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ANDREW, JOHN - While an Englishman never forgets the land of his birth, he readily adapts himself to the different conditions of a new land, and becomes one of its most desirable citizens, for the people of Great Britain are born colonizers. Sangamon County has been fortunate in that it has secured so many residents of English nationality, among whom one notable example is John Andrew, now living retired in Springfield. Mr. Andrew as born in Lancastershire, England, August 30, 1843, being a son of James and Sarah (Scholes) Andrew, natives of Oldham, England. The father was a weaver, rounding out a useful life in his native land, as did his wife. John Andrew had one brother, who also came to America. When last heard from this brother, William, was living at Bradford, Pa.

John Andrew came to America in 1868, after having received a good common school education and learned the trade of a machinist. He sailed from Liverpool in August, landing in New York September 8, and went from that city to Philadelphia, but after a short time went to Fall River, Mass. This not suiting him, he went to Lowell, Mass., and later returned to Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade. His next change was made when he moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he spent a year, then he went to St. Louis. This continued his home until 1874, hen he came to Springfield, securing a position with the rolling mills, remaining with this concern until it closed. He was then in the employ of the city government as engineer at the pumping station for six years, and still later became first engineer at the old shoe factory, but since 1904 he has lived retired, feeling that he has earned his rest. In politics he is a Republican but has never desired public office.

The marriage of Mr. Andrew took place in DeWitt County, Ill., November 1, 1876, when he was united with Bridget Reynolds, born in Ireland, a daughter of James Reynolds, who brought his family to America in 1868, settling in DeWitt County, where he farmed until his death. Mr. Reynolds and wife had four sons and three daughters, those living being: John, of Clinton, Ill., a machinist; William, a park policeman of Chicago; Mrs. Celia Cunningham, of Springfield, and Mrs. Andrew. Fifteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew, seven of whom survive: Elizabeth, wife of Ralph Suymon of the Franklin Art Company, of Springfield; Katherine, wife of John Muller, a carpenter in the employ of the C. A. Power Planing Mill of Springfield; Sarah, wife of William Kramer, a baker; Celia, James, John and Frank, all at home. Mr. Andrew owns his pleasant home, a store, and several other pieces of property in Springfield, having accumulated them by hard work and persistent saving. Being a keen shrewd man, he has been able to invest his money to advantage and now is enjoying the result of his foresight.