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         JACOB S. ANDREWS, an early settler of Wapello, Louisa County, now residing at Wichita, Kan., was born in Northumberland County, Pa., April 10, 1817, and is the son of Christopher and Mary (Shipman) Andrews. His parents were born in New Jersey, and on his father’s side were of English origin, and on his mother’s were of German descent. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. When twenty-one years of age he removed with his parents to Chicago, Ill., reaching that city in July, 1838. He resided in Chicago and vicinity until 1849, and then went to Rush County, Ind., where he was married in the spring of that year, Miss Emily Wright becoming his wife. She was a daughter of William Wright, and was born in Union County, Ind.

Until 1857 Mr. Andrews engaged in farming and merchandising in Rush County, Ind., when he came to Wapello, Iowa, and purchased a farm now containing 320 acres, situated a mile south of the city. He subsequently bought another tract on the opposite side of the river, of 240 acres, and another of 160 acres, all situated near the city of Wapello, aggregating 720 acres, which he still owns. Mr. Andrews engaged extensively in farming and stock-raising, and also did a large business in buying, feeding and shipping stock. He also represented for many years the McCormick Reaper interest, and purchased for them the tract of land near Wapello known as the McCormick farm. For some time he was engaged in the hardware and agricultural implement business, at Wapello, and is still the owner of the storehouse in the Phoenix Block.

Mrs. Andrews departed this life July 28, 1864 and Mr. Andrews was again married, March 9, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth D. Wright, a daughter of S. M. Wright, and a cousin of his former wife. Mrs. Andrews was born in Rush County, Ind., and seven children graced their union, four sons and three daughters, of whom the four sons and one daughter are still living: Emma, the eldest, died in infancy; those living are William S., John G., Mary Lula, Silas W. and Rex. Anna Pearl, the youngest, died at the age of three years.

Mr. Andrews continued to reside in Wapello Township until April, 1885, when he went with his family to Wichita, Sedgwick Co., Kan., where he still resides. Mrs. Andrews survived her change of residence but a short time, and died Sept. 24, 1886. On removing to Kansas he retained the ownership of his Louisa County property, and still continues to visit Wapello in the care of it. He invested in valuable city property in Wichita, and in farming lands in Kansas. Mr. Andrews was a Whig in early life, and joined the Republican party on its organization in 1856, since which time he has . . .

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. . . been an earnest supporter of its principles. His religious views led him in early life to membership in the Presbyterian Church, which he has since retained. Both the late Mrs. Andrews and her cousin, the former wife, were consistent members of the same denomination, and were highly respected and warmly esteemed. Mr. Andrews is a gentleman of broad views and superior mental force. He is well preserved, both physically and mentally, and having been a close observer and possessing a decision of character, is ripe in practical experience and knowledge of the world. Genial and courteous in manners, he is entertaining and instructive in conversation, and possesses the happy faculty of winning the regard and respect of all with whom he comes in contact.