Cumberland County, Maine - Jeremiah R. Andrews
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Biography
Jeremiah R. Andrews
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 302-303


Jeremiah R. Andrews, a retired business man of Westbrook, was born in Great
Falls, now Somersworth, N. H., August 21, 1811, son of Benjamin and Mercy
(Randall) Andrews. Mr. Andrews's grandfather, who was a native of Somersworth,
resided for many years in Great Falls, and reared a family of two children.
Benjamin Andrews was born in Somersworth. He was a prosperous farmer during the
active period of his life and a worthy upright man and a useful citizen. In
politics he was originally a Whig; but joined the Republican party at its
formation. In his religious views he was a Calvinist Baptist. He died in 1857.
His wife, who was a native of Somersworth, became the mother of seven children,
two of whom are living, namely Jeremiah R., the subject of this sketch; and
Rachel, the wife of Ladd Canney, of Farmington, N. H.

Jeremiah R. Andrews attended the public schools of Great Falls. After completing
his studies, he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade with Leonard Wood. One
year later he took up the trade of a machinist, in which his employer had
engaged. He learned the trade; and, after working for Mr. Wood for two years, he
entered the employ of Clark & Aldrich, with whom he remained for one year. In
1832 he moved from Great Falls to that part of Saccarappa which is now included
in the town of Westbrook, where he engaged with Whitney & Reade, who were at
that time erecting the plant of the Westbrook Manufacturing Company. He spent
his first year there in setting up the machinery and getting the factory into
working order, and subsequently, in March, 1833, spun the first thread made in
the place. He continued as a journeyman until 1836, when the firm failed. Then,
in partnership with John T. Gilman, he bought their machinery, and under the
firm name of Andrews & Gilman, commenced business upon his own account. Three
months later he purchased his partner's interest. Soon after by good management
he placed the business upon a firm running basis, and carried it on successfully
until 1870. He then engaged in the furniture business in Westbrook, bringing
into that branch of trade his well-known energy and valuable experience. He
conducted it with profit for some eighteen years, or until 1888, when he retired
permanently from active business. During his long residence in Westbrook he has
gained an enviable reputation as a reliable and conscientious business man. In
1860 he established the furnishing-goods store conducted under the firm name of
J. R. Andrews & Son, an interest in which he still retains. With this single
exception, he has withdrawn from all business ventures, and is now passing his
time in quiet retirement.

In his younger days he united with the Whig party in politics, casting his first
Presidential vote for Henry Clay in 1832. He subsequently gave his adherence to
the Republican party, and has since supported it both by his vote and influence.
Although a man of keen perception, possessing a good knowledge of public
affairs, he has never aspired to political prominence, leaving the way clear for
more ambitious aspirants; but he has rendered valuable services to the town as a
member of the School Board, to which he has been three times elected, and has
served as District Surveyor. In 1836 he stood the draft for soldiers to serve in
Aroostook County during the excitement caused by the threatened invasion of the
British at the time of the northeast boundary dispute; but he drew a blank,
which entitled him to remain at home.

On May 15, 1834, Mr. Andrews was united in marriage to Mary Ann Haley, daughter
of John Haley, of Saco, and has had seven children, five of whom are living,
namely: Addie W., the widow of W. J. Thorne, late of Westbrook; Charles L., a
resident of that town; John Q., of Dayton, Ohio; Arthur E., who is engaged in
the clothing business in Sanford, Me.; and Benjamin F., who is employed by his
brother in Westbrook.

Mr. Andrews was connected with the Sons of Temperance, and is a leading man in
the Universalist church. While upon a visit to Washington during General
Harrison's administration, he attended a reception at the White House, and had
the satisfaction of shaking hands with the President, whose grandfather he had
supported in 1840.