Robert Lee Andrews

As printed in 1910

ROBERT LEE ANDREWS.

One of the successful farmers and stockmen of Edford township is Robert Lee Andrews, whose farm on section 12 would consist of one hundred and sixty acres were it not for the canal that passes through it. He was born on the old Andrews homestead in Geneseo township, August 25, 1872, and is the son of James and Mary (Campbell) Andrews, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume. Reared upon the paternal farm he attended the district schools, and upon the completion of the prescribed course of study went to the Collegiate Institute in Geneseo. After three years spent there he returned to his home and until he became of age gave his father the benefit of his labor. On attaining his majority he began for himself as miller of the soil, first as a renter upon his father's land. He later came to Edford township where he purchased his present farm. Here he has engaged largely in the breeding, feeding and shipping of cattle. He has devoted himself persistently to his calling, and finds his efforts rewarded with a gratifying income.

In Geneseo, September 13, 1894, Mr. Andrews was united in marriage to Miss Dora Englebrecht of that city. She was born in Shelbyville, Minnesota, and is a daughter of Alvin and Lucinda (Shank) Englebrecht. Her mother died when she was nine years of age, but she was reared in her native place until she was fourteen, when she came to Geneseo to make her home with an aunt, Mrs. Laura Warnsoldt, under whose care she grew to womanhood. Until the age of twelve she attended the schools of Mankato, whence she went to the state normal school, at which she prosecuted her studies for two years. Upon coming to Geneseo she entered the public school and then completed her education in the Collegiate Institute, from which she was graduated with the class of 1893. The next year was spent in teaching a county school. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrews: Virginia, James Cass, Susan Irene, Gracia Lovell, Robert Campbell and Catherine N. The eldest has graduated from the district schools and in the fall of 1909 entered upon a course of study in the Geneseo Collegiate Institute.

Mr. Andrews is in sympathy with the principles enunciated in the platform of the democratic party and cast his first presidential ballot for its candidate in the election of 1896. Although he has not sought for public preferment, he has willingly devoted a great deal of his time to the interests of the schools and has capable filled the post of school director. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and their two oldest children, who were reared in that faith, have been admitted into the congregation. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with Camp No. 201, of the Mystic Workers, and is one of the active members of the local organization.

As printed in History of Henry County, Illinois (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.