Andrews, John S.

The following data is extracted from Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies.

John S. Andrews, a thrifty farmer and stock-raiser of Plainfield, Sullivan County, N.H., was born in this town, February 27, 1853, son of Nathan and Abigail E. (Ellis) Andrews. His great-grandfather, Nathan Andrews, was the first of the family to settle in Plainfield; and Wilbur Andrews, his grandfather, was a native of this town. He followed agricultural pursuits through the active period of his life, and was one of the prosperous farmers of his day. He left a good estate. He married Orinda Ross, a native of Canada; and his children were: Nathan, Abigail, and Wealthy. Abigail became the wife of Joseph Westgate, of Plainfield; and Wealthy died young.

Nathan Andrews, John S. Andrews's father, was born in Plainfield in 1826. When a young man he went West, and invested in land to some extent; but he soon returned to Plainfield, and settling upon one of his farms devoted the rest of his life to general farming and the raising of cattle. He died October 11, 1888. Politically, he was an active supporter of the Democratic party, and, though not an office-holder, was wont to make his influence felt at town meetings. He attended the Baptist church. Abigail E. Ellis, his wife, was born in Plainfield, February 14, 1833, daughter of Stephen B. Ellis, a resident of this town and a stone mason by trade. She became the mother of twelve children, namely: John S., the subject of this sketch; Abbie O.; Charles H.; Addison W.; Sarah A.; Nathan R.; Seth E.; Emma G.; Minnie E.; Frank B.; Lillian E.; and Clarence E. Abbie O. married James A. Sloan, of Hyde Park, Mass., a carpenter by trade, who is now residing upon a farm in Ascutneyville, Vt. They have had seven children, and six are living. Charles H., who is superintendent of the hospital in Claremont, N.H., married Verona Farnsworth, of Washington, N.H. Addison W. has been in the livery business in Sharon, Mass., for some years. He married Sarah Barden, of Beverly, Mass., and has one child. Sarah A. died at the age of nine years. Nathan R., who is unmarried, resides at the homestead, and is a wealthy farmer. Seth E. married Gertie Whitcomb, of Vermont, and is now a miller, and resides in Claremont. Emma G. married Charles Curtis, a native of Cornish, N.H., who is now a teamster in Plainfield. Minnie E. died at the age of two years. Frank B., who is employed as a clerk in Sharon, Mass., married Hattie Harwood, of that town, and has had two children, one of whom is living. Lillian E. resides with her brother Addison in Sharon, Mass.; Clarence E. lives in Plainfield, N.H. Mrs. Abigail E. Ellis Andrews died February 28, 1893.

John S. Andrews was educated in the common schools and at Kimball Union Academy. He was employed as a farm assistant for ten years, and then bought the Daniels farm on Black Hill, where he began the pursuit of agriculture upon his own account. Three years later he purchased of Lewis Stickney his present farm, which is one of the best pieces of agricultural property in this section, and through hard work and the exercise of good judgment has reached a state of comfortable prosperity. He produces large crops of hay, grain, potatoes, and other staple products, and raises some excellent cattle, sheep, and horses. Although the greater part of his time is taken up by his regular duties at home, he has found opportunity to serve the town efficiently as a member of the Board of Selectmen and in other offices.

Mr. Andrews married Carrie L. Packard, who was born in Plainfield, February 8, 1864. Her parents, Charles and Mary (Jordan) Packard, are still residing here; and her father is a painter by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have one child, a daughter, Cora M., born July 3, 1883, who is now attending school.

Mr. Andrews is connected with Cheshire Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., and is Master of Park Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, of Cornish. He attends the Baptist church.

Source: Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies

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