Pages 312-314, transcribed by Carolyn Ward from History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas: embellished with portraits of well known people of these counties, with biographies of our representative citizens, cuts of public buildings and a map of each county / Edited and Compiled by L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott. Iola Registers, Printers and Binders, Iola, Kan.: 1901; 894 p., [36] leaves of plates: ill., ports.; includes index.



 

312 cont'd HISTORY OF ALLEN AND  

WILLIAM H. ANDREWS.

WILLIAM H. ANDREWS—There is, in the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career of the business or professional man fighting the every-day battle of life, but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter, but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the man, who, without other means than a clear head, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers adversity, and toiling on through the work-a-day years of a long career finds that he has not only won a comfortable competence, but also something far greater and higher,—the deserved respect and esteem of those with whom his years of active life placed him in contact.

Such a man and one of the leading citizens of Humboldt is William H. Andrews, who was born on Long Island, in Queens County, New York, on the 19th of September, 1829. His father, James Andrews, was also a native of Long Island and was there married to Miss Hulda Jackson, a native of the same locality. The former died in September, 1856, at the

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age of fifty-six years, but the mother long survived him, passing away in 1896 at the extreme old age of ninety-six years. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. Margaret Bisley, of New York; Isaac R., who is living in Virginia; Mrs. Jane Alger, of New York, whose husband laid out Alger's addition to the city of Humboldt; William H., of this review; Lucy, who is living in Pennsylvania; James, a resident of Long Island; and Mrs. Sarah Merritt, who is also living on Long Island.

William H. Andrews spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and mastered the branches of learning taught in the common schools. When nineteen years of age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed in the Empire State until 1852 when he removed to Ohio, there following the same pursuit until after hostilities were inaugurated between the North and the South. A loyal advocate of the Union cause, he enlisted as a private in Company K, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, and was afterward promoted sergeant of his company. He experienced many of the hardships of war, having participated in numerous skirmishes and several of the most hotly contested battles, including the engagements at Shiloh, Crab Orchard, Chicamauga and Mission Ridge. He was never captured or wounded but had many narrow escapes for he was always found at his post of duty, which frequently led him into the thickest of the fight. He received an honorable discharge, at Marietta, Georgia, October 17, 1865, for the flag of the nation had been planted in the capital of the Confederacy and the services of the loyal Union soldiers were no longer needed.

Mr. Andrews returned to his home in Ohio, but in April, 1866, came to Humboldt, Kansas, and has since been actively identified with its interests along many lines which have contributed to the public good. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, and he has filled various positions of trust. He has been police judge, was justice of the peace for several years and has been trustee of his township for twelve years. He has always retired from office as he has entered it—with the confidence and good will of the public. Whenever nominated, election has been accorded him and although he has always been a Democrat he has many friends in Republican ranks who give him their support.

In 1854 Mr. Andrews was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Redfield, of Ohio, who has been to him a faithful companion and helpmate on the journey of life. They have two sons: James H., who is now one of the leading musicians of Kansas City, and Orin S., who is a member of a New York City orchestra. The sons have exceptional musical talent, which, having been cultivated, has placed them in prominent positions in musical circles. Socially Mr. Andrews is a man of genial nature and one who is most appreciative of the amenities which go to make up the sum of human happiness. He has therefore identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue lodge, the Chapter and Commandery and he has filled one of the chairs in the Grand Chapter of the State. He is a valued

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member of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relationships with his comrades of the blue. He has been quartermaster of Vicksburg Post, No. 72 for a number of years. He is now seventy-one years of age, but still manifests a commendable interest in public affairs and is recognized as an esteemed citizen and honored pioneer of Humboldt.


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