed his youth in that State. He removed to Pennsylvania and there married and went next to Illinois, being one of the early settlers in Calhoun County. At the time he came to this county the Indians held full possession of the country, and deer and wild animals roamed at will through the unbroken timber land. He continued to reside in Point Precinct until death claimed him in 1851, and his was one of the first deaths in Calhoun County. His wife, who previous to her marriage was Miss Lucena Waite, was born in Pittsburg, Pa. The mother still lives at the old home place with her son, our subject. She has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since her youth.
The subject of our sketch was educated in Point Precinct and has always lived on the farm where he now resides, and owing to the fact that his father's time was devoted to the practice of medicine, he has had charge of the farm since boyhood. He married Miss Sue McCurdy, and after sustaining her loss by death in 1881, he was married in 1885 to Miss Jennie Burnett. Of his first marriage was born one child, Grace Sue, whose birth occurred December 19, 1879. He is a member of the Republican party and takes a lively interest in the welfare and progress of the community in which he has resided so long.
Mr. Andrews is well thought of by all who know him, and has managed his estate in a highly creditable manner, and has improved his land each year until at the present writing it is in a state of excellent cultivation, there being four hundred and fifty acres all told. His education was received under the guidance of his father who was a gentleman of more than ordinary ability and one who was thoroughly posted in all the essential details of his profession. His mother is a lady of great strength of character, and has through the course of her life ministered to the comfort of husband, children and friends. She is the happy possessor of those beautiful traits of character that true Christianity and long years of kindness give.
Extracted 23 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Album of Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, published in 1891, pages 697-698
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