The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-12-04
.PRE-EMPT TED
SITE OF CHICAGO
Jacob S. Andrews Passed
Away Yesterday.
WAS A SCHOOL TEACHER
And Repaired Binders for
William Mccormick
HAD GREAT MENTAL GRASP
Which He Retained Until His
Death.
HAD GREAT MENTAL GRASP

Mr.. Jacob Andrews died at his home,
423 South Lawrence avenue at noon yes
terday. He had attained the ripe age
of 81 years and eight months. The
cause of his death was the general debil-
ity an dold age. yet to the last he was
possessed of a clear and impaired mind.
He leaves surviving him, his daughter,
Lulu Andrews, and four sons, John G.
Andrews, Silas Andrews, VIII Andrews
and Rex Andrews, all of this city.
Mr.. Andrews came to this city 16 years
ago from Wapello, Iowa, where the
greater part of his life was spent. lie
came here on account of his wife's health
who lived but q few months after her ar
rival. His life is remarka bic for being
connected with the great developments
OF this country. In 1889 he settled on the
present site of Chicago. lie was born
in Northumberland, Penn, April TO- 1917,
but went with his parents to Illinois.
The trip took four weeks by wagon and
steamboat. The damp low country which
surrounded Chicago caused chills and
fever TO be the rule and health the ex-
ception. He has told how his father and
his uncle and his brothers succumbed to
its fatal effects and how neighbors
struggled together to pay the taxes with
prices at low water mark; pork at ~
cents a pound and wheat 40 and 10 cents
a bushel. 1T was hard to make a little
money" he would say, but the tax had
to be paid or the land would be lost,
but we knew nothing of it's future value
for then Chicago was a village, several
miles distant. fter this I sold a quarter
section for $4,000 and thought | was doing
well, yet knew nothing of its future value
and later when l sold 80 Is acres for
$4,000 and thought that was doing we'll
but the land has become so valuable that
it sells for so front foot"
He taught school part of his life. He
became a machinist and when the Nc
Cormick reaper was invented went out
for that company. Their reapeTs would
get out of repair and were thrown back
on the company's hands, but his ingen-
uity found the cause and the remedy and
bound William Mccormick to him as a
personal friend. He went into mercan-
tile business in Indiana and passed
through the early development of that
state.
He spent the most active portion of his
life in Iowa at Wapello, where he was
engaged in the implement business. Here
he again went through the discourage
ments of new country. Wheat sold for
30 cents a bushel and crops failed and
want was evident everywhere. but those
who weatherea the storms reaped a rich
made :ts appearance he had a car load
shipped him from Dublin. Ireland.
He was married twice, having no chill
dren by his first wife.
While in Iowa he was active in politics
lecturing and writing on behalf of good
government in that state. He was asked
to represent his people in the state Iegis-
lature, but always refused and kept close
to business. Since his wife's death ne has
passed a retired life here in Wichita.
He was a sincere Christian and at his
death a member of the First Presbyterian
church of this city. He was always a
worker in his church He was broad
minded and believed that the world was
growing better. He watched its develop
ment and learned with pleasure of the
great inventions which have all come
within his life time. Though extremely
feeble in late years he retained his won
derful mental grasp and rare judgment.
He also was interested in the location of
the Orient shops and 10 his death kept
abreast Of his times. He was still cheer
full and saw the pleasant and bright side
of life with always a joke for the oc-
casion. He was interested in the great
events which are now transpiring and
said that though he had lived long
time. yet he would like to live more that
he might see the great improvements Of
the future. OF such men has the develop
ment Of the best been made
The funeral viii take place from his
late residence at 800 o'clock this after
noon.
Rev. Bradt viii conduct the services.
Tomorrow morning at 90 his children
will leave with his remains over the Rock
Island for Wapello, Iowa. where his NOR
tai remains will rest beside the mother
and children who preceded him, whether
his hopes and faith have ever carried him.