Characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality, the
achievements of the subject of this sketch but represent the utilization of
innate talent in directing energies along lines in which mature judgment and
a resourcefulness that hesitates at no opposing circumstances, pave the way
and ultimately lead to achievement.
Truman B. Andrews was born in
Jefferson county, Illinois, September 25, 1852, the son of Seymour and
Martha (Henderson) Andrews, who were the parents of ten children, the
subject of this sketch being the third in order of birth. When about four
years of age he went to Warren county, Illinois, with his parents, where he
remained until ten years of age, then moved to Centralia, where he has since
remained, having been identified with the growth of the community and taking
a prominent part in its development for a period of over forty-six years at
this writing, 1908. He received his schooling in the Centralia common and
high schools. Following in the footsteps of his father, he decided to become
a merchant, and when he left school he began clerking for his father and
later became bookkeeper, with whom he remained assisting in building up a
fine trade in the dry goods and clothing business until his father retired
about 1890. Truman then went with the firm of G. L. Pittenger, who conducted
a grocery store, remaining with the same for four years with his usual
success. He then went to work for the Pittenger & Daves Mining and
Manufacturing Company, as their assistant secretary in the office work of
this extensive enterprise, with which he was identified for six years,
giving high class service in every respect. Mr. Andrews then worked in the
Centralia Mining and Manufacturing Company, which is operated by the same
people as their secretary, remaining as such for seven years, or until they
retired from active business. He continued to work or the firm that
succeeded them remaining until he bought an interest in the firm of Gillett
& Company, clothiers and gents' furnishers. They manage a big and well
stocked store and Mr. Andrews Is to be found here daily ready to wait upon
his scores of customers who know that they will here receive the most
courteous consideration and always receive the full value of their money.
The stock is kept well up-to-date and is carefully selected at all seasons.
This store is one of the most tastefully arranged and neatly kept of any in
Southern Illinois and customers are always pleased to visit it where they
are made to feel at ease.
The domestic life of the subject of this
sketch dates from December 17, 1874, when he was married to Amanda J.
McClelland, daughter of John and Margaret McClelland, of Marion county, a
well known and influential family. To this union three interesting children
have been born, namely: Hallie, Lois and Cinnie. Hallie married Bessie
Robinett, of Columbia, this state, and they are the parents of one son,
Raymond, born in 1904. Hallie Andrews is firing an engine on the Illinois
Central Railroad. Lois is married to L. R. Porter, a blacksmith on the
Illinois Central Railroad, of Centralia, and they are the parents of two
children, one boy, Emmett, born in 1905, and one girl, Lorena, who is one
year old in 1908. Cinnie, the subject's third child, married George Green,
of Centralia, where he is engaged in the barber business.
In
politics our subject is a supporter of Republican issues. He is a member of
the Christian church, having been a deacon for a period of fifteen years,
and is also a trustee of the same. In his fraternal relations lie is a
member of the Modern Woodmen, No. 397; the Knights of Pythias, No. 26; also
a charter member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, having served in many
of the chairs of the last two lodges. Mr. Andrews was Township Public School
Treasurer or twenty years, being still in this position. He is greatly
interested in educational matters and has always done what he could to
further the interests of the local schools. He also faithfully served as
Town Clerk of Centralia for a period of six years. He has also been a member
of the Centralia City Fire Department for over twenty-five years, having
frequently hazarded his life day and night in order to save property.
Extracted 27 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 589-590.